AI's Role in Project-Based Learning

Episode Summary

In this episode of ChatEDU (No Copyright for AI – The Line Between AI Help and Human Work), Matt and Liz celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast before diving into major developments in AI and education. They explore Harvard’s latest research on AI in project-based learning, three new AI startups pushing boundaries beyond chatbots, and a landmark ruling from the U.S. Copyright Office that redefines what counts as human-created work in the age of AI (and what it tells us about authentic student work). 

In The News

Harvard’s New AI & Project-Based Learning Report

- Harvard’s Generative AI in Student-Directed Projects guide explores how AI can support idea generation, time management, and critical thinking in self-directed student work. How does this align with what we see in K-12?

Beyond the Bot Buffet: Three AI Startups Changing Learning

- SignLab (Norway): AI-powered sign language feedback for accessibility.

- JotIt (Israel): A tool bringing handwriting into the digital world.

- MoonHub (UK): Using AI and VR for immersive workplace training.

Beneath the Surface

AI & Copyright: A New Line for Human Creativity

- The U.S. Copyright Office has ruled that AI alone cannot be an author. If AI is making the creative choices, there’s no copyright protection—but if a human modifies and refines AI-generated content, they may claim ownership.

- How does this mirror the debate in education over AI-assisted student work

Short Stack Chat Back

George Washington & The First U.S. Patent

- A look at the first patent signed by George Washington—for potash (a key ingredient in fertilizer)—and what it tells us about ownership, invention, and AI-generated content today.

Links Referenced in This Episode

Harvard’s AI & Project-Based Learning Report –https://creativecomputing.gse.harvard.edu/genai/GenAI_StudentProjects_Dec2024.pdf

Google Blog on Three Innovative AI Startups - https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/entrepreneurs/startups-using-ai-to-help-learners-and-educators/

U.S. Copyright Office Report on AI – https://www.copyright.gov/ai/Copyright-and-Artificial-Intelligence-Part-2-Copyrightability-Report.pdf

Try the Feynman Technique Prompt (AI Advisory Boards Blog)  – https://aiadvisoryboards.wordpress.com/2025/01/29/the-power-of-ai-and-feynman-technique-in-education/

Liz’s New Article in Educational Leadership – https://ascd.org/el/articles/student-projects-and-ai-an-ideal-combination

Matthew Mcconaughey AI Agent Ad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4JNLL7U8H8 

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