Irina Jurenka, the research lead for AI in education at Google DeepMind, joined Michael and Diane to discuss the development and impact of AI tutors in learning. The conversation delved into how generative AI, specifically the Gemini model, is being shaped to support pedagogical principles and foster more effective learning experiences. Irina shares insights from her team’s foundational research, the evolution of AI models over the past three years, and the challenges of aligning AI tutoring with the learning sciences. Irina closed with reflecting on how these innovations may shape the future of education for the next generation—with a hope for a thoughtful blending of technology with the irreplaceable role of human teachers.

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