Living On The Edge of Chaos

LISTEN NOW:Direct Link: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=ctvkwK2n3Cg Challenges & GoalsWe discuss the challenges faced by teachers, such as burnout and workload increase without compensation. Brittany aims to make teaching sustainable by automating mundane tasks using AI, thereby freeing up time for more meaningful interactions with students.Brittany addresses the challenge of high teacher attrition rates due to burnout. Her goal is to help teachers recover from and prevent burnout using automation systems and sustainable strategies. She also aims to change the education system by prioritizing teacher well-being.Surprising TakeawaysA surprising takeaway was Brittany's belief in aligning work-life rather than balancing it. She argues that personal life cannot be separated from professional life; instead, they should be aligned according to our values.It was surprising to learn that up to 40% of tasks done by teachers can be automated completely. Also noteworthy was the idea that AI could enhance creativity rather than stifle it.Emerging PatternsImportance of self-awareness in combating burnout.Aligning work-life according to individual values.Prioritizing teacher well-being for effective education system reform.Potential of AI in reducing teacher burnout and enhancing productivity.Shift from rote learning towards fostering emotional intelligence, creativity, problem-solving skills, and community building among students.Key Moments"I have a huge passion for helping teachers recover from and prevent burnout using automation systems and really just sustainable strategies.""We can't focus on the students without first focusing on the teacher.""I don't like the term work-life balance…it's not an equal thing…it's something that is in alignment with what you want."In conclusion, this conversation underscores the importance of teacher well-being in improving the education system. Through self-awareness, work-life alignment, and sustainable strategies, Brittany Blackwell demonstrates how individual change can create broader impacts within an organization or system.ResourcesLinkedInTeaching Mind Body and Soul WebsiteTeaching Mind Body and Soul LinksResilient Teacher Podcast

In this episode, I am so excited to share this chat with Amanda Bickerstaff who is leading the way in processing AI for Education.Amanda is the Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school biology teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.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 SpotifyChallenges & GoalsThe main challenge discussed across all conversations was the complexity of adopting new technologies like AI into educational settings. This includes understanding how to use these tools effectively, responsibly, and without causing cognitive offload or dependence on technology. The goal is to develop a curriculum that not only educates students about AI but also encourages them to think critically about its uses and limitations.Surprising TakeawaysIt is surprising to learn that many believe prompt engineering—a key skill currently needed to interact with generative AI—will become unnecessary within 16-18 months due to advancements in technology interfaces. Another unexpected insight was the idea that generative AI could bring the marginal cost of creating to zero, democratizing access to computing.Emerging PatternsThe transformative potential of AI in education if used correctly.The need for curiosity, critical thinking skills when integrating these new technologies into teaching practices.Ethical considerations when implementing AI in education.Concerns about potential job losses due to automation and the impact on marginalized communities.The rapid proliferation of AI tools in education without a clear understanding of their foundational workings, potential biases, or ethical implications.Key Moments1) "This is one of those times where it's very hard to figure out what the question is to ask"2) "This is power like you can actually create your own chatbot…you do not have to have a computer science degree."3) "If you can teach us that vaping is bad for us, why can't you teach us that ChatGPT can be bad for us too."4) "The majority of those, those 80% of those jobs…are going to be degraded or downgraded."5) "…anyone that tells you that they have a tool that has no hallucinations and no bias and works all the time is not telling you the truth."ResourcesAI for EducationAI for Education Prompt LibraryAI for Education Lesson PlansAmanda on LinkedIn182 - Justin Germishuys 

