Shows
ChatEDU: AI in EducationViral or Villain - Is the AI Backlash Just Beginning? | Ep.66In this episode of ChatEDU (Viral or Villain - Is the AI Backlash Just Beginning?), Matt and Liz open with travel updates from Liz’s time at ISTE/ASCD, shoutouts to listeners met on the road, and a quick prompt hack before diving into three big stories shaping the tension between AI’s rapid adoption in schools and growing backlash in society. From AI-powered literacy tools to global assessment changes and the tension between usage and resistance, this episode explores what happens when AI goes viral, and when the backlash begins.Stor...2025-07-1157 minChatEDU: AI in EducationCheck Please: Is Your AI Paying Off? | Ep.65In this episode of ChatEDU (Check Please: Is Your AI Paying Off?) Matt and Jonathan open with updates about Liz’s at ISTE/ASCD. From there, they tackle a practical and philosophical look at AI’s rapid growth, job impacts, classroom adoption, and hidden trade-offs as leaders rethink what to automate. The episode closes with a bright byte on how AI is helping India map heat risks, proving that machine learning can drive real-world climate adaptation.Story #1: The AI Resume Arms RaceMatt and Jonathan unpack a re...2025-07-041h 04ChatEDU: AI in EducationBrain Rot or Brain Stretch? Rethinking Rigor in the Age of AI | Ep. 64In this episode of ChatEDU (Brain Rot or Brain Stretch? Rethinking Rigor in the Age of AI), Matt and Liz kick things off with a little sarcasm, a Meta AI privacy disaster, and the debut of a new segment: “Liz is Freaking Out.” From there, they dig into three big stories about AI's impact on student well-being, meaningful learning, and what really happens to your brain when you outsource thinking to a chatbot. Plus, a Bright Byte that dives deep—literally—into ocean conservation.Story 1: Mental Health and the Chatbot SpiralA disturbi...2025-06-2759 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI Ate My EdTech Stack | Ep. 63In this episode of ChatEDU (AI Ate My EdTech Stack), Matt and Liz open with a failed product demo, a viral subway AI romance, and some studio chaos before diving into three stories with big implications for classrooms and edtech. They explore how Canva is reinventing itself, why Estonia wants students to use their phones more, and how AI may soon reshape the entire edtech ecosystem. A bright byte on AI and bridge building closes the episode with impact.Story 1: Canva Becomes an AI SuiteCanva is expanding beyond...2025-06-2055 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAcademic Earthquake: When AI Passes Peer Review | Ep. 62In this episode of ChatEDU (Academic Earthquake: When AI Passes Peer Review), Matt and Liz open with a quirky AI challenge: generate Liz’s perfect romantic partner. The results are strangely consistent, but the fun quickly turns to focus. They dive into three big stories shaping the future of work, education, and research. From job evolution to classroom AI to a paper written entirely by an agent, this episode tackles the jagged edge of AI's impact. A bright byte on flood prediction closes things out with real-world urgency.Story 1: PwC on AI Jobs and th...2025-06-1356 minChatEDU: AI in EducationNice Try, Tech Bro: Schools Aren’t Daycare and AI Isn’t in Charge | Ep. 61In this episode of ChatEDU (Nice Try, Tech Bro: Schools Aren’t Daycare and AI Isn’t in Charge), Matt and Liz dive into three stories shaping the future of learning and tech. They start with a prank, then cover an Axios AI survey, Google’s new Beam tech, and a hot debate over whether Duolingo’s CEO dissed teachers. It’s a fast ride across the AI-in-education frontier, ending with a bright byte that’s both mathematically sharp and eco-smart. Plus, a welcome to sponsor zSpace.Story 1: Axios Survey and the New AI L...2025-06-0655 minChatEDU: AI in EducationWhat are we protecting? AI, learning, and the myth of the good old days | Ep. 60In this episode of ChatEDU (What are we protecting? AI, learning, and the myth of the good old days), Matt and Jonathan return to the ChatEDU studio while Liz globe-trots her way to ASCD authorship, to tackle two big stories shaping the AI-in-education conversation. First, they dive into NASA’s spring guidance warning that generative AI is too unreliable for mission-critical applications, and unpack what that means for education, ethics, and