The Digital Learning Podcast

In this episode of the digital learning podcast Matt and Holly discuss the impact of using artificial intelligence to write essays. They discuss what place essays play in the future of learning and how other examples of classwork change. As we think about AI in the classroom how should we adjust? Should we adjust? Resources: AI in the classroom: What's cheating? What's OK? Now that generative AI tools like ChatGPT are available, classwork is bound to change as a result. How do we preserve academic integrity? What's cheating, and what's OK? Here are some ideas. AI for Educators book by Matt Miller Artificial intelligence may change the world more than the iPhone, the internet, or even electricity. It's bound to change education. (It already has.) But how? AI for Educators is a readable guide for educators. It translates AI through a teacher lens. It provides practical ideas you can use in class right away. It unlocks powerful ways to streamline teaching and save time. It also paints a picture of the future our students will face—and provides questions you can help them grapple with. We can use AI to empower teaching and learning. And it can start today. The AI Infused Classroom book by Holly Clark Ready or not . . . AI is here. Now. And it has concerned and curious educators asking questions: What are the strengths and weaknesses of artificial intelligence (AI) models, like ChatGPT? How do ChatGPT and other large language models change things like the writing process? What do we need to understand about large language models (LLMs) and AI's ability to transform how—and how quickly—we can communicate with our students and peers? How can we teach students to use AI appropriately and in ways that enhance their learning experiences? With the right mindset, the right questions, and the right strategies, you can use AI to create and broaden meaningful learning experiences for every student.

In this episode of the Digital Learning Podcast, Matt and Holly discuss the latest developments in artificial intelligence and how they impact education. They highlight the benefits of using AI in education, such as the ability to use AI to assist with lesson planning. They also discuss the impact of ChatGPT4 and ChatGPT5, along with other tools that are beginning to integrate AI into their user experience. More AI resources: ChatGPT, Chatbots and Artificial Intelligence in Education from Ditch That Textbook AI just stormed into the classroom with the emergence of ChatGPT. How do we teach now that it exists? How can we use it? This post provides an overview of ChatGPT and tons of resources about AI and it's place in the classroom. 30 AI Tools for the Classroom from Ditch That Textbook Artificial intelligence is growing by leaps and bounds. It's no longer science fiction anymore! Lots of AI tools can serve as our own personal assistants -- answering questions, helping us write text, create images, speak more effectively, and more. Time has always been a barrier in the classroom. Most teachers would agree that they would be able to do more -- including the things that are most important -- if they had more time. Teachers can find AI tools that are ready to help them out right now. Lots of them are free or have "freemium" plans with limited free options. Check out 30 AI tools and ready how you can start using them to support your work in class. All Ditch That Textbook AI Posts Check out all of the AI posts on the Ditch That Textbook blog. AI for Educators book by Matt Miller Artificial intelligence may change the world more than the iPhone, the internet, or even electricity. It's bound to change education. (It already has.) But how? AI for Educators is a readable guide for educators. It translates AI through a teacher lens. It provides practical ideas you can use in class right away. It unlocks powerful ways to streamline teaching and save time. It also paints a picture of the future our students will face—and provides questions you can help them grapple with. We can use AI to empower teaching and learning. And it can start today. The AI Infused Classroom book by Holly Clark Ready or not . . . AI is here. Now. And it has concerned and curious educators asking questions: What are the strengths and weaknesses of artificial intelligence (AI) models, like ChatGPT? How do ChatGPT and other large language models change things like the writing process? What do we need to understand about large language models (LLMs) and AI's ability to transform how—and how quickly—we can communicate with our students and peers? How can we teach students to use AI appropriately and in ways that enhance their learning experiences? With the right mindset, the right questions, and the right strategies, you can use AI to create and broaden meaningful learning experiences for every student.

