- "Because brains weren’t built for busywork."
In this episode of Agile Ed, we unpack one of the most persistent misconceptions in education today: that students using GenAI are just lazy. What if laziness isn’t the problem, but a feature of the human brain? We explore how our cognitive systems are wired for efficiency, why critical thinking should be the real focus, and how AI can actually help foster deeper engagement when used intentionally.
Drawing from student interviews and our own classroom experiences, we discuss how stigma, secrecy, and moral self-judgments shape how students talk about their AI use. We highlight how reframing conversations around AI use—from cheating to learning—can build students’ confidence and skill. We also dive into practical strategies like analogy development, the method of loci, and AI-supported cue card practice to promote meaningful, memorable learning experiences.
This is a jam-packed episode that connects psychology, pedagogy, and real talk about what learners and instructors actually need in today’s AI-augmented classrooms.
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