Pondering AI

The Nature of Learning with Helen Beetham

Feb 19, 2025

Helen Beetham, an influential educator and consultant on digital education, discusses the future of higher education in the context of AI. She challenges the traditional purposes of learning and highlights the need for diversity in course offerings. Helen critiques the misconception of AI as a panacea, emphasizing the importance of human interaction and critical digital literacy. The conversation also addresses the disparities in education systems and advocates for adaptable teaching methods that recognize students as active participants in their learning journey.

45:57

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Episode guests

Helen Beetham

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Quick takeaways

The purpose of higher education should focus on transforming students' critical thinking rather than simply accumulating knowledge through AI tools.

Incorporating AI in education necessitates a commitment to ethical practices that respect the diverse needs and backgrounds of all learners.

Deep dives

Understanding the Nature of Learning

Educational approaches often misunderstand the fundamental purpose of learning, especially in higher education. The primary goal should be to transform students' ways of thinking rather than merely adding to the existing content they produce. Assignments that ask students to create videos or presentations are intended to challenge and develop their critical skills, not just generate more information. Many educators grapple with the limitations of generative AI tools, which may not effectively support the transformative learning desired in academic settings.

Intro

4min

The Intersection of AI and Higher Education

7min

Navigating the Complexities of Learning: Experts vs. Novices

2min

Navigating Technology in Education

26min

Navigating AI in Education: Opportunities and Responsibilities

6min

Helen Beetham isn’t waiting for an AI upgrade as she considers what higher education is for, why learning is ostensibly ripe for AI, and how to diversify our course.

Helen and Kimberly discuss the purpose of higher education; the current two tribe moment; systemic effects of AI; rethinking learning; GenAI affordances; the expertise paradox; productive developmental challenges; converging on an educational norm; teachers as data laborers; the data-driven personalization myth; US edtech and instrumental pedagogy; the fantasy of AI’s teacherly behavior; students as actors in their learning; critical digital literacy; a story of future education; AI ready graduates; pre-automation and AI adoption; diversity of expression and knowledge; two-tiered educational systems; and the rich heritage of universities.

Helen Beetham is an educator, researcher and consultant who advises universities and international bodies worldwide on their digital education strategies. Helen is also a prolific author whose publications include “Rethinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age”. Her Substack, Imperfect Offerings, is recommended by the Guardian/Observer for its wise and thoughtful critique of generative AI.

Additional Resources:

Imperfect Offerings - https://helenbeetham.substack.com/

Audrey Watters - https://audreywatters.com/

Kathryn (Katie) Conrad - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-katie-conrad-1b0749b/

Anna Mills - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-mills-oer/

Dr. Maya Indira Ganesh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-des-maya-indira-ganesh/

Tech(nically) Politics - https://www.technicallypolitics.org/

LOG OFF - logoffmovement.org/

Rest of World - www.restofworld.org/

Derechos Digitales – www.derechosdigitales.org

A transcript of this episode is here.