Challenges & GoalsJustin's main challenge is navigating the complex intersections of psychology, philosophy, technology, and education to create an effective model for integrating AI into human cognition. His goal is to develop a new paradigm that views humans as cyborgs in the Andy Clark sense - beings whose minds naturally extend into their environment through tools and technologies.Surprising TakeawaysOne surprising takeaway from this conversation was the concept of "cyborg skills," which are not only about how humans can extend themselves with technology but also about what new cognitive processes become possible when we think about ourselves as cyborgs.Risk vs RewardThe risks discussed include fears related to cheating and instructional practice changes when integrating AI into education. There's also mention of societal harm due to unanticipated consequences, such as those seen with social media. On the other hand, rewards include overcoming cognitive biases, enhancing productivity, creativity, decision-making processes, identifying bias or poor argumentation in texts using AI, detecting diseases like cancer more accurately than humans.Emerging PatternsNeed for a paradigm shift in how we view our minds and their relationship with technology.Emphasis on viewing AI not just as a tool for productivity but as a means to enhance human capabilities.The idea of "cyborg skills" as an essential part of future education.Key Moments"Our brains just naturally through the way that we form mental models… incorporate tools and as we use them fluently, they become an extension of our minds.""If we're not providing [students] with what I've started calling cyborg skills… then we're doing them a disservice.""[AI] will largely be populated by cyborgs in the Andy Clark sense of the word.""Humans need AI tools to enhance their performance beyond natural capabilities.""AI can help overcome cognitive biases by providing more objective analysis and reasoning in complex situations.""Our value lies not just in critical thinking and creativity but also in our unique experiences and imaginations."RESOURCESJustin on LinkedInJustin website https://germinotion.com/Andy Clark Book PublicationsThe Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition 

CHALLENGES & GOALSThe discussion revolves around the ethical implications of integrating AI into education. Concerns include data privacy, misinformation, digital literacy among students, potential negative impacts on mental health, and the need for educators to understand these technologies better. The goal is to navigate these challenges while maximizing the benefits of AI in enhancing learning experiences.TAKEAWAYSEven highly educated individuals can mistake AI-generated content for real content. Another point was that some AI tools are unable to code imperfections into their generated images, contributing to unrealistic beauty standards.EMERGING PATTERNSNeed for transparency and open conversations about the use of AI in education.Concern about how data is used by AI tools and companies.Ethical considerations when using AI tools in education.Potential psychological impacts on students due to misuse of technology.Unequal access among students to technology.KEY MOMENTS1) "I think there's valid arguments across the board… I think that the creators have valid arguments."2) "We don't send kids off in the playground without teaching them about safety… But with social media, we gave them this playground and we just kind of ignored it."3) "Nobody is an expert in any of this…even the people building them are like, well, that's cool."4) "We should have some kind of shared value around assessment…we have to rethink the how not the why."5)  "Are we actually doing what's best for kids or do we need to start putting more focus on where's the engagement, inquiry and strategies?RESOURCESMary Beth Hertz WebsiteMary Beth Hertz on LinkedInTwitter/XHer books on AmazonMBH Canva Resource Document referenced in podcastVint Cerf

Challenges & GoalsLiam's challenge is to enhance engagement and discovery in education through innovative methods like LEGO Serious Play. His goal is to make learning more accessible and engaging by leveraging play and creativity. The educator aims to constantly innovate their teaching methods, inspire creative thinking, develop a growth mindset among students, and integrate design thinking into the curriculum.TakeawaysThe transformative potential of LEGO Serious Play as a tool for effective communication. Its versatility across different subjects within the educational context.There was agreement on the importance of creating an environment where students feel their voice matters.Both speakers advocated for integrating playful methods like LEGO Serious Play into curriculum planning.Emerging PatternsImportance of active participationEquitable sharing of ideasCo-construction of knowledge in a learning environmentEmphasis on 'learning by doing'Iterative learningOpenness to new ideasKey Moments1) "I think LSP…is a tool to support effective communication."2) "Everyone has to build a response and everyone has to share their model story."3) "One of the nice things about using LEGO bricks is that you strip that back to a baser level of communication."New IdeasExploration of other tools or methodologies beyond LEGO Serious Play for design thinking in education.Inclusion of more diverse voices – perhaps educators from different levels (primary, secondary), disciplines or cultural backgrounds – for a broader range of insights.Creation of resources providing concrete examples for educators who want to start using LSP but don't know where or how to begin(check out the book below!)ResourcesBUILDING BETTER LEARNING: USING THE LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® METHOD IN EDUCATION https://amzn.to/3EfiyG3LinkedIn ProfileLEGO Serious Work

