ChatEDU: AI in Education

In this episode of ChatEDU (Motion Rejected - The AI Cheating Case That Surprised Everyone - Including Us), Matt and Liz reflect on AI’s evolving role in schools and classrooms. They unpack two new studies on AI adoption among teachers, a timely toolkit from the U.S. Department of Education, and a controversial AI cheating case that’s testing the limits of academic integrity policies. They revisit the story of "Daisy," the AI modeled as a 90-year-old woman, and discuss a holographic AI Jesus confessional booth in Switzerland. Matt and Liz share updates on the ChatEDU AI Micro-Credential program and highlight the need for balance in all modes of AI professional learning. 1. Teacher Studies: AI Adoption and Skepticism Insights from new studies on how teachers are navigating the challenges and opportunities of AI in their classrooms. Matt and Liz explore the gap between teacher readiness and the demands of modern classrooms. 2. U.S. Department of Education AI Leadership Toolkit The DOE's latest guidance emphasizes privacy, ethical use, and practical implementation. Key takeaways include the need for AI planning teams, audits, and addressing algorithmic bias. Matt shares the challenges of balancing privacy risks with powerful tools like real-time translation. 3. Beneath the Surface: Motion Rejected – The Hingham AI Cheating Case A follow-up to last week's pre-recorded story: A federal court denied a preliminary injunction requested by the student’s family. New details emerge, including the student using Grammarly to generate inaccurate citations (e.g., books by “Jane Doe”). Matt and Liz discuss what this case teaches about the AI ethics and policy debate moving forward. Johnny Cochran (AI Edition) summarizes the Hingham AI case with wit and legal flair. Hingham Court Ruling: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/11/school-did-nothing-wrong-when-it-punished-student-for-using-ai-court-rules/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email  U.S. Department of Education AI Toolkit: https://blog.ed.gov/2024/10/new-ai-toolkit-to-empower-educational-leaders-on-safe-ethical-and-equitable-ai-integration/  ChatEDU Micro-Credential Info: skills21.org/ai/micro New Micro-Credential Cohort Launching January 2024! Learn more and sign up at skills21.org/ai/micro. This updated version reflects the correct episode title. Let me know if you need any more tweaks! Getting StartedThe Big ThreeShort Stack Chat BackReferenced Links and ResourcesAnnouncements

In this pre-recorded Thanksgiving episode of ChatEDU (Banned or Boosted? AI's Mixed Signals in Education and Work), Matt and Liz reflect on gratitude, share updates on their AI micro-credential program, and dive into a compelling trifecta of stories that highlight the evolving relationship between generative AI, education, and the workplace. Getting Started: Matt and Liz reconnect after a brief hiatus, reflecting on the podcast’s journey, their collaborative work, and appreciation for their listeners. They share personal "thankful" moments related to generative AI: Liz appreciates ChatGPT's practical value in productivity and daily tasks. Matt highlights ElevenLabs Reader, with a nostalgic twist involving Jerry Garcia reading AI-related content. The Big Three: 1. Honor Codes and Generative AI at Haverford and Bryn Mawr These liberal arts colleges rely on longstanding honor codes to guide responsible AI use without imposing strict policies. Students self-schedule exams and adhere to deep trust-based systems, avoiding widespread AI misuse. Matt and Liz discuss whether such frameworks could be scaled to larger institutions with more diverse student populations. 2. The Massachusetts AI Lawsuit (please note - this was pre-recorded and Matt/Liz cover the lawsuit update in Episode 35 - December, 6th) A Hingham High School student was disciplined for using generative AI to assist with a project, sparking a lawsuit over unclear AI policies. Matt and Liz discuss the necessity for nuanced AI guidelines that clearly define appropriate use and emphasize proactive policy creation. Insights include EdWeek and Common Sense Media data highlighting gaps in district-level AI policies and parent awareness. 3. Generative AI in Industry (Beneath the Surface) A Wharton study reveals skyrocketing generative AI adoption in workplaces, particularly in HR and marketing. Businesses struggle with measurable ROI but show promise with tools like real-time translation and custom bots. Matt reflects on parallels between schools and businesses, emphasizing adaptable organizational cultures as the key to successful integration. Referenced Links and Resources: Higher Ed Honor Codes - https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/10/the-schools-without-chatgpt-plagiarism/680407/  Hingham High School Lawsuit Coverage: https://www.edweek.org/technology/parents-sue-after-school-disciplined-student-for-ai-use-takeaways-for-educators/2024/10  Wharton & GBK Study on Gen AI Adoption: https://ai.wharton.upenn.edu/focus-areas/human-technology-interaction/2024-ai-adoption-report/  ElevenLabs Reader App: https://elevenlabs.io/blog/introducing-elevenlabs-reader-app  Ethan Mollick's Post - "AI's Impact Long Before Superintelligence": https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/the-present-future-ais-impact-long?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=1180644&post_id=151140006  Skills21 AI Micro-Credential Details: https://www.skills21.org/ai/micro Short Stack Chat Back: A lighthearted moment featuring AI Charlie Brown reflecting on gratitude, tying into the themes of AI and Thanksgiving. Announcements: A new cohort for their AI in Education Micro-Credential launches in January. Learn more and sign up at https://www.skills21.org/ai/micro 

