Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Latest Episodes:

334: How Two 11th Graders are Revolutionizing AP Exam Prep with AI Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, the creators of Professor AI, an AI startup supporting students with AP exams, discuss their journey and the development of their app. The founders, who are 11th graders in high school, explain how they came up with the idea and the importance of founder-market fit. They also discuss the challenges of AI hallucinations and how they overcame them by using open-source textbooks and integrating with Wolfram Alpha. The founders highlight the support they received from Microsoft and their participation in an accelerator program. They emphasize their goal of providing access to educational resources for all students. Pradyu Kandala and Abhay Chebium discuss their AI-powered education platform,

Professor AI, which aims to provide personalized tutoring and grading support for AP students. They address concerns about cheating and emphasize that the AI is designed to help students learn rather than replace teachers. The platform explains concepts in different ways and provides reliable sources for further study. They also highlight the importance of feedback from educators to fine-tune the platform and invite teachers to sign up for the waitlist and support their endeavor.

Takeaways

Professor AI is an AI startup created by two 11th graders to support students with AP exams. The founders identified a need for an AI system to help students with their AP coursework and exams. The founders received support from Microsoft and are participating in an accelerator program to further develop their startup. Professor AI is an AI-powered education platform that offers personalized tutoring and grading support for AP students.

Learn more about Professor AI today:

https://www.professorai.co/

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333: Integrating AI Literacy into Earth Day Celebrations Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

Imagine students grappling with AI-crafted ethical dilemmas. They're not just learning about sustainability – they're learning how to question, research, and discern credible information. It's about nurturing critical thinking and responsible info consumption – the core of information literacy

🌎 Want to dig into our free guide 'Generative AI and Earth Day'?

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332: Here's why we need more student podcasters: meet Zach of We the Children Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Our special guest this week is Zach, the host of the incredible podcast 'We The Children'

Zachary Fox-DeVol, or Zach, is a curious 12-year-old with a passion for the environment and a mind eager to learn more about our planet. In June 2020, during a summer writing project, Zach ventured into the world of podcasting and created "Rule Of The Bark" . This unique podcast, told from a dog's perspective, provides humorous interviews and helpful tips on raising dogs.

Zooming ahead to December 2021, Zach's interest took a serious turn toward climate change. This led to 'We The Children,' where, at 12 years old, he dives into climate discussions and solutions from a youthful viewpoint. The podcast illuminates how kids like him care deeply about Earth's future and their actions' pivotal role in shaping a sustainable planet.

In the summer of 2023, Zach was honored to join an Australian Radio Station as a US Ambassador, engaging in enlightening interviews on Funky Kids Radio. Additionally, he's taken up speaking engagements at schools and clubs, advocating for the environment, recycling, and composting among kids.

When he's not busy pondering our planet or podcasting, he enjoys working on magic tricks, playing chess, mastering the Rubik's cube, and spending time with his pets—a dog named Ewok and a cat named Pax.

Zach's "Production Team" includes his Kindergarten/Second-grade teacher and friend, Clare Marder, making his podcasting journey a collaborative and educational experience.

https://www.instagram.com/we_the_children_podcast/

x - @WeTheChildrenP1

Ready to learn more about his show?

https://www.wethechildrenpodcast.com/

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Take $25 off any of our offerings with "SSPOD25" as a discount code.

331: Core Skills in the Age of AI: What Remains Essential? Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff Utecht interviews Pete Huang from The Neuron, a daily newsletter that explores AI. They discuss the origin of The Neuron and how it started as an experiment with AI-generated content. They also explore the landscape of AI and its potential impact on various industries. Pete shares his insights on the future of AI, including the use of customizable GPTs. He also explains how AI is leveraged within The Neuron, particularly in automating repetitive tasks. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of AI in education and its potential benefits and challenges. The conversation explores the impact of AI on education and the need to prepare students for the future. It discusses changes in the classroom experience, the reevaluation of the purpose of education, and the importance of core skills. The uncertainty of future job skills is highlighted, along with the human touch in communication and the value of voice and persona. Pete Huang shares his journey to AI and provides insights into the current state of AI chatbots.

Takeaways

The Neuron started as an experiment with AI-generated content and has evolved into a daily newsletter.

The landscape of AI is constantly changing, with advancements in video generation models and image models.

AI can be leveraged to automate repetitive tasks and improve quality control in content creation.

AI has the potential to transform education, but the importance of human expertise and domain knowledge remains crucial.

Preparing students for the future requires reevaluating the purpose of education and finding a balance between practical skills and generalist education.

Core skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving remain important in the AI era.

