We just got back from TCEA… and apparently, we brought COVID home with us.

But more importantly, we brought back a realization:

AI agents are moving faster than most schools are prepared for.

In this episode, we unpack what we saw at the conference, the growing misinformation around AI in education, and why IT leaders need to start treating AI like infrastructure — not magic.

We talk about:

• Why most districts are overspending on AI tools
• The difference between chatbots and true agentic AI
• Why open-source AI is changing the game
• How bots are shaping AI conversations online
• And what happens if fear slows innovation

If you’re responsible for technology decisions in a district, or you’re trying to make sense of where AI is heading next, this one’s for you.

The agentic shift is here.

Are you ready for it?

Summary

In this episode of AI in Action, hosts Maurie and Jim Beasley get into the intersection of artificial intelligence and the current state of grocery prices. They explore how AI can facilitate in-depth research into complex topics such as food inflation, regulatory impacts, and the dynamics of the food supply chain. Through engaging discussions, they highlight the importance of education in navigating these issues and the role of AI in enhancing our understanding of the world around us.

Takeaways

AI can provide deeper insights into complex topics.

Grocery prices are influenced by various factors including supply chain issues.

Infographics can effectively communicate research findings.

Education is crucial for understanding and utilizing AI.

Price fixing in the food industry is a significant concern.

The dynamics of food pricing can be likened to the rocket and feather analogy.

Regulations can impact food prices and industry practices.

AI tools can assist in research and information gathering.

Understanding the food supply chain is essential for consumers.

Systemic issues in food access need to be addressed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and Personal Insights

02:01 Deep Research and AI Reasoning

04:41 Infographics and Visual Learning

07:43 Understanding Grocery Inflation

10:17 Factors Influencing Meat Prices

13:15 The Role of Corporations in Pricing

15:51 Debating Rigged vs. Real Systems

18:48 The Impact of Natural Disasters on Prices

21:35 Regulations and Their Effects on Pricing

24:18 The Role of AI in Research and Education

27:16 Conclusion and Call to Action

34:21 businessTech-outro-low.wav

Summary

In this episode of AI in Action, hosts Maurie and Jim Beasley welcome JJ Parma from Zero Eyes, a company focused on AI-driven weapon detection technology. JJ shares his journey from a Navy SEAL to his current role, discussing the importance of integrating AI in school safety systems. The conversation delves into the challenges of false positives, the role of human verification in AI detection, and the impact of media representation on public perception. The episode emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technology in schools, ensuring safety without compromising the educational environment.

Takeaways

JJ Parma is a retired Navy SEAL who now works in AI weapon detection.

Zero Eyes aims to implement AI technology in schools for safety.

The technology focuses on detecting brandished firearms only.

Human verification is crucial to reduce false positives in AI detection.

Media representation can misinterpret incidents involving AI technology.

Schools need to balance safety measures with a non-prison-like environment.

AI technology must be integrated thoughtfully in educational settings.

The importance of situational awareness during emergencies is highlighted.

JJ emphasizes the need for human oversight in AI systems.

The conversation reflects on the ethical implications of AI in schools.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Action

06:07 The Journey of JJ Parma

14:02 Understanding AI in Weapon Detection

23:39 The Clarinet Incident and Media Misrepresentation

31:26 The Role of Human Verification in AI

33:29 Conclusion and Future of AI in Schools

Summary

This conversation explores the potential of AI to transform rural healthcare, particularly through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Maurie and Jim discuss the challenges faced by rural healthcare systems, including doctor shortages, cybersecurity threats, and the need for innovative technologies. They emphasize the importance of trust in technology and the workforce's adaptation to new tools. The discussion highlights the role of AI in reducing burnout among healthcare providers and improving patient care, while also addressing the potential risks and costs associated with implementing these technologies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rural Health Transformation Program

02:59 The Role of AI in Rural Healthcare

05:54 Cybersecurity Challenges in Rural Healthcare

09:15 AI Innovations: Scribes and Beyond

12:09 Trust Issues with AI in Healthcare

15:00 The Future of Healthcare in Rural America

18:13 Bridging the Trust Gap with Technology

21:01 Workforce Concerns in the Age of AI

24:15 AI as a Triage Tool in Healthcare

27:01 Conclusion: Hope for Rural Healthcare with AI

Summary

In this conversation, Maurie and Jim Beasley, along with Tina Austin, explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, focusing on the importance of metacognition, global perspectives on AI, and the need for innovative teaching methods. They discuss the challenges and misunderstandings surrounding AI tool adoption, the need to rethink assessment frameworks, and the potential for AI to enhance student engagement and critical thinking. Tina introduces her Unblooms framework, which aims to create a more inclusive and effective approach to learning in the age of AI.

Takeaways

Metacognition is thinking about one's own thinking.

AI can eliminate friction points in learning, but we need to reintroduce them.

Global perspectives on education reveal diverse pedagogical methods.

AI can enhance student engagement and provide opportunities for personalized learning.

Misunderstandings about AI tools can hinder effective adoption in education.

Assessment frameworks need to evolve to address AI's capabilities.

Innovative teaching methods are essential to keep students engaged.

Critical thinking and problem-solving should be prioritized in education.

Higher education must adapt to maintain its value in the face of AI.

Unblooms offers a new framework for learning that emphasizes problem-solving and critical engagement with AI.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Education

02:25 Understanding Metacognition and Its Importance

04:34 Global Perspectives on AI in Education

07:37 AI's Role in Enhancing Student Engagement

10:18 Misunderstandings in AI Tool Adoption

12:06 Rethinking Assessment in the Age of AI

15:06 The Need for Innovative Teaching Methods

19:06 Fostering Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

23:36 The Future of Higher Education and AI

26:18 Introducing Unblooms: A New Framework for Learning

Summary

In this episode, Maurie and Jim Beasley reflect on the past year and discuss their predictions for AI in 2025 and 2026. They explore the evolving landscape of AI technology, the challenges in education, the political implications of AI, and potential market corrections. The conversation emphasizes the importance of practical applications and the need for honest discussions about AI's future.

