At the Thinkering Collective, we’ve heard it before—people see our focus on “humanizing education” and assume we’re anti-tech. They think we’re pushing back against the rise of AI, digital tools, and machine learning in schools.
But let me set the record straight: we are not anti-technology. In fact, we believe that embracing technology—specifically when it's designed to empower human connection—is how we move education forward.
The future we’re building isn’t less technical. It’s more human.
What It Means to Humanize Learning in a Digital Age
Humanizing education doesn’t mean rejecting modern tools. It means reclaiming space for human presence, creativity, and care in learning environments that have long prioritized compliance, standardization, and efficiency.
We’re not trying to keep tech out of classrooms. We’re asking a more powerful question:
“What if we used technology not to replace educators, but to restore the humanity in learning?”
Imagine classrooms where AI handles the tedious tasks—grading, organizing, data tracking, administrative paperwork—so teachers can be fully present with their students. Where machine learning supports personalized learning plans, but teachers design and guide the journey. Where every minute saved by automation is poured back into curiosity, storytelling, project work, and mentorship.
That’s the version of the future we’re fighting for.
Thinkering’s Approach: Tech in Service of the Human
We’ve embedded this belief into the heart of our programs. Our Thinkering Fellowship and mentorship model blend AI-powered tools—like Thinkerbot—with high-touch, relational coaching from experienced educators.
Thinkerbot isn’t there to “teach.” It’s there to capture learning artifacts, prompt reflection, suggest resources, and track growth. It helps fellows focus on what really matters: thinking, creating, connecting.
This is a model of education where AI frees us to be more human—not less.
Why Human Skills Are the Real Future-Proof Curriculum
As AI gets more powerful, the question isn’t if learners will use it—it’s how.
We’re entering an era where creativity, empathy, collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability aren’t “nice to have.” They’re the core skills that will define success. These are the uniquely human capacities that machines can’t replicate—and that our learners need now more than ever.
So our job as educators isn’t to gatekeep tech. It’s to teach students how to wield it responsibly, creatively, and with purpose. It’s to help them navigate the world AI is shaping, while staying grounded in their own voice, values, and agency.
This Isn’t a Binary: It’s a Blend
Too often, conversations about education get polarized: you're either a tech enthusiast or a traditionalist. But real progress lives in the in-between.
Thinkering lives in that middle space—where relational mentorship meets personalized learning; where community impact meets digital tools; where storytelling meets data.
We believe the most human classrooms of the future will also be the most technologically advanced—not because tech will replace us, but because it will support the kind of presence, connection, and creativity that human learning has always required.
So What’s Next?
If you’re an educator, leader, or changemaker trying to reconcile your values with the pace of innovation—know this:
You don’t have to choose between being a compassionate, creative teacher and being a tech-savvy one.
You can be both.
You must be both.
And we’re here to build that path with you.
Let’s stop asking if AI belongs in classrooms.
Let’s start asking how we’ll use it to reclaim our most human moments inside them.
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Follow along or join the movement at thinkeringcollective.org.
Excellent read - Humanizing learning is essential during the era of AI. I especially appreciated this section, "As AI gets more powerful, the question isn’t if learners will use it—it’s how.
We’re entering an era where creativity, empathy, collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability aren’t “nice to have.” They’re the core skills that will define success."