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Beyond the Automation Abyss: Learning Agency vs. AI Agents in our Educational Futures
Abstract
The “Automation Abyss” is a state of teaching and learning that pits big tech’s vision of AI as an intermediary between everyone and everything against educators and students who are already struggling to know when they can assert self-determination, and when to take the convenience of AI assistance.
Immersive Learning Learning Labs XR Education Learning Design with Technology
Research presentation
The Essence of the Abyss
Cognitive Debt Accumulation Model
Efficiency-Memory Trade-off
Worker vs Expert Agency Perception
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STRATEGIC FORESIGHT INTO AI EDUCATION FUTURES
A series of thought experiments to pit possible outcomes and analyze the common characteristic.
Scenario 1: The Automation Dependency Future
Students become passive consumers of AI-generated content, losing the capacity for independent thought and creative problem-solving.
Scenario 2: The Resistance Backlash Future
Educational institutions ban AI entirely, leaving students unprepared for an AI-saturated world and increasingly irrelevant educational experiences.
Scenario 3: The Human-AI Co-learning Future
Thoughtfully designed educational experiences that preserve human agency while leveraging AI capabilities for enhanced learning.
Scenario 4: The Educational Obsolescence Future
AI systems provide more efficient educational services than traditional institutions, leading to the complete replacement of human-centered education.
