ChatEDU: AI in Education

The hosts dive into the tug-of-war between distraction and focused learning in today's AI-driven world. They discuss alarming safety concerns around social AI companions and the need for better regulations. The innovative use of AI avatars as personalized tutors sparks a debate on their effectiveness versus their potential to distract. A standout opinion piece questions whether AI is the cause of our attention issues or part of the solution. The conversation offers insights into how technology is reshaping educational experiences for students.

Matt and Liz tackle the challenges of AI in education, revealing how lesson plans often reinforce outdated practices.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/

Overview:In this episode of ChatEDU (Turnitin's Big 180 – From AI Detector to AI Platform), Matt and Liz explore Turnitin’s surprising shift from an AI detection tool to an AI-assisted writing platform and what this means for educators and students.In the News:- The Humanities Strike Back: Notebook LM’s editorial director makes the case for why humanities degrees are more relevant than ever in the AI era.- AI Writing Takes Over: A new study from Stanford and Emory reveals just how much AI-generated text is creeping into consumer complaints, corporate press releases, job postings, and even UN statements.- AI in the Wild Debut: A new segment highlighting creative uses of AI in education, starting with a PhD student who trained ChatGPT to simulate her dissertation committee.Beneath the Surface:- Turnitin’s Pivot to AI Writing Assistance: The academic integrity giant shifts gears with a new tool, Turnitin Clarity, offering an AI-powered writing environment where students can work transparently with AI while teachers monitor their usage. Will this build trust in classrooms or create new challenges?Bright Byte:OpenAI’s $50 Million Investment in AI Research: OpenAI launches a research consortium with 15 top universities, funding AI projects in healthcare, education, and digital humanities.Join us as we discuss what this all means for the future of AI in education!Episode Sponsor: This episode of ChatEDU is sponsored by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Learn more about their AI and workforce development initiatives at https://www.nextgenmfg.org.Links Referenced in This Episode:Forbes News Blast Prompt:https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2025/03/05/the-chatgpt-prompt-that-reveals-your-hidden-talent-in-seconds/ Business Insider article on humanities degrees and AI:https://www.businessinsider.com/notebooklm-editorial-director-google-labs-said-humanities-skills-valuable-ai-2025-2 Stanford & Emory Study on AI Writing:https://arxiv.org/pdf/2502.09747Nature article on ChatGPT for students:https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00621-2#:~:text=Unlike%20the%20'early%20days'%20of,professors%20and%20even%20personal%20trainers.OpenAI’s Next Gen AI Research Consortium: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2025/03/05/openai-will-invest-50-million-in-a-new-university-research-consortium/Announcements: The Spring AI in Education Micro-credential is now full. Just the list to get notified about our summer cohort at https://www.skills21.org/ai/micro Get in Touch: Email us at ChatEDU@edadvance.org Follow ChatEDU on TikTok for more AI in education insights!

Overview:In this episode of ChatEDU (ChatGPT Goes Nationwide – Will Other Countries Follow Estonia's Lead?), Matt and Liz explore the first national adoption of ChatGPT-EDU in Estonia's schools and what it could mean for AI in education worldwide. Before they get started, Matt and Liz explore some ink blots and have a great convo with Maya and Miles, a new research AI voice model well worth checking out. See link below in the show notes. In the News:- Vibe Coding: What happens when AI takes on the heavy lifting of coding, allowing users to guide development through ideas and descriptions? Matt and Liz discuss the latest trend in AI-assisted development, including Liz’s first-hand experience building an app for her rhinestone design process.- Switching Costs in AI Tools: As ChatGPT surpasses 400 million users, competition between AI models intensifies. With tools like Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and more in the mix, educators face tough decisions. Matt and Liz examine the hidden costs of switching platforms and what schools should consider before committing to a single AI tool.Beneath the Surface:- Estonia’s AI-Powered Education System: Estonia has become the first country to fully integrate ChatGPT-EDU into its schools, starting with 10th and 11th graders in 2025. Matt and Liz break down the initiative, its goals for personalized tutoring and AI literacy, and whether other countries might follow suit.- The Future of AI in the Classroom: While Estonia bets on AI-driven education, Matt and Liz question whether the focus should be on personalized tutoring or AI-powered problem-solving in real-world contexts. Could AI’s biggest impact be in project-based learning rather than one-on-one tutoring?Bright Bytes:- Decoding Animal Emotions: A University of Copenhagen AI model can analyze animal vocalizations with 89.49% accuracy, offering potential breakthroughs in animal welfare and conservation.- AI-Powered ASL Learning: NVIDIA’s new AI-driven ASL platform helps bridge communication gaps by providing real-time feedback on sign language learning.Announcements:Join the next cohort of ChatEDU's AI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential starting April 14th. Visit skills21.org/ai/micro for details and group discounts.Our Episode Sponsor: National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing - https://www.nextgenmfg.org Related Links:Estonia’s AI Education Initiative:https://openai.com/index/estonia-schools-and-chatgpt/ Vibe Coding and AI Development:https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/technology/personaltech/vibecoding-ai-software-programming.html + https://medium.com/@niall.mcnulty/vibe-coding-b79a6d3f0caa AI Switching Costs in Education:https://www.marketplace.org/2025/02/20/chatgpt-now-has-400-million-weekly-users-and-a-lot-of-competition/ Decoding Animal Emotions with AI:https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/groundbreaking-ai-can-accurately-decode-emotions-from-multiple-animal-species/ AI-Powered ASL Learning by NVIDIA:https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/ai-sign-language/ Sesame AI Voice Model:https://www.sesame.com/research/crossing_the_uncanny_valley_of_voice#demo Rorschach : https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250224-what-happens-when-you-give-an-ai-a-rorschach-inkblot-test Get In Touch:Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org and let them know your thoughts on this episode. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform.