Decoder with Nilay Patel How AI is fueling an existential crisis in education
185 snips
Nov 6, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Adam Dubé, an Associate Professor of Learning Sciences at McGill University, dives deep into the impact of AI on education. He reveals that students aren't necessarily tech-savvy and explores how generative AI changes the ways they interact with learning material. Teachers express concerns about untested AI in classrooms and inconsistent district policies. Dubé warns that while AI can seem efficient, it may lead to more work and confusion, ultimately impacting student learning and motivation.
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Digital Natives Don't Exist
- "Digital natives" is a myth; familiarity with tech doesn't equal ability to use it for learning.
- Teachers wrongly assume students know how to use tech educationally, which causes gaps in instruction.
Language Interfaces Shift Required Skills
- Natural language interfaces change how we interact with computers but underlying logic still matters.
- Students may not interpret or evaluate AI answers correctly without understanding system logic.
Teacher Sees AI Replace Student Thinking
- Anne Lutz-Fernandez observed students using generative AI to replace reading, thinking, and creative writing.
- She warned we treat children like guinea pigs with untested educational products.