Future Focus | From Classrooms to AI Companions: Guiding a Generation Raised by Algorithms

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts126/v4/a4/23/20/a42320ce-56ec-aac7-9b7c-289db19c4b05/mza_17141827928061989712.png/600x600bb.jpg

Designing Schools

Dr. Sabba Quidwai

186 episodes

2 weeks ago

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.

Education

RSS

All content for Designing Schools is the property of Dr. Sabba Quidwai and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Education

https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/40173597/3dc195ef0c8fafd1.png

Future Focus | From Classrooms to AI Companions: Guiding a Generation Raised by Algorithms | Week of May 5, 2025

Designing Schools

44 minutes 44 seconds

7 months ago

Future Focus | From Classrooms to AI Companions: Guiding a Generation Raised by Algorithms | Week of May 5, 2025

This week, Sabba and Stefan explore the increasingly blurred lines between AI as a companion, and AI as chatbot, and what's at stake for today's young people. With urgent reports from Common Sense Media and bold visions from tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Visa, the conversation uncovers the stark contrasts and underlying truths shaping our AI-driven future. This episode is a call to leadership, urging schools, parents, and communities to move beyond fear and into thoughtful engagement.

Timestamps

[00:00] Competing Visions of AI’s Future

Sabba introduces the episode's central theme: AI's dual identity as a supportive teammate and a dangerous emotional influence, especially on youth.

[02:00] Common Sense Media vs. Microsoft AI

A deep dive into the recent Common Sense Media report flagging AI companions as unsafe for minors and contrasting it with Mustafa Suleyman’s optimistic view of AI as a digital species.

[14:00] The Inconsistency of AI Ratings in Education

Exploring contradictions in Common Sense Media’s app evaluations, highlighting the blurred lines between chatbots and AI companions used in educational settings

[20:00] Corporate AI First Strategies & Education’s Outdated Response

Discussion of bold AI-first declarations by companies like Duolingo and Shopify and the disconnect with education's cautious or regressive stance.

[37:00] Orbs, World ID, and AI Shoppers

Introduction to Worldcoin’s biometric ID system and Visa’s vision of AI-powered financial agents—spotlighting how AI is rapidly embedding itself into everyday life.

Explore More from Designing Schools

🤝 Partner with Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the AI Power Circle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and collaborate with forward-thinking educators building the future with AI.
📘 Get the Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Designing Schools⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a practical blueprint to transform your campus with creativity, leadership, and innovation.
🎓 Prepare Your Students for an AI Future: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Course – AI Skills for College and Career⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to equip your school community with future-ready skills.

For questions, email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@designingschools.org

Resources Mentioned