Borrowing from the Past: Productive Friction in the Age of AI

AI promises speed, efficiency, and instant answers. But what happens when learning becomes too frictionless?In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores the idea of productive friction in the age of AI. Drawing on classroom examples and leadership reflections, he examines why certain forms of struggle, effort, and cognitive challenge are not obstacles to learning — they are essential to it.From retrieval practice to oral defenses to slowing down the writing process, this episode challenges leaders to design systems that balance innovation with intentional resistance. Because in a world optimized for speed, thoughtful friction may be one of our most powerful leadership tools.Full Article: https://www.gettingsmart.com/2026/02/12/borrowing-from-the-past-productive-friction-in-the-age-of-ai/