In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer engages with Justin Reich, an MIT faculty member who critically examines the rapid evolution of AI and its implications in the educational landscape. Reich provides a nuanced perspective, challenging the prevailing excitement around AI's exponential growth and its integration into educational settings. He discusses the historical context of AI development, notably the shift from GPT-3 to GPT-3.5, and raises concerns about the sustainability of improvements in AI technologies given the finite nature of data sources. Reich also explores the classification of technologies as either adoption or arrival technologies, with AI posing unique challenges due to its sudden and pervasive emergence. Throughout the discussion, Reich emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's operational mechanics and advocates for a thoughtful and informed approach to integrating AI in educational practices, highlighting potential risks and the need for a critical assessment of new tools. His insights urge educators to consider both the immediate and long-term effects of AI on teaching and learning dynamics.
Guest Links:
- Justin Reich's podcast, the Teach Lab Podcast: Teach Lab Podcast
- Justin Reich's professional group at MIT, the Teaching Systems Lab: Teaching Systems Lab
- A specific subsection for AI-related content on the Teaching Systems Lab website: TSL MIT AI
What is Make It Mindful: An Education Podcast?
The Make It Mindful podcast, hosted by Seth Fleischauer, explores education through the lens of mindfulness, focusing on practical, transformative solutions for teaching and learning. Each episode features conversations with educational changemakers, authors, psychologists, and leaders as Seth uncovers what they do, why it works, and how listeners can incorporate those insights into their own educational practices. By applying a mindfulness lens, the podcast encourages listeners to look objectively at what’s really going on in education, using that perspective to create positive, lasting change.