AI in Education Podcast

In this news and research episode, Ray and Dan unpack a whirlwind of global developments in AI and education. From major US announcements, like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon offering free AI tools and training for students, to Australia's push for sovereign AI infrastructure, it’s clear the AI education landscape is shifting fast. They explore the massive copyright settlement involving Anthropic and the controversial Books3 dataset, dig into what AI is actually trained on, and consider the implications of training data transparency. They also spotlight Georgia Tech’s Jill Watson project and a new study comparing different RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) strategies (essential reading for anyone building AI tutors or educational bots?) Plus: Google’s AI Quests, Australia’s new social media ban for under-16s, OpenAI’s new certifications, and a growing global interest in culturally specific AI models.   News - Links   White House AI Education Task Force https://www.theverge.com/policy/772084/amazon-google-microsoft-white-house-ai-education Key tech company commitments announced: Microsoft: https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/09/04/new-white-house-commitments/  Google:  https://ai.google/literacy  https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/ai-education-efforts/  Amazon: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/policy-news-views/how-amazon-is-supporting-the-white-houses-ai-education-initiatives    Digital Education Council's "AI in the Workplace 2025" report https://www.digitaleducationcouncil.com/post/ai-in-the-workplace-2025    Microsoft becomes best buddies with Anthropic https://www.computerworld.com/article/4054738/microsoft-to-tap-anthropic-for-office-365-as-enterprises-weigh-risks-of-ai-lock-in.html  https://developers.slashdot.org/story/25/09/17/1927233/microsoft-favors-anthropic-over-openai-for-visual-studio-code    Anthropic settled copyright lawsuit https://www-pbs-org.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/nation/anthropic-to-pay-authors-1-5b-in-landmark-settlement-over-pirated-chatbot-training-material    OpenAI announces new certification  https://openai.com/index/expanding-economic-opportunity-with-ai/    Greece give ChatGPT Edu to high school students https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/greece-openai-agree-deal-boost-150237148.html    OpenAI's Global Faculty AI Project https://academy.openai.com/public/resources/the-global-faculty-ai-project-2025-09-04  Some of the ideas that are there include: Brinnae Bent, PhD (Duke University) on “Hack Your Grade,” an experiential assignment where students try to outsmart a chatbot, building AI literacy and critical thinking through hands-on practice. David J. Malan (Harvard University) on creating a “virtual rubber duck” (Dan, do you know what 'rubber ducking' is?) debugging system that guides computer science students instead of giving them the answers. andre j. hermann (Houston City College) on using AI in the photo studio to design real-world assignments that teach both technical craft and career skills like creative briefs, brainstorming, and execution. Marcos Rojas Pino, MD (Stanford University) on Clinical Mind AI, which grew from a custom GPT into a multilingual simulation platform to run realistic patient encounters, making high-quality clinical reasoning training accessible to all health professions students. Google launches AI Quests to teach AI literacy to students aged 11 to 14 https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/ai-quests/  https://research.google/ai-quests/intl/en_gb    Australian eSafety changes on social media (and potentially AI) https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/age-assurance-technology-needed-to-protect-teens-from-ai-chatbots-20250909-p5mtln    Sovereign Australia AI launch https://www.afr.com/technology/we-can-do-it-for-under-100m-start-up-joins-race-to-build-local-chatgpt-20250908-p5mt5o    Research - Links   Georgia Tech’s Jill Watson Outperforms ChatGPT in Real Classrooms https://research.gatech.edu/georgia-techs-jill-watson-outperforms-chatgpt-real-classrooms    Aligning LLMs for the Classroom with Knowledge-Based Retrieval -- A Comparative RAG Study https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.07846

