Summary

Thomas Thompson, co-founder and CEO of EduAid, discusses his background as a teacher and the inspiration behind creating a tool for instructional design that uses generative AI. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices in education and how AI can support teachers in creating more efficient and effective lessons. The EduAid platform allows teachers to integrate various tools and resources into one workspace, making lesson planning more streamlined and personalized. The team at EduAid aims to provide accessible and affordable AI tools for teachers, focusing on the quality of instruction rather than just saving time. Thompson also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the education technology landscape and the need for thoughtful adoption of AI in schools. In this conversation, Thomas Thompson discusses the adaptation of eduAID to different states' regulations and the importance of data privacy. He explains how eduAID avoids collecting personally identifiable information and focuses on instructional design elements. Thomas also talks about the lack of AI tools specifically focused on teachers and education. He mentions the need for discussions with policymakers to further develop eduAID and the challenges of integrating AI into the education system. The ultimate goal of education, according to Thomas, is sustainability and the development of basic literacy, numeracy, and interdisciplinary thinking skills.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:47 Thomas Thompson's Journey into Teaching

06:01 The Intersection of AI and Education

09:12 Best Practices in Education and AI's Role

14:00 Introduction to AI and the Genesis of EduAid

17:12 Transition from Teaching to Starting an AI Company

23:44 Exploring the Components of EduAid

28:38 Enhancing Teaching and Planning with EduAid

31:24 Feedback and Value of EduAid for Teachers

34:33 Affordable AI Tools

38:15 The Role of a Small Distributed Team

46:08 The Slow Pace of Policy Development

51:21 Developing Frameworks and Policy

57:10 Diversity of Opinions Among Teachers

01:01:52 The Future of Education

01:03:50 The Foundation: Basic Literacy and Numeracy Skills

01:12:28 The Goal of Education: Sustainability

01:22:01 The Decline in Basic Numeracy and Literacy Skills

01:27:06 Building and Growing in the AI Space: Caution and Research

Connect with Thomas

Episode 193: Future 50 Series – Onit’s AI Center of Excellence