20. Bridging AI and Education Through Critical Curiosity: A Conversation with Joshua Thorpe

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Joshua Thorpe discusses the integration of AI in higher education, emphasizing the need for a shift in how AI is perceived and utilized in academic settings. He advocates for treating AI as an interactive environment rather than a mere tool and shares practical strategies for faculty to incorporate AI into their curricula. Ethical considerations surrounding AI usage are also explored alongside institutional approaches to fostering AI literacy among students. Thorpe highlights the innovative use of comics in his book 'AI for Students' as a means to engage learners and make complex topics more accessible. He concludes with advice for institutions hesitant to embrace AI, stressing the importance of critical curiosity in navigating this evolving landscape. Thorpe and Thuswaldner discuss the implications of AI on the future of work, education, and the humanities. They explore the evolving role of educators, the importance of critical digital literacy, and the potential for AI to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations and the nature of consciousness in relation to AI.Takeaways• AI should be treated as an environment for thinking.• Flipping the script on AI usage can enhance creativity.• Understanding prompt design is crucial for effective AI use.• Small steps are key to integrating AI into curricula.• Critical curiosity is a balanced approach to AI.