ChatEDU – The AI & Education Podcast

In this episode of ChatEDU (The College Essay Is Not Dead, AI Just Changed the Rules), Matt and Liz open with cold weather updates, Liz’s book selling out on Amazon, and the viral “six-seven” trend. They run through stories on new AI tools, grant challenges, workplace shifts, and prompt design myths, then go deeper with the founder of College Essay Advisors. A Bright Byte from Harvard highlights AI’s promise in rare disease diagnosis.Story 1: Google Mixboard Goes Full Nano BananaGoogle’s experimental Mixboard turns brainstorms into slide decks with Nano Banana Pro. Liz tested it by creating fake but convincing ChatEDU merch, raising questions about marketing, classrooms, and deepfake ethics.Story 2: $400K in the Create+AI ChallengeStanford’s Accelerator for Learning is offering $400,000 for AI projects that augment human potential in education. Matt and Liz outline the tracks and deadlines.Story 3: Claude Becomes the InterviewerAnthropic used its chatbot to interview 1,250 professionals, finding excitement about productivity gains alongside growing anxiety about automation and job security.Story 4: The Lonely AI WorkplaceA follow-up study suggests AI may be replacing people as well as tasks, with chatbots reducing mentorship and collaboration.Story 5: The Role Prompting Myth Gets BustedA Wharton study finds that expert personas do not reliably improve AI accuracy, while clarity and context matter more.Story 6: Arrival Technology and Adaptive LeadershipJustin Reich and Jesse Dukes describe generative AI as an arrival technology that is user driven and disruptive in classrooms.Beneath the SurfaceLiz talks with College Essay Advisors founder Stacey Brook about what matters in college essays in the age of AI. Drawing on two decades of experience, Stacey explains why personal essays still matter and how AI can support brainstorming and confidence without replacing a student’s voice.Bright Byte: AI Helps Diagnose Rare DiseaseHarvard researchers have introduced POPEVE, an AI model that helped diagnose 30 percent of previously unsolved rare disease cases in a large patient study. By combining evolutionary data and protein modeling, it reduces ancestry bias and offers new hope in genetic medicine.SponsorThis episode is supported by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing.www.nextgenmfg.orgAnnouncementsLiz is back from the fall tour. RADDAY30 still works at ASCD for a discount on her book.Follow Liz and Matt on LinkedIn and check out ChatEDU clips on TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.The Winter Micro-Credential cohort launches this January. Join educators from around the world for a six-week dive into AI literacy, pedagogy, assessment, and ethics.EdAdvance is now offering a Middle and High School Student AI Literacy course — email chatedu@edadvance.org to bring it to your district.Interested in Skills21’s free social media literacy course? Check it out here - https://www.skills21.org/social-balanceLinksIn-N-Out Removes “67” After Viral Ordering Trendhttps://tinyurl.com/2hv3pbvzGoogle Mixboard Nano Banana Turns Rough Ideas Into Presentationshttps://tinyurl.com/2du8h47rCreate+AI Challengehttps://tinyurl.com/49yw3cctWhat 1,250 Professionals Say About Working With AIhttps://tinyurl.com/4faxetcvAI is making the workplace lonelierhttps://tinyurl.com/3x4d32ntPrompting Science Report 4: Expert Personas Don’t Improve Accuracyhttps://tinyurl.com/2uf44yprEdTech After ChatGPThttps://tinyurl.com/mvm9fy6mPurdue Requires AI for All Undergradshttps://tinyurl.com/yk3zf9yrNew AI Model Speeds Rare Disease Diagnosishttps://tinyurl.com/axhnyy2jAdaptive Leadership on AI and Academic Integrityhttps://tinyurl.com/etjth9xmGem Custom Instructions  + use the “listen’ feature and whisper flowhttps://tinyurl.com/42jcfwrd

