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Dr. Theresa Smith Speaks on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Learning at Claremont McKenna College’s Athenaeum
Our Head of Schools discussed how educational institutions with strong learning communities, such as Webb, are well-positioned in this age of AI.
On Tuesday, October 13, Dr. Theresa Smith was invited to speak at Claremont McKenna College (CMC)’s Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum as part of CMC’s signature program that brings scholars, public figures, artists, and innovators into conversation with the Claremont Colleges community. For our Head of School, the evening was a return to a familiar place. Before joining Webb in 2011, Dr. Smith served as a visiting professor at CMC.
In her talk titled “The Power of Learning Communities in the Age of AI,” she shared that in an age of artificial intelligence, the relationships and shared experiences within a learning community remain essential to preparing students for the future.
Dr. Smith presented initiatives like The AI Project@Webb, and described efforts to support faculty and student experimentation, including WebbGPT, a sandbox designed to provide equitable access to AI tools. She also highlighted the initiative’s growing focus on ethics and civic engagement, and how we are helping students move beyond passive technology consumption and toward becoming ethical co-creators who know how to use emerging tools to solve real-world problems.
“We aren’t in the business of predicting the future at Webb; we are in the business of nurturing and inspiring those who will shape the future. We have been for over 100 years,” she said.
At Webb, we have focused on experiential, real-world learning since the 1920s. Dr. Smith pointed to the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, where students continue a tradition of fieldwork and research that began with science teacher Ray Alf. Students encounter questions firsthand, work together, and contribute to scientific knowledge. Educational experiences like this don’t happen in isolation—they require the ability to work with others, build relationships, and bring people together around a shared vision.
AI and emerging technologies are transforming how we learn and lead, and this work is the basis of Webb’s new strategic framework, the Future of Learning.
“I am so proud of our faculty’s work in this area, their resilience and creativity as educators confronted with fast-changing technology and social evolution,” she said. “They are not static but embracing new technologies and approaches with intention, curiosity, and care.”
Throughout the talk, Dr. Smith returned to the everyday experiences that give residential learning communities their strength: studying and eating together, pursuing research, playing sports, leading organizations, supporting one another through setbacks, and celebrating success.
“We lead together; we soothe failures and celebrate successes together,” she said. “It’s a lot of community. And this doesn’t happen everywhere.”
Her closing example came from Webb’s traditional annual senior trip to either the Grand Canyon or Yosemite’s Half Dome, where they embark on a strenuous one-day hike. Challenging hikes require preparation and individual effort, but students also draw strength from their shared purpose, encouragement, and commitment to one another. The relationships help make the achievement possible—and give it lasting meaning.
“AI will undoubtedly shape your future,” Dr. Smith told the audience. “But your success in your work and careers, and certainly in your lives, will depend far less on your relationship with technology and far more on the relationships you build, nurture, and sustain with the people around you.”
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