Managing AI in Schools: Practical Strategies for Districts Webinar Recap
Districts didn’t get a slow rollout with AI—they got a tidal wave. In this blog, Donal McMahon recaps his discussion with district leaders where they unpacked how schools are navigating AI in real time—from early blocking decisions to building frameworks, training staff, and measuring adoption. If you’re wondering where to start (or what comes next), this conversation offers practical, real-world insight from those leading the work today.
How Schools Enforce AI Guardrails for Students
AI guardrails in schools are not just policies on paper. They are the practical controls, expectations, and workflows that help districts guide how students access and use AI safely, appropriately, and consistently.
How K-12 Districts Can Monitor Student AI Use Without Blocking It
Lightspeed Filter’s AI Prompt Capture & Reporting gives school districts full visibility into how students use ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot—without disrupting learning or blocking access.
Celebrating the First-Ever Innovation Impact Award Winners at DAC
The Innovation Impact Awards were designed to recognize education leaders who are leveraging Lightspeed solutions strategically, using data, visibility, and control to drive outcomes that matter. Winners were selected by our leadership team based on demonstrated innovation, measurable results, and a clear commitment to responsible, student-centered technology use.
When AI Becomes the New Classmate
For many students, AI has quietly become a trusted digital companion — sometimes even a stand-in for a teacher, counselor, or friend. That’s a profound shift, and it changes how we need to think about AI in K–12 education.
AI in Education: Why Visibility Matters More Than Blocking
If there’s one topic dominating education conversations right now, it’s AI. From keynote stages at BETT to safeguarding roundtables across Europe, the same question keeps coming up: how do we balance innovation and student safety with AI visibility and control? One thing is clear: students are already using AI.
AI Blueprint – Building Safe and SMART
This was a genuine partnership between Lightspeed Systems and Google for Education, combining our student-safety and device-management expertise with Google’s world-class AI tools so districts finally have one safe, complete path forward.
6 Reasons to Take a Fresh Look at Lightspeed Filter™
2025 was a big year for Lightspeed Filter. Across the board, from usability to security, we made bold strides to make our filtering solution not just stronger, but smarter. From smarter filtering AI to faster policy management, this year redefined what districts can expect from their web filter.
Lightning Chat Episode 9: Artificial Intelligence in K-12
Hello everyone, Donal McMahon here, Chief AI Officer at Lightspeed Systems. If you’re reading this, you probably already know: AI is having a moment. And when I say a moment, I mean a seismic shift in how we live, learn, and interact.
AI Companions in School: Promise and Peril
September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, and lately every month seems to be AI awareness month. These two things have come together in tragic ways, with recent stories about AI companions encouraging suicidal ideation in teens.
