Best of: The future of computer-aided education

Commencement season is here and, as many students are closing one chapter and stepping into the next, it's a nice moment to ask: what did learning really look like for these students, and how might it change for the next generation? With those questions in mind, we’re re-releasing a conversation with Computer Science Professor Chris Piech on the future of computer-aided education. Chris studies how computers can and will help students learn. His message isn't that teachers are obsolete — far from it. He shares that the future of education certainly involves AI, but that we must never lose the human element. Whether you're a new grad, a lifelong learner, or an educator wondering what's coming next, this one is well worth another listen.

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Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Chris Piech

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Chris Piech, a professor of computer science from Stanford University.

(00:01:44) Teaching People to Code

What programming is and why learning to code can be challenging.

(00:02:54) Motivation in Learning

Why joy and motivation are central challenges in education.

(00:03:54) Recent Learners as Teachers

How near-peer teachers helped scale a Stanford coding course to thousands 

(00:07:10) AI and Computer Programming

How generative AI is changing coding for students and professionals.

(00:09:24) The Joy of Programming

How AI tools can expand what learners are able to create.

(00:12:41) Experiments with Teaching

What experiments reveal about one-on-one teaching & AI support.

(00:14:39) Rethinking Assessment

The value Piech sees in computational assessment.

(00:16:38) Fairness in Grading

Why AI grading raises questions about bias, context, and real-world use.

(00:20:59) Feedback & Assessment

How computers can evaluate creative and less structured assignments.

(00:22:21) Dream Grader

A system that interacts with student projects to understand and assess them.

(00:25:30) Beyond the Classroom

How assessment tools can also support medical testing.

(00:26:52) Measuring Vision More Precisely

Using adaptive testing to improve eye exams and track subtle changes.

(00:27:57) Generative Grading

What is generative grading and how can it actually function and be useful?

(00:29:44) Teachers and AI Together

Why the future of grading may depend on combining teacher insight with AI support.

(00:31:33) Conclusion

 

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

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