AI at Work: Driving Productivity or Diluting Critical Thinking?

Tue May 26 2026 at 08:00 am to 10:00 am UTC+10:00

Kaleide Theatre | Melbourne

RMIT Online
Publisher/HostRMIT Online
AI at Work: Driving Productivity or Diluting Critical Thinking?
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Be honest. Is AI making you better at your job, or just better at avoiding it?
About this Event

AI is transforming the way we work. From drafting content and analysing data to automating routine tasks, it’s helping professionals move faster and deliver more than ever before. In fact, RMIT Online’s latest research report reveals that the average worker saves up to 9 hours a week using AI. But as productivity rises, a new question is emerging - what’s happening to our ability to think critically?
Are we using AI to enhance our judgement, or are we starting to outsource it?


Join Alex Wood (Founder, Code Black Consulting), Mark Byrne (Founder, Headspring) and Lani Cush (Fractional Strategic Transformation, Thinking Branded) as they debate the tension between efficiency and expertise. One side will argue that AI is a powerful productivity engine, freeing up time for higher-value thinking and enabling better outcomes at scale. The other will challenge whether overreliance on AI is quietly eroding core skills like problem-solving, creativity, and independent reasoning.
Drawing on real-world examples and emerging workplace trends, our speakers will unpack what it means to work alongside AI, and what skills will matter most in the future. At the end of the session, the audience will decide which side made the strongest case.


🗓️ Date: 26th May 2026

Time: 8am - 10am

📍 Location: Kaleide Theatre (360 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000) or

💸 Cost: FREE

This event is part of RMIT Online's Future Skills Fest, where we are serving up a whole week of free content and events led by some of the brightest minds in industry. Want to join in the conversation? Check out the lineup and RSVP to our other sessions at


This event is hosted by RMIT Online. By clicking Submit, you agree to be contacted via email and SMS about our courses. Local numbers may also be contacted by phone. For information on how RMIT collects, stores and uses personal information, see our .

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Kaleide Theatre, 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia

Tickets

AUD 0.00

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