In a previous post, I discussed my looming fear for K-12 schools that the impending wave of AI technology might not be embraced with the enthusiasm and progressive outlook needed to thrive in an increasingly digital age. Today, unfortunately, there is another example of the true cost of inaction, the impending closure of Cabrini University.

Cabrini’s closure isn’t merely a casualty of unforeseen circumstances. It represents an emblematic warning of what could happen when institutions fail to innovate and adapt to the ever-evolving educational landscape. It's a sad testament to the true cost of inaction, which isn't about money, but the loss of opportunities, of potential, and the disheartening shadow it casts on our education system.

This scenario becomes even more disheartening when considering the students most impacted by this sudden closure. Like many in his class, my son Nicholas lost his junior and senior years of high school to the pandemic, and is now being dealt a similar blow that should have been avoided.

His path towards higher education, along with his teammates and fellow classmates, has been fraught with hurdles beyond their control, from abrupt shifts to remote learning due to COVID, to the devastating closure of a school that they committed to joining just a few years ago.

The irony here is bitter—how can educational institutions, whose very mission is to prepare students for the future, fail to foresee and adapt to evolving educational landscapes?

The closing of Cabrini University isn't a singular event, but a symbol of a much larger issue at play: the fate that awaits educators clinging to traditional methods in an era of exponential technological growth. What happened to Cabrini University can, and will, happen to other higher education institutions and K-12 schools alike, should they continue to ignore the changing world around them.

Let’s acknowledge reality. The world today is shaped by digital technology and fueled by the transformative power of AI. These forces are not waiting for leaders to decide what to do next, nor are they willing to slow down for them to catch up. These forces are already reshaping our lives, our industries, and, most importantly, our education systems. The lack of innovation, the reluctance to embrace change, and the frustratingly slow pace to change are not just stumbling blocks; they are potential death knells for schools that fail to adapt.

The closure of Cabrini University is indeed a wake-up call, one that should galvanize us to avoid similar fates for other schools. More than a tale of organizational downfall, it is a poignant reminder of the high price of inaction: the dreams and aspirations of our students. We must remember that when it comes to equipping our young learners for a future shaped by AI, inaction is the most expensive action of all.

Let's ensure we are proactive. Let's commit to equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate a world where AI is intertwined with their daily lives. In doing so, we can ensure a prosperous and promising future for our students and our schools alike. In the face of change, it's our responsibility as educators to step up, innovate, and create a better tomorrow for those who will inherit our world.

If you want to learn more about AI’s impact on education, join us on Wednesday, July 12th from 11am-1pm (EST) for a free virtual workshop: AI in Education. REGISTER HERE