Ep.1 with Professor Wayne Holmes | AI in Education: Framework, Policy, Risk and What Comes Next

Ep.1 with Professor Wayne Holmes | AI in Education: Framework, Policy, Risk and What Comes Next

While enjoying the convenience brought by chatbots, have you ever wondered or even worried about the subtle ways they might be changing our brains? In this episode, we sit down with Professor Wayne Holmes, who specialises in Critical Studies of AI and Education at UCL’s Institute of Education. He also holds an UNESCO Chair in the Ethics of AI and Education and advises the Council of Europe on this matter. Professor Holmes offers a candid and, at times, challenging perspective on what generative AI is really doing to the way we learn. His critical political background and service in advisory roles on global policy discussions have led him to often question prevailing assumptions about AI in education. This has given him a cautious, reflective perspective that helps balance the narrative often dominated by techno-optimistic business leaders portrayed by the media. We explore: 1. The cognitive impact of AI on learning 2. Learning versus education 3. AI literacy: beyond the technical 4. Regulation and policy in Europe and beyond 5. Life advice for a generation navigating uncertainty Whether you're a student, educator, EduTech startup, or simply someone trying to make sense of AI's role in our lives, this conversation will make you pause and reconsider what you think you know. It certainly made me reconsider how I use these chatbots!