Episode 302: A Practical Roadmap for AI in K-12 Education with Mike Kentz & Nick Potkalitsky, PhD
In this episode of My EdTech Life, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Kentz and Nick Potkalitsky, PhD, to discuss their new book, AI in Education: The K-12 Roadmap to Teacher-Led Transformation. We dive into the transformative power of AI in education, exploring its potential for personalization, its impact on traditional teaching practices, and the critical need for teacher-driven experimentation.
Here’s what you can expect in this insightful conversation:
🕒 Timestamps
00:30 Welcome & Introductions
02:24 Nick’s Journey: Humanities, AI, and Building Pragmatic AI Solutions
04:19 Mike’s Path: From Financial Journalism to AI in Education
07:31 How Their Book Came to Life & The Importance of Teacher-Led Transformation
14:43 Mike’s Chapter on Grieving the Old Ways of Teaching
22:35 Nick on AI’s Role in Moving From Standardization to Personalization
29:36 The Dangers of "Tech Before Teacher" & Practical Advice for Schools
35:57 The Car Engine Analogy: Understanding AI Without Being Overwhelmed
40:39 AI Literacy vs. AI Training: The Critical Distinction
47:00 Actionable Steps for Administrators & Teachers to Begin Their AI Journey
🎧 Key Takeaways
- Why educators must find a balance between cautious optimism and experimentation.
- How AI highlights long-standing challenges in education and opens new doors for pedagogical reform.
- Practical strategies for administrators and teachers to embrace AI thoughtfully and effectively.
💡 Join the conversation and connect with Mike and Nick for more insights on AI in education. Their contact details and links to their book are in the show notes.
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