
Living On The Edge of Chaos
“Living On The Edge of Chaos,” hosted by Aaron Maurer, is a podcast that takes listeners on an intellectual journey through various facets of education and technology. The show features conversations with experts and innovators like Kevin Eastman, former assistant coach for the Boston Celtics to Lori Mazor, who enlightens on the fusion of Artificial Intelligence and creativity, Brittany Blackwell, who discusses educator burnout and mental health, and Laura McBain, exploring the intersections of design and learning. Through these dialogues, listeners are provoked to ponder on the unfolding narrative of education, making it a unique platform for those curious about the evolving educational landscape.
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Latest episodes

Apr 12, 2024 • 47min
201: Rekindling Joy: A Playful Revolution in Education and Life with Jed Dearybury
Jed Dearybury is an education consultant and author known for his books on playful learning. He emphasizes that play is essential for all ages, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills. The conversation critiques rigid education systems and advocates for joy-filled learning environments. Jed suggests starting small to incorporate play in classrooms and discusses how it fosters innovation and collaboration. He shares personal anecdotes about the power of creativity in education and highlights his artistic endeavors, like unique doodles that resonate with others.

Apr 4, 2024 • 1h 2min
200: Claire Napier Unleashing Creativity: The Role of Visual Arts in Shaping Independent Minds
TakeawaysHow to shift perspective on how we examine the world around usHow we sometimes take visual art for grantedAI is being advertised as a solution for artists, but it is also seen as a threat to the creative industry.Seeking out and appreciating discarded, low-budget, and niche art can provide a unique and fascinating experience.Life and experience lifeChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:33 Claire's Journey into the Comic Industry07:03 The Importance of Visual Storytelling15:36 The Power of Creativity and Enjoying Life25:04 Giving Yourself Permission to Have a Nice Time35:09 Analyzing and Critiquing Media43:21 The Fascination of Inquiry and Wonder44:03 The Impact of AI on the Creative Arts45:53 Reassessing What It Means to Be Human46:13 The Environmental Impact of AI46:36 AI as a Threat to Artists and Creatives47:47 The Economic Destruction of the Creative Industry48:59 The Importance of Protecting Art as an Industry49:49 The Gruesomeness of AI-Generated Art50:22 The Value of Human Output and Trying51:21 The Appeal of the Unknown and Strange52:46 The Fascination of Bizarre Artifacts54:41 Seeking Weird and Niche Art55:17 The Value of Discarded and Low-Budget Art56:40 Encouraging Creativity and Artistic Expression57:26 The Process and Dedication of Artists58:57 The Resurgence of Independent and Niche Art01:00:23 The Hope for a Renaissance of Humanity01:02:24 Challenging AI with Handmade Art01:03:05 Taking on the Challenge of Creating by Hand01:03:29 The Power of Vulnerability and Sharing Art01:04:36 Where to Learn More About ClaireResourceshttps://www.clairenapier.com/

Mar 26, 2024 • 43min
199: Mind, Motivation, and Method: Yvette Larsson on Neuroscience, Education, and the Human Connection
TakeawaysStorytelling is a powerful tool in education and can help create connections and understanding.Understanding the neuroscience behind communication and relationships can lead to more effective teaching and learning.Trust and play are essential in creating safe and engaging learning environments.The intersection of technology and humanity offers both opportunities and challenges.Reading the classics and embracing a growth mindset can enhance personal and educational development.Winter swimming can be an adventurous and invigorating activity that promotes well-being. Health benefits play a crucial role in overall well-being.Understanding the neurotransmitter cocktail can help optimize brain function. Chapters00:00 Introduction01:00 The Power of Story03:01 Exploring What It Means to Be Human in a Global Age of Technology06:05 The Role of Neuroscience in Communication and Relationships10:03 The Importance of Trust and Play in Education13:05 Creating Safe and Engaging Learning Spaces19:13 The Impact of Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Cortisol on Learning and Relationships22:43 The Intersection of Technology and Humanity29:29 The Value of Reading the Classics and Embracing Growth Mindset36:47 The Immersive Experience of Winter Swimming44:14 The Importance of Health Benefits45:03 Connecting on LinkedIn and InstagramResourcesWebsiteInstagramLinkedInAHA! Website

Mar 19, 2024 • 55min
198: Visually AI with Heather Cooper
TakeawaysHeather Cooper's background in education and her love for reading and storytelling have influenced her approach to tech writing and content creation.Visual communication is a powerful tool for breaking down complex information and making it accessible to a wide range of audiences.AI has the potential to revolutionize education by providing personalized learning experiences and supplementing traditional teaching methods.Educators should embrace AI as a tool to enhance learning and provide additional support to students, rather than viewing it as a form of cheating.Heather emphasizes the importance of empathy, adaptability, and resilience in navigating different fields and learning new skills. Twitter was a great platform for Heather to learn how to condense ideas and write effectively.Compelling titles, hooks, and images are essential for grabbing people's attention and conveying the main idea.Heather curates and shares information using various tools, such as summary tools and AI platforms.She aims to make these tools accessible to regular people and help them navigate the overwhelming amount of information available.Heather explores different art styles using AI models and emphasizes the importance of understanding the techniques and vocabulary associated with each style.She encourages others to start their projects and not wait for the perfect time, as tomorrow is never promised.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:27 Heather's Journey and Approach to Education04:12 Transition to Writing and Creativity07:02 Learning Coding and Tech Writing09:01 Using Visual Content and AI in Education13:47 Heather's Superpower17:13 Applying Skills and Mindset to AI19:14 Overcoming Hurdles in AI Education23:18 Bringing People Together with AI28:02 Curating and Processing Information29:06 Sharing Information and Tools36:03 Organizing and Managing Information39:01 Creating and Organizing AI Artwork40:37 Prompt Creation and Exploration42:20 Analyzing Prompts and Effects43:48 Using Emojis as Prompts45:11 Testing Prompts on Different Generators46:07 Combining Art and Mechanics47:31 Exploring Different Perspectives and Lenses48:27 Applying Traditional Photography Techniques to AI Art49:21 Expanding Vocabulary and Language Use50:26 Embracing Change and Learning New Skills51:17 Don't Wait, Just Get Started53:46 Raving About Heather's YouTube Platform56:18 Where to Find Heather's WorkResourcesVisually AI Newsletter by HeatherVisually AI YouTube ChannelHeather on Twitter/X

Mar 1, 2024 • 49min
The Art of Authenticity: Living Out Loud with Brant Menswar
Personal takeaways from his book191: Chaos Sparks: Embracing the Black Sheep Within "Authenticity resonates at a different frequency... when you experience real authenticity, you feel a sense of connection that is so much more powerful than what we experience on a daily basis." - Brant Menswar"If you don't do the work, then you don't know who you are. You know a reflection of what everybody else says you are. But you don't know you." - Brant Menswar"Real change requires real work. It's hard, but it's getting better, you build those habits." - Brant Menswar"You're never going to outperform your inner circle... it should make you think long and hard about who you let in your inner circle." - Brant Menswar"Stop being so self-absorbed. Stop worrying about what you're doing next and live in that present for just a second... I promise you, you're gonna go to bed that night going, this was a good day." - Brant MenswarChapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:10 Transition from Music to Speaking02:12 Writing 'Black Sheep' and its Impact03:29 Superpower: Connection and Hope05:06 Navigating Grief and Finding Hope06:20 Choosing Your Inner Circle08:06 The Importance of Self-Care09:33 Real Change Requires Real Work11:25 Discovering Non-Negotiable Values13:22 Knowing and Speaking Your Values15:10 Living with Deliberate Intention17:19 Choosing Your Purpose19:31 Differentiating Between Really Important and Non-Negotiable23:19 The Power of Choosing Your Purpose26:05 Expanding the Message and Impact40:24 Focusing Energy and Linear Progression42:02 Raving about Positive Impact45:12 Controlling Your Own Narrative48:05 Authentic Connections and Impact49:08 Encouraging Others and Passing on the MessageResourcesBrant Menwwar Website - https://www.brantmenswar.com/ Black Sheep: Unleash the Extraordinary, Awe-Inspiring, Undiscovered You Discover Your Non Negotiables

Feb 22, 2024 • 52min
196: Lydia Knab - Silent Witnesses: The Unseen Trackers of Our Digital Footprints
Access The ShowAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link:There is not video for this episode.TakeawaysPrivacy is a fundamental right that should be protected and respected.Algorithms can limit our exposure to new ideas and perspectives, leading to echo chambers and confirmation bias.Building trust online requires responsible technology development and platforms that prioritize user needs.Education plays a crucial role in understanding the implications of technology and fostering critical thinking.Considering the ethical implications of technology is essential to ensure its positive impact on society. Privacy is a crucial aspect of our lives in the digital age, and we need to be aware of the potential consequences of technology.Biometric data, such as voice and facial scans, can be misused for deepfakes and scams, highlighting the importance of protecting personal information.Data breaches can have severe implications, and individuals should be cautious about the information they share online.Privacy education is essential to help people understand the risks and make informed decisions about their data.The internet never forgets, and individuals should be mindful of what they post online, as it can have long-lasting consequences.Literature can provide insights into privacy violations and data bias, encouraging readers to think critically about these issues.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Importance of Privacy03:00 The Role of a Privacy Officer08:18 The Misconception of Having Nothing to Hide11:33 The Limitations of Algorithms and Trust Online16:00 The Need for Champions of Digital Trust20:09 The Impact of Algorithms on Content Quality23:20 The Importance of Human Connection on Social Media27:05 The Need for Responsible Technology Development32:14 The Importance of Education and Broadening Perspectives37:21 The Role of Humans in Technology40:29 Considering the Ethical Implications of Technology41:32 Privacy and Technology43:09 Biometric Data and Deepfakes44:16 Data Breaches and Consequences47:04 Lack of Privacy in the Digital Age49:14 Importance of Privacy Education51:31 The Internet Never Forgets52:12 Data Bias and Privacy Violations in Literature aka Harry PotterResourcesLydia Knab on LinkedIniRobot Deal With AmazonTrust 3.0 - 2024 Crystal Ball Full WebinarMy personal LinkedIn favorite post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7154604738360016897-dia-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopHow about we start to try to make humans better instead of trying to build the ultimate « intelligent » machine …? Not by biohacking and transhumanism but by 😱 … wait for it … EDUCATION..?. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7154496626118594560-s6RJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopDANGERS OF ENSHITTIFICATIONhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7151966112228786176-cK40?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktophttps://americandialect.org/2023-word-of-the-year-is-enshittification/Cory Doctorow Tiktok's enshittificationInvisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

Feb 13, 2024 • 40min
195: Anna Iarotska - Shaping the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 Creating Robo Wunderkind08:00 The Importance of STEM Education13:00 Promoting Diversity in STEM18:00 Approaches to STEM Education in Different Countries23:00 Goals of Robo Wunderkind28:00 Success Stories and Impact33:00 Best Piece of Advice35:00 Raving about Something Awesome41:00 Conclusion and AppreciationResources Mentioned In Showhttps://www.robowunderkind.com/us/homehttps://iowastem.org/Scale-Uphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/annaiarotska/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_All_Mankind_(TV_series)