expectations. Then, they go beneath the surface with a new article from Jonathan Costa exploring G.K. Chesterton’s “fence” and what it reveals about our assumptions around reading...2025-05-3053 minChatEDU: AI in EducationScreens, Hallucinations, and Steak Sauce | Ep. 59In this episode of ChatEDU (Screens, Hallucinations, and Steak Sauce), Matt and Liz return from a cross-country swing through Wyoming and Oregon to tackle two big stories shaping the AI-in-education conversation. First, they explore Sam Altman’s generational breakdown of how people use ChatGPT and what Gen Z’s habits reveal about the skills schools value. Then they go Beneath the Surface with a fiery New York Times op-ed from Jessica Grose that says AI is destroying critical thinking in K–12. With nuanced pushback, classroom strategies, and a little steak sauce on the side, this one is loaded....2025-05-231h 00ChatEDU: AI in EducationAI... But for Who? | Ep. 58In 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...2025-05-1659 minChatEDU: AI in EducationScroll State vs. Flow State: The Battle for Student Attention | Ep. 57In 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...2025-05-0954 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI for All: A National Plan to Teach America’s Youth | Ep. 56As educators convene for the EdAdvance Spring AI Conference, this episode is sponsored by Kiddom, the AI-powered curriculum platform helping teachers save time and improve outcomes with high-quality instructional materials and human in the loop tools.In this episode of ChatEDU (AI for All: A National Plan to Teach America’s Youth), Matt and Liz open with a deep dive into lesson design bias, unpack a new wave of AI agents in higher ed, and explore the implications of a bold new executive order on AI literacy in U...2025-05-0250 minChatEDU: AI in EducationBeyond the Bot - When a High Schooler Rewrites NASA’s Playbook | Ep. 55In 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 SaveTheA...2025-04-2554 minChatEDU: AI in EducationDear AI: Why We’re All Talking to Robots in 2025 | Ep. 54In 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 th...2025-04-1855 minChatEDU: AI in EducationMurder, She Prompted: High School English with AI Twists | Ep.53OverviewIn this episode of ChatEDU (Murder, She Prompted: High School English with AI Twists), Matt sits down with guest co-host Joanne Mumley to explore the unexpected and creative ways AI is reshaping the high school English classroom. With Liz off knitting in Ireland, Joanne steps in to share her powerful blend of innovation, curiosity, and care as both a teacher and department head in Connecticut.In the News: Character AI and the Rise of AI Companionship Among Teens2025-04-1158 minChatEDU: AI in EducationFlipped Out: How AI Might Save the Flipped Classroom | Ep. 52Overview:In this episode of ChatEDU (Flipped Out: How AI Might Save the Flipped Classroom), Matt and Liz explore three views of AI intelligence, spotlight student-led projects using AI in real-world STEM challenges, and revisit the flipped classroom model through the lens of AI support. Plus, a new AI weather tool could make forecasting more accessible than ever.In the News: Three Views on AI IntelligenceA recent meme study found AI consistently created humorous, shareable content—but la...2025-04-0455 minChatEDU: AI in EducationSpring Tool Time with Abbe Waldron | Ep. 51Overview:In this episode of ChatEDU ("Spring Tool Time with Abbe Waldron"), Matt and Liz welcome back one of their most popular guests: Abbe Waldron, a professional learning specialist at EdAdvance. Abbe shares her spring picks for the most effective AI tools in K–12 education. From lesson planning to curriculum development, she offers real-world insights into how teachers and students can meaningfully integrate AI.In the News: UK Higher Ed Stress TestMatt and Liz unpack a recent UK survey on generative AI in higher education:...2025-03-2851 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI Cut My Work Week by Seven Hours | Ep. 50ChatEDU 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 News...2025-03-2155 minChatEDU: AI in EducationTurnitin's Big 180 – From AI Detector to AI Platform | Ep. 49Overview: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...2025-03-1439 minChatEDU: AI in EducationChatGPT Goes Nationwide – Will Other Countries Follow