ChatEDU – The AI & Education Podcast

Abbe Waldron, a professional learning specialist at EdAdvance, shares her insights on integrating AI tools into K–12 education. She discusses innovative assessment methods that prioritize real-world projects over traditional exams, reflecting the growing impact of AI on educational practices. Abbe highlights effective tools like Notebook LM for curriculum planning and Diffit for personalized learning. The conversation also touches on ethical concerns surrounding AI's role in academics, emphasizing the need for educators to adapt to maintain integrity and foster critical thinking.

ChatEDU 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 NewsChina’s AI Education Initiative – China is making AI education a national priority, mandating AI lessons for students and dramatically increasing university enrollment in AI-related fields. What does this mean for the global AI race?Google Gets Personal – Google’s Gemini is rolling out new memory features and personalized AI assistance, integrating with search history and other Google apps. How will this shape the way educators and students interact with AI?Beneath the SurfaceCarnegie Education Report 2025 – A deep dive into the latest data on AI in education. Are teachers using AI to their advantage, or is skepticism still high? What trends are shaping the classroom of the future?Bright BytesAI and Wildfire Detection – A powerful new AI-driven system is helping detect wildfires earlier than ever, potentially saving lives and reducing damage. What role does machine learning play in disaster prevention?AnnouncementsInterested in AI and Education? The current cohort for ChatEDU’s AI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential is full, but you can join the waitlist to be notified when summer enrollment opens. Sign up at skills21.org/ai/micro Our Episode SponsorThis episode is sponsored by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing – supporting STEM education and workforce readiness for the AI-powered future. Learn more at https://www.nextgenmfg.org.Links Referenced in This Episode“Beijing to roll out AI lessons for primary, secondary students”https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/beijing-to-roll-out-ai-lessons-for-primary-secondary-students/ar-AA1AO5Od?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1“China's top universities expand enrollment to beef up capabilities in AI, strategic areas”https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-top-universities-expand-enrolment-beef-up-capabilities-ai-strategic-areas-2025-03-10/“​​Gemini gets personal, with tailored help from your Google apps”https://blog.google/products/gemini/gemini-personalization/“AI Search Has A Citation Problem”https://www.cjr.org/tow_center/we-compared-eight-ai-search-engines-theyre-all-bad-at-citing-news.phpCarnegie Learning AI in Education Report 2025https://discover.carnegielearning.com/ai-in-education“The first FireSat satellite has launched to help detect smaller wildfires earlier.”https://blog.google/feed/firesat-first-satellite-launch/

Overview: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 from Stanford and Emory reveals just how much AI-generated text is creeping into consumer complaints, corporate press releases, job postings, and even UN statements.- AI in the Wild Debut: A new segment highlighting creative uses of AI in education, starting with a PhD student who trained ChatGPT to simulate her dissertation committee.Beneath the Surface:- Turnitin’s Pivot to AI Writing Assistance: The academic integrity giant shifts gears with a new tool, Turnitin Clarity, offering an AI-powered writing environment where students can work transparently with AI while teachers monitor their usage. Will this build trust in classrooms or create new challenges?Bright Byte:OpenAI’s $50 Million Investment in AI Research: OpenAI launches a research consortium with 15 top universities, funding AI projects in healthcare, education, and digital humanities.Join us as we discuss what this all means for the future of AI in education!Episode Sponsor: This episode of ChatEDU is sponsored by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Learn more about their AI and workforce development initiatives at https://www.nextgenmfg.org.Links Referenced in This Episode:Forbes News Blast Prompt:https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2025/03/05/the-chatgpt-prompt-that-reveals-your-hidden-talent-in-seconds/ Business Insider article on humanities degrees and AI:https://www.businessinsider.com/notebooklm-editorial-director-google-labs-said-humanities-skills-valuable-ai-2025-2 Stanford & Emory Study on AI Writing:https://arxiv.org/pdf/2502.09747Nature article on ChatGPT for students:https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00621-2#:~:text=Unlike%20the%20'early%20days'%20of,professors%20and%20even%20personal%20trainers.OpenAI’s Next Gen AI Research Consortium: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2025/03/05/openai-will-invest-50-million-in-a-new-university-research-consortium/Announcements: The Spring AI in Education Micro-credential is now full. Just the list to get notified about our summer cohort at https://www.skills21.org/ai/micro Get in Touch: Email us at ChatEDU@edadvance.org Follow ChatEDU on TikTok for more AI in education insights!