Learn more about our Guest

Pete is the founder of The Neuron, a daily newsletter tracking the latest in AI read by 400,000 people every day. He's an investor, consultant and speaker on all things AI in business. Prior to this, Pete was a strategy leader at notable tech startups and a consultant at McKinsey. He has a graduate degree in computer science from Northwestern University.

https://www.theneurondaily.com/

https://twitter.com/nonmayorpete

Connect with Jeff and Tricia:

www.shiftingschools.com

330: Demystify student motivation with Tyler Rablin Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht interviews Tyler Rablin about his new book, 'Hacking Student Motivation.' They discuss the importance of feedback and assessment in motivating students, the impact of grades and assessment on student motivation, and the need for change in education. Tyler shares his experiences working with students in rural agricultural communities and the challenges they face in finding motivation in school. He also explains the concept of learning progressions and how they can replace rubrics to support student learning. The conversation concludes with Tyler expressing his excitement about the release of his book and the positive feedback he has received.

Takeaways

Feedback is a powerful tool for motivating students and should be broadened to include anything that helps students gauge their progress towards a goal.

Motivation is closely tied to student belief in their ability to succeed. It is crucial to provide evidence of success and create a supportive learning environment.

Learning progressions can be a more effective alternative to rubrics, as they break down learning goals into manageable steps and allow students to see their progress.

Ready to explore the book?

https://www.tylerrablin.com/book

Connect with Tyler online:

https://twitter.com/mr_rablin?lang=en

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329: Can clinician-powered AI help us with the mental health crisis? Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Elsa Friis, of Alongside, discusses how their clinician-powered AI tool supports young people in need of mental health support. The conversation highlights the need for mental health resources in schools and the shortage of mental health providers. The use of AI in mental health is not a new concept, and it can provide a warm and validating space for young people to seek support. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about AI and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based strategies in AI tools. Alongside offers partnership options for schools and provides a demo for interested users. Ready to learn more about Alongside? https://www.alongside.care/ Did you know Alongside works directly with students? Learn more about their paid summer internship position for High School Students: https://www.alongside.care/jobs/mental-wellness-content-development-high-school-intern

Learn more about our special guest:

Dr. Elsa Friis, head of mental health at Alongside, a clinician-powered AI tool can discuss the dire need for mental health services in the school setting, particularly as schools continue to be understaffed and our students need more support now than ever before. By offering tools like Alongside, which utilizes generative AI developed by clinicians and backed by research, schools around the country have been able to support their student population with personalized conversations to address anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and more, providing equitable support for every child.

As a licensed psychologist and global public health practitioner, I am passionate about improving the well-being of others through cognitive, behavioral, and relational strategies; and systemic interventions to address social determinants of health (e.g. structural racism, poverty, education and access to services). I have a background in utilizing community based participatory research approaches to develop and evaluate family-based interventions for child mental health in Kenya. My program of research focuses on developing novel technology and care models to support mental health intervention delivery by non-professionals (e.g. religious leaders) as well as trained mental health professions to expand access to evidence-based care.

Learn more about our brand new premium sponsor: Lebra

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328: Nurturing problem-solvers inside and outside the realm of games Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

Dan White, CEO of Filament Games, discusses the future of learning games and the importance of game-based learning pedagogy. He emphasizes the shift towards focusing on skills and conceptual understandings rather than didactic knowledge transfer. White believes that game-based experiences should prepare students for the real world by imparting useful practices and higher-order thinking skills. He also highlights the impact of automation and AI on the workforce and the need to revisit what is worth teaching and learning. White shares insights on building collaborative partnerships and the power of play in improving people's lives.

Takeaways

The future of learning games lies in focusing on skills and conceptual understandings rather than didactic knowledge transfer.

Game-based experiences should prepare students for the real world by imparting useful practices and higher-order thinking skills.

The rise of automation and AI calls for a reevaluation of what is worth teaching and learning.

Ready to learn more about Dan and FIlament Games?

www.filamentgames.com

@filamentgames

IG: @filamentgames

Dan is the co-founder and CEO of Filament Games. Dan believes that good gameplay and good learning are complementary rather than oppositional forces. An alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Dan earned an M.S. in Education Technology under seminal learning game scholars Drs. Kurt Squire and James Paul Gee. Prior to founding Filament, Dan worked as a teacher, an instructional designer, and a game developer. Dan's passions include learning games, sustainability, mindfulness, and modernizing institutional education.

Thank you to our sponsor!

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Episode 327: How Can Educators Leverage AI for UDL? Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

LUDIA AI is a free tool that helps educators cultivate a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) mindset by leveraging AI. The conversation explores the fear and misconceptions around AI in education and how LUDIA AI actually emphasizes relationships and centers humanity. LUDIA AI is designed to support teachers' time and thinking, providing ideas and options to adapt instruction efficiently. Educators can use LUDIA AI to plan and model UDL best practices, considering barriers and opportunities. Tips are provided for getting the most out of LUDIA AI, including being specific in prompts and engaging in a back-and-forth conversation. Anecdotes and feedback from educators highlight the varied uses and benefits of LUDIA AI. The conversation also discusses the importance of involving parents and caretakers in using AI tools like LUDIA AI to support homeschool partnerships and expand AI use beyond the classroom. The 4Ts model (Tell, Tinker, Tweak, Transfer) is introduced as a process for using LUDIA AI effectively. AI is seen as a tool for metacognition and decision-making, enhancing critical thinking and creativity. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with LUDIA AI and explore its potential in their educational contexts.