Estonia's Lead? | Ep. 48Overview: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: Wh...2025-03-0748 minChatEDU: AI in EducationCareer Dreaming with Liz – Google's New Gen AI Career Counselor | Ep. 47OverviewIn this episode of ChatEDU (Career Dreaming with Liz – Google's New Gen AI Career Counselor), Matt and Liz explore how AI is shaping career exploration, with a deep dive into Google’s new experimental Gen AI Career Counselor.In the NewsAI Literacy Resource Update from Stanford – A look at the newly updated CRAFT AI literacy resource collection, which provides educators with classroom-ready AI teaching tools.OpenAI Research on ChatGPT in Colleg...2025-02-2854 minChatEDU: AI in EducationTaking the Wheel – How Students and Teachers Are Driving AI in Schools | Ep. 45Overview:In this episode of ChatEDU (Taking the Wheel – How Students and Teachers Are Driving AI in Schools), Matt and Liz explore how educators and students are leveraging AI to enhance learning, rather than being passive recipients of AI-driven tools. From workforce trends to assessment feedback, they break down the latest research and real-world applications of AI in classrooms.In the News:- AI in the Workforce: A new study reveals how AI is reshaping productivity, benefiting younger, highly-educated, and high-income wo...2025-02-2151 minChatEDU: AI in EducationThe Kids Are Not All Right – Teens, Trust, and AI | Ep. 45Overview:In this episode of ChatEDU (The Kids Are Not All Right – Teens, Trust, and AI), Matt and Liz explore the complex relationship between teens and AI. They cover a groundbreaking AI deployment in higher education, unpack new research on AI’s surprising social biases, and dive into a revealing study on how teens view technology and trust in the age of AI.In the News:1. OpenAI and Cal State’s Massive ChatGPT RolloutThe California State University system is lau...2025-02-1448 minChatEDU: AI in EducationNo Copyright for AI – The Line Between AI Help and Human Work | Ep. 44Episode Summary
In this episode of ChatEDU (No Copyright for AI – The Line Between AI Help and Human Work), Matt and Liz celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast before diving into major developments in AI and education. They explore Harvard’s latest research on AI in project-based learning, three new AI startups pushing boundaries beyond chatbots, and a landmark ruling from the U.S. Copyright Office that redefines what counts as human-created work in the age of AI (and what it tells us about authentic student work).
2025-02-0751 minChatEDU: AI in EducationBots Gone Bad: Why Educators Should Pay Attention | Ep. 43In this episode of ChatEDU, "Bots Gone Bad: Why Educators Should Pay Attention," Matt and Liz explore concerning developments in AI-driven chatbots and their implications for students and educators.
In the News:
Two new studies highlight different perspectives on AI in education. One study from Nigeria claims AI tutors significantly improved student performance, while another found an AI bot successfully completed a graduate course without detection. What does this mean for education?
The World Economic Forum’s latest job report predicts a s...2025-01-3148 minChatEDU: AI in EducationExploring AI and Project-Based Learning (From the Elevate Education Podcast) | Ep. 42ChatEDU Episode 42: Exploring AI and Project-Based Learning (From the Elevate Education Podcast)
In this special crossover episode of ChatEDU, Matt and Liz join Jason Firestone of the Elevate Education Podcast from Jeffco Public Schools in Golden, Colorado. This lively conversation dives into how AI and project-based learning (PBL) are transforming K-12 education. From real-world applications to ethical use, they discuss the challenges, successes, and the future of integrating AI into classrooms.
What’s in this episode?
Skills21's Mission: Matt and Li...2025-01-2437 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI Whisperers in the Classroom – Teachers Already Have the Tools | Ep. 41ChatEDU Episode 41: AI Whisperers in the Classroom – Teachers Already Have the Tools
In this episode of ChatEDU (AI Whisperers in the Classroom – Teachers Already Have the Tools), Matt and Liz explore AI hallucinations in science, OpenAI’s O3 reasoning model and its implications for coding education, and why teachers are uniquely equipped to master generative AI in the classroom.
