In this episode of Trending in Education, we sit down with Mike Yates, a senior designer at Teach for America's Reinvention Lab. Mike shares his journey from a student who hated school to becoming an innovative educator and AI enthusiast. We explore his experiences in various educational settings, including juvenile detention centers and experimental schools, and how these shaped his approach to teaching and learning.

Mike discusses his current work at Teach for America's Reinvention Lab, where he focuses on leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes. We delve into the potential of generative AI in education and the importance of making these tools accessible to students and educators alike. Mike references the work of Ruha Benjamin as an influence in his understanding of the promise and perils of technology.

Throughout the conversation, Yates emphasizes the need for educators to stay connected with youth culture, using platforms like TikTok to understand and engage with students more effectively. We also touch on the risks and opportunities presented by AI in education, including issues of bias and equity.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

1. The importance of putting AI tools in the hands of young people to foster creativity and future employability.
2. The need for educators to become media literate and engage with platforms like TikTok to stay relevant to their students.
3. The crucial role of human interaction in education, even as we integrate more AI technology.

We conclude with Mike's insightful reminder that the most effective use of AI in education should create more room for meaningful human moments.

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