Embracing Digital Transformation

Episode #328 – Transforming Learning: The Role of AI

Host: Dr. Darren Pulsipher
Guest: Dr. Carm Taglienti
Date: February 24, 2026

Episode Overview

In this insightful episode, Dr. Darren Pulsipher sits down with returning guest Dr. Carm Taglienti to dive deep into how AI, particularly generative AI, is fundamentally reshaping education and learning practices. Drawing from both business and academic perspectives, the discussion centers around practical approaches to modernizing curricula, fostering critical thinking, and the nuanced challenges and opportunities AI introduces within education. Both hosts, experienced technologists and educators, offer candid reflections on what effective transformation looks like for learners and institutions alike.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Disruptive Nature of AI in Education

• AI is considered by both hosts to be the most significant disruption in their professional lifetimes, surpassing previous changes like the advent of the cloud or mobile computing.
• AI’s dual role is explored: while it causes disruption, it can also be used to address and mitigate the very challenges it introduces.
  • Quote (Dr. Carm Taglienti, 09:15):
    “I think in that way, AI can help us to realize sort of the disruptive effect, but also help to address it. So it’s pretty cool. I think, in the grand scheme.”

2. From Classical to Applied Learning

• Carm emphasizes the need to move away from traditional, prescriptive educational approaches (“quiz, essay, midterm, final”) toward more dynamic, real-world skill application (12:00–14:00).
• Both hosts agree that understanding is no longer just about rote memorization or theory, but the ability to critically apply knowledge in varied scenarios.
  • Quote (Dr. Carm Taglienti, 13:19):
    “Within this new world, those [standard assessments] are not really good ways to truly understand learning.”
• Experiential learning techniques are highlighted: coding competitions, “walk me through it” exercises, recorded explainer videos, and real-world problem-solving tasks.

3. Critical Thinking as a Core Skill

• Dr. Pulsipher recounts how AI’s ability to “game” rigid curricula exposed the lack of critical thinking opportunities in some programs, prompting him to rewrite his courses.
  • Quote (Dr. Darren Pulsipher, 28:56):
    “My goal is to teach them these specific principles. And critical thinking is one of those skills they need. And there was no room in the curriculum for critical thinking.”
• The ability to ask “why” and make sense of context becomes essential in both education and the workplace.

4. Engineering vs. Theory in Modern Education

• The distinction is made between teaching deep theory (math proofs, algorithm derivations) and imparting practical, engineering-focused problem-solving skills. The hosts argue not all students need deep theoretical backgrounds to be productive and innovative.
  • Quote (Dr. Carm Taglienti, 17:15):
    “I don’t need to teach you about…linear algebra and calculus and statistical derivations…but just show you techniques…to solve a particular problem.”

5. Societal Impact: Stratification and Misinformation

• The guests discuss how AI acts as a magnifier—amplifying skills and, potentially, misinformation (24:44–25:14).
• There is concern that AI could widen the gap between true experts, practitioners, and “AI fakers.”
  • Quote (Dr. Carm Taglienti, 23:40):
    “Sometimes I go to listen to a talk and people are trying to tell me how AI works… and I was like, that’s not right. That’s not right either...We really do need to learn more about how things actually do work.”

6. The Educator’s Charter in the AI Era

• Both hosts see an enhanced role for educators: not only should they teach content, but also foster critical thinking, curiosity, and responsible use of the AI tools now available.
• AI can serve as a “copilot” or advisor for students striving to answer the “why” behind concepts, even outside the classroom.
  • Quote (Dr. Carm Taglienti, 31:02):
    “If you are a good critical thinker…and you know your professor’s not around…well, I have a great vehicle now to be able to learn these concepts at whatever level I need to…That is amazing.”

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On the speed of educational change:
  (Dr. Carm Taglienti, 10:55)
  “We can move so much faster than we used to…Historically…Let’s do three prototypes, see if it works. And it’s like, oh, no, it didn’t work. We just blew, you know, whatever, $200,000. Let’s go back to the drawing board.”
• On AI as both disruptor and remedy:
  (Dr. Pulsipher & Dr. Carm Taglienti, 09:15–09:29)
  “It can act as an augmenter or an accelerator to solve problems that it causes.”—Pulsipher
  “Right, right.”—Taglienti
• On critical thinking and the evolving role of the educator:
  (Both, 27:47–28:57)
  “We as educators…have to change the narrative.”—Pulsipher
  “That’s right. That’s right.”—Taglienti

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro & Setting the Theme – 00:00–04:05
• AI’s Disruptive Effect & Organizational Transformation – 04:05–09:15
• How AI Accelerates & Augments Learning – 09:15–12:00
• Moving Beyond Traditional Assessments – 12:00–15:50
• Theory vs. Practical (Engineering) Education Approaches – 15:50–20:53
• Possible Loss of Academic Rigor / Widening Gaps – 20:53–25:28
• AI Magnifying Misinformation & Educator’s Responsibility – 25:28–28:03
• Critical Thinking in a Tech-Led Curriculum – 28:03–32:25
• Final Reflections & Future of Education with AI – 32:25–33:08

Summary Takeaways

• AI’s role in education is deep and growing: It’s reshaping not only how students learn but also what (and how) educators must teach.
• Critical thinking is paramount: The practical application of knowledge and the ability to evaluate information critically outweigh rote learning or prescriptive curricula.
• AI as both a challenge and a tool: The very power of AI to disrupt traditional models can also be harnessed to drive better, faster, and deeper learning—when wielded thoughtfully.
• Educators’ role is evolving: There is a need for continual adaptation in how courses are designed and how educators ensure students engage actively and authentically, with integrity in a world where AI can “fake” understanding.
• Societal implications are real: The hosts highlight not only the promise but the risks, including misinformation and the potential for increased stratification between those who understand AI (or claim to) and those who do not.

Listen to this episode if you want to explore:

• Practical, actionable strategies for integrating AI into education
• The evolving definition of understanding and assessment in the AI era
• How to develop and assess critical thinking in your students or workforce
• The risks and opportunities posed by technology-driven educational transformation

Contributors:

• Dr. Darren Pulsipher — Host, Chief Enterprise Architect, Educator
• Dr. Carm Taglienti — Guest, Academic Director, Technologist, AI/Education Researcher

(For the full conversation or to explore more, search for "Embracing Digital Transformation" episode #328: Transforming Learning: The Role of AI.)