The "AI *in* Education" Conversation is the Wrong Starting Point

Starting with where/how to put “AI in Education” seems to start backwards.

Instead —

Step 1. What will the economy and governance look like in 3-5 years?

Step 2. What do today’s students need need to survive and maybe even thrive in that world?

Step 3. What does the “educational system” need to do to help (it won’t do it on its own) prepare for that world?

Step 4. What (appropriate) role does AI play in that? And, relatedly: How will AI be able to help not just now, but in three years.

It seems most are assuming that at least 1-2 won’t change so we can start with 4. If we don’t start with 1-3, why are we bothering with 4?

And, as has been noted by many, including Tim Dasey today, we need to make adjustments for 1-3 for even the present.

The survey he shared.

What does it mean for K-12?

K-12 largely focuses on preparing students for the knowledge and skills students will need to succeed in universities, but now there is a break between what they need to succeed in universities in “real life” (currently and in the future).

Where does that leave K-12? Should it prepare students to leap frog over the universities? Do parents understand how significant the breaks are?