Preserving learning in the age of AI shortcuts
From Harvard Thinking by Harvard University
February 18, 2026 · 28 min · Season 1 · Episode 22
About this episode
This episode discusses the challenges and opportunities of using generative AI tools in education, featuring insights from cognitive scientists and educators.
Generative AI tools are here to stay. There’s a debate around whether or not they should be embraced in spaces of learning. Recent reports suggest that the risks of using these tools might outweigh the benefits, threatening cognitive development by doing the thinking for their users. This is forcing educators into a dilemma: how do they make the most of AI’s potential, while also protecting students’ ability to think for themselves? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with cognitive scientist Tina Grotzer, applied mathematics professor Michael Brenner, and educator Ying Xu about how to use AI tools to enhance learning, rather than replace it.
People in this episode
Host: Samantha Laine Perfas
Guests: Tina Grotzer, Michael Brenner, Ying Xu
Topics covered
- AI in education
- cognitive development
- learning tools
- educational technology
- generative AI
Keywords
- AI shortcuts
- education
- cognitive science
- learning enhancement
- technology in classrooms
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Harvard University
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