S1E4: Designing for Human Presence in AI-Integrated Learning

As AI is integrated into learning experiences, where is human presence essential? In this episode of the AI for Educators Design Lab podcast, Jennifer Maddrell, PhD, considers the interactions that make learning possible, and makes the case that in an AI-integrated environment, learning is shaped not just by how students interact with technology, but by the people who design, guide, and participate in those interactions. Drawing on decades of distance and online learning research, including the Community of Inquiry framework and concepts such as transactional distance, she notes that prior edtech research is often ignored in new AI debates. She shares findings from her doctoral research showing social, teaching, and cognitive presence correlate with student satisfaction and perceived learning, but not necessarily with achievement, underscoring that interaction quality matters more than mere connection.  Jennifer explores five (of many!) design considerations related to this topic, including: Where human presence most supports learning,  How to allocate tasks between humans and AI,  How to design teaching presence when AI handles instructional tasks,  Who is most affected when human connection is reduced, and  Whether AI introduces a distinct “presence” in learning.  The episode closes with a preview of Episode 5 on data privacy, security, and safety. Check out our other free resources for educators: 🎙️ Next Path Design Podcast Library: https://nextpathdesign.com/podcast 🔗 Design Brief Library as a podcast supplement: https://nextpathdesign.com/designbriefs 📬 Next Path Insights Newsletter: https://nextpathdesign.com/newsletter 00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup 01:07 AI Hype and Real Use 02:44 We Have Been Here 05:05 Research Lessons on Interaction 08:02 Five Design Questions 08:22 Protect Human Moments 09:57 Backstage vs Frontstage 12:36 Teaching Presence by Design 15:38 Equity and Belonging Risks 17:59 AI as a New Presence 21:26 Wrap Up and Resources 22:55 Next Episode Ethics Preview