This Friday, March 6th, I’m excited to lead my district in participating in The Global Day of Unplugging. In a technology-driven world, I believe deeply in innovation. I believe in AI literacy. I believe in preparing students for a future that doesn’t yet exist. And I also believe in balance. Digital wellness is not anti-technology. It’s about intentional technology. It’s about modeling for students that we control our devices - they don’t control us.

For one school day, after attendance is taken, classrooms will power down. No student devices. No teacher devices. No interactive boards. Instead, students will collaborate, debate, build, create, reflect, and reconnect.

Most importantly, this is not about replacing screens with worksheets. Instead, it’s about modeling balance and intentionally creating space for human connection, such as:

• Collaborative problem-solving challenges
• Read aloud or book clubs
• Socratic seminars or structured discussions
• Community circles and relationship-building activities
• Debate and persuasive speaking exercises
• Hands-on STEM building tasks
• Creative writing workshops or storytelling
• Art, music, and maker-style exploration
• Outdoor learning or observation activities (weather pending)
• Student-led mini-lessons or peer teaching
• Passion projects or inquiry-based exploration
• Role-play simulations
• Historical reenactments
• Puzzle relays/escape tasks
• Service-learning mini-projects

Because in a world optimized for speed, notifications, and constant input, the ability to pause is a skill. The ability to focus deeply is a skill. The ability to have face-to-face dialogue, solve problems together, and sit in productive struggle without reaching for a screen - that’s a skill.

Innovation and digital wellness are not opposites. They are partners. If we want students to thrive in an AI-driven future, we must also teach them how to protect their attention, their energy, and their relationships. Balance isn’t a limitation. It’s leadership.

I invite you to join us in whatever way feels meaningful for you. Try committing to at least one fully unplugged period in your classroom. Stretch yourself to design learning that centers conversation, collaboration, and creativity without screens. And if you’re willing, extend the challenge personally - silence notifications, step away from devices for a set period of time, and model that balance.

Let's collaborate! Share Your Ideas!

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Student Presenters Wanted!

Students for Innovation Virtual Summit

One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is creating spaces where students lead the learning. The Students for Innovation Virtual Summit is a conference for educators designed and delivered entirely by students - and we’re looking for young innovators ready to share their ideas and inspire change.

If you know a student with a bold project, fresh perspective, or powerful voice, please encourage them to apply by March 7. Let’s continue elevating authentic student voice and giving students the platform they deserve.

Student Proposals

Educator Registration

Speaking and Customized PD 🗓️

If your school, district, or organization is planning a conference, leadership retreat, or professional learning experience this year, I’d love to partner with you. Keynotes and workshops I’m currently booking focus on:

• The Game of Education: Rethinking achievement in an AI-driven world - challenging traditional definitions of success, empowering student voice, and helping educators “level up” learning beyond grades, compliance, and outdated playbooks.
• Beyond the Ban: Rethinking Digital Wellness: Moving past cellphone bans to empower students, engage families, and help communities create healthier digital habits.
• Teaching for Tomorrow: Rethinking instruction, learning, and assessment in a world transformed by AI.
• Leading in the Age of AI: How school leaders can harness AI to streamline administrative tasks, strengthen instructional leadership, and evaluate classroom practice with confidence.
• Empowering Student Voice: Building a Community of Leaders: Practical strategies for amplifying student leadership and giving learners authentic roles in shaping education.

Interested in bringing this work to your team? Simply reply to this email and share what you’re planning - I’m always happy to explore ideas together!

Catch up on recent episodes 🎙️

Recorded live at the NYSCATE annual conference, just moments after stepping off the keynote stage, this episode captures a powerful conversation with Dr. Adam Phyall and student changemaker Amiya. The momentum from the stage carries straight into the discussion as they reflect on what it truly takes to empower students and educators to lead meaningful change in education. From the rise of the internet to the acceleration of AI, the conversation draws compelling parallels between past and present technology shifts and why this moment demands evolution, not hesitation. Centering student voice and shared leadership, they explore what students, educators, and parents can do right now to move beyond adaptation and actively shape the future of learning.

Listen Now!

The Generative Age Book 📚

My book The Generative Age: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education is available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel! If you've already bought a copy, thank you! If you're interested in a bulk discount, reach out or reply to this email.

Buy now

Until next time!

Alana Winnick