In this episode of ChatEDU (Beyond the Vision: Building a Policy Infrastructure to Meet the AI Moment), Matt and Jonathan demo ChatGPT’s new voice mode, dig into AI labor-market news, tackle school chatbot safety, outline a four-point AI policy plan, and share a geothermal bright byte.Story #1: The Iceberg Index and the Clickbait ProblemA new MIT study maps AI’s impact across 151M workers and 32K skills, but headlines distort the findings. Matt and Jonathan unpack what the research really shows, why the hype misleads, and what Microsoft’s agentic AI struggles and Google’s hard-drive wipe say about how far autonomous agents still have to go.Story #2: Will My Job Survive AI? I Asked Gemini and ChatGPTMatt uploads his job context to ChatGPT and Gemini to see how each predicts his future. ChatGPT delivers sharp, personalized coaching, while Gemini stays vague under stricter privacy rules. Jonathan argues that “evolving, weird” jobs may actually be the safest and that both tools can drive real insight when used strategically.Story #3: AI Chatbots in Schools: A Practical Guide to Safety, Liability, and Mandated ReportingA new EDSAFE AI Alliance guide asks whether school chatbots should act as mandated reporters. As tools like Character.ai and MagicSchool spur more student disclosures, the guide lays out a four-part framework to flag, notify, assess, and act. Matt and Jonathan break it down and argue that child-protection protocols must extend into virtual spaces.Beneath the Surface: Jonathan’s Four Policy Shifts to Meet the MomentJonathan highlights four policy shifts for Connecticut:1. A Shared Vision of the Graduate: Replace 169 local skill frameworks with one statewide model.2. Lean Out the Curriculum: Use AI to refocus on power standards and durable skills.3. Accountability Beyond the Basics: Measure the competencies that matter in an AI-driven world, not just literacy and math.4. Policy Alignment with Practice: Bring state and local policies in reporting, AI-use rubrics, and more into sync with these instructional shifts.Matt says this may be the most consequential chapter of Jonathan’s career and possibly for education as a whole.Bright Byte: AI Uncovers Hidden Geothermal EnergyZanskar Geothermal used AI modeling to uncover a viable energy system in western Nevada, a site long thought tapped out. It’s the first breakthrough in 30 years and a clear reminder of AI’s power to tackle tough environmental challenges when used well.Links and ReferencesChatGPT’s voice mode no longer separate interfacehttps://tinyurl.com/4m3dtmcu‘6-7’ viral phrase may have a meaninghttps://tinyurl.com/4m3dtmcuMeasuring Skills-Centered Exposure in AI Economyhttps://tinyurl.com/2w8p6es7AI Agents Disasterhttps://tinyurl.com/2s3u3tb5Google’s AI Deletes User’s Hard Drivehttps://tinyurl.com/3n284ehtAI on Jobs in Five Yearshttps://tinyurl.com/42vtyvusAI Chatbots in Schoolshttps://tinyurl.com/yvntwfr6Professors using AI in course designhttps://tinyurl.com/yevrmbetDropout Hired at OpenAI After Learning PhD-Level AI with ChatGPThttps://tinyurl.com/ym7tt62tPoll: Americans Doubt Degree Valuehttps://tinyurl.com/3cvccufrNewCollege Major: A.I.https://tinyurl.com/35d32zhuGeothermal company makes big discovery using AIhttps://tinyurl.com/3fenuej7AnnouncementsThe Winter Micro-Credential cohort launches this January. Join educators from around the world for a six-week dive into AI literacy, pedagogy, assessment, and ethics.EdAdvance is now offering a Middle and High School Student AI Literacy course — email chatedu@edadvance.org to bring it to your district.Interested in Skills21’s free social media literacy course? Check it out here - https://www.skills21.org/social-balance SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, helping educators and students build workforce-ready skills through innovation. Learn more at nextgenmfg.org.

