Charles Fadel - AI Expert and Education Futurist

Host David Adams interviews Charles Fadel, an education futurist and artificial intelligence expert. They discuss how Fadel transitioned from engineering to education, believing technology should be used to solve real-world problems. Fadel explains how AI works through probability and pattern recognition to mimic human cognition, though true intelligence requires wisdom beyond tasks or tests. Adams and Fadel explore the hype versus reality of AI's current abilities, noting it exceeds humans at some cognitive and affective skills but falls short on critical reflection. Regarding education's purpose, they agree it must develop the whole person, balancing psychosocial, ethical, and economic goals. Fadel argues the system needs an "S-curve" change, from outdated content to teaching modern disciplines, competencies, and character. He advocates blended learning, with more engaging projects and less rote instruction. Adams and Fadel consider how AI prompts rethinking ossified practices and could help scale excellent, customized learning.