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explAInED Episode 022 - Respecting Autonomy, Rejecting Inevitability: Miriam Reynoldson on AI in Education
In this episode of explAInED, the team welcomes Miriam Reynoldson, a Melbourne-based learning designer, educator, and PhD researcher whose interdisciplinary work blends education, sociology, and philosophy. Known for her thoughtful critique of generative AI in education, Miriam discusses why she chose to co-author an open letter refusing the mandated use of AI tools in teaching, and how her own experience with institutional AI pilots pushed her to speak out.
Miriam shares how her journey has shaped her view that autonomy and informed consent are critical when it comes to technology in education. The conversation explores how personal choice can be mistakenly interpreted as moral judgment, highlighting the importance of systems that foster nuanced, respectful engagement with AI instead of enforcing one-size-fits-all mandates.
The episode also explores what it means to push back against the “myth of inevitability,” offering a hopeful path forward grounded in collective solidarity and the empowerment of educators. From curriculum design to system-level thinking, Miriam and the hosts reflect on the importance of making space for both critical resistance and, for those who choose it, careful, intentional use of AI.
Resources & Mentions:
An open letter from educators who refuse to adopt GenAI in education
Janelle Shane, You Look Like a Thing and I Love You
Mark Watkins - AI is Unavoidable, Not Inevitable
Leon Furze - The Myth of Inevitable AI
Learn more about Miriam’s work at themindfile.substack.com (now moving to https://miriamreynoldson.com).
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