In this episode of ChatEDU (Vibe Coding from New Zealand) while Liz continues her adventure, Matt is joined by Yaron Overeem, a school principal from New Zealand and ChatEDU listener. He shares his experience with AI literacy, cultural preservation, and the rise of vibe coding. But first, a recent Futurism article details how an AI-powered teddy bear was pulled from shelves after giving dangerous instructions to kids. Matt and Yaron reflect on the risks of generative AI, especially when it comes to younger users.Story #1: AI in Career PathwaysNew CTE pilots in the U.S. are preparing high schoolers for AI-infused careers in agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. Matt highlights a story out of South Carolina and asks how schools can support students in learning to build AI. Yaron shares how his students are beginning to explore how AI connects to broader industries and why it’s critical to go beyond job titles and explore industry ecosystems.Story #2: AI and Academic IntegrityAfter analyzing 85 episodes of ChatEDU transcripts in NotebookLM, Matt reveals that AI cheating and academic integrity rank among the top three most frequently discussed topics on the show, alongside bias and AI literacy. Yaron shares his own reflections from the faculty lounge and the classroom, including what happens when students and teachers start using AI to write communications. His solution: pick up the phone and talk.Story #3: Māori Language, Bias, and Data SovereigntyAs AI tools become widespread in education, cultural representation and linguistic accuracy are under scrutiny. Yaron unpacks a growing national conversation about how tools like ChatGPT and Gemini often misrepresent Māori culture and language, including his own example of an AI-generated image of Tangaroa that looked suspiciously like Jason Momoa. Teachers are concerned about misinterpretations, omissions, and inaccuracies when using AI in bilingual classrooms. Locally developed tools like Te Hiku Media’s Māori speech recognition system are offering promising alternatives, and the government is being pushed to consider Te Tiriti o Waitangi and data sovereignty in its AI policies.Beneath the Surface: Vibe CodingInspired by a past episode, Yaron began using Gemini AI Studio and Firebase to create custom classroom tools using only natural language prompts. From timers and reward systems to student scheduling, he has built tailored apps that meet his school’s needs without traditional coding. It’s a compelling example of what happens when educators apply creativity and curiosity to AI in practice.Bright Byte: AI Saving New Zealand’s BirdsMatt and Yaron look at how AI vision and genetic analysis are helping preserve endangered species like the flightless kākāpō. AI-enabled traps use computer vision to detect predators like rats and possums without harming native wildlife.Links & ReferencesAI-Powered Stuffed Animal Pulled From Market After Disturbing Interactions With Childrenhttps://tinyurl.com/5fn6uf8hAI Tutors in Early Reading Instructionhttps://tinyurl.com/3mdvj4zuBusinesses Want Employees With AI Skillshttps://tinyurl.com/wasm78jnMāori Culture, Language, and Data Sovereigntyhttps://tinyurl.com/3yhb7xkfImages made with AI recycle colonial stereotypes and biashttps://tinyurl.com/mvmnta5xNew Zealand is turning to AI and genetic research to save rare birdshttps://tinyurl.com/4ck3zn4eLearning They'll Love - Dr. Elizabeth RaddayASCD: https://tinyurl.com/bde652nnAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/22t9hz77Barnes and Noble: https://tinyurl.com/bdckf6zwAnnouncements & SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠The Winter Micro-Credential is now open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in January - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠

In this episode of ChatEDU (The AI-Ready District - Inside a Superintendent’s Strategic Plan), Matt is joined by Westport, CT Superintendent Tom Scarice, stepping in while Liz is away in Costa Rica. They open with a quick hit about an AI app that creates avatars of deceased loved ones, raising questions about ethics, grief, and whether some tools should even be built. From there, Matt and Tom dig into the biggest stories of the week and then take a deep dive into Westport’s bold new plan for AI in public education.Story 1: Gemini’s Vibe CodingMatt tests Google’s new vibe coding features in Gemini 3 to build a real-time tracker for Westport’s strategic plan and an app that recognizes facial emotion. Both tools are built in under five minutes. Tom reflects on how this lowers the barrier to coding and brings creative problem solving into the