Getting Started:
Matt and Liz reflect on January blues and share a fun wintertime AI prompt to beat the seasonal doldrums. Liz gives rapid-fire reactions to winter activities suggested by ChatGPT, and Ma...2025-01-1745 minChatEDU: AI in EducationDistributed Cognition: The Human-AI Partnership Transforming Healthcare Learning | Ep. 40Distributed Cognition: The Human-AI Partnership Transforming Healthcare Learning | Ep. 40
In this episode of ChatEDU, hosts Matt Mervis and Liz Radday explore the significant impact of AI-powered assistive technology for students with disabilities, presenting inspiring stories and emphasizing the ethical considerations of AI in education. Additionally, the duo features an intriguing segment on AI-enabled human-whale “communication” led by Dr. Brenda McCowan's Whale SETI team. They even highlight the potential implications for interspecies and extraterrestrial communication. The episode concludes with a deep dive into how the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at UT Health in Houston inte...2025-01-1042 minChatEDU: AI in EducationFlipping the Script: English Class Post-ChatGPT | Ep. 39Flipping the Script: English Class Post-ChatGPT
In this episode of ChatEDU (Flipping the Script: English Class Post-ChatGPT), Matt Mervis and Liz Radday kick off 2025 with special guest Jonathan Costa. They unpack a fascinating story about alignment faking by the Claude AI model from Anthropic, drawing parallels to personal life decisions and their long-term impacts. Next the hosts also explore a new study about AI and conspiracy theories and then a second meta study about the efficacy of genAI in higher ed (with connections to K-12). For Beneath the Surface, Matt and Liz talk through a great op-ed...2025-01-0344 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI in 2025 - What’s Next for Education | Ep. 38AI in 2025 - What’s Next for Education
In this episode of ChatEDU (AI in 2025 - What’s Next for Education), Matt Mervis and Liz Raddy reflect on the emerging trends and future of AI in education as they prepare to ring in 2025. They discuss Liz's cautious venture into making prank calls and then dive into Niantic Labs' creation of a large geospatial model from Pokemon Go data. The conversation shifts to the use of AI for anticipatory monitoring of student well-being and its ethical implications. As they wrap up, Matt and Liz share their aspirations and humo...2024-12-2749 minChatEDU: AI in EducationThe AI Firehose - End of Year News and Updates | Ep. 37The AI Firehose - End of Year News and Updates
Join Matt and Liz in this episode of ChatEDU as they explore critical AI developments. They dive into the potential of AI as a brutally honest mentor, discuss new tools like Google's Gemini 2.0 and Harvard's free AI dataset, and address serious concerns such as the rise of non-consensual intimate imagery in schools and the environmental costs of AI. They also unpack OpenAI's '12 Days of Shipmas' while reflecting on how AI impacts policy, literacy, and education.
00:00 Introduction and AI's Flattery
00:52 The Brutally Honest...2024-12-2044 minChatEDU: AI in EducationFrom Doctors to Dickinson: AI's Edge and Our Human Connection | Ep. 36In this episode of ChatEDU, co-hosts Matt Mervis and Liz Radday dive into the evolving landscape of AI's capabilities and its implications on human tasks. They discuss the growing reliability of AI memory, and whether AI can offer surprising personal insights. The discussion touches on three recent studies, exploring AI's edge in medical diagnoses, neuroscience predictions, and the surprising preference for AI-generated poetry over classic literature. The episode raises questions about the future roles of humans in AI-integrated tasks, emphasizing the need for empathy and creativity. Additionally, it features an intriguing segment where AI mimics Shakespearean style to compose...2024-12-1333 minChatEDU: AI in EducationMotion Rejected – The AI Cheating Case That Surprised Everyone (Including Us) | Ep. 35In 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...2024-12-0646 minChatEDU: AI in EducationBanned or Boosted? AI's Mixed Signals in Education and Work | Ep. 34In 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 da...2024-11-2939 minChatEDU: AI in EducationGoogle’s Learn About – Innovation Amid AI Turbulence | Ep. 33In 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 comprehen...2024-11-2257 minChatEDU: AI in EducationEncore Episode - A Talk with the Boss, The Jonathan Costa InterviewWhile 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 int...2024-11-1552 minChatEDU: AI in EducationEncore Episode - From Solo to System, Elevating AI Across Our SchoolsWhile 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...2024-11-0857 minChatEDU: AI in EducationEncore Episode - You Gotta See This, The Potential of AI Vision in EducationWhile 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 Enc...2024-11-0138 minChatEDU: AI in EducationEncore Episode - AI Guilt Trip: Why Educators Sometimes Feel Guilty and What to Do About It!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 re...2024-10-2543 minChatEDU: AI in EducationMore Common Sense - A New CSM Report on Teens and AI | Ep. 32In 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...2024-10-1848 minChatEDU: AI in EducationTo Tech or Not to Tech - A Conversation with Darron Vigliotti | Ep. 31In 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...2024-10-111h 02ChatEDU: AI in EducationTool Time - Our Fall AI Tool Review | Ep. 30In 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 re...2024-10-0445 minChatEDU: AI in EducationLive Comp Sci - AI in Computer Science Education | Ep. 29In this live episode of ChatEDU (Live Comp Sci - AI in Computer Science Education), Matt and Liz dive into the future of computer science education in an age dominated by AI, The episode was recorded in front of a live audience with the Connecticut Computer Science Teachers Association and features discussions on AI's impact on teaching and learning in computer science, insights from a new Teach AI and CSTA report, and live Q&A with educators.
