ChatEDU Episode 41: AI Whisperers in the Classroom – Teachers Already Have the Tools

In this episode of ChatEDU (AI Whisperers in the Classroom – Teachers Already Have the Tools), Matt and Liz explore AI hallucinations in science, OpenAI’s O3 reasoning model and its implications for coding education, and why teachers are uniquely equipped to master generative AI in the classroom.

Getting Started:

Matt and Liz reflect on January blues and share a fun wintertime AI prompt to beat the seasonal doldrums. Liz gives rapid-fire reactions to winter activities suggested by ChatGPT, and Matt claims the term "cognitive onboarding" while exploring how AI is enhancing critical thinking rather than offloading it.

The Big Three:

1. AI Hallucinations in Science

• AI hallucinations spark creativity in scientific research, leading to breakthroughs like new protein designs and medical innovations.

• Highlighted examples include Dr. David Baker’s work on designing proteins for cancer treatments and infection-fighting tools.

• Discussion on balancing the promise of AI in science with its risks, like misinformation.

2. O3 Model: Redefining Software Development

• OpenAI’s O3 model excels at reasoning, adaptability, and solving complex problems, with a transformative impact on coding and math.

• Matt and Liz discuss its implications for education, particularly how it aligns with the Connecticut Lieutenant Governor’s Computing Challenge and its emphasis on “coding for good.”

3. Teachers as Natural AI Experts (Beneath the Surface)

• Teachers’ classroom strategies—context-setting, specificity, and critical thinking—translate seamlessly to AI prompting.

• Matt and Liz connect these innate teaching skills to the fundamentals of AI use, showcasing how teachers are already well-positioned to succeed with generative AI.

Short Stack Chat Back:

John Dewey on teachers as “AI whisperers”. 

Announcements:

• The new winter cohort for ChatEDU’s AI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential is full. Join the waiting list for the spring cohort at skills21.org/ai/micro 

• Customized versions of the micro-credential are available for school districts. Email [email protected] for more information.

Our Episode Sponsor

• National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing - https://www.nextgenmfg.org 

Related Links:

• Tom’s Guide on Emotionally Supportive AI Prompts - https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/chatgpt/7-chatgpt-prompts-that-have-helped-me-avoid-the-winter-blues-heres-why-i-like-them 

• Barbara Zhilanka’s AI Advisory Boards - https://aiadvisoryboards.wordpress.com/blog-2/ 

• AI and Cognitive “Offloading” - https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/1/6 

• Dr. David Baker’s Protein Research - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/23/science/ai-hallucinations-science.html 

• 03 and Coding - https://www.itp.net/edge/future-tech/goodbye-coding-openais-o3-model-is-changing-software-creation 

• Connecticut Lieutenant Governor’s Computing Challenge - https://ltgovcc.org 

• 13 Reasons Why Teachers Are Already AI Experts by Jack Dougal - https://www.ecmtutors.com/13-reasons-why-teachers-are-already-ai-experts/ 

• Skills21’s Prompts Page - https://www.skills21.org/prompts 

• Micro-Credential Info: https://skills21.org/ai/micro

Have a question or comment?

Email Matt and Liz at [email protected]. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform.