AI in Education: Empowering Student Agency or Creating Crutches? Ft. Danny McCamlie

As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in our lives and classrooms, educators face a crucial question: How can we integrate AI in ways that empower student agency, rather than creating dependency or turning it into an intellectual crutch?In this episode, Alex sits down with Danny McCamlie, an expert in educational technology and AI integration with a unique perspective shaped by years supporting low-resource schools across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. (Danny joins us amidst a tropical cyclone in Madagascar, highlighting his dedication!)

We get into the complex relationship between AI and student autonomy, exploring:

What is Student Agency? Moving beyond buzzwords to understand "voice and choice" in learning and how AI challenges or supports it (think Spotify playlists!).

Critical Thinking as a Survival Skill: Why AI doesn't create new problems but dramatically amplifies existing educational challenges, making critical thinking more vital than ever.

Beyond "AI Ethics": Is the real issue a fundamental gap in teaching foundational ethics? How can we cultivate fairness, kindness, and responsibility in an AI-rich world?

Practical AI Literacy: What does it truly mean to be AI literate, and how can educators seamlessly integrate these concepts without just "shoehorning" tech?

AI as a Catalyst for Change: Viewing AI not just as a tool, but as a force pushing education to finally implement the student-centered practices discussed for decades.

Addressing Educator FOMO: Moving past the pressure to use every new tool and focusing on pedagogy and human connection first.

The Bigger Picture: Shifting the focus from just skills acquisition to nurturing ethically-minded, "good people" prepared for an uncertain future.

Tune in for a thoughtful and practical discussion essential for educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone navigating the intersection of technology and learning. Discover how to leverage AI effectively while ensuring students remain critical, autonomous thinkers in control of their educational journey.

Danny McCamlie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-mccamlie/

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: AI in Education & Student Agency
01:04 Guest Introduction: Danny McCamlie (Joining from Madagascar!)
01:31 Danny's Journey: Focus on Low-Resource Contexts & AI's Impact
04:21 Critical Thinking: Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch
04:53 Why Critical Thinking is Crucial in the Age of AI
09:36 What is Student Agency? (Voice and Choice Explained)
11:17 Challenges: Agency vs Curriculum Needs & Teacher Workload
12:25 AI Highlights Gaps: Grade-Chasing vs. Learning Process
14:29 AI Also Highlights Gaps in Teaching (Pedagogy First)
16:06 AI Ethics Introduction & Addressing Teacher FOMO
18:09 The Real Issue: Lack of General Ethics Education
22:17 Embedding Ethics: Reframing Education Around "Good People"
25:06 Challenge: Teachers Imposing Beliefs? (Access to Info Mitigates)
28:43 What is AI Literacy? (Identify, How, Why, Meaning)
30:24 Integrating AI Literacy: Making Existing Connections Visible
32:19 How AI Concepts Are Already in Your Curriculum (Examples)
37:08 Collective Responsibility: Moving Beyond Subject Silos for AI Literacy
40:14 AI Literacy vs. Using AI Tools: What's the Difference?
43:31 Practical Challenges: Choosing Platforms & Data Privacy
44:34 Agency Over Tools: Understanding When/Whether to Use AI
47:34 Quick Fire Round Start
48:38 Misconception: You need to be an AI expert
49:13 Resource: Start with your own curriculum & a framework
51:14 Advice for Hesitant Educators: Be a novice, join the conversation
53:01 Final Takeaway: Model Curiosity & Be a Good Human