As is the case each year, whilst I call this the ‘Appvent’ calendar, I don’t always follow the rules and share an app. As would be the case, the disruptor that he is, today’s guest contributor, Al Kingsley, has kept the tradition of doing things a bit differently, and so expect some great shares in today’s post as Al reveals his entry for today’s Appvent calendar.
A little bookshelf list for your AI Journey
Ok, so the truth is that I was supposed to be picking an AI app to share, and then quickly realised that all the ones I am particularly fond of, had already been chosen by others, so I decided to be a bit contrary and share a few handy reads, or helpful gifts, as stocking fillers for next week. Of course, you could just pick one to read, just to ensure when you use the other 23 fab apps shared by Mark during December, you do so from a position of AI confidence.
I tend to dip in and out of books and so am often more of a fan of chapters rather than whole books, but these all score highly for me, because they are really accessible, especially if you are not an Edu AI pro, and let’s be honest, with the pace of change, who really is?
Some of these will be from familiar folks, some might be new on your radar, but they all warrant a space on your bookshelf and either a cover-to-cover consume or a dip in and out for ideas and guidance over the year.
So, as the very best game shows always say, “in no particular order” …..
The Educators’ 2026 AI Guide – Dan Fitzpatrick
https://amzn.eu/d/eDXNhTX
Dan always has a knack for making the future feel a little less intimidating and a lot more achievable. This guide looks ahead to what 2026 might bring for AI in education, not in a crystal-ball way, but in a practical “here’s what we should probably be thinking about now” sort of way from lots of trusted voices in the space. “Backed by evidence, case studies, and insights from practicing teachers, this book empowers you to navigate the fast-moving world of AI in education with confidence and clarity. It’s a genuinely useful primer if you’re trying to plan sensibly rather than chase every shiny thing that pops up”. A great pick for leaders and anyone wanting a structured, steady take on where things are heading.
AI Bias in Education: Performing Critical Oversight – Victoria Hedlund
https://amzn.eu/d/00tuIUx
This one is an important read, especially if you’re interested in inclusion, fairness and making sure technology doesn’t quietly widen the gaps we’re trying so hard to close. And if that doesn’t include you, then why on earth not? Victoria’s chapter contributors all break down what bias actually looks like in real tools, real datasets and real classrooms. It’s thoughtful, accessible and feels very “hands on” despite the complexity of the topic. Perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered whether an AI tool might not be treating everyone equally (and how to spot it early).
Practical AI Strategies – Leon Furze
https://amzn.eu/d/2zlL6Mf
Leon is brilliant at cutting straight to what matters. This book is exactly what the title promises: practical strategies you can immediately bring into your planning, feedback, workflows and classroom practice. It doesn’t overclaim or overcomplicate; it just helps educators make sense of generative AI in a way that’s grounded and doable. Leon was very early to the pass in sharing practical and accessible ways to utilise AI, and I’d also recommend the AI Assessment scale he co-authored as a framework.
The EdTech Playbook – Mark Anderson & Olly Lewis
https://amzn.eu/d/g9Skt4C
Written by two people who’ve spent years actually doing the work, not just talking about it. This Playbook blends technology, pedagogy and leadership in a really approachable way. It’s Mark and Olly for goodness’ sake, and they are 100% trusted voices. It’s full of real examples, clear frameworks and sensible guidance about what “good” looks like when schools try to use AI and tech with purpose. A really solid companion for digital strategy, staff CPD, or your next SLT debate… It’s also got longevity, so plan to carry it for some years ahead.
AI in Education: An Educator’s Handbook – Matthew Wemyss
https://amzn.eu/d/eQqzFQL
If you want a proper overview of the “what, why and how” of AI in schools, Matthew’s book is a lovely starting point. It covers everything from classroom practice to policy, ethics and long-term thinking. It’s readable, structured and gives you both breadth and clarity, very helpful if you’re trying to get colleagues up to speed without overwhelming them. “From understanding the basics to developing a school-wide AI strategy, this book equips you with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the evolving role of AI in education”. There is also a great Student version too.
Leading the Shift – Chris Loveday
https://amzn.eu/d/6mbKORx
This one is ideal for business managers, operational leads and anyone trying to make the gears of the school run more smoothly. Chris focuses on AI from the operational angle: efficiencies, workflows, processes, and all the behind-the-scenes work that frees teachers to teach. It’s practical, clear and refreshingly non-dramatic, more “let’s make this easier” than “AI will replace everything”.
Thinking with AI – Amelia King
https://amzn.eu/d/c0SuMe6
A more reflective, thoughtful read that explores how AI is changing the way we think, learn and make decisions. Amelia blends psychology, philosophy and everyday examples in a way that feels surprisingly down-to-earth. If you enjoy books that make you pause mid-chapter and go, “Actually… that’s a good point,” this is a lovely pick for evenings or train journeys. “Packed with immediately usable exercises, thoughtful frameworks, this book transforms the AI ‘threat’ into an opportunity”.
AI-Powered Pedagogy – Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall
https://amzn.eu/d/9d5F9yI
Jennifer brings an instructional design lens to AI, making this a brilliant read for curriculum leads, coaches and classroom practitioners who care about the learning journey behind the tech. It focuses on pedagogy first and tools second, which is exactly the right way around. The “book offers a robust framework for embracing AI in education, ensuring it enhances learning experiences while maintaining ethical standards” Expect clear explanations, thoughtful structures and loads of ideas that you can adapt to your own context. The book “offers a robust framework for embracing AI in education, ensuring it enhances learning experiences while maintaining ethical standards.”
And, for some healthy balance…
AI Snake Oil – Arvind Narayanan & Sayash Kapoor
https://amzn.eu/d/fDvl8gO
Think of this as your grounding cable. It’s a myth-buster that challenges the sweeping claims often made about AI and helps you understand what the technology can do, what it can’t do, and what’s still a bit of a work-in-progress. It’s ideal for keeping your critical thinking sharp and your expectations sensible. I don’t entirely agree with all of its conclusions, but when it comes to critical thinking, it’s definitely something the AI space badly needs to maintain.
If you’re dipping a toe into AI reading over the holidays, any one of these will give you something useful to take back into your school. And if nothing else, they’re a great way to look impressive in the staffroom while you pretend the biscuits weren’t your main motivation for dropping in 😉
Thanks so much to Al for his festive and helpful contribution. You can connect with Al on LinkedIn here, and if you’re not subscribed to his popular newsletter, it’s definitely worth a read, although you might want to put aside a good portion of time, as it’s so chock-full of great resources.
