#200 Don’t Buy the AI Hype

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

In 'More Than Words', John Warner argues that generative AI programs like ChatGPT should not replace human writing. He posits that writing is a process of thinking and feeling, essential to human communication and self-expression. Warner critiques the current state of writing instruction, suggesting that many assignments can be done by machines and do not challenge students to engage in the real work of writing. The book calls for a reevaluation of our relationship with writing in the age of AI, emphasizing the unique value of human writing as a creative and embodied process.

Audrey Watters' "Teaching Machines" provides a critical examination of the history of personalized learning in education. The book explores the recurring themes of technological utopianism and the promises of efficiency in education. Watters delves into the historical context of various technological interventions in education, highlighting the often-unintended consequences and ethical concerns. The book challenges the assumptions underlying the current push for personalized learning through technology, urging a more critical and nuanced approach. It serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education.