Ep. 69 - Gerry White: From Shakespeare to Cyborgs Teaching the Human Side of Humanity

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Gerry White, an award-winning educator and Dean of Academic Technology at ECPI University whose career defies easy categorization. Gerry’s journey spans from English literature and music to AI development and robotics, and he brings this interdisciplinary passion to every project. They discuss his AI-powered tutoring platform, MyTutorPlus, which creates a personalized "Iron Man"-style knowledge map for learners. Gerry also shares the surprising origins of Project Virgil—a school safety initiative using quadrupedal robots—and his work with local police. The conversation dives deep into why the fusion of code and quill (technology and humanities) is more critical than ever, how to teach students not just to use AI but to ask the right questions, and why maintaining human agency and ethics is non-negotiable in our tech-driven future. For any educator wondering how to keep humanity at the center of innovation, this conversation is a guide to creative, ethical, and interdisciplinary thinking.   Key Takeaways The Most Valuable Skill is the Ability to Pivot: In an AI-driven future, the single most important skill educators can instill in students is adaptability. The workforce will change rapidly, and the ability to learn new tools and shift directions will be more valuable than any specific technical knowledge. AI Enhances Subject Matter Experts: Like a photographer using precise camera terminology in Midjourney, subject matter experts (musicians, writers, etc.) can use AI as a superpower. Their deep knowledge allows them to craft highly effective prompts and prototypes, elevating their work rather than replacing it. Teach the Art of the Question: In the age of AI, learning to ask the right, specific questions is a foundational skill. This ancient art of inquiry is now a critical technical competency, as the quality of the output is directly tied to the quality and precision of the input prompt. Human Agency is a Choice We Must Actively Make: There's a danger in "ceding our agency" to technology. Gerry argues that we must consciously decide what we want AI to be and build that world. This requires ongoing discussion, ethical design, and involvement from everyone, especially those building the tools. "Hybrid" Models Keep Humanity Central: The goal of technology should be to automate tasks and leave "the human things to the humans." Whether in education via AI tutors that free up teachers for personal connection, or in safety projects like robots that are human-controlled, the ideal model leverages tech to enhance, not replace, human interaction. Interdisciplinary Thinking Solves Real Problems: Gerry's projects—from an AI tutor born from a music idea to a safety robot developed with criminal justice students—show that the most innovative solutions happen at the intersection of disciplines (arts, humanities, tech, government). Breaking down silos is essential. The Path to Adoption is Hands-On Modeling: For school leaders, the best way to integrate AI is to model its use and provide hands-on experimentation. Administrators and teachers should try the tools themselves, demonstrate live in meetings and classrooms, and empower early adopters to share their discoveries. Technology Should Bridge Gaps, Not Widen Them: A core mission is to use AI and emerging tech like AR to democratize access and preserve human connection. This means building tools that serve underrepresented communities and creating experiences (like AR grave markers) that deepen our understanding of history and each other.   Find Gerry White: LinkedIn                               Chapters (00:00:00) - The role of data in learning(00:00:39) - Jerry White(00:02:37) - What originally drew you into education?(00:03:59) - MyTutor Plus: More Personalized Learning for Students(00:07:43) - Project Virgil: School Threats(00:09:27) - What's the Most Surprising Effect of AI in Government?(00:11:26) - Preparing students for the AI driven future(00:12:53) - Code and Quill Review(00:14:42) - Are Musicians Using AI in Their Music?(00:16:31) - The value of humanities in the world(00:18:08) - Augmented-Reality Visibility at Arlington Cemetery(00:20:09) - AI and Creativity in Schools(00:21:28) - In the Elevator With Jerry Rosen(00:23:34) - EdTech Connect