CofC Podcast: AI in Education

Nobody likes to struggle, but what do we lose when every answer is just a click away?

As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt and transform classrooms, new questions are emerging. What’s the best way for students to learn? Why does struggle matter in the learning process? And what happens when technology eliminates the struggle?

In this episode of the Speaking of … College of Charleston podcast, Ian O’Byrne, associate professor in the School of Education, answers these questions and discusses the future of learning in an AI-driven world.

Q: What do you say to the next generation of teachers to reinforce what a great teacher can do that AI can’t?

A: A good teacher can reach people. A good teacher can make those connections. A good teacher can create those bonds and help learn along with students and inspire them.

I tell the teachers I work with to just trust your gut. You know the learning theory. You know how to teach. You know how to work with students. Whatever you can do to help that child succeed is the best-case scenario. Continue to do that.

Q: Why shouldn’t we make learning as efficient as possible?

A: I don’t think that we can just try and work all the efficiency out of our lives, even though there’s a large part of this planet that wants to. It’s the messy stuff that’s where the fun happens, where the learning happens. That’s what makes us human.

In This Episode

• Why learning isn’t supposed to be effortless
• The promise and pitfalls of AI in education
• What AI-powered schools like Alpha School are getting right – and wrong
• The growing debate over cognitive offloading and whether AI is changing how we think
• The difference between the “orchestrator” and the “outsourcer” when using AI
• Why great teachers still matter in an age of artificial intelligence
• How students can thrive in an AI-driven future

Featured Guest

Ian O’Byrne is an associate professor in the School of Education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on digital literacy, artificial intelligence, online reading comprehension, emerging technologies and education. He works with educators and students to better understand how technology can support meaningful learning while preserving the human elements that help people grow and succeed.

Resources

• Read Ian O’Byrne’s article on The Conversation: “AI Schools Promise Efficiency, but Can’t Replicate the Messy Process That Helps Kids Learn”
• Learn more about O’Byrne’s work at wiobyrne.com
• Explore more episodes of Speaking of… College of Charleston