Feb 6, 2024 • 52min
194: Embracing Change: The Power of AI in Education With Elizabeth Allen
ACCESS THE SHOWAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/TakeawaysAI has the potential to bring important topics to the forefront of education, such as ethics, critical thinking, and problem-solving.Educators play a crucial role in guiding students in the ethical and responsible use of AI.AI can be leveraged to address accessibility and inclusion in education, empowering students with diverse learning needs.Teaching AI mindsets and skillsets is essential for preparing students for a future with AI.Partnerships between AI companies and educational institutions can drive innovation and create opportunities for students.Human pedagogy should be at the center of education, ensuring the well-being and care of students and educators.Technology, including AI, can play a role in supporting positive learning experiences and providing tools for students.Integrating personal stories and the human element in education can enhance the learning process.Being kinder to oneself and embracing vulnerability are important for personal growth and learning.Change should be embraced, and tools should be utilized to solve real-world problems and engage students.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Focus on AI03:33 Elizabeth's Background and Global Perspective09:26 Exploring AI and Beta Testing Google Bard12:48 AI's Impact on Learning and Education18:14 Partnerships and AI in Education26:49 Leveraging AI for Accessibility and Inclusion34:05 Teaching AI Mindsets and Skillsets36:51 Teacher Feedback and Implementation Challenges44:48 The Importance of Human Pedagogy45:18 The Role of Technology in Taking Care of Humans46:05 Integrating the Human Element in Education46:35 Best Piece of Advice: Be Kinder to Yourself49:19 Rant or Rave: Embracing Change and Utilizing Tools52:25 Connecting and Following Elizabeth Allen's WorkResources Mentioned In ShowElizabeth on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-allen-b7460343/Curb Cut - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3_Rb86wiH4Science Matters In America - https://sciencematters.tv/Google Bard - https://bard.google.com/AI and Forest Recovery - https://environmentamerica.org/updates/ais-newest-frontier-tracking-forest-recovery/ and this talk is interesting https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/apply/future-ai-natural-resource-management-self-learning-forestDysgraphia - https://dyslexiaida.org/understanding-dysgraphia/Engineering For Kids - https://www.engineeringforkids.com/Endeavor Program - https://www.us-satellite.net/endeavor/Techie Times - https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/summer-diversity-camps/techie-time-virtual-summer-camp?fbclid=IwAR0JrP8sTC9xPqUF7WyR6vf114T9tRyt3SWZhMGiNVaEZLVAjWty8-Ag-rU

Jan 30, 2024 • 50min
193: Rethinking Education and Embracing Imperfection: Insights from Natalie Vardabasso
TakeawaysStories are a powerful way to make sense of the world and navigate chaos.Self-reflection is essential for personal and professional growth.Taking action and building habits are key to achieving goals.Overcoming perfectionism and embracing imperfection is crucial for progress.Martyrdom and neglecting self-care can hinder personal and professional success.Rethinking assessment in education can lead to more meaningful and effective learning experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Season Overview01:30 The Power of Stories03:13 Natalie Vardabasso's Background and Work04:21 The Process of Writing a Book05:31 The Impact of AI on Education06:14 Finding Purpose and Making Choices08:36 The Importance of Self-Reflection10:01 Taking Action and Building Habits13:18 The Need for Inner Work17:56 The Dangers of Martyrdom19:41 The Power of Emotions and Self-Care21:02 Overcoming Perfectionism and Taking Action23:11 The Law of 1% Increases29:10 Dipping Your Toes into Rethinking Assessment30:56 Naming and Declaring Goals31:26 Narrative Assessment and Backpack of Success Skills32:09 The Heart of Leadership33:26 Overcoming Resistance to Change35:38 The Power of Educators Coming Together37:44 Assessment as a Process39:53 Assessment and AI44:17 The Importance of Planning and Reflection in Assessment46:03 Defining Goals and Motivating Students48:05 Rave: The TV Series 'The Bear'Items Mentioned In Showhttps://twitter.com/natabassohttps://twitter.com/educrushpodhttps://www.instagram.com/natabasso/https://www.empowermentecosystem.com/summit The Bear: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14452776/Assessment is a process 🔄, not just a packet. 📄https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7149417048421376001/Educrush Episode 106 - https://educrushpod.libsyn.com/106-let-go-of-limiting-bs-and-transform-your-life"Our focus on external change is just a reflection of the deeper changes we know we are avoiding in ourselves"

