Ep 98: Empowering an AI-Ready Generation to Learn, Create, and Lead with Jeff Riley

Bob Pulver speaks with Jeff Riley, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education and Executive Director of Day of AI, a nonprofit launched out of MIT. They explore the urgent need for AI literacy in K-12 education, the responsibilities of educators, parents, and policymakers in the AI era, and how Day of AI is building tools, curricula, and experiences that empower students to engage with AI critically and creatively. Jeff shares both inspiring examples and sobering warnings about the risks and rewards of AI in the hands of the next generation.

Keywords

Day of AI, MIT RAISE, responsible AI, AI literacy, K-12 education, student privacy, AI companions, Common Sense Media, AI policy, AI ethics, educational technology, AI curriculum, teacher training, creativity, critical thinking, digital natives, student agency, future of education, AI and the arts, cognitive offloading, generative AI, AI hallucinations, PISA 2029, AI festival

Takeaways

Day of AI is equipping teachers, students, and families with tools and curricula to understand and use AI safely, ethically, and productively.
AI literacy must start early and span disciplines; it’s not just for coders or computer science classes.
Students are already interacting with AI — often without adults realizing it — including the widespread use of AI companions.
A core focus of Day of AI is helping students develop a healthy skepticism of AI tools, rather than blind trust.
Writing, critical thinking, and domain knowledge are essential guardrails as students begin to use AI more frequently.
The AI Festival and student policy simulation initiatives give youth a voice in shaping the future of AI governance.
AI presents real risks — from bias and hallucinations to cognitive offloading and emotional detachment — especially for children.
Higher education and vocational programs are beginning to respond to AI, but many are still behind the curve.

Quotes

“AI is more powerful than a car — and yet we’re throwing the keys to our kids without requiring any kind of driver’s ed.”
“We want kids to be skeptical and savvy — not just passive consumers of AI.”
“Students are already using AI companions, but most parents have no idea. That gap in awareness is dangerous.”
“Writing is thinking. If we outsource writing, we risk outsourcing thought itself.”
“The U.S. invented AI — but we risk falling behind on AI literacy if we don’t act now.”
“Our goal isn’t to scare people. It’s to prepare them — and let young people lead where they’re ready.”