Peter Gault: Writing as a superpower

"When you can write out your own ideas, explain your thinking, build an argument and use evidence to support it – that's an incredibly valuable skill for kids." In this week's episode, we spoke with Peter Gault of Quill.org about the evolving relationship between AI and education. Peter shares how Quill transitioned from basic natural language processing (NLP) to sophisticated language models, making a strategic decision to rebuild their platform on generative AI despite having invested years developing their NLP models. The result? A more powerful tool that helps students develop critical writing and thinking skills when they need them most. At the heart of our conversation, Peter offered a crucial insight – as AI becomes increasingly capable of generating content, the ability to think critically, evaluate information, and form independent opinions becomes even more valuable. While some worry about teaching students to use AI tools, Peter thinks focusing on foundational skills creates more resilient learners who can effectively collaborate with technology rather than be replaced by it. Perhaps most compelling is Quill's approach to AI literacy which integrates discussions about algorithmic bias, ethics, and the future of work directly into writing activities. By giving students agency to understand AI as a malleable tool rather than a mysterious black box, Quill and educators can prepare the next generation to shape technology's development rather than simply consume it. What skills will remain essential in an increasingly AI-powered world? How can education evolve to prepare students for this AI-driven future? Listen to the episode, and let us know if we missed anything! Learn more about Peter Gault and Quill:Quill.orglinkedin.com/in/petergault3/aiEDU: The AI Education Project aiEDU.org linkedin.com/company/aiedu/

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