How can AI be adopted in a way that turns more students into “explorers” rather than “passengers” in their learning? This week we bring you a conversation with the co-author of a book on student disengagement in school, Rebecca Winthrop, who is also researching the impact of AI on education. The episode is by one of Future U’s producers, Jeff Young, from his new podcast, Learning Curve.

Chapters

0:00 - Intro 

4:19 - When the ‘Student Disengagement Crisis’ Started

7:25 - A Framework for Describing Levels of Student Engagement

15:18 - How AI Is Impacting Student Motivation

19:00 - Why ChatGPT’s ‘Study Mode’ Is Not the Answer

25:05 - Advice for Companies Making AI Tools for Education

29:32 - Tips for Students 

34:42 - A High School Student’s Take on AI 

48:30 - Advice For Teachers on Dealing with AI

51:35 - What Is the Purpose of School in the Age of Generative AI?

Publications Mentioned:

“The Disengaged Teen,” 

by Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson 

“Minnesota high school student weighs the benefits and pitfalls of AI,” 

Minnesota Now

“I’m a High Schooler. AI Is Demolishing My Education,”

The Atlantic

Brookings Global Task Force on AI in Education

website

‘We Have to Really Rethink the Purpose of Education,’

The Ezra Klein Show

“Attention Please: Professors Struggle With Student Disengagement,”

EdSurge

“Playing the Grade Game,”

Bootstraps podcast series

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