The Promise and Peril of AI in Transformative Teaching: A Conversation With Cynthia Alby

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dr. Cynthia Alby, a professor of Teacher Education at Georgia College & State University and co-author of Learning That Matters: A Field Guide to Course Design for Transformative Education.Dr. Alby shares her inspiring vision to “re-enchant learning”—making education more engaging, human, and transformative. With decades of experience and research spanning pedagogy, psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics, she brings a refreshingly holistic lens to the conversation on AI in education.Together, Zach and Cynthia explore:Her journey into AI advocacy and how she keeps up with educational trendsThe promise and peril of AI—why a balanced, thoughtful approach mattersUse cases for AI in and out of the classroom, from public speaking support to roleplaying with parentsHow we can harness AI to amplify—not replace—what makes teaching and learning meaningfulIf you're an educator, administrator, or just someone wondering how to use AI without losing the human side of education, this episode is for you.