Chris Ippolito | Emerging Technology Coordinator & Artificial Intelligence Instructor
Singapore American School

Throughout a 19-year international career in education, Chris Ippolito ("Ipp") has operated at the leading edge of EdTech, specializing in finding the signal in the noise and translating complex technological shifts into practical, human-centered learning experiences. As the Emerging Tech Coordinator and AI Teacher at Singapore American School, he cuts through industry hype to create learning environments that actively embrace the transformative opportunities of artificial intelligence while thoughtfully navigating its risks. At SAS, Ipp designed the inaugural high school Artificial Intelligence curriculum, contributed to the institution's K–12 AI Framework, crafted comprehensive technology course pathways, and deployed enterprise AI pilots for faculty. His work bridges high-level vision with everyday execution, grounded in a multidisciplinary journey that spans music production at Sony Music Studios, commercial sensory design, global STEM fellowships, and two decades of building forward-thinking technology initiatives.

In his personal life, Ipp co-hosts Up Against Reality, a weekly podcast exploring the intersection of humanity and artificial intelligence. He keeps his creative batteries charged by producing music, spending time with his family, traveling, photography, and passionately defending his claim to making the world’s best homemade peanut butter.

Appearances:

Pre-conference Workshops @ 10:00

[M1] 3 Nov (AM) - Build your school’s AI roadmap: a strategic framework for school leaders

As artificial intelligence moves from novelty to necessity, educators face a triple challenge: How do we use it, how do we teach it and how do we evolve alongside it? This immersive, hands on workshop invites participants to view the AI revolution through three distinct lenses designed to provide both immediate utility and long-term strategic clarity.

First, we explore Teaching with AI, where participants engage in "Speed-Design" sessions - using generative tools to automate administrative workflows, differentiate materials in seconds and spark creative lesson hooks.

Next, we pivot to Teaching about AI, defining what true "AI Fluency" looks like. We move beyond prompt engineering to discuss algorithmic bias, data privacy and the mechanics of LLMs, ensuring students are critical consumers of technology.

Finally, we address Teaching in the Age of AI. This reflective segment tackles the human-centric core of education: How does the role of the teacher shift from content provider to high-level mentor? What uniquely human skills - like empathy, ethical judgment and complex collaboration - must we double down on to prepare students for an AI-augmented workforce?

Designed for secondary educators and school leaders, this workshop balances high-energy practical application with strategic foresight. Attendees will not just ""see"" AI; they will build a personal AI roadmap. You will leave with a curated toolkit of strategies and a clear vision for maintaining the human heart of the classroom in an AI-saturated world.

Key takeaways include:

Identify everyday planning and admin tasks where AI can reduce workload and free up time for teaching and student support
Design age appropriate lessons that help students understand, question and use AI responsibly and ethically
Apply teaching strategies that build skills AI can’t replace, such as critical thinking, creativity, empathy and ethical decision making

Jamie Toner, Director of Technology & Innovation, Singapore American School