In this weeks podcast Dan and Ray have a conversation about education with Dr Simon Breakspear.    Simon is a globally respected expert in educational leadership and innovation, known for his insightful work on transforming learning environments.  His forward thinking ideas around education are reshaping the way schools and school systems are thinking about teaching, learning and leadership.       In this episode we talk about:   Distinction Between Productivity and Pedagogical Uses of AI: Simon, Dan, and Ray discussed the critical distinction between using AI for productivity tasks in education (such as administrative work and report summarisation) and for pedagogical purposes, emphasising that while AI can greatly enhance productivity for adults, its use in learning processes for students requires careful consideration to avoid undermining cognitive development.   Human Development and the Role of Analogue Learning: Simon argued that foundational human development—such as reading, writing, and critical thinking—should precede the use of AI in learning, with Dan and Ray supporting the view that analogue learning experiences are crucial for building the cognitive and personal skills necessary for effective future use of AI.   Guidance for School Leaders and Teachers on Navigating AI Integration: Ray and Dan sought practical advice from Simon for school leaders and teachers facing pressure to adopt AI, with Simon recommending a cautious, evidence-based approach that prioritises human development, leverages AI for productivity gains, and introduces AI into learning processes only where it demonstrably enhances educational outcomes.   Changing Role of Teachers in the Age of AI: Ray questions whether the role of teachers must change with AI, and Simon responded that while some administrative tasks may be automated, the core human functions of teaching—motivating, engaging, and forming students—will become even more critical, with teachers needing to exercise professional judgement about when and how to use AI in the classroom.   Ethical and Equity Considerations in AI Adoption: Dan and Simon discussed the ethical implications and potential inequities arising from AI adoption in education, highlighting concerns that uneven access and premature augmentation could disadvantage certain groups of students and create disparities in skills and opportunities.   Practical Strategies for Selective AI Integration: Simon provided practical strategies for integrating AI into education, recommending that schools focus on specific, evidence-based learning processes where AI can add value, such as feedback and retrieval practice, and to avoid being overwhelmed by the proliferation of AI tools.   Long-Term Purpose of Education Amidst Technological Change: Simon concluded that the ultimate goal of education is not solely economic productivity but the holistic formation of human beings, arguing that enduring human skills, identity, and community are essential for resilience in an unpredictable future, regardless of technological advancements.     Links: Dr Simon Breakspear | Speaker. Author. Researcher. The pruning principle: The Pruning Principle: Mastering the Art of Strategic Subtraction Within Education : Breakspear, Dr Simon, Rosenbrock, Michael: Amazon.com.au: Books     Research and Historical References Mentioned • Learning Science & Cognitive Development: Simon referenced the work of Kirschner and Sweller on learning as a change in long-term memory, including declarative and procedural knowledge.  Rethinking Cognitive Load Theory for Collaborative Learning - kirschner-ED   • Lindy Effect (Nassim Taleb): Simon discusses the Lindy effect, suggesting that things valuable for a long time (like bicycles or spoons) are likely to remain valuable, as a way to think about educational priorities amid rapid technological change.  Lindy effect - Wikipedia    • Daisy Christodoulou: Simon cites Daisy Christodoulou’s perspective that while AI may be a better writer, it cannot know what you actually think, emphasizing the importance of writing as a way to learn how to think.   Welcome - Daisy Christodoulou  |  21st century skills: what are they and how can we teach them? Daisy Christodoulou   • Historical Technology Adoption in Education: Simon refers to the rollout of one-to-one devices and mobile phones in schools, highlighting unintended consequences for attention and learning, and drawing lessons for AI adoption.  NSW Government begins mobile phone ban in public high schools  • Mathematics Education Practice: Simon references the established practice of delaying calculator use in mathematics until foundational skills are developed, as an analogy for AI use in learning.   Calculator Use - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics   • DeepMind CEO on Coding: Simon mentions a recent interview with the CEO of DeepMind, who argues that understanding how things work is necessary, even if AI can code better than humans. Google’s DeepMind CEO says there are bigger risks to worry about than AI taking our jobs   

Delve into the fascinating world where AI tools meet education. Discover how features like study modes raise ethical questions on academic honesty. Explore Google's innovative NanoBanana image editor and its potential to shape perceptions of reality. Learn about Corella, the AI assistant designed to lighten teachers' workloads in Australia. Plus, hear about groundbreaking research predicting that a staggering 95% of AI projects fail and how students might leverage AI tools like Grammarly to challenge traditional grading.

Dr. Sophie Fenton, Head of Leadership Learning at Amicus, emphasizes the importance of a human-first approach in the age of AI. She discusses how leadership styles must adapt to prioritize soft skills and emotional intelligence. Sophie explores the concept of 'human experience' departments and the essential role of AI ethics in decision-making. She challenges listeners to rethink productivity, advocating for meaningful human interactions over mere efficiency. Ultimately, she calls for education to return to its philosophical roots for a harmonious future with technology.

The discussion kicks off with a look at Microsoft's partnership with Australia's Future Skills Organization to boost vocational education. Exciting global initiatives from tech giants like Google promise big changes in AI training. The launch of GPT-5 has sparked debates over equity and its impact on classrooms. AI tutoring shows promise, improving student engagement and retention. The conversation also delves into the crucial issue of bias in AI, stressing the need for critical assessments to uphold fairness in educational contexts.

Dr. Anna Denejkina, a researcher at the Insight Centre and Student Edge, explores how young Australians are engaging with generative AI. She reveals that 30% of Gen Z students are reconsidering their career paths due to AI's impact on job security. Gender influences confidence in AI skills, with notable disparities affecting women in STEM. Denejkina emphasizes the need for clear guidelines on AI use to combat plagiarism misconceptions and advocates for more inclusive decision-making in AI development to better reflect student needs.

Discover the exciting new 'study mode' in ChatGPT designed to enhance student learning with interactive questions. Explore major tech releases from Google and Microsoft, including tools aimed at improving education. Delve into the implications of AI innovations on creative fields like music and storytelling. Learn about the impact of AI on job markets and education, alongside the ongoing efforts for equitable access to these technologies. Tune in for insights into the future of learning and workforce skills amidst rapid technological advancements.

In this eye-opening episode of the podcast, hosts Ray and Dan are joined by a remarkable group of students from All Hallows School in Queensland. Part of the student-led series 12, this conversation dives into how teens are really using AI in their schoolwork. And it’s far more sophisticated than you might think. From using Gemini and ChatGPT to find historical sources and generate study guides, to marking their own assignments with AI before submission, these students aren’t cutting corners. They talk openly about how they’re finding smarter ways to learn. The discussion explores ethical concerns like plagiarism, cheating, and data privacy, as well as creative uses of AI in coding, English, and even video production.

Discover the revolutionary use of AI in education, from Harvard's custom chatbot tutor that's reshaping classrooms to new training modules for Australian teachers promoting safe AI practices. Explore the challenges and breakthroughs in AI's mathematical abilities, and hear about universities' concerns over reliance on detection tools for academic integrity. Finally, students voice their apprehensions about AI's reliability and call for more educator support, highlighting the ongoing dialogue surrounding AI's role in learning.

High schoolers are embracing AI like ChatGPT and VEO3 as creative study buddies. Caitlyn, a Year 11 student, shares how these tools enhance essays and video projects, blending traditional learning with tech. She discusses a 'traffic light system' to ensure ethical use of AI and reflects on trust in AI feedback versus human teachers. The conversation highlights the importance of responsibility in harnessing technology for learning, giving a fresh perspective on how students are navigating their educational journeys in a tech-driven world.