Renowned artificial intelligence expert Cynthia Breazeal has embarked on a new journey as the Senior Associate Dean for MIT Open Learning, starting her role in Fall 2021. As a distinguished professor of media arts and sciences and leader of the Personal Robots group at the MIT Media Lab, Breazeal brings extensive expertise in AI education innovation. She also serves as the director of MIT RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education), a groundbreaking initiative focused on advancing artificial intelligence education across the institute. In her new capacity, Breazeal will spearhead MIT xPRO, Bootcamps, and Horizon—three specialized units dedicated to creating and delivering cutting-edge courses, programs, and learning resources for professionals worldwide.
With her entrepreneurial background as a high-tech startup founder, Breazeal possesses a unique understanding of the innovative culture that drives MIT Open Learning's revenue-generating divisions. Her experience bridges the gap between MIT's extensive knowledge base and the evolving needs of today's workforce professionals, creating powerful educational solutions that address real-world challenges.
"I'm deeply inspired by the transformative potential of emerging innovations in the educational landscape," Breazeal explains. "Each program under my supervision serves a distinct market need while engaging with MIT's educational materials in unique ways. Horizon provides organizations with self-paced introductions to emerging technologies; xPRO delivers comprehensive digital courses for deeper learning; and Bootcamps offer intensive, innovation-focused challenges with an entrepreneurial approach. I'm enthusiastic about collaborating with these teams to expand and enhance their program offerings." Breazeal envisions exciting opportunities to develop integrated solutions that combine different program elements around specific technology innovation themes.
"We couldn't be more delighted to welcome Cynthia to Open Learning in this leadership role," states Krishna Rajagopal, Acting Vice President for Open Learning. "Her extensive experience spans research, education, technology innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. We look forward to collaborating with her as she brings her expertise, vision, and passion to shape the future direction of Open Learning."
Internationally recognized as a pioneer in human-robot interaction, Breazeal authored the influential book "Designing Sociable Robots" (MIT Press, 2002), considered a foundational text in the field. Her research has extensively explored social robotics and artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on education, agency, and inclusion in technology design and implementation. As the head of the Media Lab's Personal Robots research group, Breazeal continues to advance the "living with AI" theme, investigating the long-term impact of social robots that can form relationships and provide personalized support as daily companions.
In May 2021, MIT launched RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education), an initiative under Breazeal's leadership designed to democratize access to AI knowledge and benefits. This collaborative effort between the Media Lab, MIT Open Learning, and the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing focuses on research, education, and outreach to develop innovative teaching approaches, tools, and activities for learners of all ages.
"My professional passion stems from decades of research in developing AI-powered technologies that enhance human learning," Breazeal shares. "I've observed how people of all ages form meaningful connections with human-centered AI agents. These technologies not only facilitate skill and concept acquisition but also foster learning-friendly attitudes like creativity, curiosity, and growth mindset. However, I'm equally conscious of AI's potential challenges. Responsible technology design remains at the forefront of my work, as I explore how MIT can champion equity, access, and opportunity through digital learning innovations."
Beyond directing RAISE, Breazeal is eager to engage more deeply with MIT Open Learning's strategic initiatives, including the pK-12 Action Group and MIT ReACT, further expanding the impact of AI-powered education solutions.
"I wholeheartedly believe in Open Learning's mission to revolutionize teaching and learning at MIT and globally through digital technology innovation," Breazeal concludes. "I'm particularly excited about exploring how AI and learning sciences can transform how people of all ages learn with technology in increasingly engaging, creative, and effective ways. I look forward to contributing to Open Learning's mission alongside MIT's brilliant and dedicated community, who have so much to offer the world."
