In this conversation, Abbe Waldron, a staff member at EdAdvance known for her engaging workshops on AI tools, joins to discuss the evolving landscape of educational technology. They dive into popular AI tools like Magic School AI, which provides tailored prompts, and School AI, designed for interactive learning experiences. The group also examines an intriguing study highlighting ChatGPT's role in easing student cognitive load while sparking conversations about critical thinking. It's a blend of humor, insight, and practical applications for today's classrooms.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Role-playing with ChatGPT Voice
Matt practiced role-playing a conversation with Liz about being late using ChatGPT's voice mode.
The voice model can express varying emotions, helping simulate difficult dialogues effectively.
insights INSIGHT
ChatGPT Eases Research but Limits Depth
ChatGPT reduces cognitive load but students produce less detailed arguments than with Google.
Deep engagement suffers with AI's convenience, impacting critical thinking and thoroughness.
insights INSIGHT
Cognitive Load Types Explained
Three cognitive load types affect student research: extraneous, intrinsic, and germane.
ChatGPT lowers all three loads, easing processing but reducing deep mental effort and engagement.
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In this episode of ChatEDU (Tool Time - Our Fall AI Tool Review), Matt and Liz welcome special guest Abbe Waldron to explore the landscape of AI tools in education. They discuss what's working, what's challenging, and what might be coming next.
Getting Started:
Matt humorously arrives late to the podcast recording, leading to a playful exchange about using ChatGPT to role-play difficult conversations.
In the News:
Study finds ChatGPT eases students’ cognitive load, but at the expense of critical thinking
Recent research comparing Google vs. ChatGPT for student research tasks
Students using ChatGPT reported lower cognitive load
Google users produced more detailed and thorough arguments
Discussion of three types of cognitive load:
Extraneous (filtering unnecessary information)
Intrinsic (complexity of material)
Germane (mental effort for processing information)
Beneath the Surface: Popular AI Tools in Education
Special guest Abbe Waldron shares insights on trending educational AI tools:
Magic School AI:
Offers pre-designed prompts for teachers
Suite of tools for various educational tasks
Designed with teacher feedback in mind
School AI:
Features "Spaces" for student conversations with historical figures
Provides tutorials for standardized tests
Offers accessibility features like voice input
DiffIt:
Quickly creates differentiated materials
Allows adjustment by grade level
Generates supplementary exercises and resources
Key Discussion Points:
Teacher adoption varies widely
Most use seen in high school, some in middle school
Free features available despite paywalls
Discussion of teacher guilt around AI use
Need for critical thinking when using AI outputs
The state of “student-facing” AI
Looking Ahead:
Abbe shares her vision for future AI tools including integration with published academic content
Short Stack Chat Back:
Dr. Spock offers a logical perspective on the cognitive load study, emphasizing the need to balance technological assistance with maintaining necessary cognitive challenges for learning.
ChatEDU: AI in Education