Dordt University Professor of Education writes new book examining challenges of teaching and learning in an AI-driven world

Dr. Dave Mulder, professor and chair of the Education department at Dordt University, has written a book on AI in education. That book, Teach Like a Human: Playful Practice and Serious Faith in the Age of AI, is now available for purchase.

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted the way the world views work. Knowing the challenges will continue to emerge alongside new technology, Mulder aims to help teachers think through what it means to be human in today’s classroom by “blending thoughtful theology, practical wisdom, and a deep love of teaching.”

“I think the title really captures the heart of what I’m trying to do in the book: encourage teachers to do the good, God-delighting, sometimes-daunting, always-important, human work of teaching,” explains Mulder. “I hope this book encourages thoughtful engagement with AI—with practical examples in practice of restoration-oriented ways of using AI in the teaching-learning process—and to develop a sort of ‘theology of educational technology’ for how we can determine how and when we should use—or exclude—particular tech tools in our teaching practices.”

Mulder’s work on Dordt’s campus and in the broader teaching community has fueled his passion for this topic. In addition to regular speaking engagements across North America and webinars on education technologies, Mulder teaches a Core capstone course titled “Technology, Identity, and Community” as well as courses addressing education technologies in the Master of Education program. “I’m grateful to my insightful graduate students who ask great questions, as they have challenged me to keep learning more about how AI works, how we can benefit from using it for teaching and learning, and ways we should be cautious about implementing it as well,” adds Mulder.

For Mulder, this book is a tangible expression of his growing interest and concern for how we engage with technology in our work in the world. He hopes it will serve as a practical resource as well as a starting point for teachers and school leaders to continue developing thoughtful conversations about the role technology plays in education.

“My deep hope for this book is that it will encourage productive conversations about AI among teachers, school leaders, and school communities about AI in education,” says Mulder. “It’s a brave new world out there, but we can move forward into it with confidence, knowing that Christ is sovereign over all things. I think this should liberate us to explore AI both thoughtfully and playfully and develop restoration-oriented ways we can use AI for teaching and learning.”

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.