AI Isn't the Disruption, Our Instructional Assumptions Are

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh talks with Dave Blanchard to reframe how we think about artificial intelligence in education and the workplace. Rather than seeing AI as a disruption, Dave challenges listeners to examine the assumptions behind how we teach, learn, and work. He shares insights from his role in online learning and his work with the Minnesota Generative AI Alliance, highlighting how AI can reduce friction, support better decision making, and spark innovation when used thoughtfully. Their conversation explores the importance of human oversight, adaptability, and integrity in a rapidly changing environment. This episode offers a practical and encouraging perspective for anyone navigating the evolving intersection of technology, learning, and leadership. -- Dave Blanchard, Ed.D., is the Director of Online and Distance Learning at St. Cloud State University, where he leads strategic initiatives in digital learning, instructional design, and academic technology. His work focuses on aligning online education with institutional goals while advancing faculty development, accessibility, and student-centered course design. Dave's research and leadership center on the ethical integration of emerging technologies, including AI, in education, with an emphasis on equity, social justice, and human-centered learning. He is also a founding member of AI4MN, Minnesota's leading network for advancing thoughtful, cross-sector collaboration around AI in education.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsonblanchard/