BY SHONDELL SABAD, SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR AT THE ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP

The knowledge economy is rapidly being commoditized.  With AI and automation, facts and data are just a click away.  But this does not make education less valuable, it makes the right kind of education more important than ever.

As Stephen McBride points out in his recent article, Will AI Make Kids Dumb?, the real skills of the future aren’t about memorization – they’re about creativity, problem-solving, sales, networking, and human connection. Essentially, the things AI can’t replicate.

History reveals that each significant technological advancement, from the printing press to the internet, was initially greeted fear. And yet, each one ultimately empowered us, enhancing our capabilities and providing opportunities for greater connection. Education will follow this same path.

But here’s the key: AI is a tool, not a replacement for learning. We can’t let technology decide what children learn or how they learn it.  Instead, we should guide AI to spark creativity, fuel curiosity, and deepen critical thinking, the skills that make learning meaningful and prepare students for the world ahead.

The responsibility now falls to parents, teachers, administrators, and especially leaders: to embrace this opportunity with openness rather than hesitation. AI is already transforming education, and McBride demonstrates this through real-life examples of how he uses it with his school-age children. The real question is this: will we prepare our youth to thrive in a world where creativity and human connection matter more than ever?