In this enlightening discussion, Benjamin Riley, the founder of Cognitive Resonance and former executive director of Deans for Impact, dives into the interplay between AI and human cognition in education. He highlights the hype surrounding AI tools versus their real educational impact, emphasizing the importance of effortful thinking for effective learning. Riley addresses the risks of AI-generated content and advocates for responsible adoption in schools. With a focus on critical engagement, he urges educators to understand AI's limitations and navigate its complexities thoughtfully.
Benjamin Riley emphasizes the essential role of understanding human cognition to effectively integrate AI technologies in education.
The discussion highlights the risks of blindly adopting AI tools without critical examination, potentially undermining cognitive engagement in students.
Riley advocates for genuine AI literacy among educators, encompassing an awareness of biases and the societal implications of technology.
Deep dives
Celebrating Milestones in EdTech
The episode celebrates the 300th show of My EdTech Life, reflecting on the journey and growth of the podcast. The host expresses gratitude to the audience for their continuous support, emphasizing the importance of community engagement through likes, shares, and follows. In this special milestone episode, the host introduces Benjamin Riley as the guest, who is recognized for his impactful contributions to the education sector. Together, they set the stage for a discussion focused on integrating cognitive science and AI in education.
Introduction to Cognitive Resonance
Benjamin Riley discusses his recent venture, Cognitive Resonance, aimed at bridging knowledge of human cognition with generative AI technologies. He highlights his decade-long experience with Deans for Impact, where he focused on reforming teacher preparation by incorporating insights from cognitive science. Riley notes that while he has not been a classroom teacher, he positions himself as an advocate for effective education and the importance of understanding both AI and human thought processes. His mission with Cognitive Resonance represents an expansion of his foundational work in educational reform.
The Evolution of AI Perspectives
Riley shares his initial reactions to exploring AI technologies like ChatGPT, describing a mix of awe and fear upon realizing their conversational capabilities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's potential and limitations, noting that while initial intrigue may fade, a deeper comprehension of its functionality can lead to significant insights. This journey of learning about AI parallels broader societal trends, where tech advancements have previously transformed communication and interaction norms. As he delves deeper into the cognitive aspects of AI, Riley seeks to foster productive conversations about its role in education.
Critiquing AI in Education
The discussion explores the hype surrounding AI in education, with Riley drawing parallels to historical tech predictions that ultimately fell flat, such as the notion that movies would replace books in classrooms. He critiques the narrative pushed by tech companies, warning that unfiltered enthusiasm for AI can distract educators from understanding its real impact on teaching and learning. Riley argues that without critical examination, AI tools may inadvertently reinforce misconceptions or reduce the cognitive demands placed on students. He calls for a more cautious and reflective approach to the adoption of generative AI in educational contexts.
Promoting Thoughtful AI Literacy
Riley advocates for genuine AI literacy among educators, which extends beyond technical knowledge to include an understanding of biases and societal implications. He emphasizes the need for educators to critically assess the tools they use, instead of blindly following trends promoted by influencers or tech advocates. His approach involves equipping educators with knowledge about how AI operates so they can make informed choices about integrating it into their teaching practices. The goal is to empower educators to foster a learning environment that prioritizes deep cognitive engagement over simplified solutions that AI might offer.
In this special 300th episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Benjamin Riley, founder of Cognitive Resonance, to explore the intersection of AI and human cognition in education. We discuss everything from the hype surrounding AI, the challenges of automation in learning, and why understanding human cognition is crucial to navigating new educational technologies. Join us as we question the assumptions about AI’s role in schools, dig into the biases of large language models, and look at the responsibilities educators face in this tech-driven world.
Timestamps 00:25 - Introduction to the 300th Episode and Guest Introduction 01:33 - Benjamin’s Background and the Founding of Cognitive Resonance 06:01 - Initial Thoughts on ChatGPT in November 2022 11:45 - Comparing AI Hype to Past Tech Predictions in Education 16:15 - Why Effortful Thinking is Essential for Learning 20:03 - Limitations of AI as a Tutor and Khanmigo 25:06 - The Risks of Taking AI-Generated Content at Face Value 29:35 - Influence of Tech Companies and Education Influencers 34:05 - Real AI Literacy vs. Learning Prompt Engineering 39:02 - Addressing the Pressure to “Keep Up” with AI in Education 44:59 - Practical Frameworks for Cautious AI Adoption in Schools 47:47 - Closing Questions: Benjamin’s Edu Kryptonite, Role Models, and Billboard Message
Thank you for joining us for this milestone episode! Don’t forget to check out the Cognitive Resonance website and Benjamin’s must-read paper, “Education Hazards of Generative AI.” And remember, stay techie!
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