Episode

15 Apr 2025 · 41 min

0:00

In this Class Disrupted episode, hosts Michael Horn and Diane Tavenner interview Rebecca Winthrop, director of the Brookings Center for Universal Education and co‑author of The Disengaged Teen. Winthrop explains why a pre‑mortem—examining possible negative outcomes before a technology is widely adopted—is essential for generative AI in education. She outlines three primary risks: (1) off‑loading cognitive tasks that are crucial for developing critical thinking, (2) manipulation of learners, and (3) erosion of face‑to‑face socialization. The conversation moves to how AI forces a re‑examination of the purpose of schooling, shifting from an "age of achievement" focused on content acquisition and test performance to an "age of agency" that emphasizes learner autonomy, agency, and problem‑solving. Drawing on Donella Meadows’ systems‑transformation framework, Winthrop argues that the most powerful lever for change is a cultural shift in the shared vision of education, not merely tweaking assessments or funding. She stresses the need to distinguish adult‑mediated AI (teachers using AI as a tool) from student‑mediated AI (students using AI directly) and calls for safeguards to preserve knowledge acquisition while leveraging AI to enhance teacher expertise and scale agency‑focused learning. The hosts also discuss practical mitigation ideas, the role of teachers, and the potential for AI to support a system‑level redesign. The episode closes with personal reading and media recommendations from the participants.

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