Another Crazy Day in AI: The Premortem Mindset in Schools
- Wowza Team
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
Time to swap out your work brain for your curious brain—here’s what’s new in AI.
In the latest Class Disrupted episode, Rebecca Winthrop from Brookings drops a smart idea—use “premortems” to spot what could go wrong before rolling out AI in schools.
Meanwhile, Reddit’s mad at researchers who let AI bots loose in a debate forum without telling users. Spoiler: it did not end well.
Also, Visa’s latest AI collab means your next shopping spree could be completely automated. Dangerous. By the time you read this, AI will probably have learned 10 new tricks.
Here's another crazy day in AI:
How to prevent AI from derailing education
Reddit may sue researchers over AI bot debate experiment
Visa introduces AI-driven solutions to transform commerce
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Preventing Educational Harm
Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)
What if we could prevent the most damaging effects of AI in schools before they even happen?
In the latest episode of Class Disrupted, hosts Diane Tavenner and Michael B. Horn sit down with Rebecca Winthrop, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and co-author of The Disengaged Teen, to discuss her bold proposal: apply a "premortem" approach to AI in education. Rather than riding the wave of optimism, Winthrop advocates for anticipating and preparing for the worst-case scenarios AI could bring to classrooms—before they take root. The conversation explores the risks of critical thinking erosion, manipulation, and reduced socialization, while also examining how AI might catalyze a much-needed reinvention of the education system.
Here are some ideas and questions the episode brings to the surface:
There’s a lack of clarity about which learning tasks students need to experience themselves—and which AI can responsibly assist with.
Relying too heavily on AI could make it harder for students to build foundational thinking skills, especially through tasks like writing and argument-building.
The potential for manipulation, while not always visible, raises concerns about how students may be influenced—intentionally or not.
AI-mediated learning environments may limit students’ opportunities to develop social skills and interact meaningfully with peers and teachers.
The presence of AI in classrooms could accelerate a shift in how we define the purpose of school and learning.
A move from focusing on achievement to emphasizing agency could lead to more student-centered, choice-driven learning experiences.
Teachers may benefit from AI’s support with administrative work, but any long-term success will depend on thoughtful design and clear boundaries.
The conversation doesn't offer a blueprint or a prediction. Instead, it makes space for careful reflection on the kinds of decisions education leaders, communities, and policymakers are facing right now. AI is arriving quickly, but the question isn’t just how fast schools can catch up. It’s whether we’re asking the right questions about what AI should (or shouldn’t) be doing in learning environments—and who gets to decide.
By thinking through possible risks early—before problems become widespread—Winthrop's “premortem” mindset offers a way to approach AI with both caution and intention. It’s a reminder that technology doesn’t operate in a vacuum; it shapes and is shaped by the systems it enters. For education, that means there’s an opportunity—and a responsibility—to be more deliberate before rushing to adopt the next big thing.
Listen on Spotify here.
OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
Reddit May Sue Researchers Over AI Bot Debate Experiment
/Victor Tangermann on Futurism
Reddit is considering legal action against researchers from the University of Zurich who deployed AI bots on the r/changemyview subreddit without users' consent. The experiment aimed to test if AI could influence opinions in online debates, but the bots adopted controversial personas and used personal post histories to respond. Reddit condemned the experiment as unethical and in violation of its policies, and the university has since backed away, promising stricter oversight going forward. The situation highlights the growing concerns around AI deception and consent in online spaces.
Read more here.
Visa Introduces AI-Driven Solutions to Transform Commerce
/BusinessWire Newsroom
Visa is ushering in a new era of commerce with its announcement of AI-powered payment solutions and partnerships at the Global Product Drop. The company revealed its Visa Intelligent Commerce initiative, which enables AI agents to handle browsing, purchasing, and managing transactions on behalf of consumers. With collaborations involving OpenAI, Anthropic, and others, Visa is expanding its network to support secure, AI-driven shopping experiences. New tools like Visa Pay, Visa Accept, and stablecoin-linked products are also part of the push to modernize global payments.
Read more here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.
Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉
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