In this NEW episode of ChatEDU (Google’s Learn About – Innovation Amid AI Turbulence), Matt and Liz explore Google’s new generative AI tool and its implications for education, content publishers, and AI-guided self-directed learning. Getting Started:Matt and Liz reflect on their hiatus and the success of their recent AI in Education micro-credential launch. They also have a fun look at Daisy AI from 02. An AI tool designed to capture the time and attention of phone scammers.  The Big Three: OpenAI’s A Student’s Guide to Writing with ChatGPT A comprehensive guide for ethical and productive use of ChatGPT in education. Key features include automating citation formatting, research roadmaps, Socratic dialogue, and iterative feedback. Matt and Liz debate its utility and timeliness, two years post-ChatGPT launch. Leon Furze’s Take on Generative AI and Grading Furze argues against using AI for high-stakes grading due to inherent biases and variability in outputs. Discussion of experiments showing racial and cultural biases in AI-assigned grades. Emphasis on generative AI as a tool for formative feedback rather than summative assessment. Google’s Learn About (Beneath the Surface) Launched against the backdrop of some troubling AI outputs from Google’s Gemini model. A new AI tool focused on enhancing learning with interactive, visually engaging, and research-grounded content. Features include vocab building, contextual explanations, and integrated resources like YouTube videos and articles. Matt and Liz explore its potential for PIPs (Personal Interest Projects), capstones, and self-guided learning. Short Stack Chat Back:Matt and Liz respond to a listener’s question about the ethics of teachers using AI for grading. They emphasize the importance of transparency, minimizing bias, and adhering to data privacy laws when integrating AI into assessment processes. Announcements: Matt and Liz are launching a new cohort for their AI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential in January. Upcoming live appearances at AESA and the release of more exciting episodes this December. Related Links: OpenAI's A Student’s Guide to Writing with ChatGPT: https://openai.com/chatgpt/use-cases/student-writing-guide/ Leon Furze’s blog on AI and Grading: https://leonfurze.com/2024/05/27/dont-use-genai-to-grade-student-work/ Google’s LearnAbout Experiment: https://learning.google.com/experiments/learn-about/signup AI in K-12 Micro-Credential Info: Skills21.org/ai/micro  Diasy AI from o2: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lesliekatz/2024/11/15/introducing-daisy-an-ai-granny-outwitting-scammers-one-call-at-a-time/  Have a question or comment? Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org

While Matt and Liz continue to roll out their AI micro-credential, ChatEDU is revisiting some episodes from our past lineup. In the coming weeks, we’ll continue to bring back listener favorites that sparked conversations and insights. If you’re new to ChatEDU, welcome! We hope these episodes offer you a great starting point. For our long-time listeners, it’s a chance to revisit an episode or check out other AI and education podcasts. In this Encore Episode – A Talk with the Boss, Matt and Liz sit down with Jonathan Costa, the Executive Director of EdAdvance. They dive into a wide-ranging conversation that covers Jonathan’s journey from high school history teacher to agency leader. They discuss his unique perspective on the role of AI in education, from improving operational efficiencies to supporting schools in navigating the profound instructional changes AI brings. Jonathan explains his vision for AI’s role in reshaping school administration and explores how AI might impact everything from back-office functions to strategic educational planning. They also tackle challenging topics like how AI will influence job structures in education, the skills students truly need for future success, and why adaptive leadership is more critical than ever. Expect new episodes later this fall, including a special new episode the day after Thanksgiving (in the US)! In the meantime, you can email us with questions at chatedu@edadvance.org. And if you’d like to learn more about the AI in K-12 education micro-credential, visit skills21.org/ai/micro. Thanks as always for tuning in!

