Cognitive Offloading

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of technology on education and the balance needed to prepare children for a future with AI.

At a time when all of us are drowning in tech, AFT President Randi Weingarten just rolled out an action plan to combat the use of screens in classrooms before third grade, which includes an emphasis on more hands-on learning.“We are at a crossroads that will define the future of work and society,” Weingarten said. “Without proper oversight and strong guardrails, there will be real dangers to our safety, privacy, climate and the very fabric of society.”Weingarten added that she is “not calling for a total ban on AI or a Chromebook bonfire,” but “what I am calling for,” she said, “is getting the balance right to harness the benefits of technology while mitigating the harms.”How do we help kids learn and prepare in a world of AI without depriving them of curiosity, persistence and critical thinking? Plus, the new lawsuits aimed at overturning new rules that limit financial aid access under the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

People in this episode

Hosts: Jon Tester, Maritsa Georgiou

Guest: Randi Weingarten

Topics covered

• technology
• education
• AI
• screen time
• child development
• lawsuits
• financial aid

Keywords

• cognitive offloading
• hands-on learning
• AI
• screen use
• education policy
• financial aid
• One Big Beautiful Bill Act

More episodes of Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou

• We Saw it Coming · June 11, 2026 · 1h 13m
• Even Baddies Get Saddies · June 9, 2026 · 49 min
• This is Mission · May 26, 2026 · 1h 15m
• True (Stupid) Crime · May 21, 2026 · 54 min
• A Vote is a Kind of Prayer · May 20, 2026 · 55 min
• Mayor Pete in Montana! · May 17, 2026 · 59 min