Alex Kotran: aiEDU, AI in Education, EdTech and AI Literecy

Welcome back to the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, where we explore groundbreaking ideas transforming education. In this episode, host Hayley Spira-Bauer continues season 6 with a special guest, Alex Kotran, CEO of the AI Education Project. This episode is part of our AI miniseries and EdTech Week's content collective, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and education.

From Politics to AI: Alex Kotran’s Unexpected Journey

Alex’s professional journey has taken him from the world of politics to AI-driven education. While growing up in Ohio, with educators for parents, Alex initially wasn’t drawn to the education field. Instead, he pursued political science, studying at Ohio State University and interning in Washington D.C. His involvement in the Obama administration and later work in San Francisco led him to witness the growing impact of AI, especially during the ML (machine learning) revolution in 2016.

Alex’s shift towards AI ethics came through his work with organizations such as the Future Society, which focused on the governance of AI. He later joined a tech company called H5, which pioneered AI language models for the legal sector. However, as Alex attended various AI conferences, he noticed a glaring gap—educators were absent from discussions about the future impact of AI on education and work.

The Birth of the AI Education Project

In 2019, Alex founded the AI Education Project (AIEdu) to fill this gap. The goal? To ensure every student is prepared for the age of AI. He notes that while tech companies and thought leaders are pushing forward conversations on AI and the future of work, the majority of K-12 schools still lag behind in offering any meaningful curriculum on AI.

Kotran emphasizes that many schools are stuck in outdated conversations about technology—discussions that might have been relevant 20 years ago, but not in today's world, where AI is omnipresent in our lives. The need for education systems to evolve is urgent, especially when economists predict tens of millions of jobs will be displaced by AI.

Navigating the AI Hype Cycle

As the conversation progressed, Hayley and Alex explored the current state of AI hype. Alex shared his perspective on where we are in the hype cycle, noting that while AI is indeed overhyped, there's also an underestimation of its potential impact. According to Alex, the next three years will likely see incremental progress in AI capabilities, rather than the rapid advancements some futurists predict. We won’t see artificial general intelligence or robots replacing most human functions anytime soon. The current excitement may wane as the incremental improvements become the norm, and many AI startups might fail due to high error rates and limited practical applications.

However, Alex also pointed out that the eight-year horizon looks more promising. Advances in AI reasoning and capabilities could lead to significant breakthroughs, enhancing productivity and altering job markets. AI's potential for improving productivity by 5% might seem modest now, but it could have substantial effects on various industries, including education.

The Role of AI in Education: Preparing for the Future

In light of these insights, Alex highlighted the importance of focusing on AI literacy and preparing students for a future where AI will be integral to their lives. The AI Education Project is not about teaching specific tools but rather equipping students with skills to navigate and adapt to future technological changes.

Alex also addressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI. He warned against the risks of AI becoming a tool that exacerbates social issues, much like social media did. The potential for AI to create social isolation or displace jobs is real, and educators will play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by fostering critical thinking and adaptability in students.

The Government's Role in AI Education

Hayley and Alex also discussed the government's role in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Alex emphasized that while government intervention is necessary, it alone cannot solve all issues. Instead, creating a cultural movement around AI and investing in education and re-skilling are crucial. Funding for schools, teacher compensation, and regulatory frameworks are needed to support the integration of AI in education effectively.

Advice for Educators on AI

As the conversation concluded, Alex offered practical advice for educators. He encouraged teachers to view AI as a learning journey and not be intimidated by its complexity. Just as people use smartphones without understanding their inner workings, educators can start integrating AI concepts into their teaching without needing to be experts. The key is to focus on teaching students how to interact with and adapt to AI, rather than mastering specific tools.