On 18 March, GIIS SMART Campus hosted an engaging and thought-provoking session with Dr Sabba Quidwai, CEO of Designing Schools and a recognised author and educator known for her work in reimagining learning in the age of artificial intelligence.

Her presentation titled “The Human Advantage: What Colleges and Careers Will Value in the Age of AI,” the session invited students to reflect on how education, careers, and essential skillsets are evolving in response to rapid technological change. Dr Quidwai highlighted that as artificial intelligence continues to transform industries and redefine the nature of work, the true differentiators will be deeply human qualities such as curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and adaptability. Dr. Quidwai emphasised that in an AI-driven world, success will depend not just on what we know, but on how we think, question, and innovate.

Drawing from her experience working with educational institutions and leaders across the globe, Dr Quidwai spoke about the need to shift from traditional, content-driven learning models to environments that prioritise thinking, problem-solving, and human-centred design. She encouraged students to view AI not as a replacement, but as a tool that can enhance learning when used thoughtfully and responsibly.

A key highlight of the session was the interactive Q&A segment, where students demonstrated remarkable depth of thought and engagement. Their questions explored critical issues such as the relevance of current assessment systems in an AI-enabled world, the balance between human judgement and AI-driven decision-making, and the potential impact of AI on independent thinking and intellectual ownership. Students also raised reflective questions about their own learning experiences, considering where true understanding lies when AI becomes an active participant in the learning process.

This exchange created a dynamic and reflective learning environment, allowing students to engage directly with complex ideas and gain nuanced perspectives. It also reinforced the importance of developing awareness, responsibility, and critical thinking when navigating emerging technologies. Overall, the interaction left students inspired and better equipped to approach the future with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose.