School's In The future of educational technology (from The Future of Everything)
Sep 4, 2025
Join Dan Schwartz, the James Quillen Dean at Stanford, as he dives into the intersection of AI and education. He discusses how AI can transform learning and whether technology will replace teachers or enhance their role. Schwartz weighs in on the challenges of cheating with AI tools like ChatGPT and emphasizes the need for innovative assignments that promote deeper understanding. He also explores the impact of analytics on assessment and argues for focusing on strategic skills over rote answers, urging educators to rethink what truly matters in learning.
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AI As A Catalyst For Educational Change
- Dan Schwartz sees ChatGPT as a catalyzing event forcing education to change rapidly.
- He notes the public attention makes fundraising and reform opportunities surge for schools and researchers.
Computers Deliver Unique, Motivating Experiences
- Computers can offer immersive experiences humans cannot deliver in a classroom.
- Teaching agents and learning-by-teaching can motivate students and deepen understanding.
Teaching An Agent Sparks Learning Then Fades
- Dan created a program where students teach an agent and found high motivation and strong learning gains.
- The tech became obsolete once students internalized the reasoning and no longer needed the agent.