Getting Started:Matt and Liz kick off the episode by thanking the Connecticut Computer Science Teachers Association team for hosting...2024-09-2750 minChatEDU: AI in EducationMissing in Action - Why OpenAI Will Not Release Their AI Content Detection Tool | Ep. 28In this episode of ChatEDU (Missing in Action - Why OpenAI Won’t Release Their AI Content Detection Tool) Matt and Liz explore why OpenAI has not released their AI content detection tool and they unpack the funky intersection between a rock-solid content detection tool and competitive business interests.
Getting Started:
Matt and Liz discuss recent Surgeon General warnings, touching on topics like social media use, parental stress, and the challenges of modern parenting.
In the News:
1. Google's DeepMind and AI Literacy:
Introduction of AlphaProteo, a new tool for des...2024-09-2048 minChatEDU: AI in EducationBetter Together - Problem Solving with AI and Humans | Ep. 27In this episode of ChatEDU, Matt and Liz explore how AI and humans can collaborate to enhance creative problem-solving based on a recent Harvard Business School study. classrooms.
Getting Started: Matt and Liz chat about Liz's recent camping trip to celebrate her 4-H camp's 100th anniversary. Matt demonstrates Eleven Labs' new Text to Sound Effects System, showcasing how AI is transforming audio production (all while rudely interrupting Liz!).
In the News:
AI as an Assignment Evaluator:
Matt and Liz discuss a large-scale study from National Taiwan University involving over 1,000 students.
2024-09-1344 minChatEDU: AI in EducationFrom Solo to System - Elevating AI Across Our Schools | Ep. 26In this episode of ChatEDU (From Solo to System - Elevating AI Across Our Schools), Matt and Liz explore how schools need to move beyond focusing just on teacher AI professional learning to realize the full potential of AI and benefits of generative AI.
Getting Started:
Matt and Liz discuss if they’d pay extra $ for grad school to keep their kids out of the basement and how that might be related to AI “training” runs. You have to listen to understand!
Then in the News:
Ideogram 2.0: Matt and Liz discuss Ideogram...2024-09-0654 minChatEDU: AI in EducationA Talk with the Boss - The Jonathan Costa Interview | Ep. 25In this episode of ChatEDU (A Talk with the Boss - The Jonathan Costa Interview), Matt and Liz interview Jonathan Costa, the Executive Director of EdAdvance. They discuss the impact of AI on education and Jonathan's vision for the future of learning. The three have a great conversation on a range of topics including:
AI and Education
EdAdvance's approach: Using AI to improve service quality and efficiency internally, while helping districts rethink public education through an AI lens
Vision for AI in education: Improving quality of work rather than eliminating positions
C...2024-08-3050 minChatEDU: AI in EducationSimulated Minds - Using AI to Deepen Research Insights | Ep. 24In this episode of ChatEDU (Simulated Minds - Using AI to Deepen Research Insights), Matt and Liz explore the use of AI in social science research, focusing on a study from NYU and Stanford about using large language models to simulate research participants.
First in our Intro: Matt and Liz discuss a trend of women using AI to fact-check men's height claims on dating apps. They then explore contrasting organizational approaches to AI adoption:
AI Bans in Organizations: Matt shares an anecdote about a friend's workplace banning all access to generative AI, while Liz discusses...2024-08-2352 minChatEDU: AI in EducationThe Storm Rolled In - Stanford's AI Research Tool | Ep. 23In this episode of ChatEDU (The Storm Rolled In - Stanford's AI Research Tool), Matt and Liz explore the implications of Stamford University's new AI research tool, STORM, and its potential impact on education and research skills.
First in our Intro: Matt and Liz discuss the recent Olympics. They highlight the artistic swimming competition of course and some interesting AI intersections. These include Google's DeepMind winning a medal in the International Math Olympiad and an ad for Google’s Gemini that made the Internet go nuts!
Then in the News:
AI-Generated Video Tools: Matt...2024-08-1650 minChatEDU: AI in EducationCrash Course - Building Your AI Professional Learning Plan | Ep. 22In this special summer episode of ChatEDU (Crash Course - Building Your AI Professional Learning Plan), Matt and Liz explore strategies for developing effective AI professional learning plans for educators.
