Dr. Data Takeover! AI, Technology & Child Development

About this episode

This episode explores the impact of AI and technology on child development and education, featuring discussions on new policies and innovative approaches to learning.

In this special episode, Dr. Chris Kulesza (aka "Dr. Data") is joined by co-host Owala Maima , Media Communications Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, to dive into the massive opportunities and challenges surrounding children’s wellbeing in the age of rapid technological change and Artificial Intelligence. We’re diving into: HB 1481 & School Cell Phone Bans: Texas House Representative Caroline Fairly (District 87) discusses the breadth of the new law, student and parent reactions, and its intended impact on academic success and student health. AI & Precision Policies: Dr. Suresh Bhavnani , Professor of Biostatistics & Data Science at UTMB , explains how interpretable AI methods can be used to create more precise policy design that directly benefits and protects American families. Thriving in the Age of Gen AI: Miguel Guhlin , Director of Professional Development at the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), breaks down why outright banning ChatGPT is a missed opportunity. We discuss the SOLO Taxonomy, critical thinking skills, and how using new frameworks helps learners thrive. Human-First Higher Ed AI: Austin Community College Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Chris Kulesza

Guest: Owala Maima

Topics covered

• AI and child development
• technology in education
• school policies
• student wellbeing
• human-centered AI
• critical thinking skills

Keywords

• AI
• child development
• school policies
• technology
• critical thinking
• student wellbeing
• education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CHILDREN AT RISK, UTMB, Texas Computer Education Association, Austin Community College

More episodes of Growing Up In America: The Way It Is

• HISD Updates, Learning Recession, Hantavirus & Ebola Outbreaks · June 11, 2026 · 57 min
• The Future of HISD & Fostering Connection for Healthy Communities · June 4, 2026 · 58 min
• HISD Under Dept, of Ed Investigation, Gen Z Offline, SNAP & Hunger in Texas · May 27, 2026 · 57 min
• The State of Immigrant Families, the Learning Recession & Texas School Vouchers · May 21, 2026 · 55 min
• Growing Up Abroad, Harris County ELQN & Gen Z's Obsession with Y2K · May 6, 2026 · 57 min
• Growing Up Abroad, 'Chronic' Child Care Deserts, How TikTok is Changing Our Brains · April 30, 2026 · 57 min