Have You Heard
#161 AI Is Going to Upend Public Education. Or Maybe Not
Aug 8, 2023
Larry Cuban, historian, predicts that AI will join a long list of overhyped tech 'silver bullets' that have fallen short of the promised utopia. Cuban argues that tech boosters oversell because they don’t understand teaching's reliance on human connection. The podcast explores the limitations of AI language models, skepticism towards AI's impact in classrooms, the enduring tradition of hope and criticism in education, the potential impact of AI on writing assignments, and the cycle of over-promising in education technology.
45:45
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- AI technology cannot replace the complex social interactions and human touch that genuine personalized learning requires.
- Techno-optimism tends to view technology as a silver bullet solution, disregarding the wider context and the real challenges faced by educators.
Deep dives
The cyclical nature of technological optimism in education
Technological optimism in education is not a new phenomenon. It has been occurring for over a century, with various technologies like film, instructional television, and overhead projectors being hailed as transformative tools. However, these technologies often fell short of their grand promises. The belief in technological innovation stems from a larger American tradition of investing hope in schools and seeking perfection in education through innovation. Despite the cyclical nature of technological optimism, the public's confidence in public schools remains fairly high, recognizing the complexity and challenges of teaching.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
