

ChatEDU – The AI & Education Podcast
Matt Mervis and Dr. Elizabeth Radday
Welcome to ChatEDU – The AI & Education Podcast , your go-to podcast for insightful discussions on the intersection of AI and education! Hosted by Matt Mervis, Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance, and Dr. Elizabeth Radday, Director of Research & Innovation, this podcast explores the dynamic landscape of education technology.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 13, 2025 • 35sec
Special Alert: Vote for Matt & Liz to get to SXSW EDU!
Join Matt and Liz as they rally for votes to showcase inspiring student stories using AI to tackle real-world challenges. Discover an interactive game that explores how to uphold human values in an AI-driven landscape. Plus, Liz shares insights on guiding educators through student-driven projects that incorporate AI thoughtfully and ethically. Don't miss the chance to support their mission before voting closes!

14 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 59min
Choose Your Adventure - AI Tutor or Cheat? | Ep. 70
Discover the intriguing world where AI meets education! The hosts discuss innovative AI tools transforming learning, from building 3D worlds with words to ChatGPT’s study mode enhancing critical thinking. They highlight the importance of AI literacy amidst rising dependence on these technologies for decision-making. The ethical implications of AI privacy are also addressed, alongside a light-hearted take on household robotics. Tune in for insights on using AI as a valuable tutor while avoiding the pitfalls of shortcutting learning!

Aug 1, 2025 • 53min
A United States of AI Policy? | Ep. 69
Explore the remarkable versatility of AI agents, from simplifying grocery shopping to tackling spreadsheet tasks. Discover how AI excelled at the International Math Olympiad and is now being integrated into classrooms with custom chatbots by OpenAI and Canvas. Delve into federal guidance on using AI in education, including funding for professional development and ethical standards. The discussion raises crucial questions about AI's impact on young learners, especially regarding emotional attachments to chatbots like Elon Musk's Baby Grok.

Jul 25, 2025 • 54min
Guardrails or Surveillance? The Great Summer Gemini Debate | Ep. 68
Sunny Austin offers a backdrop of futuristic robots, as Matt and Liz explore AI's impact on education. They discuss Turnitin's new Clarity platform and innovative AI tutor bots at Harvard, which boost student performance. The debate heats up over monitoring AI chats in schools, weighing safety against trust. Insights from an African hackathon highlight student innovation, while the Inspirit AI program fosters mentorship. Personalities in AI design raise concerns about engagement tactics for kids, sparking lively discussions on ethical use and education.

8 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 54min
College Degrees to Beat the Bot | Ep. 67
The hosts kick off with a demo of a voice AI agent for small businesses. Humanoid robots are discussed, including their clumsy attempts at soccer and their growing role in warehouses. They delve into seven college majors that could 'beat the bot,' emphasizing the importance of blending human creativity with AI skills. A heartwarming breakthrough in infertility treatment highlights AI's potential in healthcare. Plus, captivating insights into using AI as psychedelic trip sitters raise safety concerns.

5 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 57min
Viral or Villain - Is the AI Backlash Just Beginning? | Ep.66
Travel updates and a clever prompt hack kick off an engaging discussion on AI in schools. Newark's Amira literacy tool promises to enhance K-3 reading assessments but highlights the need for human oversight. The OECD plans to incorporate AI literacy into global assessments by 2029, signaling a shift in educational priorities. Amidst the benefits, concerns about AI backlash grow, with fears over job displacement and legal issues emerging. The hosts provide insights on strategies schools can adopt to balance AI integration and societal concerns.

Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 4min
Check Please: Is Your AI Paying Off? | Ep.65
Dive into the rapid rise of AI in education and its impacts on jobs and classroom dynamics. Discover the escalating arms race of AI-generated resumes versus sophisticated screening tools. Explore the automation of tasks like grading and attendance tracking, and the ethical concerns surrounding these changes. Assess the real value of AI with the HBR "AI Value Audit" to weigh efficiency against essential human connections. Plus, learn how AI is aiding India in mapping urban heat risks, showcasing its potential for real-world solutions.

6 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 60min
Brain Rot or Brain Stretch? Rethinking Rigor in the Age of AI | Ep. 64
Join Matt and Liz as they dive into the unsettling effects of AI on mental health, revealing stories of users spiraling after interactions with chatbots. Discover how students are leveraging AI to solve real-world problems, from food deserts to elder care. Also highlighted is a groundbreaking study showing brain activity differences when writing with or without AI, raising concerns about cognitive engagement. Plus, an inspiring Bright Byte on how AI is aiding ocean conservation efforts!

10 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 55min
AI Ate My EdTech Stack | Ep. 63
Matt and Liz discuss a failed product demo and a viral AI romance on the subway. They delve into Canva's transformation into an AI suite, raising questions about data privacy. Estonia's bold move to embrace mobile phones and AI in classrooms contrasts sharply with bans in other countries. Finally, they explore research on AI's potential to revolutionize the edtech landscape, signaling a shift in traditional educational tools. A bright byte on AI and bridge building caps off their intriguing insights.

4 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 57min
Academic Earthquake: When AI Passes Peer Review | Ep. 62
Matt and Liz kick things off with a quirky AI challenge to generate the perfect romantic partner, diving into the fun and profound implications of AI. They discuss a PwC report revealing that AI is transforming jobs at an astonishing pace. New Google tools for educators are showcased, enhancing classroom engagement. The discussion heats up with the AI-authored paper accepted for a peer review, raising ethical questions about academic credit. Concluding on a real-world note, they highlight Google's flood prediction technology delivering urgent warnings.


