Living On The Edge of Chaos

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

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"

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!)

Introducing 'Chaos Sparks' - A New Episode Style on 'Living on the Edge of Chaos'Welcome to a fresh and exciting new experiment in my podcast journey I am calling 'Chaos Sparks'. In these shorter format episodes, I am switching gears from my usual structure where I bring in incredible thought provokers and instead will bring you short, solo segments where I explore the chaotic ideas that swirl in my head that I am challenging myself to bring out into the world more. All of these nerdy, intriguing ideas and reflections, I plan to share in episdoes that are under 10 minutes. If ideas blossom into bigger conversations, then perhaps that will drive new guests to expand on the ideas for the regular episodes I have created for a long time.'Chaos Sparks' are designed to be quick bursts of inspiration and insight, perfect for those moments when you need a little food for thought but are pressed for time. And selfishly to help me offload my thinking from reading books, articles, communities, etc. These episodes are my personal take on various topics, ranging from breakthroughs in innovation and education to reflections on influential books, like Brant Menswar's 'Black Sheep'(this first experimental episode), and spontaneous nerd blasts about comics, video games, health, and whatever else I am inspired by my everyday experiences.'Chaos Sparks' are designed for me to offer concise(yeah right, but a goal of mine), thought-provoking(I can do this :)) content that extends your curiosity and encourages you to think differently by you know......Living On The Edge Of Chaos(could not resist). Whether you're on a quick coffee break, a brief commute, or just seeking a moment of intellectual stimulation, these episodes are crafted to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.So, here is the first 'Chaos Sparks' episodes – a few little nuggets of chaos to enlighten, challenge, and energize your day based on this book I just read, Black Sheep by Brant MenswarLISTEN NOW:Podcast PageNo matter how you listen to your podcasts I should be there.Click this link here to follow and subscribeOverview:In this episode, I explore what it means to be different. "Black Sheep" challenges the long-held notion that standing out is a flaw. Instead, it embraces the idea that our uniqueness is our greatest strength. This book is more than just a read; it's a guide to embracing our true selves. It has me scratching my head about how to proceed with my own thinking of self....in a good way.I briefly discuss the power of reflection, learning from our past to set the stage for our future. Menswar's work emphasizes the importance of understanding our core values – the 'what' over the 'why.' These values are the foundation of our authentic selves and guide every decision and action we take.The journey through "Black Sheep" is a call to intentional living. It's about choosing our purpose based on what we value most, not just stumbling upon it. By embracing vulnerability and honesty with ourselves, we unlock the essence of who we truly are.I hope this serves as a reminder for myself and you that real change requires effort. It's about committing to growth and aligning our actions with our deepest values. This episode encourages us to not just be different, but to be authentically and unapologetically ourselves.Join me in this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let's embrace our inner black sheep, live authentically, and inspire change in ourselves and those around us.And let me know what you think. Have you read the book? What questions do you have? Let me know on all the socials.

Here is video version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmyaQv2oYKY CHALLENGES & GOALSChallenges such as the rapid evolution of AI and its implications for education, concerns about AI replacing human roles, privacy issues, and ethical considerations.The primary goals identified include helping educators keep pace with these changes, understand their implications, and adapt teaching practices accordingly. There's also a shared goal to make sense of these developments collectively due to their rapid evolution.SURPRISING TAKEAWAYSStella initially expressed skepticism towards generative AI imagery creation programs due to their limitations in capturing human creativity but later acknowledged the potential utility for beginners or those experiencing creative blocks to help work through Blank Canvas Syndrome.Despite initial fears around AI replacing educators' roles, we believe that educators will be needed more than ever before because critical thinking skills are necessary for effective interaction with AI tools.EMERGING PATTERNSA need for resources, templates, guidelines, policies, and frameworks to aid educators in understanding and implementing AI within their teaching practices.An emerging interest in cross-pollinating knowledge across different sectors to gain diverse perspectives.Themes surrounding trust in technology versus humans, the impact of AI on society at large, and being critical towards hyped-up promises made by AI vendors.KEY MOMENTS"I think perhaps it might even highlight that our creativity is really unique.""AI can only regurgitate what's already existing.""Yes, it's great usage for training in art school… but at the end of the day, I think perhaps it might even highlight that our creativity is really unique.""We will need to start pushing the limits because otherwise generate generative A I is only gonna keep feeding you the same thing.""It's not incorporating life experiences; it's not incorporating emotions.""Is AI shaping the way we learn and teach or are we as educators actively using our skills and brains to shape AI?RESOURCESParadox LearningAI Literacy Competency Framework for Educators and other resourcesStella Lee on LinkedInTop 10 Skills of 2023SAMRSAMR AIDr. Nick Jackson SAMR+AI

Dr. Sabba Quidwai, an expert in AI and Design Thinking, discusses the challenges of short-term technology solutions. She emphasizes the importance of questioning large organizations and the significance of alignment for advancing visions. The podcast also delves into personal branding, empathy, and the obsession with LinkedIn. The intersection of design thinking and AI integration in education is explored, along with the importance of reconnecting with human values in the age of AI.

