EdSurge Podcast Should Students Chat With AI Versions of Historical Figures?
Nov 8, 2024
Lynn Rogoff, a seasoned producer and director of historical stories, and Jared Tenbrink, a doctoral student focused on preserving indigenous culture, discuss the innovative use of AI chatbots for historical education. They explore the potential of chatting with AI versions of figures like Sacagawea while addressing concerns about authenticity and critical thinking. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging with primary sources rather than relying solely on AI. They also celebrate the successful representation of Native perspectives in the arts, paving the way for future storytelling.
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Episode notes
Keelboat Challenges
- Lynn Rogoff had to teach Midjourney what a keelboat was by feeding it illustrations.
- The AI initially generated images with cowboy hats, associating "expedition" with cowboys.
Sacagawea's Age
- Sacagawea's chatbot claimed she was 33 during the expedition, a hallucination based on incorrect birthdate data.
- Correcting such errors requires adjusting the knowledge base fed to the AI agent.
Charbonneau's Contradictions
- Charbonneau's chatbot gave contradictory answers about winning Sacagawea in a bet, possibly reflecting his known dishonesty.
- This incident highlights the challenge of representing flawed historical figures accurately through AI.