The future of education

Education researcher Susanna Loeb studies the broad spectrum of learning experience, including ways to recruit and retain expert teachers, how to optimize classrooms, and the impact of technology on learning. She says pandemic-inspired innovations in tutoring have led to greater student engagement and improved learning outcomes. And on the growing influence of AI in education, Loeb counts herself an optimist. She sees it as a tool for good, enhancing personalized learning and supporting teachers. These innovations that didn’t exist a few years ago stand to help students to thrive, Loeb tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu . Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Susanna Loeb Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Susanna Loeb, a professor of education at Stanford University. (00:02:58) Path into Education Susanna’s journey from engineering to education and her focus on impact at scale. (00:04:41) The Field of Learning Science The different approaches and challenges in education and its research. (00:07:06) Tutoring After the Pandemic How COVID exposed learning gaps and accelerated interest in tutoring. (00:10:14) What Makes Tutoring Effective The different factors that go into making tutoring effective. (00:12:16) Spreading Proven Practices Using proof points and partnerships to drive adoption across districts. (00:14:00) Building Education Networks The importance of trusted relationships and communication channels. (00:14:50) AI in the Classroom How schools are beginning to adopt AI tools and respond to demand. (00:16:00) AI & Education How teachers are leading AI adoption, with limited direct student use. (00:19:37) A Framework for Using AI The focus on improving student experiences and personalized learning. (00:21:23) Studying AI in Real Time Challenges of evaluating fast-changing tools and the need for rapid testing. (00:23:22) Partnering with AI Companies Collaborating with industry to test tools like ChatGPT in schools. (00:25:26) AI & Tutoring Blending human tutors with AI support to improve outcomes. (00:27:22) The Limits of AI Tutors Why human motivation and relationships remain essential. (00:28:54) The Future of Education Systems Balancing innovation with equitable access and student engagement. (00:30:51) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: optimism, scaling education, and collaboration. (00:32:54) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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The future of education is an episode from The Future of Everything presented by Stanford Engineering by Stanford Engineering & Russ Altman.

This episode is 00:33:45 long.

This episode was published on Apr 17, 2026.

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