Educast 3000

In this episode of the Educast 3000 podcast, the hosts discuss the ethical use of AI in education. They are joined by Sidh Oberoi, head of the partner program at Instructure, and Claire Pike from Anglia Ruskin University. They explore the balance between equipping students with AI skills for the future workforce and ensuring that academic credit is given for their own work. They discuss the importance of referencing AI-generated material and the need for transparency in its use. They also touch on the role of technology vendors in helping education organizations navigate the ethical use of AI. The conversation explores the ethical considerations and practical implementation of AI in higher education. The guests discuss the importance of creating guidelines and policies to ensure responsible use of AI, while also highlighting the potential benefits of AI in improving teaching and learning. They emphasize the need for collaboration and communication among different stakeholders in developing and implementing AI solutions. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in education, including personalized learning and the integration of AI into various disciplines. Lastly, the guests discuss the broader implications of AI, such as its impact on job automation and the potential for AI to enhance human creativity.
Takeaways

• The ethical use of AI in education involves finding a balance between equipping students with AI skills and ensuring academic credit for their own work.
• Referencing AI-generated material and being transparent about its use is crucial.
• Institutions should have clear policies on the ethical use of AI and should consider the specific needs and standards of different departments.
• Technology vendors play a role in helping education organizations navigate the ethical use of AI and address privacy concerns. Creating guidelines and policies is crucial to ensure responsible use of AI in higher education.
• Collaboration and communication among different stakeholders are essential in developing and implementing AI solutions.
• AI has the potential to improve teaching and learning, including personalized learning and accessibility.
• The future of AI in education involves integrating AI into various disciplines and preparing students for AI-driven careers.
• AI can enhance human creativity and productivity, but ethical considerations and the impact on job automation need to be addressed.

In this episode, Ryan and Melissa interview Mark Bramwell, the Director of Strategic Digital Partnerships at Oxford. They discuss the importance of green skills and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in today's world. Mark emphasizes the need for strong leadership, effective communication, analytical skills, and innovation in driving the green agenda. They also explore the role of higher education institutions in developing these skills and preparing students for the future. Mark highlights the importance of personalization and flexibility in learning experiences and the potential of AI in enhancing personalized learning. He concludes by discussing the challenges and opportunities of embracing change and the future of universities.
Takeaways

• Green skills and ESG are becoming increasingly important in organizations as they focus on sustainability and environmental impact.
• Strong leadership, effective communication, analytical skills, and innovation are key skills needed to drive the green agenda.
• Higher education institutions play a crucial role in developing green skills and preparing students for the future.
• Personalization and flexibility in learning experiences are essential to meet the diverse needs of learners.
• AI has the potential to enhance personalized learning and create unique learning experiences.
• Embracing change and being prepared for the future are essential for universities and organizations to thrive.

In this episode, Ryan Lufkin and Melissa Loble interview Daisy Bennett, Instructure's data protection officer, about data privacy in education. Daisy shares her background in privacy and security and discusses the importance of data privacy in the digital age. She explains the various legislation in place to protect student data in both K-12 and higher education, including FERPA, COPPA, and state laws. Daisy also highlights the difference between privacy and accessibility concerns in K-12 and higher education and the challenges faced by schools in terms of cybersecurity.

In this conversation, Daisy Bennett discusses the importance of data security and privacy in education technology. She emphasizes the responsibility of ad tech providers to ensure the security of their systems and the protection of user data. The conversation also touches on the role of regulations in supporting AI technology and the need for schools to vet technology tools and practices. Daisy provides recommendations for schools to future-proof their learning environments and protect student data. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of focusing on student success and access in the context of privacy and data protection.