While Matt and Liz continue rolling out their AI micro-credential, ChatEDU will be revisiting some of our past episodes. Over the next few weeks, we’ll bring back more listener favorites that sparked insightful discussions and questions. If you're new to ChatEDU, welcome! We hope these episodes offer a solid introduction. And for our loyal listeners, take this chance to revisit a past episode or check out other great AI and education podcasts. In this Encore Episode – From Solo to System: Elevating AI Across Our Schools, Matt and Liz tackle the shift from individual to systemic use of AI in education. First up, they explore the heavy investments labs like Google DeepMind are making to reduce “hallucinations” in large language models. From there, it's a dash of AI images and then AI agency. Finally, Matt and Liz look at the wider potential for AI in schools, advocating for a focus not only on teacher training but on comprehensive school-wide AI integration. They unpack how institutions can scale AI to enhance curriculum, assessment, administration, and more, moving beyond isolated cases to cohesive, strategic use. And, as always, they close with a Short Stack Chat Back. Expect new live episodes later this fall including a special episode the day after Thanksgiving (in the US)! In the meantime, you can email us with questions at chatedu@edadvance.org and if you'd like to learn more about the AI in K-12 education micro-credential, visit skills21.org/ai/micro. Thanks as always for tuning in!

While Matt and Liz are kicking off their new AI micro-credential course, we're taking a brief break from new ChatEDU episodes. During most of this month, we will be replaying some episodes that seem especially relevant or received lots of questions and comments. If you're new to ChatEDU, we hope you enjoy this recent trip down memory lane. If you're a long-time listener, feel free to have another listen, or kick back and enjoy one of the other amazing AI and education podcasts out there—or explore a whole new topic. Now, in this Encore Episode - You Gotta See This, The Potential of AI Vision in Education, Matt and Liz dive into how AI vision can be used in and out of our classrooms. First, they'll share how much they don't know about AI dating, and then the duo will chart new territory about the future of prompting and interactive games...with a Star Trek throughline of course. Finally, they will wrap up with a Short Stack Chat Back! Oh, and there's a whole lotta talk about Inflection AI's Pi, which is now reborn in Microsoft's Co-Pilot App. Be sure to check it out! It's close, but not quite there on the voice. Matt and Liz look forward to new live episodes in late fall, and as always, you can email us with any questions at chatedu@edadvance.org. Thanks!

While Matt and Liz are kicking off their new AI micro-credential course, we're taking a brief break from new ChatEDU episodes. During the rest of this month and next, we will be replaying some episodes that seem especially relevant or received lots of questions and comments. If you're new to ChatEDU, we hope you enjoy this recent trip down memory lane. If you're a long-time listener, feel free to have another listen, or kick back and enjoy one of the other amazing AI and education podcasts out there—or explore a whole new topic. Now, in this reprised episode titled Encore Episode - AI Guilt Trip: Why Educators Sometimes Feel Guilty and What to Do About It!, Matt and Liz riff on AI in music, from Google’s new tools like MusicLM to the unexpected success of AI-generated love songs at open mic night. They also dive into how students are leading AI efforts in Colorado and how New York and LA schools are tapping into AI to support teachers and students. In a plot twist, however, LAUSD’s chatbot “Ed” met an untimely demise when the company behind it went bust. For now, LAUSD had to hit the pause button on Ed, so he'll have to catch his bus elsewhere! Finally, we'll tackle guilt: why some educators feel uneasy using AI and how to embrace it as a tool to make their work easier. Tune in for practical tips and a few laughs along the way! Matt and Liz look forward to new live episodes in late fall, and as always, you can email us with any questions at chatedu@edadvance.org. Thanks!

In this live episode of ChatEDU recorded at an AI conference in Litchfield, Connecticut (More Common Sense - A New CSM Report on Teens and AI), Matt and Liz unpack Common Sense Media's latest report on teen AI usage, followed by an engaging Q&A session with educators. The episode explores the growing role of AI in education and the disparities in awareness between teens and parents. Getting Started: Matt and Liz kick off the episode from their AI conference in Litchfield, Connecticut, with an enthusiastic audience of educators. They share observations about the conference atmosphere and educators making the most of the beautiful fall day. Beneath the Surface: Teen AI Usage and Parental Awareness: Most teens are using AI tools, particularly AI-enhanced search engines Significant gap exists between teen usage and parental awareness Equity and Access Issues: Black and Latino youth show more optimism about AI's educational potential Concerns raised about bias in AI detection systems Need for balanced approaches to AI integration in education School Policy and Guidelines: Many schools lack clear AI policies Students often uncertain about allowed AI uses Need for more consistent guidelines across education Live Audience Q&A: Key discussions centered around data privacy in AI tools, strategies for parent education, and the intersection of gaming and AI access. Educators shared concerns and creative solutions for engaging both students and parents in AI education. Announcements: ChatEDU is taking a brief fall break!  Connecticut's community of practice for AI continues with national participation Check out the new AI micro-credential program Related Links: Common Sense Media Report: The Dawn of the AI Era - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-dawn-of-the-ai-era-teens-parents-and-the-adoption-of-generative-ai-at-home-and-school  Connecticut's Community of Practice for AI Registration - https://www.rescalliance.org/artificial-intelligence-ai  AI Micro-credential Program Information - https://www.skills21.org/ai/micro  Contact Us: Have questions or comments? Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org. Rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode of ChatEDU (To Tech or Not to Tech - A Conversation with Principal Darron Vigliotti), Matt and Liz sit down with Darron Vigliotti, a middle school principal and former high school science teacher. Darron brings his thoughtful perspective on balancing technology and tech-free spaces in the classroom. Key points of the conversation include: Darron’s reflections on creating tech-free learning spaces and how that can improve attention and engagement (for both students and teachers) The impact of tech distraction in 1:1 Chromebook environments and strategies to mitigate it. How his faculty is experimenting with journals and more analog approaches to help students slow down and engage deeply with their learning. Exploring the SAMR model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) as a framework to thoughtfully integrate technology where it’s most impactful. A broader discussion on AI in education, how it differs from traditional EdTech, and the potential future role of AI as a teaching partner. Darron’s experience with NotebookLM and how AI tools can offer fascinating possibilities for students and teachers. Darron also shares stories from his career in education, the challenges of finding balance between learning outcomes and processes, and why promoting lifelong learning is essential. Links Mentioned: Skills21 Prompts Page - https://www.skills21.org/prompts  Next, Curtail the Chromebooks - Fordham Institute - https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/next-curtail-chromebooks  Educational Screens in Classrooms Do More Harm Than Good - Newsweek - https://www.newsweek.com/educational-screens-classrooms-do-more-harm-good-opinion-1953468  Contact Us: We’d love to hear your thoughts! Email us at chatEDU@edadvance.org or subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform.

In this episode of ChatEDU (Tool Time - Our Fall AI Tool Review), Matt and Liz welcome special guest Abbe Waldron to explore the landscape of AI tools in education. They discuss what's working, what's challenging, and what might be coming next. Getting Started: Matt humorously arrives late to the podcast recording, leading to a playful exchange about using ChatGPT to role-play difficult conversations. In the News: Study finds ChatGPT eases students’ cognitive load, but at the expense of critical thinking Recent research comparing Google vs. ChatGPT for student research tasks Students using ChatGPT reported lower cognitive load Google users produced more detailed and thorough arguments Discussion of three types of cognitive load: Extraneous (filtering unnecessary information) Intrinsic (complexity of material) Germane (mental effort for processing information) Beneath the Surface: Popular AI Tools in Education Special guest Abbe Waldron shares insights on trending educational AI tools: Magic School AI: Offers pre-designed prompts for teachers Suite of tools for various educational tasks Designed with teacher feedback in mind School AI: Features "Spaces" for student conversations with historical figures Provides tutorials for standardized tests Offers accessibility features like voice input DiffIt: Quickly creates differentiated materials Allows adjustment by grade level Generates supplementary exercises and resources Key Discussion Points: Teacher adoption varies widely Most use seen in high school, some in middle school Free features available despite paywalls Discussion of teacher guilt around AI use Need for critical thinking when using AI outputs The state of “student-facing” AI Looking Ahead: Abbe shares her vision for future AI tools including integration with published academic content Short Stack Chat Back: Dr. Spock offers a logical perspective on the cognitive load study, emphasizing the need to balance technological assistance with maintaining necessary cognitive challenges for learning. Have a question or comment? Please email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org  Related Links: EdAdvance AI Resources: skills21.org/AI EdAdvance AI Micro-Credential: skills21.org/ai/micro  Cognitve Load / Research Study - https://www.psypost.org/study-finds-chatgpt-eases-students-cognitive-load-but-at-the-expense-of-critical-thinking/  Magic School AI: magicschool.ai School AI: schoolai.com DiffIt: app.diffit.me Perplexity: perplexity.ai Khanmigo (Teacher): khanmigo.ai/teachers