It’s been a month since my new book, AI Optimism: A guide to redefining education with artificial intelligence, was released to the world. To be able to watch it stay at the #1 new release spot for two weeks was amazing, and seeing my title hover in the top 10 hot titles list for all books on AI on Amazon was completely surreal. But the best part was being able to sign books for friends and connections from around the world at ISTE Live in San Antonio at the end of June. What a journey it’s been so far, and we’re just getting started.
Since then, I’ve had a lot of questions about the book, the writing process, and even its timing. So for this month’s blog post, I’m answering FAQs.
Q1: When did you get the idea for the book?
A1: In spring 2024. I was feeling a bit discouraged by the amount of time I was spending answering questions like, “what’s the best AI tool?” as well as seeing companies advertising their newest AI-flavored feature like “turn a video into a lecture” and I realized I had something more to say about it than a blog post. I started thinking about how the SAMR model could be really helpful to show the differences between substitution AI and transformative AI. I met with my publisher, DBC Inc, to talk about my idea. They loved it, and so the work began.
Q2: Wait, that’s over a year ago. Does it really take that long to write a book?
A2: I was in the midst of maintaining my National Board Certification which, in the United States, is the highest certification a teacher can earn. I needed to wrap that up first, and then I was ready to dig into writing. I submitted the manuscript to the publisher in early September 2025. But in the meantime, I snuck in a few SAMR/AI related content pieces to social media, a guest blog for Ditch that Textbook, and even my presentations.
Q3: So that means the book is already a little bit old. In the world of AI, is it already outdated?
A3: Great pedagogy is never outdated! While the book mentions tools that can meet certain needs, it isn’t about features or apps. AI Optimism is about making a decision to use AI in a positive way based on a variety of factors: your comfort level, access, policies, practices, and needs. I give a lot of examples of how to use any generative AI tool, and also examples of existing apps that provide more “easy button” solutions for common tasks.
Q4: How did you decide on the title?
A4: The title came last! Well, I suppose the cover was the last thing. But the manuscript was done, edited, and in second review before my editor reminded me that we really needed to settle on a title. I was talking to a trusted friend one day, describing my goals for the book and what I hoped to communicate. I said that I wanted people to feel optimistic after reading it. My friend commented, “Then you should make that the title.” And here we are! By the way, the domain aioptimism.com is for sale… for about $10,000. I think I’ll pass.
Q5: What’s this about the AI Optimism Framework?
A5: The framework is core to the book, my purpose, and how the book is organized.
The book begins by describing the importance of my three core principles: praxis, privacy, and prompting.
After that, the book breaks into chapters for each of the six categories of our uses of AI in education: design, create, support, analyze, evaluate, and manage. Each chapter includes a progression of ideas from substitution level use through augmentation and modification. I give examples for school leaders, teachers, and students.
The final chapter is set aside just for redefinition. These AI-powered practices are the most impactful for students, and I’m guessing educators who spend time in these spaces won’t have to break out their “when to use AI” charts because students will be using AI appropriately, effectively, and consistently for their own passion-based learning.
Q6: How else can we get more AI Optimism?
A6: There are lots of options! I offer complimentary author talks and a study guide for book study groups. You can download the study guide or request a virtual author talk on my website.
The book is currently available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. I hope to make it to Target sometime soon!
I also love to deliver keynotes to inspire and encourage as well as workshops to motivate and guide. Contact me to chat about your ideas, and let’s work together to bring positive impact to education by using the tools we have available to their fullest potential.