Pondering AI

Learning to Unlearn with Melissa Sariffodeen

May 22, 2024

Melissa Sariffodeen discusses learning, unlearning, and the impact of AI on education. She emphasizes the human element in digital transformation, the need to view AI as a collaborative partner, and the importance of unlearning outdated skills. Melissa also highlights the role of critical thinking and diverse perspectives in technology adoption.

39:10

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Episode guests

Melissa Sariffodeen

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Quick takeaways

Unlearning is essential for adapting to disruptive technologies like AI by releasing outdated mindsets and skills.

Viewing technology as a partner, not just a tool, fosters better management, accountability, and ethical considerations.

Deep dives

The Importance of Unlearning in Digital Transformation

Unlearning plays a crucial role in adapting to disruptive technologies like AI. Accumulated beliefs, knowledge, and skills can create barriers to transformation. An example shared was about a young girl at a coding summer camp showing resistance due to preconceived notions. Unlearning involves releasing outdated mindsets and skills to make space for new approaches, essential for productive transformation with technology.

Introduction

2min

Overcoming Barriers to Digital Transformation

4min

Redefining Relationships with AI in Business Operations

12min

Embracing Unlearning for Technological Adaptation

11min

Navigating Technological Transformations in Leadership

7min

Encouraging Critical Thinking and Unlearning in Technology Adoption

2min

Melissa Sariffodeen contends learning requires unlearning, ponders human-AI relationships, prioritizes outcomes over outputs, and values the disquiet of constructive critique.

Melissa artfully illustrates barriers to innovation through the eyes of a child learning to code and a seasoned driver learning to not drive. Drawing on decades of experience teaching technical skills, she identifies why AI creates new challenges for upskilling. Kimberly and Melissa then debate viewing AI systems through the lens of tools vs. relationships. An avowed lifelong learner, Melissa believes prior learnings are sometimes detrimental to innovation. Melissa therefore advocates for unlearning as a key step in unlocking growth. She also proposes a new model for organizational learning and development. A pragmatic tech optimist, Melissa acknowledges the messy middle and reaffirms the importance of diversity and critically questioning our beliefs and habits.

Melissa Sariffodeen is the founder of the The Digital Potential Lab, co-founder and CEO of Canada Learning Code and a Professor at the Ivey Business School at Western University where she focuses on the management of information and communication technologies.

A transcript of this episode is here.

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Pondering AI

Learning to Unlearn with Melissa Sariffodeen

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Importance of Unlearning in Digital Transformation

Reframing Learning as a Relationship with Technology

Challenging Best Practices in Organizational Learning

Overcoming Risk Aversion in Transformational Efforts

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts