Episode 013 - Patrick Dempsey

explAInED Episode 013:  From Skepticism to Strategy: Building Pathways to AI Fluency in Education - A Conversation with Patrick Dempsey

Episode Summary

“AI is not replacing cognition, it’s extending it.” Our latest guest, Patrick Dempsey, educational thought leader and Director of Teaching and Learning at Loyola University Maryland reframes the common belief that AI is disrupting education by arguing that it’s simply revealing long-standing systemic cracks. Rather than resisting the change, he suggests it’s a moment for reflection, reimagination, and strategic growth.

We also discuss the critical difference between AI literacy and AI fluency, with Patrick emphasizing that true fluency comes when educators use AI to amplify good pedagogy. He shares strategies for working with resistant educators, including the “awareness ladder” approach and how marketing funnels can actually serve as tools for mindset shifts. 

At the student level, Patrick reflects on how learners are already blending tools and workflows in ways we might initially dismiss, but which actually reflect deeper cognitive engagement. He calls for reimagining assessment by identifying the process of learning as students develop new ways of thinking, creating, and problem-solving with AI. In a time of rapid change and real uncertainty, Patrick reminds us that the goal should be to understand how AI mirrors, amplifies, and challenges our deepest assumptions about learning.

Mentions and Resources

Patrick Dempsey | Loyola University

Patrick Dempsey | The Second Draft (Substack)

AI Policy vs. AI Literacy | Patrick Dempsey LinkedIn