In this episode, I learn so much from Nisha Talagala.Nisha Talagala is the CEO and founder of AIClub.World (https://corp.aiclub.world) which brings AI Literacy to  K-12 students, professionals, and other individuals worldwide. Nisha has significant experience in introducing technologies like Artificial Intelligence to new learners from students to professionals.  Previously, Nisha co-founded ParallelM which pioneered the MLOps practice of managing Machine Learning in production for enterprises - acquired by DataRobot. Nisha is a recognized leader in the operational machine learning space, having also driven the USENIX Operational ML Conference, the first industry/academic conference on production AI/ML. Nisha was previously a Fellow at SanDisk and Fellow/Lead Architect at Fusion-io, NVM Software Lead, and Intel and CTO of Gear6. Nisha has more than 20 years of expertise in enterprise software development, distributed systems, technical strategy, and product leadership. Nisha earned her Ph.D. at UC Berkeley in Computer Science, holds 75 patents, over 25 refereed research publications, is a frequent speaker at industry and academic events, and is a contributing writer to Forbes and other publications. AIClub.World: https://corp.aiclub.worldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisha-talagala-6a6b20/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 - Challenges & GoalsThe challenge of making everyone AI literate due to its increasing prevalence in everyday life. The goal of making AI more accessible to students and educators alike, fostering interest in AI among young people, and encouraging diverse voices in the field.Surprising Takeaways A surprising takeaway from the discussions is that within a short period, students can build their first AI model without any coding involved. Another unexpected insight is that despite initial fears or apprehensions about teaching AI, it's possible for educators to start small and gradually build up their knowledge base.Emerging PatternsImportance of demystifying AI for both teachers and studentsEmphasis on hands-on learning and problem-solvingUse of real-world applications of AI to engage student interestEncouragement of diversity within the fieldRecognition of everyone’s role in shaping how technology evolvesKey Moments"We believed that we will reach a point which we are currently at where, you know, everybody…is going to need to become A I literate." "All students build their first A I in their first class… they've talked to it…" "I think it is scary and it is a bit overwhelming… I would encourage people to jump in with something small." "[AI] is important for people personally. It's important as teachers… And also important for humanity that every human says something because someone's gonna make these decisions."

Challenges & Goals One of the main challenge lies in overcoming educators' fear and resistance towards Artificial Intelligence (AI). Her goal is to demonstrate how AI can save time and enhance teaching processes, shifting the focus from end products to assessing learning processes.Surprising Takeaways While not a surprise per so, but the idea on how many school districts lack clear policies on AI use.Emerging PatternsThe need for education leaders to understand disruptive technologies like AI.The importance of incorporating these technologies into their systems.A shift in assessment methods focusing more on learning processes rather than end products.The necessity for educators to adapt quickly to technological advancements like AI.The continued importance of human connection despite technological advances.Key Moments"My main focus lately has been on generative artificial intelligence…the word generative means that the AI is generating content.""I think most importantly for me is that they left knowing we support them. Our position is that we support them using it.""If you assess a learning process, that's what you should be assessing. Not the end product…""It goes back to the old age-old question… What is the purpose of education?"Challenges & Goals Keep up with staying updated with new tools and technologies while ensuring alignment with educational goals. Also, how AI can enhance teaching without compromising data privacy or security.Resources and Further Learningwww.AlanaWinnick.comwww.GenerativeAge.comBook: The Generative Age: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of EducationMy favorite moments

