Future Focus | The Truth About AI in Education: Adapt, Transform, or Get Left Behind | Week of April 21, 2025

In this week's episode, Dr. Sabba Quidwai and Stefan Bauschard discuss the significant shifts AI is causing across education, particularly higher education. With the release of OpenAI’s latest models, they explore provocative scenarios, including whether universities can survive without radically reimagining their structures, curricula, and roles. Through candid conversations and real-world examples, they challenge the traditional pace of change and advocate for preparing learners, and educators, for an unpredictable, AI-driven world.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] The $68 Billion Question: California's Higher Ed Crisis

• Sabba opens with a compelling budget scenario that sparks a major rethink of the cost and delivery of general education courses.

[00:02:00] Can Universities Survive AI? Stefan's Perspective

• Discussion on how universities must adapt—or risk obsolescence—by focusing less on content delivery and more on mentorship and hands-on learning.

[00:05:00] Why O3 is a Game Changer: Understanding OpenAI's Newest Model

• Sabba explains the groundbreaking capabilities of the new O3 model, including agentic reasoning and dynamic tool use, and why it's leaving experts stunned.

[00:13:00] The Problem with "Traffic Light" AI Policies in K–12

• Sabba critiques the oversimplified red-yellow-green frameworks for student AI use, urging for deeper decision-making frameworks instead.

[00:29:00] Google AI Tools for Education: A Wake-up Call

• A powerful segment where Sabba highlights the new, free AI tools in Google Workspace for Education and discusses why educators urgently need to shift their mindsets and skillsets.

Explore More from Designing Schools

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Resources Mentioned

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