Teaching Students to Think With AI, Not Around It with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer, learning scientist, educator, and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming education, writing, critical thinking, and the future of learning.Dr. David Williamson Shaffer shares his journey from classroom teacher to leading researcher in learning analytics and AI in education. He reflects on how the rise of computers, the internet, and now generative AI have fundamentally changed the way humans think, learn, and interact with information.The conversation explores why traditional education systems may no longer fit a world shaped by AI, how educators can rethink assignments and classroom learning, and why the goal should not be preventing AI use but teaching students how to collaborate with it responsibly. He also discusses the importance of critical thinking, ethical AI use, AI literacy, and why learning with technology may matter more than learning without it.The episode also dives into practical examples of AI in classrooms, the risks of overreliance on AI, responsible use in academic writing and research, and why educators, clinicians, and researchers must actively engage with AI instead of avoiding it.Takeaways:AI Is Reshaping How Humans Learn, Think, and Solve Problems.Traditional Education Models Were Not Designed for an AI-Driven World.The Goal Should Be Learning How to Work With AI, Not Simply Avoiding It.Critical Thinking Matters More Than Ever in the Age of Generative AI.Students Need Opportunities to Use AI Responsibly and Reflectively.Educators Cannot Be Expected to Solve AI Challenges Alone Without Systemic Support.AI Literacy Is Becoming Essential for Teachers, Researchers, Clinicians, and Students.Technology Should Expand Human Capability Rather Than Replace Human Judgment.Connect with Dr. David Williamson ShafferWebsite: https://edpsych.education.wisc.edu/fac-staff/williamson-shaffer-david/Connect With Ushttps://www.waydeai.com/https://www.facebook.com/waydeaillchttps://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/info@waydeai.comSubscribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:33 - From Teacher to AI & Learning Science Researcher06:00 - How AI Is Disrupting Education10:03 - Why Predicting AI’s Future Is Nearly Impossible11:19 - Understanding “Pedagogical Content Knowledge”14:24 - Why Everyone Should Start Using AI16:46 - Why Teachers Can’t Solve This Alone22:08 - “Betty’s Brain” & Teaching Through AI Feedback25:38 - Using AI to Learn Across Languages28:30 - The MIT Study on Writing With AI31:10 - “If AI Makes a Mistake, You Made the Mistake”33:46 - “Effects Of” vs “Effects With” Technology37:37 - The Importance of Personally Using AI