Class Disrupted

Latest Episodes:

The Impact of AI Optimization on the Use of Time, Space, and Resources in Schools Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Diane and Michael sat down with Paymon Rouhanifard, CEO of Timely, to explore how AI optimization can transform master scheduling in schools. The conversation unpacked the critical role that master schedules play in shaping student experiences, resource allocation, and district priorities. Paymon explained the pain points schools face with traditional scheduling methods and how Timely’s AI-driven approach saves hundreds of hours while enabling systemic change and better use of resources.

https://archive.org/download/116144-future-of-education-the-impact-of-ai-optimization/116144_Future%20of%20Education_The%20Impact%20of%20AI%20Optimization.mp3

Episode transcript:

Transcript_ The Impact of AI Optimization on the Use of Time Space and Resources in Schools Download

Reflections on Whether AI is Actually Changing Schools—and Where Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Michael and Diane stepped back from their interviews to have a one-on-one conversation and reflect at the midpoint of their season on AI in education. They dove into the evolving role of AI in education and questioned whether AI is truly transforming the system or simply being layered onto outdated structures. They explored a framework of three school models that Diane posed and discussed the challenges of meaningful innovation amidst existing accountability systems and education policies. From these models, they analyzed how one might expect transformational change to occur in K–12 schooling—through traditional schools incrementally changing and evolving over time or, as Michael and Diane both argued, through fundamental migration away from the existing system.

https://archive.org/download/115147-v-1-1/115147_V1_1.mp3

Episode transcript:

Transcript_ Reflections on Whether AI is Actually Changing Schools—and Where Download

DeepMind’s Learnings in Developing an AI Tutor Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Irina Jurenka, the research lead for AI in education at Google DeepMind, joined Michael and Diane to discuss the development and impact of AI tutors in learning. The conversation delved into how generative AI, specifically the Gemini model, is being shaped to support pedagogical principles and foster more effective learning experiences. Irina shares insights from her team’s foundational research, the evolution of AI models over the past three years, and the challenges of aligning AI tutoring with the learning sciences. Irina closed with reflecting on how these innovations may shape the future of education for the next generation—with a hope for a thoughtful blending of technology with the irreplaceable role of human teachers.

https://archive.org/download/115837-future-of-education-deep-minds-learnings-in-developing-an-ai-tutor-v-01/115837_Future%20of%20Education_DeepMind%E2%80%99s%20Learnings%20in%20Developing%20an%20AI%20Tutor_v01.mp3

Episode transcript:

Transcript_ DeepMind’s Learnings in Developing an AI Tutor Download

AI in K–12: Feedback, Curiosity, and the New Frontier of Teaching Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Michael and Diane are joined by Laurence Holt to unpack the current landscape and future potential of AI in K–12 education. The discussion centers on the three main AI use cases emerging in schools: generating materials, providing feedback, and AI tutoring. The conversation explores the vital difference between feedback and grading, the importance of instructional context for effective AI tools, and the complex challenges in cultivating curiosity and self-efficacy in classrooms. The trio also delves into why AI tutoring isn’t yet transformative for most students, the limitations of current chatbots, and the need for school model redesigns and tools that support social learning and durable skills.

https://archive.org/download/115107-future-of-education-ai-in-k-12-feedback-curiosity-and-the-new-frontier-of/115107_Future%20of%20Education_AI%20in%20K%E2%80%9312%20Feedback%2C%20Curiosity%2C%20and%20the%20New%20Frontier%20of%20Teaching%20with%20intro%20and%20ad_V01.mp3

Episode transcript:

Transcript_ AI in K–12 Feedback, Curiosity, and the New Frontier of Teaching Download

What Does AI Readiness Mean Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Michael and Diane sit down with Alex Kotran, founder and CEO of the AI Education Project (AIEDU), to dive into what true “AI readiness” means for today’s students, educators, and schools. They explored the difference between basic AI literacy and the broader, more dynamic goal of preparing young people to thrive in a world fundamentally changed by artificial intelligence. The conversation ranged from the challenges schools face in adapting assessments and teaching practices for the age of AI, to the uncertainties surrounding the future of work. The episode leaves listeners with some key questions about the role of education, the need for adaptable skills, and how we can collectively steer the education system toward a future where all students benefit from the rise of AI.