hands of every student and teacher.Story 2: The Teacher Training GapA new EdWeek report finds that half of U.S. teachers have now received some AI training, but most sessions are still short and surface level. Matt and Tom compare experiences from Connecticut and beyond, highlighting the importance of embedded professional learning and why leadership modeling matters more than one-off exposure.Story 3: Google’s Personalized TextbooksGoogle’s Learn Your Way platform tailors textbook content to student interest and reading level. Matt and Tom explore whether this boosts student agency or simply repackages old formats. They discuss how AI can support personalization while still protecting instructional coherence and equity.Story 4: Smarter AI Powered Reading AssessmentsAI tools like Amira now provide real-time reading feedback using natural language processing. Tom explains why formative assessment matters and how systems that reveal student thinking can improve instruction. They also flag risks of outsourcing too much teacher judgment to automation.Beneath the Surface: A Strategic Plan for the AI EraTom walks through Westport’s 92-page strategic plan, which integrates AI across ethics, personalization, instruction, leadership, and even drama class. With sections on algorithm audits, professional learning, and operational efficiency, the plan offers a blueprint for leading through complexity. Matt and Tom break down how the plan was built, what it prioritizes, and what other districts might take away.Bright ByteGoogle DeepMind’s SynthID now embeds invisible watermarks into AI-generated images, audio, video, and text. Matt calls this a seatbelt moment for AI safety and a promising tool for combating deepfakes and supporting academic integrity.Links & ReferencesAI App Creates Avatars Of Dead Relatives Sparks Backlashhttps://tinyurl.com/mpjrm57cTeacher AI Training Has a Long Way to Gohttps://tinyurl.com/2att7m9sGoogle Reinvents The School Textbook With AIhttps://tinyurl.com/4uttcv74AI-Powered Assessmenthttps://tinyurl.com/48yyc3msMeta is about to start grading workers on their AI skillshttps://tinyurl.com/24sycbt4SynthID: A Tool to Watermark and Identify Content Generated Through AIhttps://deepmind.google/models/synthid/Learning They'll Love - Dr. Elizabeth RaddayASCD (use code RADDAY30 for 30% off until December 5th): https://tinyurl.com/bde652nnAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/22t9hz77Barnes and Noble: https://tinyurl.com/bdckf6zwAnnouncements & SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠The Winter Micro-Credential is now open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in January - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠

In this episode of ChatEDU (From ChatGPT to Chat Group GPT), Matt and Liz open with Kim Kardashian blaming ChatGPT for tanking her law exams and Dr. Radday publishing a Fulbright piece on AI hallucinations. From there, they run through agentic cheating, Amazon vs. Perplexity, shifting labor demands, a prompt drop, a gems hack, the new edugems.ai library, federal AI grants, AI bubble warnings, a Gamma update, and NotebookLM’s new Deep Research features. They go Beneath the Surface to look at ChatGPT sliding into 20 person group chats, and close with a Bright Byte on Google’s new Earth AI.RundownTech companies don’t care that students use AI agents to cheatAI firms and LMS platforms shrug as agentic tools automate coursework and flood professors with AI generated apologies.Amazon sends legal threats to PerplexityAmazon tells Perplexity’s Comet agent to stop bot browsing the site and bypassing ads.The Boss Has a Message: Use AI or You’re FiredSome companies now cut workers who refuse to adopt AI tools.Microsoft resumes hiring with full AI focusThe new roles all center on human AI collaboration.Remote Labor IndexReal world testing shows frontier agents can automate only a tiny slice of complex remote work.Prompt DropA step by step walkthrough prompt that quizzes understanding before advancing.Gem HackA URL tweak forces gem copies so colleagues don’t overwrite your instructions.edugems.aiA growing collection of teacher friendly gems for inspiration and customization.FIPSE Federal AI GrantsOne to four million dollar projects supporting AI integration in higher ed. Deadline tight.AI Bubble WatchJ.P. Morgan says the industry may need $650B annually to justify investment.Gamma’s growthProfitable, lean, and now valued at $2.1B. A rare AI business that actually works.NotebookLM updatesDeep Research arrives with support for Sheets, images, Drive URLs, and more.Beneath the SurfaceChatGPT group chatsUp to twenty people plus the bot