In this episode of From Carpool to College, we take a closer look at the rapidly changing role of artificial intelligence in education and why the conversation isn’t as simple as “AI is good” or “AI is bad.”

Educators have very different comfort levels when it comes to artificial intelligence. Some are embracing it as a powerful learning tool, while others have legitimate concerns about academic integrity, student dependency, and what could be lost when technology starts doing too much of the thinking. We explore why there is a lot of space between banning AI completely and allowing students to use it for everything. We also talk about the ways AI can actually enhance learning when it is used thoughtfully. It can provide additional resources, help students explore ideas, encourage deeper questioning, and even support higher-level thinking. But using AI effectively requires students to understand the difference between having a tool assist their learning and having that tool replace the learning altogether. And through all of this technological change, one thing remains essential: the human connection. Teachers, professors, classmates, discussion, feedback, curiosity, and relationships are still critical parts of the educational experience.

AI isn’t going away, and our students will almost certainly encounter it in college, their careers, and everyday life. The challenge for educators and parents is helping them learn how to use it responsibly, thoughtfully, and effectively.Instead of asking whether students should use AI, maybe the better question is: How do we teach them to use it well? (Part 2 of 2) S3, E6

Takeaways:

• This podcast episode elucidates the multifaceted applications of artificial intelligence within educational contexts.
• The discourse highlights the varied acceptance levels of AI among educators and their respective apprehensions.
• Listeners are informed that AI's role in academia is not binary, but rather a continuum of engagement and adaptation.
• It is discussed that AI can enhance student learning experiences by providing supplementary resources and supporting higher-order thinking skills.
• A significant point raised is the necessity for educators to maintain human interaction in the learning process despite AI's prevalence.
• The episode emphasizes the importance of developing a balanced perspective towards AI, recognizing its utility while addressing potential pitfalls.

Links referenced in this episode:

• academicmentoringllc.com

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In this episode of From Carpool to College, special guests Professor Tom and Professor Dawn take us inside their college classrooms to talk about one of the biggest changes happening in education today: artificial intelligence.They share real stories about how students are using AI, how professors can spot when that use crosses the line, and why relying on AI to do the thinking can ultimately hurt students more than help them. From assignments that suddenly don’t sound anything like the student who submitted them to work that raises some obvious red flags, our professors give parents a glimpse of what’s really happening on college campuses.But this conversation isn’t about banning AI or pretending it’s going away. Professor Tom and Professor Dawn also explain the power of using AI appropriately and how students can learn to harness it as a tool for brainstorming, learning, organizing ideas, and strengthening their own work.We also talk about the bigger issue for parents: how do we prepare our kids to use powerful technology without allowing it to replace critical thinking, creativity, and their own authentic voice?AI is already part of our students’ academic and professional futures. The goal isn’t simply to teach them when not to use it. It’s to help them understand how to use it responsibly, ethically, and effectively while making sure the thinking still belongs to them. S3, E5

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Special guests Prof. Tom & Prof. Dawn share stories from their college classrooms, pulling back the curtain on how they spot improper use of AI and help parents understand the power of properly harnessing the tool.

In this episode of From Carpool to College, educators and counselors Tracy Amedeo and Tara Horutz take on the big school vs. small school debate and look at what the research tells us about where students are most likely to succeed. We talk about the differences families should consider, including class size, access to professors, academic and social support, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and the overall student experience. A large university may offer seemingly endless choices and resources, while a smaller school may provide more individualized attention and a stronger sense of community. Neither is automatically better. The question is which environment is better for your student.We also explore something that can get overlooked during the college search: how does your teen actually learn best? Some students thrive in the energy and independence of a large campus, while others may feel more comfortable in an environment where professors know their names and support is easier to access.And while families often focus on getting into college, we shift the conversation toward what happens after move-in day. Finding the right fit isn’t just about where your student gets accepted. It’s about choosing a place where they can grow, find their people, take advantage of opportunities, and ultimately graduate. Before getting caught up in rankings, prestige, or the name on the sweatshirt, take a closer look at the environment your student will call home for the next four years. Sometimes size really does matter. S3, E3

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In this episode, educators and counselors Tracy Amedeo and Tara Horutz examine the research behind the big school vs. small school college debate. They break down how factors like class size, faculty access, campus culture, and student support systems influence student success and development. The conversation helps families think beyond prestige and focus on the environment where a young adult is most likely to grow, belong, and graduate.

In Part 3 of our Professor Tom Series, From Carpool to College takes a closer look at engineering as both a college major and a career path. Professor Tom breaks down the different types of engineering, explains how engineering majors can differ, and helps families understand what students can expect when they pursue this challenging field.Mechanical, civil, electrical, computer, chemical...where does a student even begin? We talk about how a teen’s interests and strengths can point them toward different areas of engineering and why exploring those options before choosing a college can be so valuable.And then there’s the math. Professor Tom sets us straight on just how important a strong mathematical foundation is for students considering engineering. It’s not simply about racing to the highest-level math class available. Understanding the fundamentals and developing strong problem-solving skills can be critical preparation for what comes next.If your kid has gone from Legos to robotics, loves solving problems, or is starting to say, “I think I want to be an engineer,” this episode offers a professor’s perspective on what students and parents should know before heading down the engineering path. S3, E3


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From Legos to Robotics, is your kid considering a career in Engineering? Prof. Tom breaks down the types of engineers, describes majors, and sets us straight on the importance of foundational Math!

In this episode, Professor Tom is back, and this time he’s telling it like it is. He shares some of the frustrating, avoidable, and completely fixable behaviors he sees from undergraduate students in his classroom. These aren’t problems with intelligence or academic ability. They’re everyday habits and choices that can make the difference between struggling through a class and taking ownership of the college experience.
From showing up prepared and paying attention to communicating appropriately and taking responsibility when things go wrong, Professor Tom gives us a professor’s-eye view of what students can do better.
For parents of high school students, consider this a sneak peek at what will be expected when your teen gets to college. Some of the most important lessons they can learn before leaving home have nothing to do with calculus, AP classes, or getting into their dream school.
The good news? These behaviors are fixable. And the best time to start working on them is before your student walks into that first college classroom.
Prof. Tom tells it like it is about the fixable, avoidable behaviors he sees in his undergraduate students. S3, E2

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Prof. Tom tells it like it is about the fixable, avoidable behaviors he sees in his undergraduate students.

Professor Tom has been dying to talk to high school parents about the student behaviors he sees in his college classroom! Part 1 of 3