Welcome to episode 349 (“Surveillance in the Classroom”) of the EdTech Situation Room from April 9, 2025, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) joined from the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego to share insights on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence in education. He and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) explored how AI tools like Gemini 2.5, Claude, DeepSeek, and NotebookLM are transforming teaching workflows, lesson planning, and student support. Wes described how his students are using AI-generated infographics (infopix) for cyberattack presentations, while Jason highlighted the stunning new capabilities of ChatGPT-4o’s integrated image editing. The episode took a critical look at surveillance technologies being adopted in schools, including anonymous reporting apps and keystroke-monitoring software—raising deep concerns about privacy, pedagogy, and student trust. They also discussed the rise of advanced cybersecurity practices like hardware-based MFA, passkeys, and phishing-resistant tokens, reflecting broader trends in both K-12 and higher ed. On the legal and ethical front, the hosts examined the growing wave of copyright lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft, the implications of AI's ability to replicate training data, and cultural fears around a so-called “semantic apocalypse” caused by generative media. Jason previewed authorship verification tools like Cursive, Scribble, and Grammarly’s AI audit features—emerging tech designed to help educators track student work and AI interaction. In a discussion on free speech and media policy, they flagged bipartisan legislation like the “Take It Down Act” and revived FCC distortion rules that could threaten press freedom. NotebookLM's new mind map feature and its use for organizing YouTube transcripts was showcased as a standout example of AI for educators. Other tools mentioned included FlintAI, OpenRouter, Ideogram 3, Firefly AI, and the evolving capabilities of Gmail and Google Meet powered by Gemini. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 348 (“Goodbye Home Button”) of the EdTech Situation Room from February 19, 2025, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) unpacked Apple’s latest hardware evolution as the company officially retires the home button and lightning port, fully embracing USB-C and ushering in a new chapter for iPhones and iPads. The conversation explored the impacts for educators, older adults, and anyone adapting to Apple’s increasingly button-free, AI-enhanced devices. AI took center stage throughout the show, with a thoughtful discussion on the role of generative AI in classrooms, including Microsoft’s recent study suggesting AI reliance may diminish cognitive effort and confidence, and practical examples of using AI as a “thinking partner” rather than a “cheating partner” for student work. Quantum computing made headlines with news of a Microsoft-DARPA collaboration that could pave the way for more compact, powerful quantum chips, with broad implications for security, AI, and even battlefield technology. The hosts also examined Alphabet’s quiet removal of its longstanding promise not to use AI for weapon development, raising new questions about tech ethics and military AI. The episode wrapped with insights on AI-driven research tools from Gemini, Perplexity, and OpenAI, Minecraft-inspired AI-generated worlds, the mixed promise of VR/AR for classrooms, and ongoing hardware challenges for schools adopting emerging technologies. Geeks of the Week included AI-powered transcription with MacWhisper, open-source image upscaling tools, and digital storytelling resources for educators. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 347 (“DeepSeek Disruption”) of the EdTech Situation Room from February 12, 2025, where technology news met educational analysis. In this episode, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) unpacked the latest headlines and their educational implications. The co-hosts dove into China’s rapidly advancing DeepSeek AI model, exploring its open-source release, security concerns, and what it could mean for global AI competition. They also discussed the surprising milestone of YouTube usage surpassing mobile devices on big screens, highlighting how media consumption continues to evolve. Security remained top of mind as the conversation turned to Mac malware, online job scams, and the growing need for smart digital hygiene. The risks of unsupported IoT devices, smart home pitfalls, and home network segmentation strategies also rounded out the tech talk. To close, Wes and Jason shared their latest experiments with AI-powered learning tools like Google Illuminate and Notebook LM, along with their “Geeks of the Week” recommendations. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 346 (“AI Hallucinations & Hardware”) of the EdTech Situation Room from February 5, 2025, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) dug deep into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, comparing Google’s Gemini 2.0, ChatGPT-4o, Claude, and DeepSeek to assess their strengths, hallucination issues, and classroom use cases. The hosts also examined the looming Windows 10 end-of-life deadline and what it means for schools, legacy devices, and digital sustainability. Other highlights included the dual-use implications of drone technology in education and conflict, growing concerns about AI-driven robocalls, and the implications of shifting US-China tech trade policy. As always, the show concluded with their “Geeks of the Week,” featuring home automation projects and ethical explorations of AI tools in education. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

