NextGen Inc. Thanks You for Learning: Critical Narratives of AI and Education’s Future

In this session, participants will experience “NextGen Inc. Thanks You for Learning,” an original speculative audio story that critically explores the intersections of artificial intelligence (AI), education, and neoliberalism. Set in a future where AI systems govern learning, the story raises thought-provoking questions about agency, equity, and the role of educators and students in technology-driven environments.

As AI tools promise efficiency, personalization, and innovation, what underlying narratives guide their implementation in education systems? Whose needs are prioritized, and whose are overlooked? This session invites participants to critically reflect on the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations surrounding AI in education.

After listening to the 17-minute audio story, participants will engage in a facilitated critical discussion to unpack the story’s themes and their real-world implications. The goal is to collaboratively reflect on how educators, students, and institutions can approach AI integration with a balance of innovation, equity, and human-centered values.

This session is ideal for educators, researchers, and administrators interested in critically examining emerging technologies and exploring their ethical and transformative impacts in education.