Shayan Doroudi, an assistant professor at the University of California, Irvine’s School of Education, delivered a talk titled The Intertwined Histories of Artificial Intelligence and Education, exploring the longstanding connections between AI and education. Doroudi emphasized that AI’s influence on education predates the recent wave of innovation. He reflected on distinct approaches to AI development and corresponding visions for education.

AI Has Shaped Education Over Time

Doroudi explained that, despite their methodological differences, AI traditions shared a common focus on understanding learning in both humans and machines. By revisiting these historical strands, he claimed that researchers and educators can better contextualize the role of generative AI in modern learning environments and critically assess its potential impact.

A Deeper Look at AI in Education

The talk underscored the need for a more nuanced understanding of AI’s role in education beyond the recent emergence of generative models. Doroudi urged educators and researchers to consider AI not just as a technological tool but as a field intrinsically tied to theories of learning and knowledge acquisition. His insights provided a historical framework that encourages deeper reflection on how AI can shape the future of education.