where technology news meets educational analysis

Welcome to episode 344 (“Voices We Can’t Trust”) of the EdTech Situation Room from January 15, 2025, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) examined the fast-moving frontier of artificial intelligence, starting with voice cloning tools like Play.ht and the ethical dilemmas they present. The conversation then pivoted to Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program, highlighting rising concerns over misinformation, harassment, and platform responsibility. TikTok’s potential U.S. ban sparked dialogue about regulatory overreach, legal complexities, and the app’s cultural impact. The hosts also discussed the New York Times' lawsuit against OpenAI, with implications for copyright law and AI development. Additional topics included the sunset of Windows 10, the fractured nature of online discourse, and the increasing need for robust media literacy education. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 343 (“Clickbait and Chrome”) of the EdTech Situation Room from January 1, 2025, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) rang in the new year with a lively discussion on AI-driven schools, content creation ethics, and platform accountability. They examined Arizona’s bold move to pilot an AI-led curriculum, the growing influence of tools like Khanmigo, and how content monetization is reshaping the web — from affiliate link scandals to the rise of short-form video. The hosts reflected on Chrome extension privacy concerns, including Honey’s controversial practices, and unpacked Google’s culture of concealment amid antitrust scrutiny. Also on tap: the media’s evolving role in political influence, the explosion of educator activity on BlueSky, and the critical importance of visual and AI literacy in classrooms today. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 342 (“Encrypted by Default”) of the EdTech Situation Room from December 18, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) unpacked the FBI’s unprecedented advice urging Americans to use encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp, discussing the implications for personal privacy, national security, and school digital literacy. The show also dove into the Justice Department’s surprising push for Google to divest from Chrome, raising questions about the future of ChromeOS and educational tech ecosystems. Wes shared the latest drama from BlueSky's decentralized moderation challenges, while Jason demoed real-time features of Google Gemini, showcasing just how sentient-like modern AI agents have become. Plus, a flurry of new AI tools from OpenAI and Google — including Sora, NotebookLM, and Gemini 2.0 — led to a creative explosion of possibilities in the classroom. “Geeks of the Week” highlighted an election-focused podcast from Kate Starbird and a budget-friendly combo for running AI locally with Msty and OpenRouter. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 341 (“Blue Sky Rising”) of the EdTech Situation Room from December 4, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) explored the surge in popularity of Bluesky as a social platform for educators, the rising importance of media literacy, and the expanding role of AI in classrooms and personal security. Jason shared insights from Montana’s first AI Play Date event, and Wes highlighted a fantastic media literacy teaching example making national headlines. The hosts also discussed the hidden security risks of smart devices, the unexpected afterlife of Redbox kiosks, and the powerful implications of voice cloning technologies. Other topics included privacy concerns surrounding Bluesky post-scraping and the Supreme Court’s upcoming review of the FCC’s Universal Service Fund. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 340 (“Big Tech & Big Changes”) of the EdTech Situation Room from November 13, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) explored the latest shifts in the tech landscape, from Apple’s hardware advancements to AI’s growing role in education and privacy concerns. Jason shared insights on upgrading to Apple’s new MacBook Pro with an M4 chip, emphasizing its speed, efficiency, and potential for running local AI models. The conversation expanded into the broader implications of AI, including the rise of open-source models and their increasing competitiveness with proprietary AI. Privacy and ethical concerns around AI usage in schools and workplaces were also discussed, along with the risks posed by AI-driven misinformation and surveillance. The hosts examined Amazon’s expansion of drone deliveries, reflecting on how autonomous technologies are reshaping logistics and transportation. Jason recounted his firsthand experience with Waymo’s self-driving taxis in Phoenix, offering insights into their cautious driving behavior and evolving role in urban mobility. Social media developments were another hot topic, with a deep dive into BlueSky’s rapid growth past 15 million users and its potential as a new hub for educators. The discussion also touched on the dangers of mass text-based disinformation campaigns following the recent election, highlighting the broader need for digital literacy and stronger privacy protections. Finally, in “Geeks of the Week,” Wes highlighted Descript, a powerful AI-based podcast and video editing tool, and his surprising experience joining Truth Social to observe its information ecosystem. Jason recommended Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course, now updated with generative AI examples for those looking to deepen their understanding of AI development. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!