Stephen Downes

This is a light article making the case that even in the age of AI we still need to learn. It addresses common AI risks such as error and bias and the possibility of it becoming a 'cognitive crutch'. It also considers the oft-touted prospect of AI tutoring systems, suggesting that they fail to address "'socialization' (the process by which we find our place in particular social, cultural and political groups); and... 'subjectification' (how we become individuals capable of thinking independently and taking responsibility for our own lives)." I have always felt 'AI tutoring systems' to represent a narrow instructivist view of education, but the potential of AI doesn't end there. But more to the point is the implication that we will stop learning if we no longer need to. Why would we believe that? Human brains constantly learn. The question is not whether we need to learn, but rather, what will we learn. I look forward to the day when human learning evolves not out of utility and necessity but because of interest and creativity.