From Cursive to ChatGPT

Technology has become a permanent fixture in our classrooms—but what are students gaining, and what might they be losing?

In this episode, we dive into the growing role of technology in education and explore an increasingly important question: Which skills should children still practice deliberately because technology doesn't build them automatically?

From handwriting and spelling to critical thinking, problem-solving, and navigating disagreement, we discuss how school-issued devices, AI tools, and digital-first learning environments are changing the way children learn. While technology creates incredible opportunities, it can also make it easy to outsource skills that were once considered foundational.

We also explore:
• Whether convenience is replacing capability in education
• The impact of AI and automated tools on critical thinking
• How personalized algorithms can limit exposure to different viewpoints
• The connection between technology, dopamine-driven behavior, and rising anxiety among young people
• What parents can do to help children develop skills that screens can't teach

As parents and technology professionals, we're not advocating for less innovation—we're asking how we can be more intentional about preparing kids for a world where technology is everywhere.

Resources Mentioned:

Olympic Minds Podcast: Leadership Beyond Limits (Episode 34 featuring Sherry Winn)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCQ7Pa1beyOKTIc9hByCe62XS7ouJWzZy

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
https://www.anxiousgeneration.com