The Digital Learning Podcast

Artificial intelligence has advanced dramatically in recent years, but where are we headed next? Are today’s schools and education systems prepared to equip students for this future? Join Matt and Holly as they delve into their observations in schools and explore the path forward in this episode.

Matt and Holly have seen lots of innovations in artificial intelligence over the last couple years. But nothing has quite blown their minds the way that NotebookLM did recently. Hear how this free tool works, how it might be implemented in education, and how it points to the future of education. 

While some school districts are ringing their hands about Artificial Intelligence, Northville School District in Michigan is going all in. Join Aaron Baughman, the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, as he shares his efforts to equip teachers and students with a wide array of AI tools. Discover how his innovative approach is preparing students for a future where AI plays a crucial role.

AI assistants like ChatGPT are disrupting the standard operating procedures for student writing. Academic integrity is front and center of many educator AI conversations, and many want to know: Can you cite AI in student work? In this episode, Matt and Holly discuss the problems with "citing AI" and suggest some better paths in student learning and writing that will better develop students.

There's a growing cry from some educators, students and even parents -- get rid of the technology. Some students are asking for more analog, non-tech learning activities. But is technology really the culprit here? In this episode, Matt and Holly talk about how COVID and emergency remote teaching set tech-infused teaching up for failure. There are lots of factors at play -- lots of pros and cons -- but throwing out technology can have some repercussions.

All over the United States and beyond, schools and districts are making tough choices about cell phones in schools. The distraction that they create is evident. But there's a safety and access component that you can't ignore. In this episode, Matt and Holly share their thoughts about this tricky topic -- and suggest that one-size-fits-all answers might not be a great solution.

Educators continue to learn more and more about artificial intelligence, large language models, and other AI tools. We (Holly and Matt) have both seen it in their workshops and presentations. A growing number of teachers are more informed, but many are still getting started. What can you do -- or the educators you serve do -- to get up to speed? In this episode, we discuss and give suggestions.

Link: 20 AI “first steps” for teachers 

Our options for AI-powered apps have exploded over the last year. It's easy to get overwhelmed -- and no one can keep up with everything! What apps are making an impact on teaching and learning? In this episode, we share a few of our very favorites right now. Matt's list: MirrorTalk.ai, BriskTeaching.com, Ideogram.ai. Holly's list: Adobe Express (adobe.com/express), Suno.com, Snorkl.app. (Matt and Holly both love SchoolAI.com!)

When ChatGPT was released in November 2022, it became the focal point of AI conversations. Lots of our thoughts on implementing AI were based on ChatGPT. But now, we have several very capable AI large language models (like Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Anthropic Claude) and lots of other AI tools that open other doors. While some are still at the beginning of this conversation, others are starting to move to new levels. In this episode, we discuss some of the implications of "moving beyond ChatGPT."

We've said it for more than a year ... Students can't officially use AI chatbots because they're not old enough per the terms of use ... but student-facing chatbots are coming. Now they're finally here. Holly and Matt have used them -- and have worked with students in the classroom using AI chatbots. In this episode, we share the things we like about them -- and things to be aware of.