Intro
Matt welcomes Liz back and then quizzes her with a paragraph full of “AI tell words” to see how many she can identify.
Liz puts Matt in the “hotseat”, as she inquires about how he approaches AI professional learning for back-to-school and beyond. They discuss a range of issues including:
Foundation and Baseline Understanding
Matt unpacks his approach to establ...2024-08-0950 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI on the Field - Our Interview with Tech Coach Ed Duclos | Ep. 21In this episode of ChatEDU (AI on the Field - Our Interview with Tech Coach Ed Duclos), Matt and Liz interview Ed Duclos. Ed is a technology (and HS athletics) coach from South Windsor High School in Connecticut. They discuss his district's experiences implementing AI in education over the past year. Key points include:
South Windsor's approach of encouraging AI exploration
Formation of teacher and student AI squads
Criteria for selecting student-facing AI tools
Evolution of literacy education and importance of AI literacy
Strategies for integrating AI into writing...2024-08-0247 minChatEDU: AI in EducationThe Predication Show - Forecasting AI in Edu | Ep. 20In this special summer episode of ChatEDU (The Predication Show - Forecasting AI in Edu), Matt and Liz explore potential futures for AI in education using a forecasting prompt from Professor Ethan Mollick.
First, Matt and Liz introduce the episode concept, explaining how they’ll use Professor Mollick's "Four Futures" AI scenarios to make predictions about various educational topics. Then they dig into the forecasting on topics including:
Universal translators implanted in earlobes
Potential for real-time translation across languages
Possibility of animal or even alien language translation
Timeline estimates for development
...2024-07-2637 minChatEDU: AI in EducationGemini Splashdown - Will Google Dominate AI in Education Next Year? | Ep. 19In this episode of ChatEDU (Gemini Splashdown - Will Google Dominate AI in Education Next Year?), Matt and guest co-host Jonathan Costa explore two big moves from Google that will potentially redefine the educational landscape for K-12 in the years ahead.
First in our Intro:
Matt welcomes Jonathan Costa as a guest co-host while Liz is on the road. They obviously discuss Jonathan’s dog who has been featured in the podcast, as well as a cool AI feature of the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Then in the News:
OpenAI and Thrive Glob...2024-07-1958 minChatEDU: AI in EducationWhat a Character - The Secret Life of character.ai and Teens | Ep. 18In this episode of ChatEDU (What a Character - The Secret Life of character.ai and Teens), Matt and Liz explore the wildly popular character.ai platform and how its approach might be leveraged for AI in K-12 education.
First in our Intro Matt welcomes Liz back from her international travels and they discuss the reported perils of AI use and drinking (though it does not appear to apply to them!).
Then in the News
AI Content Detection Updates - After a detailed sidebar on custom bots, Matt provides an update on two r...2024-07-1249 minChatEDU: AI in EducationIt’s All Going to Be Ok - The Charli Hughes Interview | Ep. 17In this episode of ChatEDU, Matt and Liz interview Charli Hughes, a recent high school graduate heading to the University of Connecticut in the fall. Charli discusses her summer internship at Medtronic (where she works on the Hugo Robot Assisted Surgery System), and her journey into computer science through robotics competitions.
Charli is one of the most thoughtful voices out there on AI, it just so happens that she is a recent high school graduate. Don’t miss her insights and opinions on what’s next for AI in K-12 education.
2024-07-0544 minChatEDU: AI in EducationBottom-Up AI: Where Proactive Educators Lead | Ep. 16In this episode of ChatEDU (Bottom-Up AI: Where Proactive Educators Lead), Matt and Liz explore how educators at all levels can advance their work with AI, regardless of what state or federal policies are in place where they live.
In the News:
AI as Moral Expert - Matt discusses a recent study comparing GPT-4's moral advice to that of professional ethicists, finding that the AI often outperforms humans in areas like moral soundness and thoughtfulness. Matt and Liz put AI to the test on a juicy moral dilemma. The Skills21 prompt library mentioned by...2024-06-2837 minChatEDU: AI in EducationDear AI, Slow the Heck Down | Ep. 15In this episode of ChatEDU (Dear AI, Slow the Heck Down), Matt and Liz discuss the disruptive and problematic consequences of large tech companies moving too fast in the AI space. They unpack various incidents, and the implications of rapid AI advancements on education.