Jan 23, 2024 • 51min
192: The Human Element in AI Education: A Conversation with Jason Gulya
In this episode, I speak with the Jason Gulya who is one of my top voices of AI and education. Note that this was a conversation we had back in November 2023, but due to a computer crash and loss of files it has taken me time to restore and fix all files. I was able to save this file thank goodness.Here is his bio so you can learn more about himI am currently Professor of English at Berkeley College. I have been working in higher education for about 10 years and--before coming to Berkeley--have held positions at Rutgers University, Raritan Valley Community College, and Brookdale Community College.As a professor I teach onsite and online courses on a variety of topics--including composition, literature, film, and the humanities more broadly. I am also a proud member of the Honors Program faculty at Berkeley. In 2020, I received my college's award for Excellence in Teaching.My research focuses primarily on literature, pedagogy, and grammar. I have published in a wide variety of journals, including (but not limited to) "Literary Imagination," "Pedagogy," "Dialogue," and "eCampus News." I have also written chapters for the books "Allegory Studies: Contemporary Perspectives" (forthcoming from Routledge), "Adapting the 18th Century" (University of Rochester Press, 2020) and "Reflections on Academic Lives" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017). My research has been supported by fellowships and grants from Berkeley College, Rutgers University, Harvard University, and Cornell University. WHERE CAN I LISTEN?No matter how you listen to your podcasts I should be there.Check the link here to follow and subscribeAnd I recently started posting on my YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@coffeechugDirect Link: https://coffeechug.simplecast.com/episodes/190 Challenges & GoalsJason's main challenge is adapting traditional teaching methods to incorporate emerging technologies like AI. His goal is fostering an environment conducive for experimentation and innovative learning practices.How do we face the challenge of reducing low-level managerial tasks without compromising foundational knowledge? Perhaps a goal is to use AI to automate certain tasks, freeing up time for more enriching activities.Surprising TakeawaysJason advocates for educators being open about trying new things, even if they are not fully formed ideas yet.Emphasizing the importance of restorative breaks where individuals engage in mindless yet mentally refreshing activities.Jason would never automate his social presence because he learns from talking and writing.Giving students the ability to choose, not just whether they're using AI, but how they're using it and how it's actually being worked into their process.Emerging PatternsBoth of us are grapple with shifting from traditional learning methods towards technology-enhanced ones.There's a common theme among educators that while automation can be beneficial, it should not replace all human elements in education or daily routines.Key MomentsQuotes from Jason:I think one of the productive things that can come out of this level of disruption is a culture of experimentation.We ask our students to experiment all the time. Like that's that, especially in the K to 12 certainly. And higher ed too that we want our students, you know, we give them something new. We do this all the time. I don't even think about it. We say here's something new to read, something new to watch, something new to process and engage with it. Just experiment, test it out whether it's in, you know, traditional assessment or nontraditional assessment. And so in many ways, we need to just practice that. We need to do that, right? We have this new stuff. So experiment play with it, iterate, see what works And then you kind of go from there. And I think that we all have this desire um from the instructor side for perfection. We want, we think that and I think this is an error. We think that the best way to serve our students is to give them a fully realized polished product, right? Which is the course. But I think the exact opposite is true. I think something changes when you tell students that I'm trying something new, I'm gonna try a different form of assessment and I want your feedback about how it worked. I think that fundamentally changes the feel of the virtual room or actual physical room. So I think that the culture of experimentation is something we need to really, really conserve and prize because that's, that's what we want our students to do. You want them to experiment and play?....sometimes the key to making an assignment A I proof is to create a better assignment.So normally with the essay form, I would spend the first hour looking, not even reading anything, not even like doing like what we all do and what, what we like, you know, giving feedback and engaging with ideas. But going through the Turnitin reports, scanning them, finding information. I would lose an hour to two hours. And then sending emails to students that it came up a 70% on Turnitin. So I'm not doing that anymore. I no longer have that task. So the, the amount of time that I put to create the assignment I save later on at least a little bit.It's not that you're you're saving time but repurposing time and how much better time spent for you and for the students to be engaged in reading their thinking and having conversations about their thinking. That's such a more enriching learning opportunity for everybody involved, the educator and the students versus what we're doing now.What assessment can I create today that I continue to teach? One year, five years, 10 years down the road? I think that we have to be willing as a part of our job to change how we're assessing things if something does need to change about them.RESOURCESJason on LinkedIn where he shares and I do my learning from him!Reference to his assignment he made AI proof(it includes movie Inception!)