Challenges & GoalsWe discussed several challenges including overcoming fears about AI, navigating rapid technological changes, addressing ethical implications of AI in education, information overload, and teacher burnout. Our goals revolve around helping educators navigate these issues and preparing them for a future where AI plays a significant role in education.Surprising TakeawaysDespite thework with AI, Priten emphasized that fundamental principles of teaching do not have to change due to new technology. We suggested that repetitive tasks could play a role in preventing burnout among teachers. Finally, we encouraged individuals not to feel overwhelmed by information overload but engage in dialogue as part of their learning journey.Emerging PatternsFocus on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes when integrating AI into educationEmphasis on maintaining core educational values while adapting teaching methods to suit new technologiesImportance of accessibility and integration of AI technologies into everyday lifeActive engagement in learning processes and social interactions when grappling with complex subjects like AICollective willingness to learn playing a significant role in understanding intricate topicsKey Moments"We want our students to flourish in the external world and no one across the country who is a teacher will disagree about that.""There's gonna be three buckets of changes that are going to happen because of A I…existing philosophical norms and ethics…what will society look like…the philosophy of building these systems.""I think there's so many exciting things…there's great potential for it [AI] to increase how we interact with other folks.""If our solution to teacher burnout right now is let's free up teacher time by allowing them to use this [AI]…then I think we're going to be in the back of the same cycle.""I think there's like a good three-step process maybe of like reading as much as you possibly can about it… And then spend some time writing about it… And then there's the talk and teaching part."RESOURCESBook: AI and the Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence https://amzn.to/3FJbORDPD website: https://pedagog.ai/Priten Shah website: https://pritenshah.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritenhshah/Pedagogy Cloud Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedagogycloudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pedagogycloudHearing Aid Reference: https://scrippsnews.com/stories/with-ai-future-of-hearing-aids-might-include-language-translation/

 LISTEN NOW:Apple Podcast – Find this episode and all the previous episodes on Apple PodcastSpotify – Find this episode and previous episodes of the show on Spotify!YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjfxftzCeTU&feature=youtu.be CHALLENGES & GOALSDwayne's main challenge revolves around bridging the gap between education and innovation. His goal is to create opportunities for his son, peers, and their age group.We discuss how technology has become a commodity that no longer amazes us due to its ubiquity. The focus should be on what we aim to accomplish with it.Conversation emphasizes the importance of leveraging open innovation processes to build a system that can effectively utilize AI for educational purposes.SURPRISING TAKEAWAYSDespite being recognized as an expert in certain fields, Dwayne feels uncomfortable with the term, emphasizing that he's just scratching the surface of knowledge.Highlighting the concept of cognitive surplus created by technological advancements which provides an opportunity for individuals to direct their attention towards productive activities if they choose so.Believes in revisiting past teaching methods that couldn't be scaled due to technological limitations at the time.EMERGING PATTERNSLifelong learning and curiosityViewing technology as a tool for achieving specific goals rather than an end in itselfEmphasis on reflection and adaptationLeveraging current technologies to transform teaching methodsImportance of purpose-driven initiatives augmented by technologyKEY MOMENTS"I'm just somebody that's terribly curious about the future of education and its connection point to the future of economic life.""I realized that if you wanted to create a really unique perspective, you have to really look at the intersection or perpendicular points of ideas.""Technology gets really good when we forget that it's technology and it just feels like regular life."RESOURCESLinkedIn ProfileHis website

