Michael Zeman
- Director of Experiential Learning, Penn State Outreach
Session
Does AI Kill Creativity? A Call to Protect Human Critical Thinking
As AI becomes more integrated into education, we must ask whether we’re sacrificing the cognitive challenges that build critical thinking and creativity. This session explores the risks of AI-driven shortcuts that bypass the “productive struggle” of learning. Through real-world examples and strategies, participants will explore how to use AI as a tool — without losing the benefits of trial, error, and discovery that shape human ingenuity.
Attendee Takeaways:
- Understand how over-reliance on AI can undermine deep learning
- Learn why the “productive struggle” is essential to building creativity and resilience
- Discover strategies for integrating AI without replacing experiential learning
- Explore instructional methods that preserve student agency and critical thought