Teens and AI can produce a finished assignment, but what happened to the thinking along the way? Michelle Sengara offers a framework for distinguishing useful help from cognitive outsourcing. The question starts with how a teenager uses the tool, rather than whether the tool is available.

Convenience has an example at home: adults take shortcuts too. Asking a teen to work through a problem means considering the habits being modelled around them. Where does getting assistance leave room for learning, and where does it take over?

Play adds another layer. Creating something on a screen and figuring something out with friends offer different experiences. Michelle puts those everyday choices alongside schoolwork to question what meaningful technology use actually involves.

Topics: teens and AI, cognitive outsourcing, adult habits, screen time, independent thinking

GUEST: Michelle Sengara | Teaching and learning | Ontario | Michelle Sengara, PhD 

Originally aired on 2026-10-06

Teens and AI can produce a finished assignment, but what happened to the thinking along the way? Michelle Sengara offers a framework for distinguishing useful help from cognitive outsourcing. The question starts with how a teenager uses the tool, rather than whether the tool is available.
Convenience has an example at home: adults take shortcuts too. Asking a teen to work through a problem means considering the habits being modelled around them. Where does getting assistance leave room for learning, and where does it take over?
Play adds another layer. Creating something on a screen and figuring something out with friends offer different experiences. Michelle puts those everyday choices alongside schoolwork to question what meaningful technology use actually involves.
Topics: teens and AI, cognitive outsourcing, adult habits, screen time, independent thinking
GUEST: Michelle Sengara | <a href="https://www.michellesengara.com/" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view">Teaching and learning | Ontario | Michelle Sengara, PhD&nbsp;</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-10-06

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.