Overview: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: What happens when AI takes on the heavy lifting of coding, allowing users to guide development through ideas and descriptions? Matt and Liz discuss the latest trend in AI-assisted development, including Liz’s first-hand experience building an app for her rhinestone design process.- Switching Costs in AI Tools: As ChatGPT surpasses 400 million users, competition between AI models intensifies. With tools like Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and more in the mix, educators face tough decisions. Matt and Liz examine the hidden costs of switching platforms and what schools should consider before committing to a single AI tool.Beneath the Surface:- Estonia’s AI-Powered Education System: Estonia has become the first country to fully integrate ChatGPT-EDU into its schools, starting with 10th and 11th graders in 2025. Matt and Liz break down the initiative, its goals for personalized tutoring and AI literacy, and whether other countries might follow suit.- The Future of AI in the Classroom: While Estonia bets on AI-driven education, Matt and Liz question whether the focus should be on personalized tutoring or AI-powered problem-solving in real-world contexts. Could AI’s biggest impact be in project-based learning rather than one-on-one tutoring?Bright Bytes:- Decoding Animal Emotions: A University of Copenhagen AI model can analyze animal vocalizations with 89.49% accuracy, offering potential breakthroughs in animal welfare and conservation.- AI-Powered ASL Learning: NVIDIA’s new AI-driven ASL platform helps bridge communication gaps by providing real-time feedback on sign language learning.Announcements:Join the next cohort of ChatEDU's AI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential starting April 14th. Visit skills21.org/ai/micro for details and group discounts.Our Episode Sponsor: National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing - https://www.nextgenmfg.org Related Links:Estonia’s AI Education Initiative:https://openai.com/index/estonia-schools-and-chatgpt/ Vibe Coding and AI Development:https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/technology/personaltech/vibecoding-ai-software-programming.html + https://medium.com/@niall.mcnulty/vibe-coding-b79a6d3f0caa AI Switching Costs in Education:https://www.marketplace.org/2025/02/20/chatgpt-now-has-400-million-weekly-users-and-a-lot-of-competition/ Decoding Animal Emotions with AI:https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/groundbreaking-ai-can-accurately-decode-emotions-from-multiple-animal-species/ AI-Powered ASL Learning by NVIDIA:https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/ai-sign-language/ Sesame AI Voice Model:https://www.sesame.com/research/crossing_the_uncanny_valley_of_voice#demo Rorschach : https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250224-what-happens-when-you-give-an-ai-a-rorschach-inkblot-test Get In Touch:Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org and let them know your thoughts on this episode. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform.

OverviewIn 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 College – A new study reveals how students are using ChatGPT for coursework and whether professors can detect AI-generated submissions.Beneath the SurfaceAI in Career Exploration – Google’s Gen AI Career Counselor raises questions about AI’s role in guiding career paths. Matt and Liz discuss its potential impact and what it means for students making big decisions about their futures.Bright BytesA new segment highlighting positive contributions of AI, inspired by Steve Hartman’s On the Road series.Co-Scientist - https://www.newscientist.com/article/2469072-can-googles-new-research-assistant-ai-give-scientists-superpowers/Mistral’s Saba - https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/17/mistral-releases-regional-model-focused-on-arabic-language-and-culture/ Our Episode Sponsor - National Center for Next Generation Manufacturinghttps://www.nextgenmfg.org/ Links Referenced in This EpisodeStanford’s CRAFT AI Literacy Resources – https://craft.stanford.edu/resources/OpenAI Study on AI in College – https://openai.com/global-affairs/college-students-and-chatgpt/Google’s Gen AI Career Counselor –https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/19/googles-career-dreamer-uses-ai-to-help-you-explore-job-possibilities/ Skills21 PIP - https://www.skills21.org/pip-platform Got questions or comments? Email Matt and Liz at ChatEDU@edadvance.org. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform!