Takeaways

They are looking forward to changes in season four.

The couple plans to take on sponsors in 2026.

Jim's predictions for AI have proven accurate.

Education is slow to adopt AI technologies.

Political polarization around AI is expected in 2026.

A sizable correction in the AI market may occur in 2026.

K-12 education is lagging in AI adoption.

The importance of practical applications of AI is emphasized.

The conversation highlights the need for honest discussions about AI.

They are committed to continuing their podcast into the next year.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Season Changes

02:54 Predictions for 2025 Review

05:46 Predictions for 2026 Discussion

11:47 Education and AI Adoption

14:39 Political Landscape and AI

16:21 Technology Trends and Market Corrections

23:37 Future of AI and Practical Applications

Summary

In this episode of AI in Action, hosts Maurie and Jim Beasley engage in an unscripted conversation covering a range of topics, including Maurie's recent book signing, the implications of AI policy and regulation, and the distinction between efficiency AI and opportunity AI. They discuss the importance of education in AI adoption, the perception of AI as a wave rather than a bubble, and the challenges faced by rural areas in accessing technology. The episode emphasizes the need for skepticism and innovation in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

Takeaways

The hosts enjoy unscripted conversations, reminiscent of their early podcast days.

Maurie's book signing was a success, with many kids buying books for their teachers.

There is a need for federal minimum requirements for AI regulations.

AI is viewed as a wave that will continue to evolve, not a bubble that will burst.

The distinction between efficiency AI and opportunity AI is crucial for understanding AI's impact.

Education is essential for bridging the gap in AI adoption.

Rural areas may lose innovative ideas due to lack of access to technology.

Skepticism towards AI can foster trust and verification in its use.

AI can enhance learning opportunities if integrated properly in education.

The hosts plan to discuss AI weapon detection technology in future episodes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Unscripted Conversations

01:14 Book Signing Experience

02:51 Discussion on AI Policy and Regulation

08:49 AI as a Wave, Not a Bubble

14:55 Efficiency AI vs Opportunity AI

22:36 The Importance of Education in AI Adoption

25:43 Skepticism and Innovation in Rural Areas

Summary

In this episode of AI in Action, hosts Maurie and Jim Beasley discuss the implications of artificial intelligence in education, particularly focusing on college admissions, the role of nonprofits in AI education, and the shifting perspectives on the value of college in the age of AI. They emphasize the importance of teaching skepticism towards AI, the need for practical applications of AI tools in education, and the necessity for rural communities to develop their own AI strategies. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes and the hosts' passion for improving education through technology.

Takeaways

AI is being used to score college essays and tests.

There is skepticism about the effectiveness of AI in education.

Nonprofits play a crucial role in AI education initiatives.

Many students believe that college is not worth the cost.

Trade skills are becoming more valued than traditional college degrees.

Teaching AI skepticism is essential for students' education.

AI tools can enhance learning and teaching methods.

Rural communities need tailored AI strategies for education.

The conversation highlights the importance of practical AI applications.

The hosts emphasize their commitment to improving education through AI.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal News

02:06 AI in Education: Scoring Essays and Admissions

04:52 Skepticism Towards AI Frameworks in Education

07:16 The Value of College Education in the Age of AI

10:52 Shifting Perspectives: Trade Skills vs. College Degrees

14:42 Teaching AI Skepticism to Students

18:19 AI in Decision Making and Library Book Vetting

21:14 The Role of Nonprofits in AI Education

24:48 Future Aspirations for Rural Communities and AI

Summary

In this conversation, Damien discusses the concept of a perfect education system that caters to individual learning needs, while also highlighting its potential pitfalls. He emphasizes the importance of real-world challenges and the need to develop soft skills such as teamwork and collaboration, which may be overlooked in a personalized learning environment.

Takeaways

A perfect education system may not prepare students for real-world challenges.

Real-life situations often present difficulties that aren't addressed in ideal learning environments.

Soft skills such as teamwork and collaboration are crucial for success.

Education should balance personalized learning with real-world grit.

Debates and budgeting are essential skills that need to be taught.

The absence of challenges in education can lead to a lack of resilience.

Learning should not only be about knowledge but also about navigating difficulties.

Personalized education can sometimes neglect the development of interpersonal skills.

Grit is an essential quality that is often overlooked in perfect education systems.

Education should prepare students for the unpredictability of life.

Summary

In this episode of AI in Action, hosts Maurie and Jim Beasley discuss various aspects of artificial intelligence, including upcoming community events, the implications of AI in healthcare, education, and the future of AI technology with major players like Google and Nvidia. They explore the ethical concerns surrounding AI, particularly in healthcare, and the importance of integrating AI into education. The conversation also delves into the significance of simulations in AI development and the potential for these technologies to shape the future.

Takeaways

The importance of community engagement in AI education.

AI tools can significantly impact healthcare efficiency.

Teachers need to integrate AI into their instruction.

Google and Nvidia are leading the AI technology space.

Simulations can enhance AI development processes.

AI literacy is crucial for future generations.

Ethical considerations in AI healthcare applications are vital.

Nvidia's software stack is a key asset in AI.

AI can help predict real-world scenarios effectively.

Investing in AI technology is a promising opportunity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Action

01:08 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

04:12 Creepy AI Innovations in Healthcare

08:05 AI in Education: Teacher Perspectives

10:28 The Future of AI: Google and Nvidia

17:26 World Simulations and AI Development

25:40 Training Simulations and Business Processes

32:56 Conclusion and Future Directions