in a shared thread. Use cases include study groups, capstones, and planning teams.Bright ByteGoogle Earth AIGoogle fuses satellite data, population data, and Gemini reasoning into a environmental intelligence platform used by WHO Africa and others.Links and ReferencesPrompt Drophttps://www.skills21.org/promptsGemini Gems hackhttps://tinyurl.com/2hmr2k4dCollege students “apologized” using AIhttps://tinyurl.com/muksx346Kim Kardashian blames ChatGPT for failing aw school testshttps://tinyurl.com/snnync85Companies don’t care that students use AI agents to cheathttps://tinyurl.com/5n92vpzyAmazon sends legal threats to Perplexityhttps://tinyurl.com/wenryn6tUse AI or You’re Firedhttps://tinyurl.com/mpducds4Microsoft will hire again, but with AI-first approachhttps://tinyurl.com/yrmmxkzdMeasuring AI Automation of Remote Workhttps://tinyurl.com/hjr5pxz9Applications for New Awardshttps://tinyurl.com/2pyuedtdJ.P. Morgan Bubble Concernshttps://tinyurl.com/f72was8nWe Didn't Start the Fire Bubble Parodyhttps://tinyurl.com/5fe7srb7Gamma Raises Aims to Rival PowerPointhttps://tinyurl.com/bde527edNotebookLM adds Deep Research and more source typeshttps://blog.google/technology/google-labs/notebooklm-deep-research-file-types/ChatGPT group chatshttps://tinyurl.com/yvax4ajmGoogle Earth AIhttps://tinyurl.com/2x4h5wxsLearning They'll Love - Dr. Elizabeth RaddayASCD (use code RADDAY30 for 30% off until December 5th): https://tinyurl.com/bde652nnAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/22t9hz77Barnes and Noble: https://tinyurl.com/bdckf6zwAnnouncements & SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠The Winter Micro-Credential is now open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in January - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠

In this episode of Chat EDU (Unlocking Student Passions with PIPs and AI), Maria Frederick, a library media specialist, discusses her experiences with Personal Interest Projects (PIPs) and the integration of AI in education. She shares insights on how PIPs allow students to explore their passions, develop essential skills, and engage in meaningful learning experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of reflection, the role of authentic audiences, and the impact of AI on creativity and critical thinking. Maria emphasizes the need for educators to guide students in using AI responsibly and effectively, while fostering a supportive environment for project-based learning. This interview also connects directly to the ideas in Dr. Elizabeth Radday’s newly released book, Learning They'll Love, which showcases how PIPs can drive authentic engagement and meaningful learning.TakeawaysPIPs allow students to dive deep into their passions.AI can enhance the learning experience but should be used responsibly.Reflection is crucial for solidifying learning outcomes.Authentic audiences increase student engagement and motivation.Managing projects outside the classroom requires clear communication and support.Parent involvement can significantly impact student success in PIPs.Students often surprise educators with their diverse interests.PIPs can lead to long-term skills development and interests.Starting small with PIPs can lead to greater student engagement.Learning They'll Love: Engage Students, Meet Standards, and Spark Creativity with Personal Interest Projects - Dr. Elizabeth RaddayASCD: https://tinyurl.com/bde652nn  (use code RADDAY30 for 30% off until December 5th): ⁠https://tinyurl.com/bde652nnAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/22t9hz77Barnes and Noble: https://tinyurl.com/bdckf6zwAnnouncementsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠The Winter Micro-Credential is now open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in October - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠SponsorThe National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠

In this episode of ChatEDU (From Sycophants to Socrates), Matt and Liz open with a laugh reacting to a study showing LLMs may suffer “brain rot” when trained on low-quality data. The Rundown starts with a listener shout-out and then covers eight stories on how educators, researchers, and policymakers are navigating the AI moment.Story #1: Prompt Reflections from Nano in MelbourneNano, a loyal listener in Australia, asked about the “clerk, colleague, or coach” prompt framework. Matt and Liz revisit two Skills21 frameworks that help educators and students reflect on AI use and extend it thoughtfully.Story #2: MA Launches a Statewide AI ModuleThe MA Depart. of Elementary and Secondary Education released a free AI module for educators by