When the summer comes around, it's definitely time to relax, disconnect and recharge your batteries. But it's also ME time, where you get to learn what you want to learn. Thankfully, there are tons of professional learning opportunities over the summer. In today's episode, Matt shares lots of the things he's excited about. AI Infused Classroom: A free learning event -- Inspiring ideas to shift teaching and maximize learning in a world of AI, 10 sessions, 10 days, 10 challenges. Sessions come out July 15 to Aug 15. infused.link/ai-infused ... Register to get the ChatGPT and AI in Education Resources Slides, including: AI bias and misinformation help guide, quick start guide for teachers and students, and AI lesson upgrade ideas. Register for FREE here Wakelet Community Week -- "promises to be the biggest, boldest, and most exciting online EdTech event of the year!" Immerse yourself in a week of exclusive sessions, keynotes, networking, and giveaways - boosting your professional development, and helping you unpack the latest trends in education. Sessions on student portfolios, digital citizenship, the 5 C's, mindfulness in a STEM environment, esports, "the Wakelet yoga retreat", school community Matt and Holly: AI in Education: Getting it Right! Get details here Register here Cypress-Fairbanks Digital Learning Conference: Please plan to join us for two days of amazing presenters from many EdTech experts. Participants can earn up to 16 hours of professional development credit. July 26-27. All online, all free. Get info, speakers, session links and more here. Awesome Teacher Summer: PD bingo choice board: There are lots of free PD opportunities over the summer! Find what gets you excited and get signed up. Here are dozens of opportunities -- including a PD bingo choice board! See the post The AI Infused Classroom book -- Ready or not . . . AI is here. Now. And it has concerned and curious educators asking questions: What are the strengths and weaknesses of artificial intelligence (AI) models, like ChatGPT? How do ChatGPT and other AI tools change the writing process? What do we need to understand about large language models (LLMs) and AI's ability to transform how—and how quickly—we can communicate with our students and peers? How can we teach students to use AI appropriately and in ways that enhance their learning experiences? Open-source, content-creating AI models are a relatively new addition to the education landscape—and they are the next step for edtech tools. The key to successfully integrating any edtech tool, Clark says, is to focus on the deep learning and masterful pedagogy teachers can achieve with educational shifts, like the one the world is currently experiencing. Yes, things will change, but AI does not replace the need for well-trained and highly qualified teachers in the classroom. In fact, students need educators' guidance, now more than ever, to ensure they are prepared for the world of AI. With the right mindset, the right questions, and the right strategies, you can use AI to create and broaden meaningful learning experiences for every student. Buy on Amazon (paperback) AI for Educators book: Artificial intelligence may change the world more than the iPhone, the internet, or even electricity. It's bound to change education. (It already has.) But how? AI for Educators is a readable guide for educators. • It translates AI through a teacher lens. • It provides practical ideas you can use in class right away. • It unlocks powerful ways to streamline teaching and save time. It also paints a picture of the future our students will face—and provides questions you can help them grapple with. We can use AI to empower teaching and learning. And it can start today. Buy on Amazon (paperback/Kindle ebook) AI for Educators online course: It's a four-week course, offered in the spring, in the summer, and during back-to-school time. (Dates below.) It features a live video session each week (that can be watched as a video replay). You get tons of helpful resources. Each week, you'll get lesson ideas, videos, downloadable PDFs, and more. It's interactive! You can comment during the live video sessions. Plus, you can interact with participants in comments in the course. Upon completion, you'll get a certificate of completion for five (5) hours of professional development credit Keep the course materials (videos, resources, etc.) forever. No expiration. Register for the summer cohort (June 12-July 7) Register for the back to school cohort (July 31 to August 25)

Matt and Holly discuss the impact of AI on academic integrity, including students using AI assistants to cheat on schoolwork. They explore the challenges faced by teachers and the use of AI detectors to detect plagiarism. The podcast also addresses the demoralizing effect of AI detectors on students and the need to rethink traditional writing prompts and assignments in the age of AI. Additionally, the significance of TikTok in staying updated on AI in classrooms is discussed.

This podcast explores the benefits of blended learning and using digital tools to engage students. It discusses providing a taste of professional development and the advantages of using templates in the classroom. The hosts also highlight how technology integration can create momentum in schools, leading to increased enthusiasm. Additionally, they share information about online courses on artificial intelligence.

In this episode, we get nerdy with some cognitive science! Matt and Holly share 10 tips, backed by brain science, that lead to long-lasting learning. They're little shifts that often don't take extra prep time or many instructional minutes. But the benefits of them are long-lasting. You can use lots of these practices right away to help student learning stick in time for end-of-year tests. Read more: 10 ways to use the science of learning in class

In this episode of the podcast, Holly and Matt celebrate that the end of the school year is getting closer and closer! As students start wrapping up their work for the year, digital portfolios and reflection can be a big help. Students can use digital portfolios to display their best work -- what Holly calls a "showcase portfolio." Or they can select items that demonstrate all of their growth throughout the year. It's OK if you haven't been adding to portfolios all year long. It's not too late! Also, we discuss the power of reflection -- a quick practice you can add in just a few minutes that brings important transfer and lasting learning. Read more: Student Digital Portfolios Made Easy with Wakelet 15 ideas for digital end-of-semester final projects 7 strategies to thrive at the end of the semester Ditch That Textbook's end of the year reflection templates

In this episode of the Digital Learning Podcast, Matt and Holly discuss the concept of choice and voice in education. They explore how some teachers give students too many choices, which can take away from their voice and agency. They suggest that while choice and voice are important, to empower students, teachers need to move away from making all the choices themselves and allow students to take control of their own learning. They argue that this is the key to student-centered learning and giving students more agency. Resources: Progressive choice boards: Provide choice without overwhelming https://www.hollyclark.org/2022/01/04/using-an-explore-board-in-the-classroom/

What happens when a disruptive technology like ChatGPT is on a collision course with your school's policies and practices? In this episode of the Digital Learning Podcast, we explore the reaction of a Florida high school to its students using ChatGPT in their classwork. Whether you've had to confront these issues in your school or not, this serves as a case study to examine when it's time to have those conversations. We discuss the importance of having conversations -- with students, with parents, and among school staff -- about appropriate use. We also talk about the importance of having conversations before handing out punishments. This episode will help equip you for your own conversations and decisions in your school and school district.

In this episode of The Digital Learning Podcast we discuss how ChatGPT and AI assistants can help teachers save time and be more productive. We cover the benefits of AI for summarizing chapters, generating lesson plans, and assisting with IEPs and emails. While AI can provide feedback and rubrics, we also acknowledge that human interaction and personalized approaches remain essential for effective teaching.