ChatEDU: AI in Education

Matt and Liz dive into the evolving role of AI in education, discussing how Gen Z utilizes ChatGPT in their daily lives. They debate a New York Times op-ed warning of AI's impact on critical thinking while offering classroom strategies to counteract this risk. The hosts also explore imaginative AI projects, like connecting urban trees to people, and highlight the need for open dialogue among educators about data privacy and ethical implications. Humor and emotional intelligence play a key role in their discussions around AI's integration into personal development.

In this episode of ChatEDU (AI... But for Who?), Matt sits down with guest co-host and longtime friend Dan Noyes to examine the overlooked side of the AI boom: who it benefits, who it leaves behind, and what equity really means in the age of intelligent machines. With Liz traveling for work, Dan joins the pod to share his experience as a digital inclusion leader, bringing both humor and hard truths to the mic.In the News: AI at McKinsey, Bain, and BCGMatt and Dan unpack an April article from The Ken that reveals how the consulting giants are reshaping their business models around AI. While revenue is growing quickly, with AI-related work now accounting for up to 40 percent of McKinsey’s services and nearly 20 percent at BCG, the tools are also straining workplace dynamics. Younger consultants are pushed to deliver results at unrealistic speeds, while senior partners treat AI as a silver bullet. Dan reflects on how these tensions mirror broader challenges around AI expectations, labor, and the value of human insight.Beneath the Surface: Digital Equity in a New Tech EraDan walks listeners through his decades long journey at the intersection of education, technology, and access. From his early work at Boston’s Lilla Frederick School to leading Tech Goes Home, he explores how digital equity involves more than just hardware. It's about broadband, skills, and sustained advocacy. With AI adoption accelerating, Dan argues that existing inequities are deepening. He calls for AI informed by local voices, designed with empathy, and distributed with intention.Bright Byte: AI Gives Voice to the VoicelessMatt and Dan highlight a breakthrough from UC Berkeley and UCSF, where researchers developed a brain-to-speech neuroprosthesis that restores real-time communication for people with paralysis. The system significantly reduces lag time and can reproduce a user's voice, offering a compelling example of AI’s potential to support human connection and autonomy.Related Links:The Ken – “How AI is Creating a Rift at McKinsey, Bain and BCG”https://the-ken.com/story/bcg-and-mckinsey-sell-speed-as-ai-shakes-up-consulting-so-why-arent-consultants-buying-it/Coded Bias – Documentary by JoyBuolamwinihttps://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/coded-bias/Tech Goes Homehttps://www.techgoeshome.orgAI and K-12 Micro-Credentialhttps://www.skills21.org/ai/microNature Neuroscience Article (Brain-to-Speech)https://engineering.berkeley.edu/news/2025/03/brain-to-voice-neuroprosthesis-restores-naturalistic-speech/#:~:text=Marking%20a%20 breakthrough%20in%20the,for%20people%20with%20severe%20paralysis.Have a question or comment?Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.orgDon’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform.This episode of ChatEDU is sponsored by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing.Learn more at: https://www.nextgenmfg.org

