A Bug in the System? Rethinking Education in Light of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how people learn, how educators teach, and how kids encounter content online. But as the technology races ahead, many are left wondering: What is the role of education in the age of Artificial Intelligence? Who benefits, and who gets left out? What in our classrooms should we preserve, and what is ready to evolve?

At this William Eddy Lecture at the Fairbanks Museum, Sarah Newman, Project Lead of Harvard’s AI Pedagogy Project, will offer an introduction to how AI works, with a focus on generative AI tools that are reshaping education in visible and invisible ways. She’ll discuss positive use cases and surprising opportunities while staying mindful of AI’s potential risks. From classroom use and AI policies to parenting and homework, the talk will highlight strategies for how we can use AI to promote critical thinking, foster creativity, and prepare students for the future. Whether you are curious, skeptical, or simply trying to keep up with the rapidly evolving world of AI, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to navigate the conversation around AI and see its potential in a new light.