Can AI really teach your kids? with Leah Belsky

AI is fundamentally transforming education by shifting the focus from passive information absorption to active problem-solving and creation. Leah Belsky, Head of Education at OpenAI, argues that while AI serves as a powerful tool for personalized learning, it cannot replace the human connection, motivation, and accountability provided by teachers. Contrary to the prevailing narrative that students primarily use AI to cheat, many are leveraging these models to build prototypes, develop software for accessibility, and address complex societal challenges. The core challenge for educators lies in distinguishing between productive struggle—which is essential for cognitive development—and the convenience of AI-generated answers. Ultimately, integrating AI into the classroom requires intentional guidance to foster student agency and higher-order thinking skills rather than relying on the technology as a shortcut for learning.