"When you can write out your own ideas, explain your thinking, build an argument and use evidence to support it – that's an incredibly valuable skill for kids."

In this week's episode, we spoke with Peter Gault of Quill.org about the evolving relationship between AI and education. Peter shares how Quill transitioned from basic natural language processing (NLP) to sophisticated language models, making a strategic decision to rebuild their platform on generative AI despite having invested years developing their NLP models. The result? A more powerful tool that helps students develop critical writing and thinking skills when they need them most.

At the heart of our conversation, Peter offered a crucial insight – as AI becomes increasingly capable of generating content, the ability to think critically, evaluate information, and form independent opinions becomes even more valuable. While some worry about teaching students to use AI tools, Peter thinks focusing on foundational skills creates more resilient learners who can effectively collaborate with technology rather than be replaced by it.

Perhaps most compelling is Quill's approach to AI literacy which integrates discussions about algorithmic bias, ethics, and the future of work directly into writing activities. By giving students agency to understand AI as a malleable tool rather than a mysterious black box, Quill and educators can prepare the next generation to shape technology's development rather than simply consume it.

What skills will remain essential in an increasingly AI-powered world? How can education evolve to prepare students for this AI-driven future? Listen to the episode, and let us know if we missed anything!

Learn more about Peter Gault and Quill:

• Quill.org
• linkedin.com/in/petergault3/

aiEDU: The AI Education Project

• aiEDU.org
• linkedin.com/company/aiedu/

What makes us uniquely human in the age of AI?

According to Isabelle Hau, (Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning) it's our ability to form meaningful relationships — a feat she calls "relational intelligence."

Our conversation with Isabelle explores how education systems need to evolve past measuring success through grades and test scores, and instead toward fostering the human connections that will matter more in an AI-powered world.

Drawing from her forthcoming book Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education, Isabelle makes a compelling case that our educational priorities need realignment: "We have focused for a very long time on cognitive intelligence, which a lot of people would know as IQ. Over the past 20 years, there has been a shift toward emotional intelligence or EQ. But I believe we are at a juncture where we need to think a lot more about relational intelligence."

The discussion delves into Stanford's innovative approaches to AI in education, including their AI Tinkery where students and community members experiment with AI tools to solve their own problems. Rather than viewing AI merely as a tool for efficiency, Isabelle challenges us to consider how technology can transform learning experiences to better develop collaboration, creativity, and human connection.

Whether you're an educator, parent, researcher, or simply curious about the future of learning, Isabelle offers valuable insight into nurturing the skills that will truly matter as AI transforms our world.

Learn more about Isabelle Hau and the Stanford Accelerator for Learning:

• acceleratelearning.stanford.edu
• linkedin.com/in/isabelle-hau-a57175

aiEDU: The AI Education Project

• aiEDU.org
• linkedin.com/company/aiedu/

What if everything you've been told about AI and the future of work is wrong?

In this episode with Bloomberg Beta head Roy Bahat, we dive deep into why employment predictions fail, how AI is reshaping career paths, and why becoming "the CIO of your own life" might be the most valuable skill for navigating our technological future.

Roy has been investing in AI since 2014 and teaches at UC Berkeley's business school – and he is skeptical of conventional wisdom about how AI will impact jobs. Contrary to early predictions that focused on automation of low-wage positions, we're now seeing knowledge workers like software engineers, lawyers, and doctors experience significant disruption. As Roy says himself: "The big surprise with generative AI is everybody used to be worried about all the low-wage work being automated, and now I know a lot of software developers who are worried and lawyers who are worried."

Rather than seeking supposedly "safe" careers or skills, Roy advocates for adaptability and continuous learning. He introduces the concept of being "the CIO (Chief Information Officer) of your own life," or actively exploring and adopting tools rather than waiting for employers or institutions to dictate which technologies you should use. Roy's approach represents a fundamental shift from traditional "learn, then do" models as AI tools increasingly blur the boundaries between learning and application.

Whether you're a student planning your future, an educator rethinking your curriculum, or a professional adapting to technological change – our conversation with Roy will provide valuable frameworks for understanding how work, learning, and technology are evolving together.

Learn more about Roy Bahat and Bloomberg Beta:

• BloombergBeta.com/
• linkedin.com/in/roybahat/

aiEDU: The AI Education Project

• aiEDU.org
• linkedin.com/company/aiedu/