Life with AI: Navigating the Age of Emergence

"Life with AI" might be the new descriptor of our era, perhaps replacing the less-popular "Anthropocene." While the latter marks the first epoch defined by human activity upon the earth, it often feels too clinical. Most people don’t contemplate the eons that passed before humans could marvel at an exploding volcano or the northern lights. Our current era is better described as the Age of Emergence, introducing a new cognitive partner, or the Cogitocene: The Age of Shared Cognition.

The Ubiquity of Artificial Intelligence

Whatever it is called, it is undeniably here. Whether as a silent partner in professional workflows or a planning assistant in personal life, AI is influencing and, increasingly, making decisions for humans. Its impact is woven into the infrastructure of everyday life—barely noticeable in some cases, a conscious tool in others. From restructuring supply chains to optimizing traffic patterns, AI is a pervasive force.

AI is also streamlining business processes and evaluating spreadsheets. It creates tailored worksheets for busy teachers, enhancing their productivity. As every facet of society bends under the influence of AI's talent for extracting insights from data sets and human behavior, education is, of course, changing. This transformation, however, is proceeding in its signature fashion: disorganized, autonomous, irregular, stochastic, and occasionally punctuated by the dry, deadpan one-liners of teachers aimed at their new, sometimes suspiciously cheerful, pseudo-empathic tools.

AI Integration Across Educational Systems

Education systems—including K-12, post-secondary institutions, community colleges, and vocational-technical schools—are adopting and integrating AI into teaching and learning at varying rates and with mixed degrees of enthusiasm.

Ed-tech companies are, predictably, creating a dizzying array of dashboards, applications, and chatbots. Each tool aggressively insists it will "revolutionize education." Meanwhile, teachers quietly grapple with why fundamental tasks, like taking attendance, still require nineteen clicks.

The true heavy lifting, however, is yet to come. If education systems are to genuinely prepare young people for life in the Cogitocene, they must consider complete rebuilding (hopefully not just re-branding) and a fundamental re-imagining of their magical role.

The Crises of Engagement and Design

The traditional lecture hall model is failing. Can one imagine hundreds of students genuinely paying attention to the sole wise bard on the stage without checking their screens, scrolling 'Insta,' or using TikTok? The answer is no. Lectures are bombing. Students increasingly wait for the video recording or rely on AI to take notes and generate study cards for them.

Discussion, face-to-face collaboration, and critical thinking are becoming greater challenges, as noted by the teachers and professors I speak with. Multiple data points also point to increasing disengagement and dissatisfaction across all levels of teaching and learning.

It is important to note that this is not a general systemic failure. Those who call the entire education system "at risk" are missing the larger picture: millions of high school, college, and graduate school students are successfully finishing their studies. While not always landing their ideal job, most are working. An unemployment rate of 5% for college graduates is not great, but it still means 95% are employed.

The Imperative for Reconfiguration

Despite these successes, the future feels precarious. Problems persist on the fringes: underfunded and underperforming schools, shrinking school districts, severe teacher shortages, and apathetic or absent students.

Crucially, in this Age of Co-Cognition, no one truly knows what to train students for. Do we fall back on emphasizing soft skills and people skills?

The most challenging task ahead is the complete configuration and re-imagining of schools at all levels, starting from the ground up.

Is this necessary?

1. The Model is Obsolete: The current educational model is well over 100 years old.

2. The World of Work is Transforming: The job market is changing rapidly. New industries and processes are completely trashing old ones, and this transformation is only accelerating.

3. The Evolving Young Mind: Young people today grow up in a fundamentally different way than previous generations. If you are over thirty, it can be nearly impossible to imagine how they process their lives, categorize their thoughts, and conceive of what to do, see, be, feel, and think.

   
   

These factors provide more than enough justification for a radical overhaul. It brings to mind that classic question, asked by bartenders the world over, “So, what’ll it be?” Any ideas?

The Future of Education in the Cogitocene

As we look forward, the role of AI in education will only expand. Schools must adapt to this reality. They need to embrace technology while fostering critical thinking and creativity. The goal should be to create an environment where students can thrive alongside AI, not in its shadow.

Embracing New Learning Models

To succeed, educational institutions must explore new learning models. Blended learning, project-based learning, and personalized education are just a few approaches that can be enhanced by AI. These models encourage collaboration and engagement, making learning more relevant to students' lives.

The Role of Educators

Educators will play a crucial role in this transition. They must become facilitators of learning rather than mere transmitters of information. By leveraging AI tools, teachers can focus on building relationships with students and fostering a love for learning.

Preparing for an Uncertain Future

The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: education must evolve. Schools need to prepare students for a world where AI is a constant presence. This means equipping them with the skills to navigate a landscape that is rapidly changing.

In conclusion, the integration of AI into education presents both challenges and opportunities. By reimagining educational practices and embracing new technologies, we can create a system that prepares students for success in the Cogitocene. The journey ahead may be daunting, but it is also filled with potential. Together, we can shape the future of education in this new era.