In this episode of ChatEDU (Scroll State vs. Flow State: The Battle for Student Attention), Matt and Liz explore the growing tension between distraction and deep learning in the age of AI. They kick things off with a rapid-fire roundup of AI safety updates affecting students, then turn to Israel’s bold bet on AI avatars in education. Finally, they go Beneath the Surface with a provocative Time Magazine piece by “CatGPT” that asks whether AI is the scapegoat—or the solution—for our fraying attention spans.Story 1 – AI and Student Safety RoundupCommon Sense Media calls out social AI companions like Character.ai and Replika as “unacceptable risks” for teens, citing emotional manipulation and access to explicit content. Meanwhile, Congress passes the bipartisan “Take It Down Act” to combat deepfake abuse. Matt and Liz dig into what it all means for student well-being, school policy, and how teachers can keep pace with an evolving risk landscape.Story 2 – Israel’s AI Avatar RevolutionIsrael is piloting a high-profile program using AI avatars as virtual tutors and Harvard is in the mix as an academic partner. The avatars promise one-on-one support and academic coaching with a human-like interface.  Matt and Liz debate whether avatars are the future of personalized learning or just flashy distractions—and what kinds of avatars students might actually want to learn from.Beneath the Surface – In a standout opinion piece for Time, Catherine Goetz (aka “CatGPT”) argues that AI isn’t killing learning, it’s exposing our fractured attention spans. Through personal reflection and student interviews, Goetz paints a nuanced picture: students aren’t lazy, they’re overloaded and conditioned for quick dopamine hits. Matt and Liz unpack her central claim that AI can actually restore flow state and deep learning if used well. From critical thinking breakdowns to the promise of AI as a coach, it’s a sharp and timely lens on a familiar debate.Bright Byte – AI-Enhanced Lung SurgeryThis week’s AI Bright Byte highlights a new system that turns CT scans into 3D lung models, improving surgical accuracy and cutting pre-op time. One more way AI is quietly saving lives behind the scenes.Announcements:Summer Micro-Credential Cohort is Open - skills21.org/ai/microReddit persuasion studyCoverage via Engadget/Yahoo News: https://tech.yahoo.com/articles/researchers-secretly-experimented-reddit-users-194328083.html?guccounter=1New California Bill (SB 243) on AI chatbot regulationOpinion piece in The Hill:https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/5267744-ai-companions-mental-health/Google Gemini access for under 13 via Family LinkArticle:https://9to5google.com/2025/04/28/gemini-app-kids/AI use by kids for learning - Business InsiderOp-ed by Tiffany Ng:https://www.businessinsider.com/teaching-kids-use-ai-chatgpt-responsibly-learn-2025-5Congressional passage of the Take It Down ActAssociated Pressreport:https://apnews.com/article/take-it-down-deepfake-trump-melania-first-amendment-741a6e525e81e5e3d8843aac20de8615AI avatars in Israeli educationYnet News: https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/skhub3rygxTime Magazine opinion piece by Katherine Gehl (Cat GPT)https://time.com/7276807/why-students-using-ai-avoid-learning/AI Trust Chrome extension for classroom AI transparencyInfo:https://www.lbusd.org/resources/news-archive/individual-news-posts/~board/news/post/lbusd-introduces-ai-trust-youNature study on AI-driven 3D lung reconstructionFull paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59200-8This episode is proudly sponsored by:The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing Learn more about their work and support for AI-driven education innovation at: https://nextgenmfg.org

Matt and Liz tackle the challenges of AI in education, revealing how lesson plans often reinforce outdated practices. They discuss innovative AI tools, such as agentic AI that assists college admissions, questioning the readiness of institutions for such autonomy. A bold executive order is introduced, promoting nationwide AI literacy in K–12 schools. The conversation highlights the importance of intentional design in AI to enhance student engagement and outcomes, while also reflecting on the future of teaching and learning with these technologies.

