What happens when robots do the reading—and the designing?

Rendered by Robots explores how artificial intelligence is transforming creative education. Hosted by Dr. Spencer Striker and Alessandra El Chanti of Northwestern University | Qatar, the series brings together leading voices from design, media, and technology to discuss how AI is reshaping what it means to teach, learn, and create.

Each episode features educators, technologists, artists, and researchers confronting the most pressing questions of the AI era:

• What does originality mean when machines can mimic mastery?

• How do we assess creativity in AI-assisted classrooms?

• Which human skills—curiosity, empathy, critical thinking—become more vital as automation advances?

Season 1 features:

• Clay Shirky (NYU) on how AI reshapes collaboration and learning.

• James Walsh (New York Magazine) on authorship and creative economies.

• John Gibbs (“Dr. Know-It-All Knows,” YouTube / UGA) on teaching creativity with AI.

• Marc Watkins (University of Mississippi) on generative-AI writing pedagogy.

• Olivio Sarikas (Digital Artist) on co-creation between humans and machines.

• Nataliya Kosmyna (MIT Media Lab) on brain–computer interfaces and embodied AI.

• Renée Hobbs (University of Rhode Island) on media literacy and AI ethics.

• Jeremy Gilbert (Northwestern Medill) on AI-driven storytelling and design thinking.

• Lila Shroff (The Atlantic) on authorship, ethics, and creative confidence.

• Rebecca Winthrop (Brookings Institution) on AI and global learning equity.

Supported by the Artificial Intelligence & Media Lab (AIM-LAB) and Northwestern University’s Alumnae Award for Curriculum Innovation, the podcast invites educators, students, and creators to think critically about the next chapter of creative practice in the age of intelligent machines.

Learn more at spencerstriker.com

Keywords: AI Education, Design Education, Generative AI, Media Innovation, Creative Pedagogy, AI Literacy, EdTech, Future of Learning, Creative AI, Media Futures, AI Ethics