AI Cognitive Institute
Design for neuroplasticity in an AI-enabled world
As AI becomes more present in learning environments, educators face a critical question:
How do we design learning that continues to build thinking rather than replace it?
This institute supports educators in designing experiences that center:
Human connection
Collaboration
Creativity
Curiosity
Productive struggle
All essential for developing the brain structures that support adaptive, flexible thinking.
This is not about using AI tools.
It is about designing learning that ensures students continue to grow as thinkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This institute is focused on instructional design.
While we will explore examples of AI tools, the primary focus is on how educators design learning experiences that support thinking, creativity, and cognitive growth in an AI-enabled world.
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Yes.
The Cognitive AI Institute is designed for K–20 educators. The core ideas of how AI impacts thinking and how learning is designed apply across grade levels, systems, and contexts.
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That’s exactly why this institute exists.
Many educators and leaders are navigating AI without clear direction. This experience provides a framework for making thoughtful, informed decisions about how AI supports learning.
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This institute will help you go deeper.
Rather than focusing on what tools to use, we focus on how those tools impact learning and how to design instruction that ensures students continue to develop as thinkers.
What You’ll Leave With
Most AI workshops focus on tools: what to use and how to use it.
The AI Cognitive Institute focuses on how learning works. Grounded in cognitive and educational neuroscience, this experience helps educators understand how AI impacts attention, memory, and thinking and how to design instruction that strengthens those processes.
Participants leave with the ability to:
Design learning experiences that build — not bypass — thinking
Use AI in ways that support cognitive growth and independence
Create conditions for productive struggle, creativity, and collaboration
Align instruction with how the brain develops adaptive, flexible thinking
Make intentional decisions about when AI supports learning and when it replaces it
What You’ll Experience
AI Cognitive Institute includes both the Immersive Sessions and the Studio Series
Immersive Sessions
August 11, 12, 2026
9:00 - 4:00 PM (PT) ZOOM
Participants begin with two immersive days focused on designing for neuroplasticity in an AI-enabled world.
Day 1: Understanding and Demystifying AI and Cognition
Enhancing Neuroplasticity with AI in Learning
Demystifying and Dehumanizing AI
Build clarity around how AI intersects with learning, cognition, and instructional design.
Day 2: Protecting Thinking and Preparing Learners to Thrive in an AI-Enabled World
AI in the Classroom (Student Safety Focus)
AI, Creativity & Critical Thinking
Design learning experiences that support thinking, creativity, and independence.
Studio Series
September 21, October 19, November 16, 2026
4:30 - 6:00 PM (PT) ZOOM
Participants continue the experience through three 90-minute virtual sessions designed to support implementation and refinement.
During these sessions, participants will:
Apply learning in their own context
Share and reflect on instructional design in practice
Refine strategies with feedback and facilitation
Continue designing for thinking, not just task completion
Focus: Sustained application, reflection, and growth over time
AI Cognitive Institute includes both the Immersive Sessions and the Studio Series
The AI Cognitive Institute is a comprehensive experience that includes the Immersive Sessions in August and the Studio Series, three virtual sessions designed to support ongoing application and refinement.
Not able to attend the Immersive Sessions?
The Studio Series is available as a standalone option that offers a flexible entry point into the AI Cognitive Institute, with opportunities to explore key ideas and apply them in your setting.
Registration Information
$599.00: AI Cognitive Institute registration includes the Immersive Sessions in August plus the Studio Series sessions in September, October, and November
$299.00: Studio Series registration only
Reduced Registration (50%): BIPOC, LGBTQIA, & New-to-the-profession Educator Scholarships. Apply here. You will receive a Coupon Code to use during registration. Coupon code is applied at checkout.
Group Discounts Available: Contact us at: info@neuraleducation.org
Up to 16.5 Washington State STEM clock hours are available for an additional fee.