Mindful Innovation at Tradewinds: AI + Hands-On Learning

This week I had the privilege of speaking at Swell 2025, a three-day conference in Honolulu focused on the intersection of AI, design, and education. At the event, I spoke with educators and technologists from schools like ‘Iolani, Hanahau‘oli, Mid-Pacific, La Pietra, and Assets, alongside colleagues from Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI. The energy was real: there’s enormous optimism about what today’s tools can unlock for gifted learners—paired with a shared desire to keep learning grounded in real-world experiences and human connection.

On personalized instruction

For math and reading, modern AI finally makes true personalization practical. A third grader reading at a seventh-grade level can accelerate without waiting. A fifth grader who’s stuck on one concept gets targeted help without being slowed everywhere else. The promise is simple: every child can move through material at their own pace—racing ahead when they're ready, pausing for depth when they need it, without being artificially held back or rushed forward by a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

On curiosity-led AI lessons

Used mindfully, today’s AI can quickly turn a kid’s edgy curiosity into a safe, rich lesson. Using a new AI app called Oboe, my 7-year-old son wanted to learn about “plane crashes,” so in under a minute we had a printable and audio-first mini‑unit that:

• Explained why airplane engines stall
• Showed how airports use trained falcons to prevent bird strikes
• Broke down how air traffic control protocols reduce miscommunication across languages

We envision a small group of Tradewinds learners each diving deep into a topic that interests them, and then practicing their own communication and public speaking skills to share their passions with their peers.

On experiential, project-based learning

Equally essential is learning by doing. Think propeller cars raced in water to explore terminal velocity. Designing board games with logarithmic scoring. Studying the International Phonetic Alphabet. Writing and performing comedy. Debating ideas. Rebuilding things that break. Projects build judgment, grit, collaboration, and joy—the stuff kids remember.

Our stance at Tradewinds

• Be tech-optimistic and evidence-driven where it helps most: adaptive AI for foundational skills in math and reading.
• Be mindful about screens: no overstimulating apps, no attention extraction. If it doesn’t pass the “would I give this to my own kid?” test, we won’t use it.
• Put the bulk of time into high-engagement, hands-on projects, outdoors time, and real materials.
• Design for curiosity and wonder first, with technology in service of it where appropriate.

Where I need your help

Over the next few weeks I’ll be evaluating providers and building our project arc. Your input will shape what we choose and what we build:

• What topic has your child been obsessed with lately?
• If a school met that curiosity perfectly, what would a week of learning look like?
• What excites you about AI’s role in learning? What makes you cautious about screens and software?
• What kinds of hands-on projects do you most want your child to experience this year?

We'd love to hear from you at info@tradewinds.school!