

Designing Schools
Dr. Sabba Quidwai
Cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. As you navigate today’s changing world the question remains how do you create these cultures? How do you scale them? And how do you help people develop the mindset and skills to thrive within them?
These are the questions people ask Dr. Sabba Quidwai, researcher, educator and storyteller. Each week we’ll explore the answers with stories and strategies from researchers, education leaders and today’s young people as we explore how might we design schools.
These are the questions people ask Dr. Sabba Quidwai, researcher, educator and storyteller. Each week we’ll explore the answers with stories and strategies from researchers, education leaders and today’s young people as we explore how might we design schools.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 22, 2024 • 29min
Future Focus | 10/22 | Your Weekly Guide to What's Now and Next with AI
In this episode we discuss the rise of Agentic AI. AI's that move beyond chatbots to AI's that can do things, see things, and as HeyGen say act like you, sound like you, and think like you.
We contrast this with the latest lawsuit against Hingham High School where two parents are suing a teacher and others in the district for harming their child's college admissions process by punishing his use of AI.
We zoom out and talk about the implications of emerging technologies and what happens when we don't create clarity and confidence in our communities about how to make decisions moving forward.
Links to Articles
HeyGen Announcement
AI Court Case at Hingham High School
Implication Wheel Activity Prompt
Try this prompt with ChatGPT
I want to explore the potential consequences of a topic using an implication wheel. Please do the following:
Start with my given topic.
Generate a first-level implication (a direct consequence).
From the first-level implication, generate a second-level implication (a consequence of that consequence).
Continue in this manner to explore third-level implications and beyond.
Here is the topic I want to explore: [Your Topic Here]
Let's go step-by-step. Please give me the first implication.
Let us know what topics you'd like us to cover next.

Oct 21, 2024 • 32min
Human Intelligence Vs. AGI - How Can We Adapt and Strive?
In this episode, we explore the evolving definition of intelligence as AI technology advances.
Joined by Dr. Michelle Ament, co-founder of the Human Intelligence Movement, we discuss the intersection of human-centered education, AI literacy, and the role of empathy and lived experience in shaping a future of shared prosperity.
The conversation also highlights how design thinking can empower us to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven world.
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Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-start
Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org

Oct 15, 2024 • 34min
Future Focus | 10/15 | Your Weekly Guide to What's Now and Next with AI
In this episode we discuss the prediction by Erik Brynjolfsson in that within five years, human intelligence will be perceived as limited and specialized compared to the expansive capabilities of AI systems.
We discuss the latest updates and contextualize as to how this shift will affect and influence the field of education.

Oct 11, 2024 • 24min
Future Focus | 10/8 | Your Weekly Guide to What's Now and Next with AI
This week we cover:
How ChatGPT has a new model called Canvas that integrates a Google Docs style experience
We talk about the shift in language from computer to companion
We discuss recent CA laws on deepfakes and what that means for ethics
We share a paper with our favorite definition of AI literacy.
Links to Resources
AI Literacy Paper
OpenAI Canvas
Pre-Order Designing Schools The Book
When you pre-order you get access to our exclusive webinar series: From Campus to Creator: How to Turn Your Passion into Profit with Design Thinking
Click here to preorder

Oct 4, 2024 • 41min
5 Leadership Shifts in an A.I. World
In this video, we talk with Superintendent Jerry Almendarez of Santa Ana Unified School District shares his journey in leadership, and discusses the five critical shifts leaders must make to adapt to AI and future changes, and how leaders can navigate the evolving landscape of AI by fostering a culture of trust, safety, and creativity.
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Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-...
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org

Oct 2, 2024 • 39min
Future Focus | 10/1 | Your Weekly Guide to What's Now and Next
This episode covers Sam Altman's blog post, The Intelligence Age, exploring how AI will transform education, healthcare, and shared prosperity.
We discuss Mira Murati's departure from OpenAI, the rise of AI-driven startups, and the increasing role of AI in shaping our future workspaces and personal lives.
Sample Prompt Template: "Help me understand the implications of [AI's potential in healthcare, education, etc.] as discussed by Sam Altman in his blog post The Intelligence Age [cut and paste blog post in]. Can you also explain how these advances might change my daily workflow or long-term goals?"
Link to Articles
The Intelligence Age
How Managers Use AI vs MBA Students
AI Adoption Outpacing Previous Technologies
OpenAI Advanced Voice Mode
Free Masterclass: AI Simplified - How to Be an AI Leader and Save 8+ Hours Every Single Week
Learn more about Designing Schools here.

Sep 24, 2024 • 29min
Future Focus | 9/24 | Your Weekly Guide to What's Now and Next with AI
What happens in a world where some students learn AI, and others don't?
This week we share the data on the current landscape of how teens are using generative AI, and the role of schools to teach AI literacy. We share reflections from the launch of our WISE Framework, a human-centered approach to teaching AI to young people to foster decision making with integrity. We discuss the latest Canva Education report on what skills workplaces are looking for.
Links to Resources Shared
Invitation: Join our free webinar on teaching students about AI
Common Sense Media Report
Canva Education Report

Sep 18, 2024 • 28min
Future Focus | 9/16 |Your Weekly Guide to Now and Next
This week we discuss the two big updates with Google's Notebook LM and OpenAI's much awaited model release.
With AI models becoming more advanced we discuss the qualities that make humans irreplaceable.
Watch Our Free AI MasterClass
Click here to register on demand
OpenAI - How Professional Writers are Using ChatGPT
Link to Article

Sep 11, 2024 • 31min
Future Focus | 9/10 | Your Weekly Guide to Now and Next
This week we discuss the two big events happening this week - Apple Intelligence and the AI special with Oprah. We share new initiatives being launched in higher education, and how 1000 autonomous AI agents created their own city. We also discuss how to assess credibility and contextualize the vast amounts of information shared daily.
And we close with advice on personal branding in the age of AI, and what to keep in mind.
Links to Articles
USC IYA + Marshall Joint Program
Project Sid
Apple Event
Oprah: AI and the Future of Us
Have you seen our free masterclass? Click here to sign up and learn how to become an AI leader and save 8+ hours every single week.

Sep 5, 2024 • 29min
Future Focus | 9/3/2024 | Your Weekly Guide to Now and Next
Welcome to our latest episode where we explore the integration of AI in our daily routines and its transformative impact on education and personal assistance. Today, we’ll uncover how AI tools are enhancing educational experiences and reshaping home environments with advanced robotics. Join us as we discuss the evolving relationship between technology and daily human interactions, paving the way for a future deeply intertwined with AI.
AI's Role in Design Thinking: Dive into a discussion about the potential of AI in design thinking, with a focus on the newly developed 'Strawberry' model which emphasizes improved reasoning in AI
Educational Shifts: Insight into how schools like David Game College are integrating AI to revolutionize teaching, aiming to enhance student engagement and free up teacher time for more creative educational pursuits.
AI Integration in Everyday Tech: From upgrades to Siri and Alexa to the integration of AI in home robots, get a glimpse of how AI is becoming an unnoticeable yet integral part of our daily interactions
Future of Robotics and AI: Consider the implications of humanoid robots in everyday life, exploring the balance between convenience and personal privacy, highlighted by the launch of the Neo robot
Links to Articles
OpenAI New Model
Aiden Gomez | CEO of Cohere Interview
David Game College
Afraid Trailer