Overview: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 workers the most. How should schools respond to this shift?- AI and Feedback in Education: Generative AI can provide instant, data-driven feedback, but is it missing the critical human element of recognition? A new study explores the distinction between AI-driven and human-driven feedback.Beneath the Surface:Educators Leading the Charge in AI Adoption- Schools across the country are banding together to explore best practices for AI integration.- Projects in Denver, the Bronx, Wisconsin, and Boston showcase how AI is supporting civics education, multilingual learners, and student interview preparation.- A major takeaway? AI is most powerful when students and teachers actively shape its use, rather than being passive users.Short Stack Chat Back: FDR on Smart Leadership: "I’m not the smartest fellow in the world, but I sure can pick smart colleagues." Bright Bytes – AI for Good:- AI & Healthcare: AI-assisted screening speeds up clinical trials for heart failure treatments without introducing demographic bias.- AI & the Environment: AI-powered sonar helps locate and remove abandoned "ghost nets," reducing harm to marine life.Related Links:AI in the Workforce Study –https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5136877AI and Feedback Study –https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02602938.2025.2459641?af=REducators Leading the Charge in AI Adoptionhttps://www.edsurge.com/news/2025-02-10-these-schools-are-banding-together-to-make-better-use-of-ai-in-educationLearning Accelerator Blog on AI in Schools –https://learningaccelerator.org/ai-powered-teaching-voices-from-the-school-teams-ai-collaborative/Mass General Brigham Study on AI in Healthcare –https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/ai-screening-for-clinical-trial-speeds-up-enrollmentGhost Nets & AI-Powered Sonar –https://digital.ecomagazine.com/articles/ai-sonar-technology-shines-in-ghost-net-recovery-effortsGuardian Article on UK universities and ‘deepfake’ applicants – https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/feb/12/uk-universities-automating-interviews-face-deepfake-applicantsOlder AI Models Study:https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/older-ai-models-show-signs-of-cognitive-decline-study-showsAnnouncements:Join the next cohort of ChatEDU’s AI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential starting April 14th. Visitskills21.org/ai/micro for details and group discounts.Our Episode Sponsor: National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing –https://www.nextgenmfg.orgGet in Touch:Have a question or comment? Email Matt and Liz at ChatEDU@edadvance.org. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform.

Overview: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 launching the largest deployment of ChatGPT in education, providing access for 460,000 students across 23 campuses. Matt and Liz discuss how this partnership aims to promote AI literacy and equity, while also addressing concerns raised by faculty about academic freedom, job security, and environmental impact.2. AI’s Social Desirability Bias: Why Models Try to Be LikedNew research reveals that AI models like GPT-4 shift their responses to appear more likable, exaggerating positive traits and even recognizing when they’re being tested. Matt and Liz examine the implications for mental health, hiring practices, and education, raising critical questions about bias and trustworthiness in AI systems.Beneath the Surface:3. Teens, Trust, and TechnologyA new Common Sense Media study highlights how teens feel about AI and tech companies. From blurred lines between AI and reality to growing skepticism about online content, Matt and Liz unpack the data and discuss how educators can use this moment to teach stronger digital literacy skills before trust erodes further.Short Stack Chat Back:Melville Dewey and Libraries as Community AnchorsLinks Referenced in This Episode:Foul Language and Google AI Summaries -https://www.pcworld.com/article/2596403/want-better-google-search-results-start-swearing.html Humanity's Last Exam -https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/technology/ai-test-humanitys-last-exam.html?smid=nytcore-android-share Cal State ChatGPT Deployment –https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/artificial-intelligence/2025/02/05/cal-state-system-tech-giants-partner# +https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/education/csu-pioneers-ai-rollout-concerns-jobs-academic-freedom-surveillance/509-43eaced5-44be-4a19-8e00-c0db3e7e4894 Research on AI’s Social Desirability Bias –https://www.psypost.org/scientists-shocked-to-find-ais-social-desirability-bias-exceeds-typical-human-standards/ Common Sense Media Report on Teens and Trust –https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/research-brief-teens-trust-and-technology-in-the-age-of-ai Libraries Make it All Better -https://lithub.com/its-official-research-has-found-that-libraries-make-everything-better/ Announcements:Join the next cohort of ChatEDU’sAI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential starting April 14th. Visit skills21.org/ai/micro for details and group discounts.Our Episode Sponsor:National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing – https://www.nextgenmfg.org

