Foundations or Facades? Duolingo, AI, and the Antaeus Paradox in EdTech by Dr. Jasmin Cowin

In my exclusive article for Stankevicius Foundations or Facades? Duolingo, AI, and the Antaeus Paradox in EdTech, I explore how the platform’s rapid shift toward AI optimization may be weakening the core elements that once defined its success. Like Antaeus losing his strength when lifted from the ground, Duolingo risks disconnecting from the educational and cultural foundations that gave it power. The article investigates whether the pursuit of growth is coming at the cost of pedagogical integrity and user trust.

Cowin, J. (2025, May 15). Foundations or facades? Duolingo, AI, and the Antaeus paradox in EdTech. Stankevicius. https://stankevicius.co/artificial-intelligence/foundations-or-facades-duolingo-ai-and-the-antaeus-paradox-in-edtech/

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Author: drcowinj

Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin, an Associate Professor at Touro University, received the 2024 Touro University CETL Faculty Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching and the Rockefeller Institute of Government awarded her the prestigious Richard P. Nathan Public Policy Fellowship (2024-2025). As a Fulbright Scholar and SIT Graduate, she was selected to be a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist. Her expertise in AI in education is underscored by her role as an AI trainer and former Education Policy Fellow (EPFP™) at Columbia University's Teachers College. As a columnist for Stankevicius, she explores Nicomachean Ethics at the intersection of AI and education. She has contributed to initiatives like Computers for Schools Burundi, served as a resource specialist for Amity University in Uttar Pradesh, India, and participated in TESOL "Train the Trainer" programs in Yemen and Morocco. Her research interests include simulations and metaverse for educators-in-training, AI applications in education and language acquisition and teaching, and distributed ledger technologies, with a focus on her 'Education for 2060' theme. In conclusion, my commitment extends beyond transactional interactions, focusing instead on utilizing my skills and privileges to make a positive, enduring impact on the world.