How to safeguard cognition in the age of AI
School leaders face the growing challenge of preventing AI and other technology from eroding students’ critical-thinking capacity.
On the latest episode of the “DA Changemakers” podcast, Ayisha Irfan, founder and CEO of Augmented Intelligence Advisory, discusses strategies for safeguarding cognition in the age of AI.
Irfan warns that relying on AI to retrieve information risks “cognitive dependence,” where students generate answers without building foundational reasoning skills.
She urges educators to emphasize Socratic dialogue and active inquiry. “Don’t take anything at face value and be able to tell me not only what you think but why you think it,” Irfan says, imagining the role of a teacher.
Irfan advises superintendents to demand proof that tech tools enhance learning rather than just speed.
“Productivity, I would say, is the lazy man’s metric,” she notes, encouraging leaders to prioritize tools that spur active questioning, student retention and classroom engagement.
Ultimately, Irfan cautions against extreme approaches—such as blanket bans or treating AI as a panacea. Instead, she stressed the importance of centering teacher voices and pedagogical practice when making district decisions.
“Bring the humans at the center of all of this along for the ride in a way that changes how teaching and learning happen,” Irfan says.
Listen to the full episode below:
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