In this episode, I am so excited to share this conversation with Laura Miller who is an AI Ethicist.An innovative and logical-minded AI and Ethics Specialist with an extensive background in creating ethical AI policies, developing strategies and processes to overcome challenges, and providing practical guidance in fast-paced, high-growth companies from start-ups to Fortune 500. Strategic leader with a solid business background and high cultural, ethical, and emotional intelligence. Excels at providing insight, guidance, collaborating across multiple verticals, and creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. I also serve as an advisor, council member, and task force leader for various organizations and initiatives in the AI and ethics space and as a presenter, panelist, and keynote speaker on ethics and technology topics.Advisory Roles:• Trustmark Advisory Board - Open Voice Network• Tech-Ethics Advisor- Trauma Informed Network Advisory Board• Ethics Council - Meta-Brain Labs• Ethical Use Task Force - Open Voice Network• Inclusion Plan Panelist - NASAPresenter, Speaker, Panelist, Keynote, and Conference Chair | Author | Founder - NextGen Ethics | Policy Manager and Strategist | Transforming AI, Tech, and Organizations for a Better World | Digital Humanitarianlmillerethicist@gmail.com | lmiller-ethicist.comLISTEN NOW:Apple Podcast – Find this episode and all the previous episodes on Apple PodcastSpotify – Find this episode and previous episodes of the show on Spotify!YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1AMM-j9negROSE 🌹Laura Miller's expertise in applied ethics provided valuable insights into the integration of ethical practices in AI.Emphasis on making well-intentioned statements actionable was appreciated.Recognition of people's lived experiences and responding with empathy was highlighted as crucial.Leadership in ethics was discussed, emphasizing that leaders should demonstrate ethical behavior through actions.How might we:Further integrate actionable ethical statements into our product development process?Enhance our leadership training to include a stronger focus on demonstrating ethical behavior?Provide more practical examples or case studies during such discussions?Address potential challenges when integrating ethics into technology and business?Leverage this trend towards greater integration of ethics into our own operations?Encourage employees to adopt these suggested lifestyle habits to foster a culture of everyday ethics?CHALLENGES & GOALSThe primary challenge discussed was making ethics tangible and actionable across different sectors, particularly within AI.The goal is to promote ethical innovation within businesses and how they can implement AI ethically.SURPRISING TAKEAWAYSLaura views everyone as capable of doing ethics, regardless of their role or profession.Laura emphasizes the need for balance between business interests and ethical considerations.EMERGING PATTERNSImportance of action in ethics - it's not enough to simply talk about ethics; one must actively engage in ethical behavior.Need for metrics in demonstrating ethical actions, similar to how achievements are measured in other fields.Call for greater dialogue around ethics and a push towards making more deliberate and considered choices.KEY MOMENTSQuotes from Laura Miller:....anyone can empower someone else. Anyone can disempower someone else. The thing is whether or not you're gonna be a catalyst for change in what's actually being done.....there are tangible things that we can do to back up those kinds of overarching statements, most people or many will stop at the statement and not take it any further. It sounds very much like a mission or a vision, but without action, you can't bring it into fruition. So it stays a mission and vision that stay these lofty ideals, largely unattainable because there's no method to the madness of how to get there.....people have learned that good intentions will only take you so far....my question to you back is so what you doing? Because it always comes back to that we're doing. What are you doing? You know, what does that actually look like? What things have you done?We hired the right percentage of people doesn't matter if what you've actually done is given them a hollow role with no authority and no budget and no capability to do something to you doing should be able to spur the doing of someone else. In other words, you should be giving them the capabilities to do things too.Anyone can empower someone else. Anyone can disempower someone else. The thing is whether or not you're gonna be a catalyst for change in what's actually being done.One of the greatest problems that we have in our world is that we lost track of what the people need, how they should be treated and what we really need from our world, from our society, from the businesses we do, business with and are in a relationship with, from our employment.And my concern was when we're making decisions for groups or for large numbers of people or in this instance, when we talk about who the library can influence, we're talking about a group of people. And when we're making a decision like that, both people, both sides, multiple sides, there shouldn't just be two, multiple sides serve to be heard so that we can find out when we're making decisions for groups where that balance point is......But it(AI) shortcut all that reflection and even that, how do we find that balance point between competing ideas and none of that happened and said the books were gone. So my concern about that was do we want some of those decisions to be made that quickly?RESOURCESLaura Miller, MA Ethics profile on LinkedInShadowing AIApplied Ethical AI Innovation MatrixBroken Mirror Theory

Challenges & GoalsTrying to generate diverse images using AI tools due to their inherent bias. Her goal is to address these biases within AI systems and society at large.Another challenge revolves around her desire to solve problems using technology. Her goal is to leverage her coding skills and AI to address these issues.Surprising TakeawaysLori views biases not as obstacles but as opportunities for learning and growth.Lori believes that creativity exists within a spectrum influenced by structure and serendipity, which aligns with how generative AI systems operate.Emerging PatternsThe importance of ethical considerations in AI usageThe potential of AI as a tool for social changeThe need for continuous learning and adaptation in this rapidly evolving fieldFocus on self-education and problem-solving through technologyEmphasis on human touch in customer service and education sectorsKey Moments"I teach A I with a human touch.""AI is a mirror onto human bias.""We need to be able to see it [bias] in order to change it.""I am a self learner… I love to start with a problem that I want to solve…""How do we use AI to help us do the things that it would do best…and then they could do the human touch thing?""Look at all of your work…what are the top three things that you love doing most? Because those are the things that even if you can do them with AI, you shouldn't."ResourcesLori on LinkedInHer newsletter on LinkedInHer website and bookAI and Copyright: Permission or Forgiveness