Human-Centered AI | Mairéad Pratschke | Sharifa Alghowinem

In this episode of Digital Education Dialogues, experts Dr. Mairéad Pratschke and Dr. Sharifa AlGhowinem join Professor Chris Dede and Dr. Waleed Al Ali to explore human-centered AI and its role in transforming learning for marginalized and underserved communities. The conversation dives into AI literacy, equity, access, culture, personal robots, and the responsible application of AI in social and educational contexts.

Meet the Guests:

Mairéad Pratschke,
Author, AI Strategist & Advisor, Visiting Professor LSE
An expert in digital learning with 25+ years of experience, Mairéad specializes in human-centered AI, minority language representation, and ethical technology in education. She serves as a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics Data Science Institute and as Advisory Board and Research Fellow at the National Science Foundation AI Institute for Online Learning and Adult Education. She is the author of the book ‘Generative AI and Education’.

Sharifa AlGhowinem,
Research Scientist, Personal Robots Group, MIT Media Lab
A research scientist in Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Personal Robots Group (RAISE initiative), Sharifa designs AI and robotic learning tools for K–12, including AI tutors and social-emotional learning systems for refugee and underserved students. She focuses on safe, culturally aware, human-centered AI for education. Sharifa also serves as Associate Director of Postgraduate Programs at Prince Sultan University College of Computer and Information Science.

Meet the Hosts:

Professor Chris Dede,
Senior Fellow, Harvard Graduate School of Education
A global leader in learning technologies and AI in education, Chris studies AI literacy, immersive learning, and socio-technical innovation. He also serves as Associate Director at the US National Institute for Adult Learning and Online Education.

Dr. Waleed Al Ali,
Secretary-General, The Digital School
Dr. Waleed Al Ali is the Secretary General of The Digital School, one of the global education initiatives under Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). He leads The Digital School’s mission to deliver accessible, scalable, and high-quality digital learning to learners in marginalized communities around the world.

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