In this episode of When Tech Meets Ed with Prof. Jie Ren, Prof. Jie Ren speaks with Prof. Maria Mercedes (Didith) T. Rodrigo of Ateneo de Manila University about AI equity in learning across cultures. Drawing on Prof. Rodrigo's research in the learning sciences and her experience in the Philippines, they discuss the adoption of AI in education, how educators can balance the use of AI with the need to build foundational skills, and why culture matters in the design of AI-powered learning tools. The conversation also touches on growing concerns about the risks of AI, as well as New York City's recent restrictions on AI use in early education. Finally, they explore how learners from Western and collectivist cultures may engage with AI differently and consider what a more equitable and culturally responsible future for AI in education could look like.

Host and Executive Producer: Jie Ren Producer: Olakunle Davies Additional Production: Victoria Ilano, Jeffrey Haynes Cover Art: Paola Curcio-Kleinman Artwork: "Emotion and Logic" by Jie Ren Marketing: Paola Curcio-Kleinman Music: ”The Epic Hero” by Keys of Moon

Correction: At 31:04, Prof. Jie Ren says "long-term economic impact"; the correct phrase is "long-term environmental impact."

As part of our NYC Climate Week special series, AI & the Environment, Prof. Jie Ren continues the conversation by exploring the environmental impact of AI from an economic perspective with Dr. Marc Conte, Professor of Economics at Fordham University. Together, they discuss the concept of externalities and how it applies to AI and the environmental costs associated with data centers and AI infrastructure. They also examine the role of carbon pricing and energy availability in shaping the future of AI development, offering practical insights on how we can balance technological innovation with environmental sustainability.

Host and Executive Producer: Jie Ren Producer: Olakunle Davies Additional Production: Victoria Ilano, Jeffrey Haynes Cover Art: Paola Curcio-Kleinman Artwork: "Emotion and Logic" by Jie Ren Marketing: Paola Curcio-Kleinman Music: ”The Epic Hero” by Keys of Moon

In this NYC Climate Week special series of When Tech Meets Ed with Prof. Jie Ren, Prof. Jie Ren speaks with Dr. Adam Orford, a Fordham University law professor and expert in environmental law, about the environmental challenges of AI. They discuss how laws and regulations shape technological innovation, the environmental impact of AI infrastructure such as data centers, and how policymakers can balance AI development with environmental sustainability.

Host and Executive Producer: Jie Ren Producer: Olakunle Davies Additional Production: Victoria Ilano, Jeffrey Haynes Cover Art: Paola Curcio-Kleinman Artwork: "Emotion and Logic" by Jie Ren Marketing: Paola Curcio-Kleinman Music: ”The Epic Hero” by Keys of Moon