In this episode, we engage in an insightful conversation with Jerry Almendarez, the superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District, about integrating AI in education. Almendarez discusses the initiatives taken by the district to adopt AI, the strategies for rolling it out, and the overall impact on teaching and learning. He emphasizes the importance of innovation, the proactive involvement of stakeholders, and the challenges and benefits of using AI tools to enhance education. Almendarez also shares practical examples, success metrics, and future plans for AI deployment in schools.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:12 Overview of Santa Ana Unified School District
00:41 Embracing AI for Academic Improvement
01:21 Integrating Generative AI in Education
06:38 Developing AI Guidance and Policies
10:29 Engaging Stakeholders and Community
11:37 Leveraging AI for Operational Efficiency
13:33 Future of Education and Strategic Planning
16:09 Addressing Academic Integrity and Cheating Concerns
26:40 Sophia: The AI Avatar for Community Engagement
28:30 Lessons Learned and Advice for Superintendents
30:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Impact of Generative AI in Education: A Conversation with Jon Fila


In this episode of the Gen AI and Education Podcast, host Julie interviews Jon Fila, an experienced educator, about the significance of generative AI in education and its potential for fostering generational change. Jon shares insights from his 20+ years in education, highlighting his work in online learning, curriculum writing, and digital design. He elaborates on how generative AI can transform the educational landscape by offering personalized support to students, thereby improving their academic journey and future prospects. Jon also discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI in teaching practices, including ways to engage with neurodiverse students and English learners effectively. Furthermore, he addresses the broader implications of AI in education, such as workload concerns for teachers and the need for transparency with parents about AI's role in learning environments. Through his personal journey with AI and practical strategies for educators, Jon underscores the importance of critical engagement with AI tools to enhance educational outcomes and equity.


00:00 Welcome to the Gen AI and Education Podcast
00:33 The Impact of Education and Generative AI on Jon's Life
02:00 Exploring the Utility of Generative AI in Education
03:35 The Role of AI in Combating Isolation Among Educators
05:56 Addressing the Challenges of AI-Generated Student Submissions
12:41 Leveraging AI for Inclusive and Diverse Educational Content
18:38 The Evolving Role of Educators in the Age of AI
26:07 Navigating the Complexities of AI in Education
31:04 Engaging Parents and the Public in AI Education Conversations
36:00 Closing Thoughts and Resources on Inclusive AI Strategies

This podcast episode features a conversation with Dr. Charles Fadel, founder of the Center for Curriculum Redesign, who discusses the importance of adapting education systems for the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Fadel emphasizes the need for education to prioritize wisdom, a blend of knowledge, understanding, mindfulness, and compassion, as its ultimate goal. He argues that modern education must evolve to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, focusing on fostering skills, character, and meta-learning. The discussion also covers the implementation of the CCR framework, the role of AI in enhancing teaching and learning processes, and the potential impact of AI on curriculum design.

Check out Dr. Fadel's book Education for the Age of AI. (available on Amazon)


00:00 Introducing Dr. Charles Fadel
00:26 The Evolution and Impact of AI in Education
01:37 Wisdom: The Ultimate Goal of Education
02:59 Balancing Social, Economic, and Personal Needs in Education
04:30 Unpacking the CCR Framework: Preparing Students for the AI Age
10:41 The Role of AI in Enhancing Teaching and Learning
13:44 Diving into the Book: A Timeless Resource for Curriculum Design
21:56 The Future of Education: System Change and Modernizing Curriculum
25:58 Addressing Parent Education Around AI

In this engaging conversation, Julie Evans, the CEO of Project Tomorrow, joins hosts Julie and Adam to discuss the transformative potential of generative AI in education, the importance of stakeholder feedback, and the work of Project Tomorrow. With over two decades of experience, Evans highlights the organization's commitment to amplifying educator voices through its Speak Up Research Project and introduces a new partnership focused on utilizing generative AI to enhance educational experiences. Evans shares her passion for data and cooking, emphasizing the significance of localized data in making informed decisions that resonate with specific community needs. The discussion also covers the newly launched generative AI survey aimed at capturing comprehensive insights from educators and school leaders to guide the future of education technology.


00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Julie Evans and Project Tomorrow
00:15 Julie Evans Shares Her Background and Passion
01:47 Exploring the Partnership Between ALP and Project Tomorrow
03:28 The Impact and Methodology of the Speak Up Research Project
07:16 Diving Into the Generative AI Survey and Its Significance
13:46 The Role of Data in Education and Its Evolution
20:37 How to Get Involved with the Generative AI Survey
24:31 Final Thoughts and the Potential of Generative AI in Education

In a podcast featuring special guest Dr. Richard Charles, Chief Information Officer for Denver Public Schools, Julie and Adam lead conversations in the topics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI. Dr. Charles elaborated on the rapid technological changes, data security concerns, and the impact of AI on teaching and learning. He highlighted the need for new approaches to computing and mathematics education, stressing on the importance of statistics, linear algebra, and data science. Dr. Charles also shared, among others, about the use of AI tools for second language learners and the need for schools to establish policies and guardrails around the use of such technologies.

Check out Dr. Charles' TED Talk


00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
00:13 Dr. Charles' Journey to Denver Public Schools
05:37 The Impact of AI on Education
06:47 The Future of Programming and AI
08:02 The Challenges of Implementing AI in Education
09:55 The Importance of Human Interaction in the AI Era
32:37 The Role of AI in Mathematics Education
36:53 The Future of Denver Public Schools in the AI World

Hosts Julie Foss and Adam Garry get things rolling with their inauguarl episode exploring Generative AI in Education. They share some of their early experiences working with school districts and look at the topic from a systems level.

In this insightful conversation, Julie and Adam delve into the dramatic transformations brought about by advancements in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly focusing on the education sector.

They discuss the importance of AI in facilitating advanced learning partnerships and the rising implications its usage has for school systems. Topics include:

• newly proposed regulations on data privacy
• the rise of specialized A
• the importance of policies, and the rapidly increasing risks related to AI.

As a bonus, they also consider the future of AI, exploring promising possibilities, potential pitfalls, and the compelling pace of technological development.