CHALLENGES & GOALS:In this episode John shares insights on how design thinking can help leaders create positive change within their organizations and foster a sense of belonging among staff and students. Additionally, the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into education and potential ethical concerns are discussed.Key PointsDesign thinking promotes empathy work and need-finding among leaders.Human-centered design can contribute significantly to improving student experiences during lectures.Design thinking can be applied not only in classrooms but also in leadership programs.Schools may benefit from having two types of leaders: those who excel at management tasks and those who are more visionary or inspirational.AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance learning experiences but also pose challenges in maintaining academic integrity and trust between students and teachers.GapsMany educational leadership programs do not provide enough tools for leaders to effectively involve their community and tap into collective wisdom.Here are some suggestions and resources that may be helpful for your next lecture:Introduce practical examples or case studies where design thinking has been successfully implemented in educational settings.Provide resources on how to integrate AI tools ethically into education without compromising academic integrity.Student Feedback and Questions"How can we ensure that AI tools like ChatGPT don't lead to cheating or plagiarism?"Suggestion: Focus on alternative assessment methods that cannot be easily manipulated by AI tools.Suggestion: Use AI to improve critical thinking skills instead of relying solely on content generation.Critical Takeaways:Design thinking can help leaders leverage the wisdom of their community.Leaders who practice design thinking develop open-mindedness, radical collaboration, and a focus on showing rather than telling.Prototyping can serve as both a question and a statement, revealing unmet needs that can lead to improvements.Students are using ChatGPT more than educators realize.Large language models can be programmed in plain English to teach various skills.Emerging Patterns:The importance of empathy in leadershipThe need for diverse perspectives in decision-making processesBalancing management skills with inspirational leadershipEthical concerns about data usage by large language modelsRedefining academic integrity in the age of AIKey Moments:"We tend to have them go out and become enamored with the idea that they've got to figure everything out on their own.""The smartest person in the room is the room.""If you're human-centered, you're keeping the people that are most affected by what you do as close to you as possible as partners in your work.""I think if leaders can stay genuinely curious, get out of their own way, stop thinking that they've got to know what to do and be very curious throughout.""It's really interesting what happens when you start to say, I'm gonna open up my ears and eyes and let me hear what people need and want.""I'm a student. You have no idea how much we're using ChatGPT.""I taught the robot to teach the humans to be human-centered.""This is all on them (teachers), all of it is on them.""You've got to up your game and really teach, you've got to teach critical thinking, you got to teach dialogue.""We haven't thought enough about how ChatGPT and large language models are computer programs that can be programmed in plain English to teach us stuff."RESOURCES & FURTHER LEARNING:Book: Design Thinking in Schools: A Leaders’ Guide to Collaborating for ImprovementdLab: http://dLab.uky.eduPodcast: Online Learning in the Second HalfJohn on LinkedInOpinion | I'm a Student. You Have No Idea How Much We're Using ChatGPT.FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THE CONVERSATION: 

Challenges & Goals:Mia's main challenges include helping people move from learning to application, encouraging participants to envision small steps towards their goals, developing a positive emotional attachment to the process, and facilitating change in resistant individuals or groups. She also focuses on ensuring clear communication, respecting people's time, being realistic about expectations, and overcoming initial resistance when introducing new methods like LEGO Serious Play.Critical Takeaways:The hardest part of learning is applying insights to action.Connecting learning objectives with personal values can increase engagement.Setting realistic expectations for the outcomes of workshops or interventions is crucial.Doubt about the method is often doubt about oneself; adults may feel hesitant to admit they don't know something or fear looking silly.Judging even positively can have unintended negative consequences by setting a new standard for others to compare themselves against.Emerging Patterns:The importance of mindset shifts in achieving personal and professional growth.The need for personalized approaches when facilitating change.Balancing information gathering with practical application.Creating safe spaces for learning without judgment.Recognizing that true learning requires putting new information into practice.Key Moments:"A lot of my transformation was about changing my mindset, seeing myself in a different way.""Taking in information is not the same as learning.""What happens when they leave that safe space and go out into the world and have to now create a step and action?""So I think those two things, you know, what's the one step they're gonna practice and what is the benefit going to be for them in terms of the emotional benefit.""I can't undo in four hours something that has taken root over 15 years.""People appreciate the real, not always the overpromise.""Individuals learn and grow as a result of their experiences and interactions with the world.""The learning process is incomplete until we've actually done something.""Doubt about the method is often doubt about themselves.""We need to have the one step that is just going to start inching us closer."RESOURCES & FURTHER LEARNING:www.cognascent.coMia at mia@cognascent.coLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/miaengLEGO Serious PlayFAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THE CONVERSATION:

