Preserving Thinking in an AI World
We are at a crossroads in education. One path leads to a future where we surrender our agency to technology, a “Wall-E” future where we forget what it means to be an active learner, and our cognitive muscles atrophy. The other path uses AI as a superpower, like “Iron Man,” where the human remains the pilot.
This publication is dedicated to the second path. It explores AI-Enhanced Processes: specific strategies designed to integrate Generative AI into the classroom in transformative ways while preserving the authenticity of student thinking.
What is an AI-Enhanced Process? It is not a lesson plan or activity. They are intentional strategies where we intentionally break thinking into visible steps to show exactly who is doing the cognitive work: the student, the AI, or both in a collaborative partnership.
Without a clear process, AI could become a “cognitive shortcut” that bypasses the effort necessary for deep understanding. But when we use AI-Enhanced Processes, like Think, Generate, Edit or Acquire, Analyze, Act, we ensure that students engage in productive struggle. We show them that the value of learning isn’t in the final product, but in the productive struggle of thinking, a journey no machine, person, or tool can take for them.
What You’ll Find Here: This publication is a spot for educators practicing Sal Khan’s idea of “educated bravery”: the willingness to experiment, lead with curiosity, and model lifelong learning. Alex McMillan will be publishing content related to his book, new processes, and materials teachers can use to support powerful practices in their classrooms. Thank you for supporting!
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