Ready to learn more?

https://www.smore.com/vcpmk

https://bit.ly/LUDIA_Bookshelf

Ready to connect with Beth and Jeremie?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bstarklifelonglearner

https://www.jeremierostan.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to LUDIA AI and UDL Mindset 01:15 Addressing Fear and Misconceptions about AI in Education 02:25 LUDIA AI as a Tool to Support Teachers' Time and Thinking 03:39 Using LUDIA AI to Plan and Model UDL Best Practices 06:01 Tips for Getting the Most Out of LUDIA AI 08:50 Anecdotes and Feedback from Educators Using LUDIA AI 11:48 Involving Parents and Caretakers in Using LUDIA AI 14:18 Expanding the Use of AI Beyond the Classroom 16:53 Using LUDIA AI for Homeschool Partnerships 18:13 The 4Ts Model for Using LUDIA AI Effectively 20:55 AI as a Tool for Metacognition and Decision-Making 23:45 Experimenting with LUDIA AI: One Thing to Try 24:24 Closing Remarks and Future of LUDIA AI

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326: What it means to be a life-long learner in the new era of AI Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

On this week...

Dwight Gunning, a data scientist with a background in finance, discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the finance industry. He emphasizes the importance of technology in finance and the need for financial institutions to stay up to date with AI to protect against fraud and build trust. Dwight shares his personal journey from economist to technology enthusiast and highlights the value of lifelong learning. He encourages individuals to develop a diverse set of skills and mindsets to adapt to the changing world.

Learn more about Dwight Gunning:

Based in Canada with Jamaican heritage, Dwight Gunning is deeply invested in integrating advanced AI technologies within the finance sector. Boasting over twenty years of expertise in FinTech, he currently works as an AI and Machine Learning Assurance Engineer at FINRA. Additionally, Dwight is the maintainer of the popular edgartools project and co-author of a book on Natural Language Processing.

www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-gunning

dgunning.com

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor for supporting our podcast:

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Role of AI in Finance 02:07 The Importance of Technology in Finance 04:19 Transition from Economist to Technology 06:14 The Joy of Lifelong Learning 09:58 Skills and Mindsets for Future Careers 11:34 Balancing Strengths and Developing Empathy 13:46 The Benefits of Competitions and Create-a-thons 17:58 Creating a Space for Open-Mindedness and Collaboration 19:28 The Impact of AI on Finance and Trust 21:28 The Storytelling Aspect of Finance and AI 23:22 The Intersection of Finance and Human Psychology 24:05 The Future of AI in Entertainment and Storytelling 28:51 The Importance of AI Literacy in Finance 29:51 The Exciting Future of AI and Natural Language Interaction 35:29 The Role of AI in Learning and Productivity 39:39 The Future of AI in Visual Storytelling 42:03 The Importance of Human-Centered Skills in the Age of AI

325: 'Lessons of the Pandemic': A Deep Dive into Teacher Experiences Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

The co-authors of the book 'Lessons of the Pandemic' discuss their research process, motivations, and recommendations for education. They emphasize the importance of teacher voice and perspective, as well as the need for a blended research approach using surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The chapters cover topics such as teacher workload, continuous innovation, recognizing teacher efforts, and the impact of social emotional learning on student well-being. The authors also provide advice for educators interested in conducting research and highlight the benefits of collaboration. Takeaways

Teacher voice and perspective are crucial in understanding the experiences and needs of educators.
A blended research approach, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, provides a comprehensive understanding of the education landscape.
School leaders should consider the impact of teacher workload and prioritize protecting planning time and limiting unnecessary meetings.
Continuous innovation is essential in education, and educators should be open to change while school leaders should ensure changes are effective and supported by teachers.
Teachers' efforts during the pandemic should be recognized and celebrated, and the lessons learned should be acknowledged and applied in future crises.

David Marshall is an associate professor of educational research in the College of Education at Auburn University. Since 2020, much of his research on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on K-12 education. Dr. Marshall has edited two books on the topic including "COVID-19 and the Classroom: How Schools Navigated the Great Disruption," one of the first books to share social science research documenting the first 15 months of the crisis. His research interests also include school choice and charter schools. Dr. Marshall's work has been published in leading journals of education research, policy, and practice. He taught middle and high school social studies in Philadelphia. Dr. Marshall worked for the Richmond Teacher Residency program in Richmond, Virginia in several capacities over a six-year span. He recently served two terms as chair of the Alabama Public Charter School Commission.

Tim Pressley is an associate professor of psychology at Christopher Newport University, where he is also a faculty member in the Master of Arts in Teaching program and the Center for Education Research and Policy. Before receiving his doctorate, Dr. Pressley was an elementary school teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. Currently his research focuses on teachers' lives, specifically on the impact COVID-19 has had on teachers, teacher effectiveness, and teacher burnout. His work has been published in leading education journals. Dr. Pressley is co-author of "Reading Instruction That Works (5th edition)". Giving teachers a voice on issues affecting their lives has been a driving force behind his research.

Connect with them on X: @marshalldavidt @tpress87

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