AI can do the assignment. But can the student?
That was one of the questions I brought to the CIU AI Summit in Pennsylvania. My assignment was to discuss the bad side of artificial intelligence, drawing on experiences from my college classroom. The conversations reinforced concerns I already had about students becoming dependent on AI. But afterward, I recorded a short reflection and heard myself say, “I think there’s hope.” People were getting together, sharing experiences, and trying to figure things out. That mattered.
In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I share two classroom moments that changed how I teach with AI and explore what parents, grandparents, and educators can take from them.
What You Will Learn
- Why a finished assignment can leave important questions about understanding
- How explaining one error at a time helped a frustrated programming student
- Why I paused my planned lessons to revisit predictions, testing, and small changes
- How a student’s request for help made me rethink my own directions
- Questions families can ask about learning with AI and sharing information
“The Code Is Stupid!”
A student wanted to turn in a program that didn’t work. When I asked what was wrong, the answer was, “I don’t know.” We used AI to explain one error at a time. The student changed something, ran the program, observed the result, and tried again. Eventually, it worked. The student also practiced a process they could use the next time something broke. That experience brought us back to four steps anyone can try.
Predict. Build. Test. Adjust.
Bring the Conversation Home
When a child says, “AI helped me,” try asking, “Show me the part you were stuck on.”
Let them explain what they tried, what help they received, and how they checked the result.
Before uploading a document or screenshot, ask another question.
“Is this ours to share?”
These small conversations help young people practice judgment they will carry into school, work, and everyday life.
A Little Recognition for Captain Picard
Yes, I’m a Star Wars guy. But Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard deserves some recognition.
His thoughtfulness, willingness to listen, and sense of responsibility connect with what I hope we help young people develop as they grow up with increasingly powerful technology.
This Week’s Tech Challenge
Try Think First, Ask AI Second with one task.
- What do I already know? Make a prediction or attempt.
- What specifically do I need help understanding? Give AI one focused job.
- Can I explain or apply what I learned? Close the chat and show what you can do.
Take a turn alongside your child or grandchild. Let them hear your thinking, too.
Keep the Conversation Going
Listen using the player above, then tell me what you’re seeing. How is your family using AI to help with learning?
Share this episode with a parent, grandparent, or educator who would enjoy the conversation.
Keep asking questions. Keep tinkering. And keep learning together.