Takeaways

• Data privacy is a fundamental right that allows individuals to control their information and governs how data is collected and used.
• In the US, there are federal laws like FERPA, COPPA, and the Protection of Pupil Rights Act, as well as state laws, that protect student data in both K-12 and higher education.
• Privacy laws are important to ensure data is used ethically and responsibly, especially in the digital age where personal information is collected and used extensively.
• Accessibility laws differ between K-12 and higher education, with K-12 focusing on student success and higher education focusing on access to resources.
• K-12 schools are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks due to the valuable data they collect, and many schools lack sufficient resources to address cybersecurity issues. Ad tech providers have a responsibility to ensure the security of their systems and protect user data.
• Regulations are important in supporting AI technology, but they need to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements.
• Schools should vet technology tools and practices to ensure they align with privacy and security regulations.
• To future-proof their learning environments, schools should develop close relationships with vendors, leverage resources from non-profit organizations, and stay informed about upcoming privacy laws and guidelines.
• The focus should always be on student success and access, rather than getting bogged down in the details of privacy and security.

Dr. Mary Styers, joins Ryan and Melissa tot discusses the importance of evidence in ed tech decision making. She shares her journey into research and her passion for working directly with educators. Dr. Styers also highlights the annual evidence report released by Learn Platform, which examines the usage and efficacy of ed tech tools. The report reveals that only 36% of the most used ed tech tools have evidence to support their effectiveness. The conversation explores the challenges of evaluating the vast number of tools available and the need for more research and evidence-based practices in education. They discuss the concerns and benefits of using educational technology tools in schools. Concerns include the difficulty for administrators to understand and vet the tools, the overload of multiple tools in a district, and the lack of evidence for the effectiveness of some tools. On the positive side, online tutoring solutions have shown strong positive impacts on student performance. The conversation also highlights the importance of partnerships and collaboration in promoting evidence-based decision-making in the EdTech industry. The need for accessible and rigorous research, transparency in tool adoption, and equity in access to tools are emphasized. The conversation concludes with a discussion on promoting positive change and rethinking the approach to research to ensure that no student is left behind.

In this episode, Melissa Loble and Ryan Lufkin sit down with Rachel Orston, the Chief Customer Officer at Instructure, to explore the evolving landscape of customer success. Rachel shares her journey into the field, highlighting the importance of driving both business and learner outcomes. She discusses the future of customer success, emphasizing the crucial role of data, AI, and deeper insights in shaping customer relationships. Throughout the conversation, Rachel underscores the value of being a trusted partner and advisor to customers, while also hinting to upcoming changes and innovations aimed at enhancing value and delivering exceptional customer experiences within Instructure.

In this episode of InstructureCast, Melissa and Ryan discuss assessment with guest Joel Hernandez, CTO of eLumen. They explore the connection between student learning and objectives, as well as the broader impact of assessment on course, program, and institutional assessment. They discuss the different meanings of assessment in education and the role of technology in assessment practices. The conversation explores the role of outcome authoring tools, curriculum mapping, and the future of assessment in education. It highlights the importance of transparency and personalized learning in assessment practices. The conversation also touches on the intersection of K-12 and higher education, as well as the rise of adult learning and non-degree programs. Joel Hernandez, emphasizes the need for well-rounded skills and experiences, and the power of curriculum maps in guiding learners' pathways.

In this episode, Melissa & Ryan chat with Dr. Benjamin Motz and Dr. Mary Murphy about experimental research and the Terracotta Project. They discuss the need for tools like Terracotta to improve the evidence base in education and the challenges of conducting educational research.

Terracotta, an open-source LMS plugin, enables teachers to manipulate different versions of assignments and measure their impact on student outcomes, offering transformative value and fostering collaboration and equity in educational research. 

The conversation highlights the importance of research infrastructure that allows teachers and districts to conduct their own studies, promoting the collection of granular data to understand diverse educational interventions. The guests discuss the influence of mindset cultures on student motivation and engagement, the potential for AI to enhance learning experiences, and the necessity of bottom-up approaches with fewer administrative obstacles in education innovation.

In this episode, Ryan and Melissa explore the intricacies of data governance in education with Unicon CEO Kate Valenti. Discussion focuses on the challenges institutions face in aligning and managing their data, as well as stressing the pivotal role of effective data management practices in the world of AI.

Background on Unicon’s Data & Analytics Practice: https://www.unicon.net/services/data-analytics

Student Success Analytics Rubric:
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2023/8/a-rubric-accompanying-the-student-success-analytics-framework