As Artificial Intelligence reshapes industries and transforms how people learn and work, the conversation around education is evolving. At EdTech Week 2026, held at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, Azend Technologies joined industry leaders to explore what the next generation of learning and workforce development should look like.

We attended the roundtable session, “Where Work Meets Learning: Investing in the Next Era of Skills,” facilitated by Rowan Muran. The discussion brought together investors, educators, founders, and nonprofit leaders to examine how education and workforce solutions can create lasting value for individuals, businesses, and society.

Putting Human Skills at the Center

A key theme throughout the discussion was the growing importance of durable human skills. Critical thinking, decision-making, initiative, and personal agency emerged as essential capabilities for navigating an AI-driven workplace.

Participants also explored how AI should function as a thought partner rather than a decision-maker. While AI can support learning, exploration, and problem-solving, human judgment and accountability must remain central.

Another important takeaway was the need to move beyond compliance-driven education. Encouraging students to tackle real-world challenges independently can help build confidence, ownership, and practical problem-solving abilities.

Built to Stay Inside Your Walls

The conversation highlighted the importance of integrating AI literacy across K-12 subjects, strengthening teacher preparation, and developing meaningful ways to measure learning outcomes.

At Azend Technologies, we recognize that technology delivers its greatest value when it strengthens human potential. Conversations like these reinforce the importance of building solutions that connect education, innovation, and real-world needs.

The future of learning is not simply about preparing people to work with AI. It is about empowering them to think, adapt, and lead alongside it.