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 [email protected] and let them know your thoughts on this episode. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform.

Overview

In 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 News

AI 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 Surface

AI 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 Bytes

A 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 Manufacturing

https://www.nextgenmfg.org/

Links Referenced in This Episode

Stanford’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 [email protected]. 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=5136877

AI and Feedback Study –
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02602938.2025.2459641?af=R

Educators 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-education

Learning 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-enrollment

Ghost Nets & AI-Powered Sonar –
https://digital.ecomagazine.com/articles/ai-sonar-technology-shines-in-ghost-net-recovery-efforts

Guardian Article on UK universities and ‘deepfake’ applicants – https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/feb/12/uk-universities-automating-interviews-face-deepfake-applicants

Older AI Models Study:

https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/older-ai-models-show-signs-of-cognitive-decline-study-shows

Announcements:

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.org

Get in Touch:

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.

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 Rollout

The 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 Liked

New 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 Technology

  A 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 Anchors

  
  

  
  

  Links 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

Episode Summary

In this episode of ChatEDU (No Copyright for AI – The Line Between AI Help and Human Work), Matt and Liz celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast before diving into major developments in AI and education. They explore Harvard’s latest research on AI in project-based learning, three new AI startups pushing boundaries beyond chatbots, and a landmark ruling from the U.S. Copyright Office that redefines what counts as human-created work in the age of AI (and what it tells us about authentic student work). 

In The News

Harvard’s New AI & Project-Based Learning Report

- Harvard’s Generative AI in Student-Directed Projects guide explores how AI can support idea generation, time management, and critical thinking in self-directed student work. How does this align with what we see in K-12?

Beyond the Bot Buffet: Three AI Startups Changing Learning

- SignLab (Norway): AI-powered sign language feedback for accessibility.

- JotIt (Israel): A tool bringing handwriting into the digital world.

- MoonHub (UK): Using AI and VR for immersive workplace training.

Beneath the Surface

AI & Copyright: A New Line for Human Creativity

- The U.S. Copyright Office has ruled that AI alone cannot be an author. If AI is making the creative choices, there’s no copyright protection—but if a human modifies and refines AI-generated content, they may claim ownership.

- How does this mirror the debate in education over AI-assisted student work

Short Stack Chat Back

George Washington & The First U.S. Patent

- A look at the first patent signed by George Washington—for potash (a key ingredient in fertilizer)—and what it tells us about ownership, invention, and AI-generated content today.

Links Referenced in This Episode

Harvard’s AI & Project-Based Learning Report –https://creativecomputing.gse.harvard.edu/genai/GenAI_StudentProjects_Dec2024.pdf

Google Blog on Three Innovative AI Startups - https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/entrepreneurs/startups-using-ai-to-help-learners-and-educators/

U.S. Copyright Office Report on AI – https://www.copyright.gov/ai/Copyright-and-Artificial-Intelligence-Part-2-Copyrightability-Report.pdf

Try the Feynman Technique Prompt (AI Advisory Boards Blog)  – https://aiadvisoryboards.wordpress.com/2025/01/29/the-power-of-ai-and-feynman-technique-in-education/

Liz’s New Article in Educational Leadership – https://ascd.org/el/articles/student-projects-and-ai-an-ideal-combination

Matthew Mcconaughey AI Agent Ad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4JNLL7U8H8 

Get In Touch

Email us at [email protected]

Check out ChatEDU on TikTok -

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

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.

Distributed Cognition: The Human-AI Partnership Transforming Healthcare Learning | Ep. 40

In this episode of ChatEDU, hosts Matt Mervis and Liz Radday explore the significant impact of AI-powered assistive technology for students with disabilities, presenting inspiring stories and emphasizing the ethical considerations of AI in education. Additionally, the duo features an intriguing segment on AI-enabled human-whale “communication” led by Dr. Brenda McCowan's Whale SETI team. They even highlight the potential implications for interspecies and extraterrestrial communication. The episode concludes with a deep dive into how the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at UT Health in Houston integrates AI into their healthcare education curriculum, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and AI literacy. Finally, they wrap up with a humorous Short Stack Chat Back featuring a Mark Twain-inspired commentary on whale communication.

You’ll hear: 

Sponsored by the National Center for Next Gen Manufacturing - https://www.nextgenmfg.org/

Episode Links

Skills21 AI in Education Micro-Credential - https://www.skills21.org/ai/micro 

Skills21 Personal Interest Projects - https://www.skills21.org/pip 

AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness it - https://www.wishtv.com/news/ai-helps-students-disabilities/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WISH-TV

Groundbreaking AI Enables Humans to Hold a 20-Minute ‘Conversation’ with a Humpback Whale - https://dailygalaxy.com/2024/12/groundbreaking-ai-enables-humans-to-hold-a-20-minute-conversation-with-a-humpback-whale/

Preparing healthcare education for an AI-augmented future - https://www.nature.com/articles/s44401-024-00006-z

Flipping the Script: English Class Post-ChatGPT

In this episode of ChatEDU (Flipping the Script: English Class Post-ChatGPT), Matt Mervis and Liz Radday kick off 2025 with special guest Jonathan Costa. They unpack a fascinating story about alignment faking by the Claude AI model from Anthropic, drawing parallels to personal life decisions and their long-term impacts. Next the hosts also explore a new study about AI and conspiracy theories and then a second meta study about the efficacy of genAI in higher ed (with connections to K-12). For Beneath the Surface, Matt and Liz talk through a great op-ed from a veteran English teacher and how he plans to navigate the road ahead in an AI dominated world. The episode wraps up with a fun Short Stack Chat Back with the late Ray Bradbury regarding these educational shifts.

You’ll hear: 

Episode Links

Skills21 AI in Education Micro-Credential - https://www.skills21.org/ai/micro 

Skills21 Personal Interest Projects - https://www.skills21.org/pip 

Anthropic Alignment Faking - https://www.anthropic.com/news/alignment-faking 

Durably Reducting Conspiracy Theories - https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq1814Does ChatGPT enhance student learning? A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131524002380 

ChatGPT Can Make English Teachers Feel Doomed. Here’s How I’m Adapting- https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-chatgpt-can-make-english-teachers-feel-doomed-heres-how-im-adapting/2024/10