Designing Schools Future Focus | What If AI Really Does Replace Us? And Why Education Still Matters More Than Ever | Week of June 2, 2025
Jun 5, 2025
40:48
In this powerful and provocative episode, Dr. Sabba Quidwai and Stefan explore the urgent implications of AI on education, employment, and democracy. They dissect recent comments by Anthropic's CEO, reflect on generational shifts in perceptions of higher education, and challenge educators to embrace change, not resist it. This is a call to action for reimagining learning, relevance, and agency in an AI-driven world.
Timestamps
[00:01:00] The AI Wake-Up Call
- Discussion of Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s prediction that AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within five years and its implications for students and educators.
[00:06:00] Rethinking Entry-Level Work
- Stefan unpacks how companies are prioritizing AI fluency over traditional hiring, and why entry-level positions may be disappearing.
[00:14:00] College Regret and the ROI Crisis
- Sabba cites a Fortune article on how over half of Gen Z feel college was a waste of money and explores how this sentiment is reshaping higher education.
[00:26:00] Why Faculty Must Try, Not Defend
- A candid critique of higher ed’s resistance to AI innovation and a call for professors to collaborate with students in navigating an evolving academic and professional landscape.
[00:32:00] Sinek, Struggle, and Staying Human
- Insights from Simon Sinek on the importance of struggle in maintaining humanity and creativity amid AI’s rise.
Explore More from Designing Schools
- 🤝 Partner with Us: Join the AI Power Circle and collaborate with forward-thinking educators building the future with AI.📘 Get the Book: Designing Schools — a practical blueprint to transform your campus with creativity, leadership, and innovation.
- 🎓 Prepare Your Students for an AI Future: Free Course – AI Skills for College and Career to equip your school community with future-ready skills.
For questions, email: hello@designingschools.org
Resources Mentioned
- CNN Interview with Dario Amodei
- Simon Sinek on Diary of a CEO Podcast
- Turning AI Tools into Teammates Mini-Course: Course Link