Guest James Landay is an expert in human-centered artificial intelligence, a field all about optimizing technology for human and societal good. Landay says one of the most promising intersections is in education and AI, where the technology excels as a coaching and tutoring tool. His Smart Primer and Acorn apps use augmented reality and AI to engage children in outdoor, hands-on environmental science, and his GPT Coach is an AI-powered fitness planning tool. When it comes to AI and education, things are wide open and only just getting started, Landay tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: James Landay
Smart Primer

Connect With Us:

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

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest James Landay, a professor of computer science at Stanford University.

(00:02:04) Evolving AI Applications

How large language models can replicate personal coaching experiences.

(00:06:44) Role of Health Experts in AI

Integrating insights from medical professionals into AI coaching systems.

(00:10:21) Personalization in AI Coaching

How AI coaches can adapt personalities and avatars to cater to user preferences.

(00:12:51) Group Dynamics in AI Coaching

Pros and cons of adding social features and group support to AI coaching systems.

(00:14:08) Ambient Awareness in Technology

Ambient awareness and how it enhances user engagement without active attention.

(00:17:44) Using AI in Elementary Education

Narrative-driven tutoring systems to inspire kids' learning and creativity.

(00:22:59) Encouraging Student Writing with AI

Using LLMs to motivate students to write through personalized feedback.

(00:23:52) Scaling AI Educational Tools

The ACORN project and creating dynamic, scalable learning experiences.

(00:27:58) Human-Centered AI

The concept of human-centered AI and its focus on designing for society.

(00:30:34) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X

The future of AI coaching

The Future of Everything