First in Our Intro
Matt and Liz discuss the emergence of non-human AI models, including meerkats, whales, dogs, and elephants. They humorously explore the idea of translating animal noises into “language” and the challenges it poses, particularly with Liz's silent dog, Aloe.
Then in the News:
Voice Mode...2024-06-2133 minChatEDU: AI in EducationTeens on Gen AI: A New Study from Common Sense Media | Ep. 14In this episode of ChatEDU (Teens on Gen AI: A New Study from Common Sense Media), Matt and Liz dive into a new report from Common Sense Media that explores how teens are using and perceiving generative AI. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on this topic, shedding light on both the excitement and concerns surrounding AI among young people.
First in Our Intro
Matt and Liz talk about interactive prompting and narcissism :). Check out www.skills21.org/ai (Prompts > Counselor > Role-Playing a Challenging Work Situation)
Then in the Ne...2024-06-1431 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI Surrender - Professors Throw in the Towel on Writing? | Ep. 13In this episode of ChatEDU (AI Surrender - Professors Throw in the Towel on Writing?) Matt and Liz discuss the controversial notion of AI taking over writing tasks. The episode deep dive is informed by the work of two professors from Carnegie Mellon University who are saying the quiet part out loud, with an AI tool aimed at assisting students with the writing process.
Fist in the news:
Mechanistic Interpretability - Matt explains the concept of mechanistic interpretability, likening it to an MRI for language models. This technique, championed by AI safety-focused company Anthropic, helps u...2024-06-0726 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI Hope or Hype - A K-12 Reality Check | Ep. 12In this first “Short Stack” episode of ChatEDU (AI Hope or Hype - A K-12 Reality Check) Liz and Matt unpack an important New York Times opinion piece titled "Press Pause on the Silicon Valley Hype Machine” by Julia Angwin. They explore key assertions in the article including:
Overstated Achievements: AI's claimed capabilities versus real performance.
Unreliable Performance: The effort required to correct AI output versus manual tasks.
Limited Improvement Potential: Constraints on AI improvements due to data and energy consumption.
Resource Allocation: The diversion of resources from practical innovations to AI deve...2024-05-3131 minChatEDU: AI in EducationThat’s a Wrap - Exploring the Fate of Custom AI Teacher Tools | Ep. 11In this episode of ChatEDU (That’s a Wrap - Exploring the Fate of Custom AI Teacher Tools), hosts Matt Mervis and Liz Radday think through the implications of the ChatGPT 4o release, and what it may mean for custom AI teacher tools and the broader landscape AI + education landscape.
First, In the News:
Microsoft Work Trends Report
Matt unpacks a new report from Microsoft highlighting the need for AI literacy in schools.
AI and Solopreneurs
Liz examines the rise of "solopreneurs," entrepreneurs using AI to operate alone, and draw...2024-05-2443 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI for Good: The Literacy Component We Might Be Missing | Ep. 10In this milestone 10th episode of ChatEDU (AI for Good: The Literacy Component We Might Be Missing) hosts Matt Mervis and Liz Radday explore how US attitudes towards AI impacts our perspective and potentially narrows how we define AI literacy for students.
First in the news:
Segment 1: AI's Role in Reading
Matt discusses the less highlighted role of AI in reading compared to writing, featuring insights from Marc Watkins who addresses the potential risks AI poses to developing deep reading and analytical skills.
Segment 2: Labor in Developing Nations and AI
...2024-05-1743 minChatEDU: AI in EducationYes the Jobs - But First the Class of 2025 | Ep. 9This episode of ChatEDU (Yes the Jobs - But First the Class of 2025) unpacks the significant impact of AI on the job market, emphasizing how to meet the immediate needs of next year’s seniors. But first in the news, hosts Matt Mervis and Liz Radday explore various facets of AI in education, including persistent biases in AI models, student preferences for AI-generated versus teacher feedback on writing, and the role of generative AI in the art and science of book writing. Additionally, they discuss S.A.R.A.H, a video avatar from the World Health Organization designed to...2024-05-1042 minChatEDU: AI in EducationMinor Update Major Menace - Advertising in AI Requires Educators' Attention | Ep. 8In this episode of ChatEDU (Micro Update Major Menace: Advertising in AI Requires K-12 Attention), Matt Mervis and Liz Radday kick off by covering the latest news including research on AI content detectors with some help from Abbott Elementary, as well as an AI-powered exhibit featuring WWII veterans. Liz reviews a major AI assessment announcement from PISA, while Matt explores new developments in holographic technology and how AI could change the way we interact with the digital world. Next, Matt and Liz go “Beneath the Surface” as they explore the potential negative impact of AI companies testing advertising in thei...2024-05-0343 minChatEDU: AI in EducationAI Guilt Trip: Why Educators Sometimes Feel Guilty and What to Do About It! | Ep. 7In this episode of ChatEDU, titled "AI Guilt Trip: Why Educators Sometimes Feel Guilty and What to Do About It," we'll introduce new AI tools for music creation, and highlight a student-centered AI initiative in one school district. Matt and Liz will cover AI applications in two large city school districts. We'll examine why universities are creating custom AI bots and the lessons for K-12 education from these developments.