https://archive.org/download/114900-future-of-education-what-does-ai-readiness-mean/114900_Future%20of%20Education_What%20Does%20AI%20Readiness%20Mean.mp3

Episode transcript:

Transcript_ What Does AI Readiness Mean Download

Netflix’s Reed Hastings on the Impact of AI on Schools Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Diane and Michael dive into the impact of AI on schools with guest Reed Hastings, founder of Netflix and a dedicated education advocate. The conversation explores Reed’s pragmatic optimism about AI’s potential to individualize learning, reshape the roles of teachers, and revolutionize assessment practices. Reed shares his belief that while AI will transform many aspects of education, it’s crucial for schools to nurture citizenship, social-emotional skills, and a foundation of knowledge independent of technology. The episode also touches on future models for schools, equity in an AI-driven future, and practical examples of how AI is currently enhancing reading and math instruction.

https://archive.org/download/113521-future-of-education-netflixs-reed-hastings-on-the-impact-v-01/113521_Future%20of%20Education_Netflix%27s%20Reed%20Hastings%20on%20the%20Impact_v01.mp3

Episode transcript:

Transcript_ The Impact of AI on Schools Download

What AI in Healthcare Can Teach Us About Its Impact on Education Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

Diane and Michael sit down with Dr. Tom Lee, acclaimed physician and founder of One Medical and Galileo Health, to explore the parallels between healthcare and education in the age of AI. The conversation dives into how Dr. Lee’s mission to radically transform healthcare systems mirrors similar challenges and opportunities in education, especially around the adoption and integration of AI. They discuss shifting from legacy models to more holistic, technology-enabled frameworks that prioritize both personalized service and systemic change.

https://archive.org/download/112204-future-of-education-what-ai-teach-us-v-2/112204_Future%20of%20Education_What%20AI%20Teach%20US_V2.mp3

Episode transcript:

Transcript_ What AI in Healthcare Can Teach Us About Its Impact on Education Download

From Education to Anthropic: What Impact Will AI Have? Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Michael and Diane sit down with Neerav Kingsland, a longtime education leader now at Anthropic, to explore the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and education. Neerav shares his journey from working in New Orleans’ public school reform to his current role at one of the leading AI companies. The conversation covers the promise of AI tutors and teacher support tools, the key role of application “wrappers” for safe and effective student interaction with AI, and the need for humility and caution, especially with young learners. The episode also delves into the broader societal impacts of AI, the future evolution of schools, and the increasing importance of experimentation and risk-taking for students navigating an uncertain, tech-driven landscape.

https://archive.org/download/110946-future-of-education-from-education-to-anthropic/110946_Future%20of%20Education_From%20Education%20to%20Anthropic.mp3

Episode transcript:

Final Transcript_ From Education to Anthropic Download

Class Disrupted Returns with More Questions About AI Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Class Disrupted is back for season 7! In this kickoff episode, Diane Tavenner and Michael Horn reconnected after the summer to reflect on how artificial intelligence is shaping the education landscape. They discussed lingering skepticism about AI’s current use in schools and shared their evolving feelings about the technology. The hosts described their plans for the new season, which starts with a broad look at AI’s development both inside and beyond education, before narrowing in on entrepreneurs and real-world applications that could reinvent learning.

https://archive.org/download/107817-v-1/107817_V1.mp3

Episode transcript:

Transcript_ Class Disrupted Returns with More Questions About AI Download

Artificial Intelligence in Human Learning: Risks, Opportunities, and What’s Next May 24, 2025

Show notes

In this end-of-season episode, Michael and Diane come together in person to reflect on the arc of their AI-focused sixth season. They discuss key themes and takeaways, including the enduring importance of foundational knowledge, skepticism around the speed and impact of AI-driven change within traditional schools, and how transformative innovation is more likely to emerge from new educational models outside the mainstream. Their conversation explores the challenges and opportunities AI brings, particularly in developing curiosity as a critical habit for learners, and revisits how their own perspectives shifted throughout the season.

https://archive.org/download/end-of-season-episode-edited/End%20of%20season%20episode%20EDITED.mp3

Episode transcript:

Transcript – Last episode of CD Download