Co-Occurrence #11 – From Neurons to Networks: Understanding the Biology of Learning and Artificial Intelligence Parallels (EP.34)

Co-Occurrence #11 – From Neurons to Networks: Understanding the Biology of Learning and Artificial Intelligence Parallels (EP.34)
With Barbara Oakley, Ph.D 

Our brains are the center of learning acquisition, so understanding the biological neuroscientific processes behind learning is essential to all educators and learners. These processes are mirrored in artificial intelligence models. Understanding the process of both the human mind and the AI mind can help educators craft successful strategies for when and how to leverage emerging educational technologies.  Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University and author Dr. Barbara Oakley joins host Stacy Craft for a compelling exploration on how learning works, the biology behind our learning processes and the ways that AI is mimicking the neuro processes of organic learning.

This episode is the eleventh installment of our limited series, “Co-Occurrence,” featuring conversations exploring AI and related technologies as well as possible, probably and actual impacts on education. From discussions around what we know, what we hope for, and what is happening concretely today – this limited series will give you some things to ponder and actionable takeaways.

Questions? Feedback? Ideas? Contact us at edufi@mayo.edu

Special thanks to MaryAnne Nestor

Audio Edit Support: Jaquan Leonard

Additional Resources:

• Barbara Oakley Website – https://barbaraoakley.com/
• Oakley, B., & Sejnowski, T. J. (2021). Uncommon sense teaching: Practical insights in brain science to help students learn. Penguin.
• Quartz SR, Sejnowski TJ. Beyond modularity: Neural evidence for constructivist principles in development. Behavioral and Brain Sciences. 1994;17(4):725-726. doi:10.1017/S0140525X00036839
• Ullman, M. T., & Lovelett, J. T. (2018). Implications of the declarative/procedural model for improving second language learning: The role of memory enhancement techniques. Second Language Research, 34(1), 39-65. https://doi.org/10.1177/0267658316675195
• B. Oakley, “Learning How We Learn: In an unlikely confluence, bioengineers are finding fertile ground in research and teaching about learning,” in IEEE Pulse, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 37-41, March-April 2015, doi: 10.1109/MPUL.2014.2386574. keywords: {Learning systems;Biomedical engineering education;Psychology},