The discussion also addresses the guilt sometimes felt when using AI, offering a framework to understand and manage these feelings. We'll conclude with a listener question and insights...2024-04-1941 minChatEDU: AI in EducationRiding the AI Wave: Adapting to Change with Curiosity & Confidence | Ep. 6In this episode of ChatEDU, titled "Riding the AI Wave: Adapting to Change with Curiosity & Confidence," Matt and Liz discuss the introduction of Devin, a coding agent from Cognition AI, share insights from Pulitzer Prize winners, and highlight AI stories from the South By Southwest festival. The episode also covers educators' reservations about generative AI and the importance of adaptive leadership in navigating educational change. We'll conclude by addressing a listener question with HeyPI in ChatBack!
2024-04-0538 minChatEDU: AI in EducationYou’ve Gotta See This: The Potential of AI Vision in Education | Ep. 5In this episode of ChatEDU, titled "You’ve Gotta See This: The Potential of AI Vision in Education," Matt and Liz delve into the significant update from Inflection AI, the creators of HeyPi. We'll discuss AI-driven dating assistants and their cognitive skill enhancement. We'll also present how Google's DeepMind and Genie, are offering real-time immersive environments for education.
The episode concludes with a listener question and insights from HeyPi. Tune in to episode 5 of ChatEDU!2024-03-2236 minChatEDU: AI in EducationTotal Recall - Why AI Memory is Key | Ep. 4In this episode of ChatEDU, titled "Total Recall - Why AI Memory is Key," Matt and Liz explore the significance of AI memory advancements for education. We'll discuss how improved memory capabilities will be crucial for AI to become an effective personalized tutor. Additionally, we'll cover the latest news and developments related to AI in education. We'll wrap the episode with a listener question and insights from HeyPI as we ChatBack.2024-03-0836 minChatEDU: AI in EducationEvery Learner, Every Possibility | Ep. 3In this episode of ChatEDU, titled "Every Learner, Every Possibility," we'll delve into the ways AI can cater to the unique needs, interests, and learning journeys of every learner. Matt will discuss the impact of watermarking on education in the news segment, while Liz explores how AI could perceive the world from a child's perspective. Additionally, Matt will provide updates on the intriguing yet slightly unsettling realm of AI agents. We'll go beneath the surface, examining how generative AI can support a diverse range of learners and possibilities. We'll wrap the episode with a listener question and insights from...2024-02-2333 minChatEDU: AI in EducationHidden Gems: Innovative AI Uses in Schools | Ep. 2In this episode of ChatEDU, we delve into Hidden Gems: Innovative AI Uses in Schools, shedding light on various student-facing AI pilots. We take a deep dive into Google's Bard catching up with ChatGPT. We'll also highlight a study featuring CS50 Duck, an intriguing AI chatbot from Harvard's popular CS50 open online course. We'll also unpack innovative AI use cases among students and teachers. To close out the episode, we'll address a listener question and engage with HeyPI in ChatBack. Join us for a captivating exploration of AI in education in this episode of ChatEDU!
Here are...2024-02-0936 min
ChatEDU: AI in EducationNavigating Now and Next | Ep. 1Welcome to the debut episode of our podcast, titled "Navigating Now and Next"! In this inaugural installment, we take a deep dive into the past calendar year, reflecting on the whirlwind that ensued with the launch of ChatGPT. Join us as we assess the current state of practice and eagerly explore what lies ahead.
Our focus will be on the transformative impact of a new generation of generative AI tools on classrooms, schools, and communities. We'll delve into the pros and cons of these tools, examining how they are reshaping education. Join the conversation as we discuss...2024-02-0232 min