The Digital Learning Podcast

OpenAI has released several big new features for ChatGPT-4, the paid premium version. Even though many teachers probably don't subscribe to it, these features paint a picture of where AI is headed and how it can impact the classroom. In this episode, Holly and Matt give an overview of some of the most important changes. Plus, they outline the executive order on artificial intelligence from the White House and how it'll impact education.   More AI resources: ChatGPT, Chatbots and Artificial Intelligence in Education from Ditch That Textbook AI just stormed into the classroom with the emergence of ChatGPT. How do we teach now that it exists? How can we use it? This post provides an overview of ChatGPT and tons of resources about AI and it's place in the classroom.   30 AI Tools for the Classroom from Ditch That Textbook Artificial intelligence is growing by leaps and bounds. It's no longer science fiction anymore!  Lots of AI tools can serve as our own personal assistants -- answering questions, helping us write text, create images, speak more effectively, and more. Time has always been a barrier in the classroom. Most teachers would agree that they would be able to do more -- including the things that are most important -- if they had more time. Teachers can find AI tools that are ready to help them out right now. Lots of them are free or have "freemium" plans with limited free options. Check out 30 AI tools and ready how you can start using them to support your work in class.   All Ditch That Textbook AI Posts Check out all of the AI posts on the Ditch That Textbook blog.   AI for Educators book by Matt Miller Artificial intelligence may change the world more than the iPhone, the internet, or even electricity. It's bound to change education. (It already has.) But how? AI for Educators is a readable guide for educators. It translates AI through a teacher lens. It provides practical ideas you can use in class right away. It unlocks powerful ways to streamline teaching and save time. It also paints a picture of the future our students will face—and provides questions you can help them grapple with. We can use AI to empower teaching and learning. And it can start today.   The AI Infused Classroom book by Holly Clark Ready or not . . . AI is here. Now. And it has concerned and curious educators asking questions: What are the strengths and weaknesses of artificial intelligence (AI) models, like ChatGPT? How do ChatGPT and other large language models change things like the writing process? What do we need to understand about large language models (LLMs) and AI's ability to transform how—and how quickly—we can communicate with our students and peers? How can we teach students to use AI appropriately and in ways that enhance their learning experiences? With the right mindset, the right questions, and the right strategies, you can use AI to create and broaden meaningful learning experiences for every student.

Everyone in K-12 education seems to be talking about AI literacy. We want students to be prepared for a world and a future where AI will be everywhere. But how do we do it? Do teacheres see it as "just another thing on my plate"? In this episode, Holly and Matt explore "embedded AI literacy," where it squeezes into regular classroom instruction -- and actually supports and strengthens the teaching of curriculum and content.

Teachers have been using worksheets for ages. They claim to give students repetitions with content and help them strengthen connections -- but how well do they really work? In this episode, Holly and Matt explore the idea that we can do better than worksheets in 2026 -- and suggest some alternatives and upgrades to consider.

Providing student feedback has always been time-consuming for teachers -- and slow feedback often produces less learning than timely feedback. AI has the potential to speed the process up, but at what cost? In today's episode, Matt and Holly talk about the importance of the "human in the loop" and how to balance it all.

We're back! The Digital Learning Podcast has been on a one-year hiatus, but the show is live once again. In this episode, Holly and Matt discuss the state of educational technology in 2026. Artificial intelligence is growing in implementation by teachers and students. People are railing against the use of technology at all in classrooms. Holly and Matt share their takes -- and how they'd characterize edtech in 2026.

AI literacy is all about preparing us with skills and understanding about AI so we can survive and thrive in the future. But it isn't just for students! In this episode, Holly and Matt discuss the ACE Framework they've created to help schools think about AI literacy, including: Awareness, Critique, and Exploration.  

Lots of school districts are having to decide on contracts for all of the new AI tools that are coming into the education market. If they're not careful, they can be locked into an expensive contract with a tool that doesn't support their needs. How can they tread carefully and avoid a bad decision? Holly and Matt weigh in.

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.

AI image generators are pretty incredible. They take a text description and create images based on those descriptions. (Although sometimes they miss the mark -- and they struggle with creating certain things, like human hands!) But many times, they are way better than searching Google Images for pictures. How can they be used in the classroom? Matt and Holly brainstorm ideas -- and how they can be an entry point to having conversations with students about AI. Resources: AI image generators: 10 tools, 10 classroom uses

We know how important timely feedback is to student growth. But it can also be a struggle to provide it -- especially when we have lots and lots of students! How can we make it manageable? In his return to the classroom, Matt has found a simple strategy with Pear Deck that lets him provide targeted student feedback and general feedback to the class. In this episode, he and Holly talk about it and why it works.

The Ditch Summit, a free online conference for educators hosted by Matt, is open! You can register at http://ditchsummit.com. What can you expect? In this episode, Matt and Holly discuss some of their favorite takeaways from several Ditch Summit sessions, including content on artificial intelligence, project-based learning, student relationships, and more.