EdTechnical Adding It Up: Dan Meyer on Math, Tech & AI Scepticism
Dec 11, 2025
Dan Meyer, a math educator and VP at Amplify, brings his unique perspective on the intersection of technology and education. He highlights the importance of inviting student thinking and developing it through social interactions, emphasizing that motivation stems from these connections. Meyer critiques the limitations of AI in education, arguing it often misses the nuances of classroom dynamics. He discusses how AI can enhance teaching through better analytics and reflects on the modest adoption of AI tools in real classrooms, all while advocating for creative, engaging math practices.
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Episode notes
Probe Intuition Before Formal Instruction
- Use tasks that feel unstructured to reveal students' embodied and intuitive knowledge rather than relying solely on binary diagnostics.
- Teach toward those revealed resources instead of assuming students lack prior materials.
Use Tech To Create And Connect
- Dan contrasts two tech uses: passive dissemination and creative connection-driven tools for math.
- He values tech that makes students create representations and share them for social development and teacher insight.
Orchestrate Short Device Bursts With Discussion
- Orchestrate short device-based work followed by social whole-class discussion rather than long isolated screen sessions.
- Use student-generated artifacts as fuel for classroom discussion and teacher development.