Generative AI: Where it came from, what it is, and what it means for Education

Michael Wooldridge. University of Oxford (UK)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dominated headlines for years, but the rapid advancements in generative AI, exemplified by systems like ChatGPT, have been transformative. In this talk, AI expert Michael Wooldridge explores the origins of generative AI, its core capabilities, and its limitations. He delves into its impact on education, showcasing groundbreaking applications that are reshaping teaching and learning. Wooldridge also examines what this technology means for educators—how it can enhance their work—and for students, emphasizing that while generative AI won’t replace teachers, it will profoundly change their roles. This talk offers key insights into the future of education in the age of AI.

Memory in the Age of Technology: What to Know, What to Remember, and Why It Still Matters for Teaching and Learning

Michelle Miller. Northern Arizona University (USA)

With technology at our fingertips, memory and memorization are often dismissed as outdated skills in education. Search engines, Artificial Intelligence, and augmented reality seem to store all the information we need, leading many to believe that students no longer need to memorize key facts. In this talk, cognitive psychologist and researcher Michelle Miller explores new research on reasoning skills, revealing that memory and thinking are deeply interconnected and that human expertise remains essential alongside digital tools. She challenges the notion that memory is obsolete, presenting the “Noble Truths of Memory” —key insights that every educator should understand to navigate the evolving landscape of learning in the digital age.