The Decibel Machines Like Us: AI upending higher education
23 snips
Sep 30, 2025 
Niall Ferguson, a prominent historian and co-founder of the University of Austin, and Conor Grennan, chief AI architect at NYU’s Stern School of Business, explore the profound effects of AI on higher education. They discuss the alarming trend of students relying on AI for critical thinking and learning. Ferguson warns about cognitive decline, while Grennan highlights AI's potential as a personalized tutor. Both emphasize the need for universities to adapt, addressing cheating concerns and the essential role of writing in fostering analytical skills.
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AI Threatens Core Cognitive Development
- Universities exist to train minds in reading, thinking and writing, but AI is shifting students toward outsourcing thinking to tools.
- This threatens core cognitive development unless universities adapt learning practices.
Call For Cloistered Study Blocks
- Niall Ferguson describes pushing for cloistered, tech-free learning blocks of six to seven hours per day.
- He argues supervised written and oral exams should return to build core brain muscles.
AI As Democratizing Tutor
- Conor Grennan agrees delegation to AI prevents learning the skills tutors are meant to teach.
- He frames AI as a democratizing tutor that can accelerate learning if used properly.
