An Open Letter to Students about AI (Updated) Episode 48

About this episode

Link to the Letter

In this special episode of the Reach Every Student podcast, Jon Bergmann shares insights from an AI symposium hosted by the Sloan Foundation at Rockefeller Center, where he joined top academics in rewriting his “Letter to Students” for a broader audience. This episode dives deep into what real learning means in an age when artificial intelligence can automate so many aspects of education.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• Why teachers want to help students flourish—not just survive—as AI changes how we learn

• The powerful comparison: how the industrial revolution changed physical fitness and how AI is now challenging cognitive fitness

• The science behind “productive struggle”—effort as the key to brain growth and thinking skills

• Dangers of letting AI do all the thinking (why it’s like bringing a forklift to the weight room!)

• Maria Gleason’s perspective on writing and learning: why the process matters more than the product

• How to use AI as atraining partner(not a substitute): bringing your effort first, letting AI coach and challenge you afterward

• Why discernment and critical thinking matter more than ever—trust but verify every AI answer

• Future-proof skills for life and career in any automated world: adaptability, curiosity, creativity, judgment, agency, empathy, integrity

• The “Cognitive Fitness Plan” for students (8 actionable steps):

  1. Warm up with curiosity,

  2. Do your own reps,

  3. Invite AI to coach,

  4. Find a human mentor,

  5. Cross-train across disciplines,

  6. Rest and reflect,

  7. Work out together,

  8. Track and test your progress

• Why teachers will design assignments that challenge—not waste—your effort

• An invitation for students and educators to join in signing and sharing the letter

Key Quotes:

• “Using AI to do your thinking makes you weaker, not stronger.”

• “Every major advance offers shortcuts, butunderstandingstill requires struggle.”

• “Don’t ask what AI can do—ask what you can become.”

Action Items:

• Read, remix, and share the letter; sign to show support

• Bring effort to your learning—use AI to amplify, not take away, your work

• Share this episode with students and fellow educators to keep the conversation going!

More Info:
Creative Commons license—teachers and students are invited to personalize and use the letter in their own learning communities.

Join the Conversation:
Comment, share your thoughts on mental fitness in the era of AI, and let us know: How are you using technology to challenge yourself?