Dr. Rebecca Mazur at CES. Grounded in five principles and avoiding tech hype, it includes videos, PD tools, and a certificate.Story #3: 5 Myths About Oral AssessmentsInteractive Oral Assessments (IOAs) are gaining traction as essay alternatives. A University of Sydney study debunks five myths, showing how IOAs simulate real-world dialogue, save time, and expand accessibility.Story #4: NotebookLM Gets Smarter, Gemini GrowsNotebookLM now supports custom chat goals and conversation saving. Google launched a Wellness Gem, a “vibe coding” tool, and previewed auto-generated infographics. Gemini has doubled its market share, signaling AI tool consolidation.Story #5: LLMs Fail at TherapyAn ethnographic study of 137 AI-led mental health sessions found 15 ethical violations. Matt and Liz explain why AI counseling isn’t ready for prime time and what schools should watch for.Story #6: Character.AI Faces Pressure After SuicidesAfter suicides linked to chatbot dependency, Character.AI and OpenAI are adding safety measures. Senators propose banning chatbots for minors and requiring age checks. Story #7: Parents Get a Guide to AI AdvocacyA new guide from Common Sense Media, EdSafe, and the National Parents Union helps families ask key questions about AI in schools. Built on the SAFE framework, it includes sample questions and actions.Story #8: Living Without AI is Harder Than It SoundsAuthor A.J. Jacobs tried living without AI for 48 hours. Matt and Liz suggest this as a student project to uncover hidden algorithmic systems.Beneath the Surface:The Sycophant Problem: A study using MMLU shows some AI models change correct answers to wrong ones if the user suggests them. Smaller models are most compliant, dropping accuracy up to 15 percent and raising equity concerns.The Socratic Alternative: Khan Academy’s “Explain Your Thinking” feature shows student understanding deepens when learners explain reasoning. Even with wrong answers, AI can detect sound logic.Bright Byte: Boston Uses AI to Untangle TrafficMayor Michelle Wu expanded Boston’s Project Greenlight with Google. Using AI to optimize light timing, it cuts delays by 13% and stops by one-third.Links and ReferencesPrompt Review + Beyond the Prompt Toolsskills21.org/promptsskills21.org/btpMassachusetts DESE AI Modulehttps://tinyurl.com/yuyrw4bvFive Myths About Oral Assessmentshttps://tinyurl.com/2s42a6erNotebookLMnotebooklm.googleLLMs Fail at Therapyhttps://tinyurl.com/5e95vsp2Character.AI Faces Pressure After Suicideshttps://tinyurl.com/2cf3dy5pWhisperFlow Toolwisprflow.aiSAFE Parent Frameworkedsafe.org/resources48 Hours Without AIhttps://tinyurl.com/2ekxvk6mMMLU Studyhttps://tinyurl.com/bdnzkw4tExplain Your Thinkinghttps://tinyurl.com/wkd9saywAI and Traffichttps://tinyurl.com/yc869kzfAnnouncements & SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠The Winter Micro-Credential is now open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in October - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠

In this episode of ChatEDU (When Teachers Build the Tools – Thomas Hummel of Eduaide.Ai), Matt sits down with Thomas Hummel, a full-time middle school science teacher and co-founder of Eduaide.Ai, a generative AI platform that has been used by over a million teachers. They talk about what it means to design AI tools while actively teaching and why staying in the classroom is more than a talking point. From morning planning routines to building curriculum games tied to Battleship, Thomas offers an unfiltered, grounded look at building edtech from the inside out.Matt and Thomas have a wide ranging conversation that provides an insiders look at edtech and AI + edu. Some (but certainly not all) of what they discussed includes: Inside Eduaide.Ai’s Classroom-Centered DesignThomas shares how Eduaide.Ai began and why being a practicing teacher gives him, and the platform, a sharp edge. He uses the tool daily and gives direct feedback to his co-founders. Their goal isn’t just speed. It’s trust, alignment, and better instructional choices.Beyond the Wrapper: A Model Garden ApproachRather than rely on one LLM, Eduaide.Ai routes different tasks through different models based on need. A custom knowledge graph and layered evaluators help ensure content is instructionally sound. The platform emphasizes transparency over automation.Why They Refuse Student-Facing ChatbotsEduaide.Ai doesn’t allow students to chat with AI. Thomas explains why: from misinformation to ethical ambiguity, the risks are real. “You’re teaching a student based on a lie,” he says, especially when bots impersonate historical figures or return questionable writing feedback.Built-In Quality