In this episode of ChatEDU (Beyond the Bot – When a High Schooler Rewrites NASA’s Playbook), Matt and Liz explore AI’s growing role in schools, cities, and culture. From prompt politeness and energy costs to anime selfies and a Google AI giveaway, AI is everywhere. They wrap with a teen whose AI research is changing how we see space.Story 1 – Please, Thank You, and Power DrainMatt and Liz discuss whether courtesy helps or hurts, citing a Waseda study linking impolite prompts to more bias and less accuracy. They also spotlight SaveTheAI.ai, a satirical campaign urging energy conservation for AI as a funny but thoughtful nudge toward sustainability.Story 2 – Google’s Higher Ed Land GrabGoogle now gives U.S. students free access to Gemini Advanced (NotebookLM, Gemini Pro 1.5, and full Workspace tools_ through Spring 2026. Matt and Liz call it a strategic move to dominate student AI use. They ask: is this about access or dependency? With built-in study tools and AI analysis, schoolwork is shifting. As Matt says, it’s nonstop content but less reflection.Story 3 – AI Cosplay Goes ViralOpenAI’s growth came from anime, not upgrades. Ghibli-style selfies let users turn photos into Studio Ghibli characters via GPT-4. Matt and Liz explore what this says about creative AI use. They also touch on copyright law and how AI art is reshaping ideas of originality. Liz demos it live with fun results.Story 4 – Your AI Image Library Is HereChatGPT’s new image library lets users save, organize, and edit visuals. It improves how students and teachers use AI-generated media in class. Liz shares how she used it for Skills21’s College and Career Accelerator, making visuals about kindness. It hints at a more collaborative AI future.Story 5 – When Helpful Bots HallucinateCursor, an AI coding tool, drew backlash when its support bot “Sam” invented a device policy. It was a hallucination. The company refunded users and now labels AI responses. Matt and Liz ask: are bots ready for schools? When AI slips, the fallout can be serious.Beneath the Surface – A Teen’s AI Discovery Stuns NASATeen Mateo Paz used AI to find 1.5 million hidden space objects in NASA’s NEOWISE archive. With Caltech’s Davey Kirkpatrick, he built a model tracking brightness to classify stars and quasars. His solo paper in The Astronomical Journal shows the power of student-led science. This isn’t AI for homework, it’s discovery!Bright Byte – AI for the Visually ImpairedResearchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University created a wearable for the blind using AI and haptics. It beats canes by detecting obstacles in real time. It’s a reminder that AI boosts mobility and not just productivity.Related LinksThe Carbon Cost of Being Polite to AIhttps://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/chatgpt-spends-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-people-playing-please-and-thank-you-but-sam-altman-says-its-worth-it Save the AI Satire Campaignhttps://savethe.ai/ Google Student Gemini Giveawayhttps://blog.google/products/gemini/google-one-ai-premium-students-free/ Studio Ghibli and AI Style Lawhttps://siliconangle.com/2025/04/13/openai-doubles-users-800m-1b-thanks-ghibli-style-image-generation/ Mateo Paz Researchhttps://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad7fe6 OpenAI Image Library Overviewhttps://www.tomsguide.com/ai/openai-just-added-an-image-library-to-chatgpt-heres-why-its-a-game-changerAI for the Blind Navigation Systemhttps://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01214-9 Have a question or comment? Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.orgHelp Us GrowLike what you hear? Rate and review ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform. Share with a friend, colleague, or educator curious about the future of AI in learning. And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok: @ChatEDUPodcastThis episode of ChatEDU is sponsored by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Learn more at: https://www.nextgenmfg.org

In this episode of ChatEDU (Dear AI – Why We’re All Talking to Robots in 2025), Matt reunites with Liz after her trip to Ireland to unpack a shift happening in real time— (em dash on purpose) AI is moving beyond utility and entering emotional, educational, and existential territory. From new research tools that rethink how we teach synthesis, to universities baking AI into their business programs, to Reddit users turning to bots for therapy—(2nd em dash) this episode dives into how and why we’re not just using AI, we’re talking to it. And be sure to check out the intro about Hyodols and the MUCH used em dash.Story 1 – Deep Research, ReimaginedGoogle’s new Deep Research feature in Gemini transforms the AI from summarizer to synthesizer. Matt and Liz discuss how this impacts student learning, dissertation writing, and the future of teaching research in K–12 and higher ed. They also look at how equity comes into play when AI can scaffold complex thinking for every learner.Story 2 – AI in the Wild at American UniversityAmerican University’s School of Business launches an Institute for Applied AI, shifting from AI-avoidance to AI fluency. Students are using AI to design marketing campaigns, assess risk, and model financial statements— (em dash) no coding required. Their tool of choice? Perplexity Pro, now being piloted in higher ed as a full-stack platform.Beneath the Surface – The Emotional Side of AIA new Harvard Business Review analysis of Reddit and Quora threads shows that 2025’s top AI use cases aren’t just about speed—(em dash) they’re about support. Users are turning to AI for therapy, motivation, and life planning. Matt and Liz explore what this means for education, memory, privacy, and how we guide students through emotionally intelligent AI use.Bright Byte – AI and the ClimateAI’s energy use is real—(em dash) but so is its potential to help. This week’s Bright Byte features insights from The Economist on how AI is reducing emissions, optimizing grids, forecasting renewable power, and identifying methane leaks. Thoughtful deployment could turn AI into an ally in climate resilience.Related LinksGemini Deep Researchhttps://www.tomsguide.com/ai/google-just-gave-gemini-a-major-research-upgrade-and-its-already-beating-the-competitionHarvard Business Review: "How People Are Really Using Gen AI in 2025"- https://hbr.org/2025/04/how-people-are-really-using-gen-ai-in-2025OpenAI’s Memory Update (ARS Technica)-https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/04/chatgpt-can-now-remember-and-reference-all-your-previous-chats/Axios: American University’s AI Business Institute-https://www.axios.com/2025/04/03/generative-ai-business-school-studentsHyodol: AI Care Companion for Seniors-https://en.hyodol.com/Skills21 AI Micro-Credential- https://www.skills21.org/pip-platformThe tasks college students are using Claude AI for most, according to Anthropic- https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-tasks-college-students-are-using-claude-ai-for-most-according-to-anthropic/The Economist: How AI could help the climate-https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/04/10/how-ai-could-help-the-climateHave a question or comment?Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.orgDon’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform.This episode of ChatEDU is sponsored by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Learn more at: https://www.nextgenmfg.org

