The NatMatSci Podcast · The National Mathematics & Science College

Incoming teacher Mr Adam Depledge talks Computer Science and AI

·21 min·1 clip

Adam reveals how the YouTube algorithm accidentally radicalized extremists through unintended rabbit holes.

This episode features an interview with incoming Computer Science teacher Adam Depledge, conducted by the host of the NatMatSci Podcast. Depledge shares his career journey and his perspectives on the importance of computer science education. He initially pursued a computer science degree but chose teaching after a year of travel, a career he has now enjoyed for 18 years. Depledge began his teaching career through a graduate training program at a school in Small Heath, Birmingham, where he taught ICT. He explains the key difference between ICT and computer science using an analogy: ICT teaches how to drive a car, while computer science teaches how to be a mechanic. He argues that algorithms, code, networks, and data are foundational to modern society, influencing everything from social media to major tech figures like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. Depledge cites the YouTube algorithm as a specific example, designed to maximize advertising revenue by keeping users engaged. He describes how this algorithm unintentionally created "YouTube rabbit holes," radicalizing individuals by feeding them increasingly extreme content. Depledge believes understanding the intentionality and emergent behaviors of such algorithms gives people greater agency over their digital lives. He references the derision within the computer science community when Mark Zuckerberg was interviewed by U.S. senators who lacked basic understanding of the technology. On artificial intelligence, Depledge notes that just a few years ago, a common lesson stated computers could never create art or tell original jokes—a belief AI has now challenged. He predicts AI will make computer science more important, not less, even if it reduces some developer jobs, similar to how calculators did not eliminate the need for mathematicians. Depledge was attracted to NatMatSci after seeing a job post from Head of Computer Science Martin Colliver; the college's singular focus on STEM and passionate students appealed to him. Outside work, he spends time with his five-year-old daughter Freya and three-year-old son Theo, is a Coventry City football fan, and enjoys video games and sci-fi books, currently reading Stephen Fry's works on Greek mythology. The conversation is educational and conversational, blending personal anecdotes with broader societal analysis of technology. Listeners interested in computer science education, the societal impact of algorithms, and a teacher's personal career reflections would enjoy this episode. Those seeking highly technical deep dives or debates on specific AI models might find it too introductory.

As heard by us

A clear, accessible look at computer science, AI, and why understanding technology matters.

Adam DePledge's conversation on Nat Mat Sci gives computer science a practical, everyday shape. It moves past classroom basics and keeps its focus on how algorithms, echo chambers, and the pull of extreme content affect the way people move through digital life.

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Hear the new computer science teacher talk about real-world applications, AI, and what he is looking forward to at Nat Mat Sci.

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