Hosted by the School of Medicine at Cardiff University
This talk will explore key ideas from my forthcoming book, Emergent Discourses in Generative AI in Education, to examine how generative AI functions as both a mediator of meaning and an automation tool, influencing how knowledge is produced, communicated, and applied. While AI-driven automation can enhance efficiency in administrative, analytical, and decision-support tasks, its true potential lies in human-centred collaboration, where AI serves as a co-creative partner in meaning-making, critical inquiry, and learning. Drawing from philosophy, sociology of technology, and empirical research, this presentation will discuss the need for AI literacy, ethical integration, and thoughtful human oversight in education and professional practice. Rather than replacing human expertise, generative AI should be harnessed to augment critical thinking, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and support inclusive knowledge practices across diverse fields.
Background reading
- Watson, S. (2025). Emergent discourses in generative AI in education (Pre-review). CUP. https://rgdoi.net/10.13140/RG.2.2.29773.14562
- Watson, S., Brezovec, E., & Romic, J. (2025). The role of generative AI in academic and scientific authorship: An autopoietic perspective. AI & SOCIETY. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-024-02174-w
- Watson, S., & Shi, S. (2024). Generative AI Integration in Education: Challenges and Approaches. In P. Ilic, I. Casebourne, & R. Wegerif (Eds.), Artificial Intelligence in Education: The Intersection of Technology and Pedagogy(pp. 59–73). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-71232-6_4
- Watson, S., & Romic, J. (2024). ChatGPT and the entangled evolution of society, education, and technology: A systems theory perspective. European Educational Research Journal, 0(0). https://doi-org.ezp.lib.cam.ac.uk/10.1177/14749041231221266
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Dr. Steven Watson is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. His research takes a transdisciplinary approach, focusing on the philosophy and sociology of technology, particularly the role of generative AI in education and society. His work explores meaning mediation, AI literacy, and the broader social and ethical implications of AI. While his research is strongly theoretical, he integrates contextual empirical research and development. Dr. Watson holds degrees in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, a master's in education from the Open University, and a PhD in Education from the University of Nottingham.