Joanne Mumley, a dedicated teacher and department head from Connecticut, offers insights into her innovative use of AI in high school English classrooms. She discusses the rising trend of teenagers using Character.AI and the emotional dependencies it creates. Joanne also shares her hands-on student projects, including college policy sleuthing and literary RPGs, fostering student engagement. The conversation highlights the balance between AI's benefits and risks, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical considerations in education.

Discover the intersection of AI and education as hosts explore three perspectives on AI intelligence and hilarious AI-generated memes. Exciting highlights from the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition showcase students using AI for real-world STEM solutions, from oral cancer screenings to smart bandages. Delve into the challenges faced by the flipped classroom model and learn how AI tools can enhance personalized learning experiences. Plus, check out a new AI weather tool making forecasting more accessible for everyday users.

Abbe Waldron, a professional learning specialist at EdAdvance, shares her insights on integrating AI tools into K–12 education. She discusses innovative assessment methods that prioritize real-world projects over traditional exams, reflecting the growing impact of AI on educational practices. Abbe highlights effective tools like Notebook LM for curriculum planning and Diffit for personalized learning. The conversation also touches on ethical concerns surrounding AI's role in academics, emphasizing the need for educators to adapt to maintain integrity and foster critical thinking.

ChatEDU Episode 50: AI Cut My Work Week by Seven HoursOverviewIn this episode of ChatEDU (AI Cut My Work Week by Seven Hours), Matt and Liz celebrate the show’s 50th episode with a look at AI’s growing impact on education. They explore China’s national push for AI education, Google’s latest personalization updates for Gemini, and key findings from the 2025 Carnegie Education Report. Plus, they highlight an exciting AI-driven breakthrough in wildfire detection.In the NewsChina’s AI Education Initiative – China is making AI education a national priority, mandating AI lessons for students and dramatically increasing university enrollment in AI-related fields. What does this mean for the global AI race?Google Gets Personal – Google’s Gemini is rolling out new memory features and personalized AI assistance, integrating with search history and other Google apps. How will this shape the way educators and students interact with AI?Beneath the SurfaceCarnegie Education Report 2025 – A deep dive into the latest data on AI in education. Are teachers using AI to their advantage, or is skepticism still high? What trends are shaping the classroom of the future?Bright BytesAI and Wildfire Detection – A powerful new AI-driven system is helping detect wildfires earlier than ever, potentially saving lives and reducing damage. What role does machine learning play in disaster prevention?AnnouncementsInterested in AI and Education? The current cohort for ChatEDU’s AI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential is full, but you can join the waitlist to be notified when summer enrollment opens. Sign up at skills21.org/ai/micro Our Episode SponsorThis episode is sponsored by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing – supporting STEM education and workforce readiness for the AI-powered future. Learn more at https://www.nextgenmfg.org.Links Referenced in This Episode“Beijing to roll out AI lessons for primary, secondary students”https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/beijing-to-roll-out-ai-lessons-for-primary-secondary-students/ar-AA1AO5Od?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1“China's top universities expand enrollment to beef up capabilities in AI, strategic areas”https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-top-universities-expand-enrolment-beef-up-capabilities-ai-strategic-areas-2025-03-10/“​​Gemini gets personal, with tailored help from your Google apps”https://blog.google/products/gemini/gemini-personalization/“AI Search Has A Citation Problem”https://www.cjr.org/tow_center/we-compared-eight-ai-search-engines-theyre-all-bad-at-citing-news.phpCarnegie Learning AI in Education Report 2025https://discover.carnegielearning.com/ai-in-education“The first FireSat satellite has launched to help detect smaller wildfires earlier.”https://blog.google/feed/firesat-first-satellite-launch/