

Episode 45: Billionaires, Influencers, and Ed Tech (feat. Adrienne Williams), November 18 2024
Nov 26, 2024
Adrienne Williams, a former educator and DAIR research fellow, dives into the detrimental impact of tech-savvy billionaires on education. She critiques their focus on AI solutions while ignoring systemic issues in underfunded schools. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by educators of color, the ethical dilemmas of data sharing, and the startling realities of biased AI technologies. From the absurdities of self-driving wheelchairs to the dangers of AI-driven narratives, Adrienne encourages a critical look at tech’s role in our classrooms.
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CZI's Missed Opportunity
- Adrienne Williams worked for Summit Public Schools, a CZI-influenced school.
- After she and other Black teachers quit, CZI offered grants to retain Black teachers.
Atomized Education
- Sal Khan's vision of AI tutors ignores the crucial social aspect of learning.
- Real human interaction, not AI, addresses students' emotional and social needs.
Teacher as Counselor
- Adrienne Williams emphasizes the importance of teachers addressing students' emotional well-being.
- A supportive teacher-student relationship fosters learning more effectively than AI.