Large language models (LLMs) are reshaping education by processing information faster than ever across diverse subjects. This shift is challenging traditional teaching methods and prompting educators to rethink the role of AI. While some remain cautious, others embrace the change, yet both sides might be missing a deeper transformation long predicted by Marshall McLuhan.
Known as the oracle of the electric age, McLuhan showed us in Understanding Media that technological progress isn’t just about adding speed—it fundamentally alters the way we learn and think. His observation, ‘Little Red Schoolhouse Dies When Good Road Built,’ reminds us that progress doesn’t merely expand opportunities; it dissolves old boundaries, urging us towards more integrative, relational ways of thinking. In a time when machine intelligence touches all aspects of communication and creativity, the humanities are more essential than ever, offering insights into cultural dynamics and ethical reasoning.
This shift has given rise to the idea of ‘AI-adjacency,’ where AI serves not as a substitute for human intellect, but as a collaborative partner in creative and strategic inquiry. By working together, AI and human creativity can spark unique opportunities, helping us navigate the evolving landscape of education and innovation.