Stefan recently co-edited a 650 page volume featuring 32 authors with expertise in education, technology and the law on the impact of generative ai and education and has run many webinars and classes teaching students and teachers about generative artificial intelligence tools. He is also experienced Debate Coach and nonprofit leader with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Online Learning (more than 1,000 hours of direct instruction and more than 5,000 hours provided through DebateUS.org), Student Development, Tutoring, Curriculum Development, and Public Speaking.I love this book and you should check it out here:Chat(GPT): Navigating the Impact of Generative AI Technologies on Educational Theory and Practice: Educators Discuss ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence Tools https://amzn.to/3IU7lxrLISTEN 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!Challenges & Goals:The conversation focused on understanding the impact of AI technologies like ChatGPT on education, encouraging proper debates that promote learning rather than just defending one's stance, and involving everyone in conversations about AI technology to ensure its ethical use. Additionally, integrating AI tools into the educational process without compromising academic integrity and adapting to the rapidly changing technology landscape in education were discussed.Big Takeaways:- AI technologies like ChatGPT can generate speeches and rebuttals for debates, potentially changing how students prepare for them.- There is a significant knowledge gap among educators regarding AI technologies, leading to misunderstandings about their capabilities and limitations.- Students are already using AI tools for various purposes, sometimes even without their teachers' knowledge or approval.- The concept of originality is becoming increasingly complex as AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated and indistinguishable from human-written work.Emerging Patterns:- The increasing influence of AI technologies on various aspects of education, from research to writing assignments.- A shift towards synthesis rather than originality as a key skill for students.- The need for educators to adapt their teaching methods to incorporate AI tools effectively.- An increasing focus on persuasive communication skills across different platforms (physical vs online).Key Moments:1. "My whole life has really been about debate and about arguments and about ideas and about people because obviously the arguments are useless without the people."2. "This affects everybody, this affects kids, this affects adults, this affects their careers, this affects their jobs, this affects the teachers."3. "We need people to chime in and say maybe this one is GDPR compliant... but I think everybody needs to be involved in these conversations."4. "If you don't get involved [in discussions about AI],  then it's gonna use you."5. "I am kind of proud of the fact that it isn't like a book written by education technology experts... I think a book written by 20 different people with diverse backgrounds leads to a different place."Recommendations:Educate all stakeholders about the basics of AI technologies so they can make informed decisions about its usage.Encourage open discussions among educators with diverse perspectives to better understand the implications of AI tools in education.Develop guidelines for ethical use of AI-generated content within educational settings.Conclusion:This conversation revealed that while there are significant benefits associated with using AI technologies like ChatGPT in education, there are also potential drawbacks that must be considered carefully. By engaging in open discussions and understanding the basics of these technologies, educators can make informed decisions about their use and ensure that they contribute positively to educational theory and practice. Further testing and development are necessary to address concerns related to ethics, safety, and potential negative impacts on diversity, equity, and inclusion.RESOURCES & FURTHER LEARNING:We discuss lawyers using these tools back in April and just recently this happened so we are not replaceable yet!Read all of his work on LinkedInAnd quite simply read the book!FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THE CONVERSATION: