AI and Abolition of the Student

AI and Abolition of the Student

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Description

This presentation examines how advances in technology—from writing and calculators to artificial intelligence—have transformed the way humans think and learn. Focusing on the concept of cognitive offloading, the speaker highlights how external tools support thinking while also introducing the risk of deskilling when foundational abilities are not fully developed.

Special attention is given to the rise of AI and generative technologies, which extend beyond supporting cognition to enabling what the speaker terms “agency offloading”—delegating not only knowledge retrieval but also aspects of thinking and decision-making. This shift raises important questions about student learning, independent thought, and the future of education.

Drawing on the historical example of calculators in mathematics, the talk argues that current educational models—especially those based on evaluating final outputs, such as essays—are no longer sufficient. Instead, it calls for a transformation in assessment practices toward evaluating process, reasoning, and intellectual formation.

The session concludes by emphasizing the need to balance AI literacy with the broader goal of developing critical thinking and whole-person education, ensuring that learners are prepared not only for the workplace but for meaningful engagement in an AI-driven world.

Publication Date

Spring 2-4-2026

City

Tulsa

Keywords

Cognitive offloading, De-skilling, Agency offloading, Artificial intelligence in education, Generative AI / large language models

Disciplines

Adult and Continuing Education | Adult and Continuing Education Administration | Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching | Community College Education Administration | Curriculum and Instruction | Curriculum and Social Inquiry | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Educational Technology | Higher Education Administration | Humane Education | Language and Literacy Education | Liberal Studies

AI and Abolition of the Student

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