A vibrant discussion kicks off with past adventures and Valentine’s humor, leading to a reflection on a year of pod-casting. The hosts dive into how AI enhances project-based learning at Harvard, underlining its role in boosting creativity and critical thinking. Three innovative AI startups reshape learning experiences, focusing on accessibility and interactive tools. Finally, a landmark ruling on copyright clarifies AI's role in creativity, emphasizing the necessity of human involvement in the creative process. It's a fascinating intersection of technology and education!

In 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 shift in workforce skills, emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s blueprint for economic progress highlights AI’s potential to personalize learning. Are we focusing on the right skills for the future?  Sam Altman weighs in, stating that the most critical skill in the AI era is not knowledge itself, but the ability to ask the right questions. How does this align with current education trends?  Beneath the Surface: Financial AI Bots Preying on Vulnerable Users: AI-driven financial assistants, like Clio and Bright, are pushing high-interest loans and misleading financial advice to struggling users. Is AI truly helping or exploiting financial insecurity Snapchat’s My AI Bot Under Fire: A new FTC complaint against Snapchat’s AI bot raises concerns about its responses to teenagers, including advice on concealing drug and alcohol use. The DOJ is now involved.  SchoolAI’s Historical Figure Bots Get It Wrong: A bot role-playing as Anne Frank gave misleading responses about the Holocaust, sparking concerns about AI-generated historical narratives in classrooms. These AI failures feed skepticism in education. How can educators maintain oversight while integrating AI tools in learning environments? Short Stack Chat Back: A reflection on the Luddites and their resistance to technology—are we seeing a modern-day parallel in AI adoption? Links Referenced in This Episode: Study on AI tutors in Nigeria https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/From-chalkboards-to-chatbots-Transforming-learning-in-Nigeria  Study on AI bot completing a graduate course https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/aupha/jhae/2024/00000040/00000004/art00005# World Economic Forum Job Report https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/ OpenAI's Blueprint for Economic Progress https://theafricalogistics.com/openai-unveils-bold-economic-blueprint-to-secure-u-s-ai-leadership/ Sam Altman Interview https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/13/openai-ceo-top-ability-you-need-to-succeed-age-of-ai-ask-great-questions.html   Clio and Bright Financial Bots Report https://www.wired.com/story/ai-financial-advisers-apps-chatbots/  Snapchat’s My AI Bot FTC Complaint https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/snap-shares-drop-as-ftc-refers-complaint-to-the-doj.html  SchoolAI Historical Figure Bots Controversy  https://futurism.com/the-byte/ai-anne-frank-blame-holocaust In the News:Beneath the Surface:Short Stack Chat Back:Links Referenced in This Episode:"Protect Us" Video on AI and Child Safety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuH-D-au1Ho

ChatEDU 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 Liz explain how their team fosters student agency through personal interest projects and PBL, equipping students for an AI-driven world. AI’s Role in PBL: Learn how AI acts as a clerk, a colleague, and a coach enhancing student creativity and engagement without bypassing the learning process. Real-World Examples: Liz shares inspiring student projects, from salt-based ice melt innovations to injury-alert vests, showcasing the power of combining passion with critical thinking. Prompts for Success: Matt offers actionable tips on crafting effective AI prompts and using tools like Skills21’s Prompt Library to maximize AI’s potential in education. Starting Small with PBL: Liz gives three simple tips for teachers looking to integrate project-based learning into their classrooms. Our Episode Sponsor: National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing - https://www.nextgenmfg.org Resources Mentioned: Skills21 AI and PBL Resources: skills21.org Skills21 Prompt Library: skills21.org/prompts AI-Enhanced Personal Interest Projects: skills21.org/pip Special Thanks! Elevate Education Podcast:  https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/services/communications/elevate-education-podcast