How AI exposes inequities in modern schooling

In this episode of Education Futures, host Svenia Busson sits down with Ken Shelton, a 20-year teaching veteran and global thought leader in educational technology. Drawing from his experience working with schools in over 50 countries, Ken challenges the "all gas, no brakes" approach to AI, as well as the knee-jerk "ban and block" mentality seen in many governments.

Key topics discussed in this episode include:

• The Digital Equity "Quilt": Why digital equity is about much more than just providing a device, it’s about broadband infrastructure, "digital redlining," and the quality of the platforms being used.
• The Problem with Efficiency: A critique of the AI marketing trend that focuses on "grading faster" at the expense of pedagogical efficacy and meaningful feedback.
• AI as a Truth-Teller: How AI hasn't necessarily created "cheating" problems, but has instead highlighted ineffective and antiquated forms of assessment like multiple-choice tests.
• Practical Pedagogy: Ken's "Golden Rule" for AI (More Context = Better Output) and how teachers can use Project Zero thinking routines to "AI-proof" learning.
• Confronting Bias: Engaging activities to help students and teachers identify the human-generated biases embedded in image generators and LLMs.
• The School of 2040: Ken’s vision for a future-ready education system that prioritizes lifelong intellectual curiosity, multilingualism, and media literacy over static curriculum.

Ken reminds us that while the platforms may change, the skill sets required to navigate them: critical thinking, ethical leadership, and human-centered design, are evergreen.