Trending in ED AI | Dr. Philippa Hardman on AI and the Future of Instructional Design

This episode of Trending in Ed - AI features a truly insightful conversation with Dr. Philippa Hardman, a renowned expert at the intersection of learning science, data, and artificial intelligence. Dr. Hardman, whom we affectionately call an "unusual hybrid beast" , brings a unique perspective as a historian by training who now dedicates her work to applying learning science principles to educational technology. In this essential discussion, Dr. Hardman challenges conventional notions of AI in education, emphasizing that AI is fundamentally "a tool in our hands... rather than a replacement". She explores how AI can help us "deliver better learning experiences" by making learning more motivating and leading to true mastery, not just recall and regurgitation. We delve into why AI represents a potentially more profound disruption than previous technologies like MOOCs , specifically because it can force us to deliver on the long-standing promise of fostering innovative, original, and creative thinking. Dr. Hardman also provides a critical look at the risks of AI, acknowledging that it is "as flawed as we are as humans" and inherently biased. She stresses the importance of making everyone "very critical consumers of AI" and understanding how to mitigate these risks. She advocates for using AI to develop crucial skills like critical thinking, rather than avoiding its use in the classroom. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the practical applications, ethical considerations, and transformative potential of AI in shaping the future of education. Dr. Hardman's insights are invaluable as we collectively navigate this rapidly evolving frontier.