Ep. 73 - Ben Tasker: Living in the AI Between Times

Ben Tasker, an expert in AI, workforce readiness  and skills-based learning, shares his unique journey from higher education to industry, exploring how AI is reshaping learning and work during what he calls the "AI between times"—a transitional era of rapid change and "uh-oh moments."

They dive into why AI amplifies human capability rather than replacing it, how institutions can ethically integrate AI, and the urgent need to shift from time-based degrees to skills-based outcomes.

Whether you're in higher ed, corporate training, or just thinking about the future of learning, this conversation offers actionable insights and a hopeful vision for an AI-enabled, accessible, and human-centered education system.

Key Takeaways

1. We’re in the "AI Between Times": A transitional period where AI is rapidly evolving, but the full "AI future economy" hasn’t arrived. This phase will include both breakthroughs and "uh-oh moments," like failed automation and deepfake risks.
2. AI Amplifies, Doesn’t Replace: Companies that lay off staff for AI often hire them back (and more) when point solutions fail. Successful organizations combine AI adoption with upskilling, leading to 52% higher profitability.
3. Shift from Time-Based to Skills-Based Learning: Traditional degree timelines are too slow for AI-paced change. Microcredentials, project-based learning, and skills validation are becoming critical for workforce readiness.
4. Embed AI Responsibly & Early: Ethical AI and governance should be established before implementation. This includes transparency, accountability, fairness, and cross-functional steering committees to mitigate risks.
5. AI in Education: Risk & Opportunity: While AI poses risks (e.g., student over-reliance, misinformation), embedding AI tools into learning platforms can accelerate learning, provide 24/7 tutoring, and improve outcomes—like students learning coding 8 weeks faster.
6. Human-Centered AI Projects Succeed: The most successful AI initiatives—whether in healthcare, education, or enterprise—integrate human elements: understanding user needs, ethical considerations, and real-world impact.
7. Start with a Personal Learning Plan: Educators and leaders should begin their AI journey by mapping their current skills, identifying desired skills, and using AI as a tool for personalized learning and productivity.
8. The Future is Accessible & Personalized: AI will make education more accessible, personalized, and continuous. Institutions must adapt to stay relevant, embedding AI across curricula and focusing on competency over credit hours.

 

Find Ben Tasker:

LinkedIn                              

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentaskerai/

National Grid

https://www.nationalgrid.com/

 

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

 

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This is the AI Between Times
• (00:00:45) - Interview: Ben Tasker on the Future of Learning
• (00:02:02) - Deep learning and data science: The science of AI
• (00:03:15) - The AI 'Between Times'
• (00:07:28) - What is Upskilling and Reskilling?
• (00:10:28) - Will AI Replace Jobs?
• (00:12:41) - The Future of AI in Higher Ed
• (00:15:28) - Goodbye AI, Hello Governance
• (00:17:53) - Post-Skills Based Learning
• (00:20:04) - Healthcare, Higher Ed: The AI Success Stories
• (00:22:00) - The Need for Ethics in AI
• (00:25:05) - What emerging trend in AI and Learning
• (00:26:28) - How to Apply AI to Student Learning