Paul Welty, PhD AI, WORK, AND STAYING HUMAN

Bookmark: Students using AI: It’s not that scary and shouldn’t be banned

Embrace AI in education to empower students and foster inclusivity, transforming learning into a tool for innovation and ethical problem-solving.

In a world where AI often gets a bad rap in education, Timothy Montalvo’s piece on eCampus News shifts the narrative. He argues that with thoughtful integration, AI can be a powerful ally in empowering students and fostering inclusivity. As we prepare students for a tech-driven future, this perspective offers a refreshing take on using AI as a tool for learning and ethical problem-solving.

One notable quote from the article is: “AI doesn’t have to be banned or feared in education. By embracing its potential and addressing its challenges head-on, educators can help students use AI as a tool for learning, innovation, and ethical problem-solving” Students using AI: It’s not that scary and shouldn’t be banned


Featured writing

Why customer tools are organized wrong

This article reveals a fundamental flaw in how customer support tools are designed—organizing by interaction type instead of by customer—and explains why this fragmentation wastes time and obscures the full picture you need to help users effectively.

Infrastructure shapes thought

The tools you build determine what kinds of thinking become possible. On infrastructure, friction, and building deliberately for thought rather than just throughput.

Server-Side Dashboard Architecture: Why Moving Data Fetching Off the Browser Changes Everything

How choosing server-side rendering solved security, CORS, and credential management problems I didn't know I had.

Books

The Work of Being (in progress)

A book on AI, judgment, and staying human at work.

The Practice of Work (in progress)

Practical essays on how work actually gets done.

Recent writing

We always panic about new tools (and we're always wrong)

Every time a new tool emerges for making or manipulating symbols, we panic. The pattern is so consistent it's almost embarrassing. Here's what happened each time.

Dev reflection - February 03, 2026

I've been thinking about constraints today. Not the kind that block you—the kind that clarify. There's a difference, and most people miss it.

When execution becomes cheap, ideas become expensive

This article reveals a fundamental shift in how organizations operate: as AI makes execution nearly instantaneous, the bottleneck has moved from implementation to decision-making. Understanding this transition is critical for anyone leading teams or making strategic choices in an AI-enabled world.

Notes and related thinking

Article analysis: The Rise Of The Micro-Credentials Movement: Validating Skills Beyond Traditional Degrees

Explore how micro-credentials bridge skill gaps, enhance hiring, and offer affordable, flexible learning options for today's workforce demands.

Article analysis: Not using AI is “disservice” to students

Integrate AI in education to enhance learning and prepare students for future jobs, ensuring they thrive in an AI-driven world.

Bookmark: Arizona School’s Curriculum Will Be Taught by AI, No Teachers

Unbound Academy in Arizona revolutionizes education by using AI for personalized learning, freeing up time for essential life skills workshops.