Honest AI Reloaded
What's new with Honest AI and rebooting the newsletter.
Dear readers,
Thank you for your thoughtful responses to the recent Honest AI survey. I’ve read every comment with care. I’m truly grateful, not only for your support, but for the sharp, constructive feedback you offered.
Two recurring themes stood out:
A desire for more specific, grounded examples—less speculation, more substance.
A clearer articulation of the link between AI’s ethical use and its technical limitations.
You’ve also expressed strong interest in contributing as guest writers, and many of you encouraged me to continue and grow the podcast. That enthusiasm means a lot.
What began as a personal blog is evolving into something more ambitious: a publication. And with that evolution comes the need for clarity: separating the weekly newsletter from the broader Honest AI platform.
Here’s what’s changing:
The Newsletter (tentatively weekly, every Sunday):
A focused, research-backed dispatch offering actionable insights, critical analysis, and reflections from my work and experience.Long-Form Essays:
In-depth explorations of technology, ethics, the future of work, and humanity’s fight to reclaim its dignity from the tech industry.The Podcast:
Coming soon—stay tuned for more episodes.Guest Writers:
I’m opening the door to others who share this mission.Soulcode:
A new section for commentary and horizon-scanning—where philosophy meets the pulse of the news.
Below, you’ll find today’s issue as a preview of what the weekly newsletter will look like. I’d love your thoughts on the format and any suggestions for a title. (Just hit reply!)
In the following weeks, as I develop the other sections of Honest AI, I’ll notify you about how to get involved.
Thank you again—for reading, for challenging me, and for being part of this evolving journey.
Warmly,
—a
🧭 Honest AI – Issue #52
Sunday, May 4, 2025
AI in Education: Augmenting or Replacing Human Intelligence?
SIGNAL
AI's Role in Education: Augmentation vs. Replacement
Echoing many desires and fears from professionals around the world, research from Harvard's Graduate School of Education suggests that AI can enhance learning experiences when used appropriately but it cannot replicate the nuanced understanding and emotional intelligence of human teachers. (AI Can Add, Not Just Subtract, From Learning)
Unfortunately, AI is (too) rapidly integrating into classrooms (sparking rightful concerns). A systematic review published in ScienceDirect highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize education but warns against its misuse, which could lead to over-reliance and diminished critical thinking skills among students. (Artificial intelligence in education: A systematic literature review)
STORY
Will Latin Disappear? A Reflection on Educational Values
In a thought-provoking LinkedIn post, a seasoned mathematics educator and STEM advocate draws parallels between the precision of the Latin language and the current trajectory of AI in education. He reminisces about Latin's clarity and structure, lamenting its decline in modern curricula. The educator warns that as society embraces technologies that favor convenience over depth, we risk cultivating a generation less equipped for critical thinking.
He emphasizes that AI should be a compensatory tool, assisting with mundane tasks to free up educators for more meaningful interactions. Drawing from his experience with over 100 hours of coding projects in schools, he observes that while such initiatives are well-intentioned, they often lack depth and fail to instill genuine computational thinking.
The educator also critiques the superficial adoption of AI in primary education, cautioning against following models like China's, where AI is used to reinforce conformity rather than foster independent thought. He advocates for a return to foundational educational values, where disciplines like Latin and philosophy are not seen as archaic but as essential tools for developing analytical and ethical reasoning.
STRATEGY
Balancing AI Integration with Traditional Educational Values
It is not clear yet what benefits the integration of AI into education offers, but one thing is apparent: we must approach these ideas thoughtfully to ensure it complements rather than compromises traditional educational values.
Prioritize Human-Centric Learning
Human teachers provide emotional support, adapt to students' needs, and foster critical thinking—education grows in the student-teacher rapport which AI cannot (and should not) replicate.Implement AI as a Support Tool
Use AI to handle administrative tasks, such as draft grading and scheduling, allowing teachers to focus on preparation, instruction and student engagement.Maintain Traditional Teaching Methods
Methods like the "chalk and talk" approach encourage active learning and retention. A study comparing traditional blackboard teaching with PowerPoint presentations found that students perceived the former as more effective for understanding complex concepts.Foster Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Encourage activities that require students to analyze, evaluate, and create, rather than passively consume information.Educate Students on Ethical AI Use
Incorporate discussions on the ethical implications of AI, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the importance of human oversight. This awareness prepares students to navigate and shape the future responsibly.Promote Resilience Through Challenges
Embrace the role of hardship in learning. Overcoming academic challenges builds resilience and a growth mindset, essential traits for lifelong learning.
SPARK
Reflecting on the Role of AI in Education
Are we enhancing human potential, or are we inadvertently diminishing it?
The goal should be to use AI to enrich work and education, not to simplify it to the point where critical thinking and problem-solving skills are underdeveloped. By maintaining a balance between technological advancements and traditional educational values, we can prepare students for a future where they are not only proficient in using AI but also in thinking independently and ethically.
Further Reading:
"AI Can't Replace Teaching, but It Can Make It Better" – Wired (AI Can't Replace Teaching, but It Can Make It Better)
"Embracing Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom" – Harvard Graduate School of Education (Embracing Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom)
Older issues on AI end education:
