I frequently tell the story of my high school math teacher that encouraged graphing calculator use when other teachers forbid them. My first programs were written on graphing calculators and I may have never found programming otherwise.

It's a bit more complicated with AI but I imagine Mr. Gahrst's approach would be like yours. He was pro-calculator because he got a dual masters in math and library science, only to have his library science degree become worthless after widespread use of computers.