05/12/2025

At MK:U, we are committed to preparing students for a world shaped by rapid technological change and few technologies are evolving as quickly or as profoundly as Artificial Intelligence.

Our Director of Education, Professor Ruth Massie, attended a talk by Christopher Summerfield, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Oxford University and former Research Scientist at DeepMind, based on his book These Strange New Minds: How AI Learned to Talk and What It Means. The event explored how AI systems learn, how they’re reshaping society, and what this means for human thinking.

Ruth has shared her reflections with us, offering valuable insight into the future of education, skills and apprenticeships.

 

1. Key Insights From the Event

“I had not previously considered that AI is learning purely through language, whereas we humans use a multitude of senses to make sense of our world,” Ruth explains.

“Yet AI is rapidly catching up as systems evolve and the resources they are trained on expand.”

This raised powerful questions about human and machine thinking:

  • What does it really mean for humans to reason?
  • How does human learning differ from machine learning?
  • How do we ensure AI develops in ways that support, rather than replace, human capability?

Ruth noted that Summerfield was clear on one point:
“Humans must take an active role in AI’s development and application, not just be passive travellers on the journey.”

2. What This Means for Education & Apprenticeships

“With the fast evolution of AI, it is incumbent on educators to enable students to grow with the technology,” Ruth says.

“Teaching absolutes won’t benefit students long-term. Instead, we must help them build critical thinking, ethical awareness, and lifelong learning skills.”

At MK:U, these insights reinforce our approach: learning must align with real industry needs and adapt as technology shifts.

For apprenticeships, especially in tech, AI, and digital fields, this means:

  • Embedding critical evaluation of AI tools
  • Preparing learners for AI-assisted workplaces
  • Encouraging curiosity and adaptability
  • Ensuring employers and educators co-design programmes that keep pace with industry

3. Ruth’s Reflections on AI’s Direction

“AI is developing its reasoning abilities quickly, and with that comes opportunity, but also responsibility,” she reflects.

“We need to equip students to question AI, understand its limitations and apply it responsibly.”

This echoes MK:U’s wider ambition to produce graduates who are confident, ethical and technologically fluent.

4. What Students & Employers Should Do Now

For Students & Apprentices

  • Build strong communication and reasoning skills
  • Develop AI literacy – explore tools, test capabilities, understand risks
  • Practise critical thinking, especially around AI-generated outputs
  • Commit to lifelong learning, as the landscape will keep shifting

For Employers

  • Upskill teams now, not later
  • Support staff in gaining AI and digital confidence
  • Collaborate with education providers to shape future-ready programmes
  • Focus on developing adaptable, curious talent

Looking Ahead at MK:U

The insights from this event reinforce MK:U’s mission: preparing students for the real world by equipping them with the skills that matter – now and into the future.

As we continue exploring AI-focused apprenticeships and digital skills pathways, Ruth’s reflections help shape the direction of our teaching and our partnerships with employers.