Episode 302: Mike Kentz & Nick Potkalitsky, PhD.

Dec 2, 2024

Nick Potkalitsky, an educator with two decades of experience and founder of Pragmatic AI Solutions, teams up with Mike Kentz, a former financial journalist turned educator. They delve into their new book, exploring AI's transformative role in K-12 education. Key topics include the need for teacher-led experimentation and balancing the emotional challenges of adapting to AI. They advocate for personalized learning over standardization and emphasize that AI should enhance, not replace, traditional teaching methods.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Navigating Change: Educators and AI

02:16 • 18min

Empowering Learners and Rethinking AI in Education

20:42 • 5min

Navigating AI in Education

26:11 • 27min

Navigating Connections and Challenges in Education

52:57 • 1min

Navigating FOMO and the Joy of Learning

54:13 • 2min

Embracing Involvement Over Impression

56:23 • 2min

Episode 302: A Practical Roadmap for AI in K-12 Education with Mike Kentz & Nick Potkalitsky, PhD

In this episode of My EdTech Life, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Kentz and Nick Potkalitsky, PhD, to discuss their new book, AI in Education: The K-12 Roadmap to Teacher-Led Transformation. We dive into the transformative power of AI in education, exploring its potential for personalization, its impact on traditional teaching practices, and the critical need for teacher-driven experimentation.

Here’s what you can expect in this insightful conversation:

🕒 Timestamps
00:30 Welcome & Introductions
02:24 Nick’s Journey: Humanities, AI, and Building Pragmatic AI Solutions
04:19 Mike’s Path: From Financial Journalism to AI in Education
07:31 How Their Book Came to Life & The Importance of Teacher-Led Transformation
14:43 Mike’s Chapter on Grieving the Old Ways of Teaching
22:35 Nick on AI’s Role in Moving From Standardization to Personalization
29:36 The Dangers of "Tech Before Teacher" & Practical Advice for Schools
35:57 The Car Engine Analogy: Understanding AI Without Being Overwhelmed
40:39 AI Literacy vs. AI Training: The Critical Distinction
47:00 Actionable Steps for Administrators & Teachers to Begin Their AI Journey

🎧 Key Takeaways
- Why educators must find a balance between cautious optimism and experimentation.
- How AI highlights long-standing challenges in education and opens new doors for pedagogical reform.
- Practical strategies for administrators and teachers to embrace AI thoughtfully and effectively.

💡 Join the conversation and connect with Mike and Nick for more insights on AI in education. Their contact details and links to their book are in the show notes.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a thumbs-up if you enjoyed this episode! Let’s keep building a tech-savvy education community together.

🔗 Visit us at www.myedtech.life for more incredible episodes and resources.

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