I recently teamed up with the inimitable Maria Franzoni, to create a series of short Zoom interviews exploring the impact of AI, future education trends, and the exciting opportunities ahead.

The purpose of education needs to evolve. It’s no longer just about creating economically productive citizens or malleable workers. With AI taking over tasks that were once human, we need a system that helps children reach their maximum potential. Through AI-assisted learning and the guidance of dedicated teachers, we could foster thoughtful, civic-minded kids who are strong communicators.

So, what skills will they need? Sure, communication, reading, writing, and civic literacy remain important, but we need to focus on real-world teamwork and hands on problem solving. Think: “𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙡 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙡?”or “𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢?” These challenges teach kids to collaborate, adapt, and think critically in unpredictable situations. Let’s also prioritise language learning. Young children have 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆, and learning new languages reshapes their brains for long-term cognitive flexibility – the capacity to switch attention quickly between different tasks.

As automation takes over routine jobs, we’ll see fewer traditional roles available. That makes it even more crucial to develop skills like creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence – qualities that are harder to automate. It’s time to rethink outdated structures, like early start times that don’t suit children’s circadian rhythms. How about a 10am start with an optional before-school program focused on socialising, play, exercise, and good food – things that set them up for success!

Matt 😀