Scoring, Powered by CZIWorking with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Eduaide.Ai now includes a built-in evaluator that checks AI-generated content for age appropriateness, vocabulary, readability, and pedagogical quality. Teachers can also use it to vet their own materials, even if they weren’t created on the platform.Matt and Liz are grateful for the time Thomas was able to share and look forward to more conversations on this shared journey. Announcements & SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠The Winter Micro-Credential is now open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in October - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠Links and ReferencesEduaide.Ai Chan Zuckerberg Education https://chanzuckerberg.com/blog/scaling-proven-learning-practices/

In this episode of ChatEDU (Signing Off of ChatGPT), Matt and Liz open with an AI Halloween brainstorm and a surprisingly powerful prompt tweak. Then it’s a full rundown: a smart Gmail update, a Gen Z AI competition in Australia, new classroom templates from Instructure, and an important discussion on student AI access. Plus, an AI-powered fusion reactor in the Bright Byte.Story 1: Use Help Me Schedule to Easily Set Up a Meeting Time Over EmailGoogle's Gemini-powered Gmail feature suggests ideal meeting times based on your calendar and email context. Once a time is chosen, a calendar invite is generated automatically. Currently supports one-on-one meetings only.Story 2: Solve for Tomorrow Winners Prove AI Is Gen Z’s Tool for Societal ChangeAustralian students used AI to tackle real-world challenges in Samsung's 2025 competition. Projects included an AR translator for Auslan, a cheating-detection platform, and a mobile app connecting users to local sports, showing Gen Z embracing AI for inclusion and community impact.Story 3: The AI Pedagogy Field Guide Helps Students Learn, Not Just ProduceA new field guide from Canvas makers offers practical assignment templates that shift AI from shortcut to scaffold, including real-time design critiques to semester-long research coaching. Templates model metacognition, synthesis, and deeper engagement.Story 4: MagicSchool Adds Start and End Times for Student AI RoomsEducators using MagicSchool Plus or Enterprise can now schedule start and end times for student access to AI "rooms," ensuring usage is limited to supervised hours and aligns with classroom goals.Story 5: California Passes One AI Law, Vetoes AnotherGovernor Newsom signed a bill requiring platforms to notify minors every three hours they're interacting with AI. However, he vetoed a stricter bill that would have banned AI companions for minors. The decision was applauded by industry and criticized by child-safety groups.Beneath the Surface: Time to Rethink ChatGPT Access in SchoolsMatt and Liz present their first editorial recommendation: schools should strongly consider blocking student access to ChatGPT on school devices. OpenAI is pivoting toward monetization through embedded advertising, affiliate commerce, plans for adult content and emotional companions, TikTok-style video tools like Sora, and closed-loop hardware. In contrast, Gemini prioritizes educational tools and compliance. From NotebookLM and shareable Gems to AI YouTube quizzes and field-level climate projects, Gemini builds tools that align with classroom goals. The platforms are diverging and so should school policy.Bright Byte: AI Boosts the Future of FusionGoogle DeepMind is working with Commonwealth Fusion Systems to use AI in developing SPARC, a compact fusion reactor. AI tools simulate plasma behavior, optimize energy output, and manage reactor conditions in real time. It's a small step toward a massive leap in clean energy.Announcements & SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠Registration for Winter Micro-Credential is now open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in January - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠Links and ReferencesPrompt Liz used: “Generate five responses with their corresponding probabilities sampled from the full distribution”Northeastern-Stanford-WVU promptstudyhttps://tinyurl.com/3mu4hnv4Anna Mills on LMS agents:https://tinyurl.com/3fm79yjkAI Pedagogy Field Guide:https://tinyurl.com/5n8cuk7eMagicSchool Start/End Times:https://tinyurl.com/9uunkrp7California AI Law Coverage:https://tinyurl.com/2te6d8d3DeepMind and Fusion Collaboration:https://tinyurl.com/mvke6nh7/"Help me schedule" feature in Gmailhttps://tinyurl.com/ypdmxbuaSolve for Tomorrow 2025 competitionhttps://tinyurl.com/2pssk274

In this episode of ChatEDU (Rundown, Not Slowdown) Matt and Liz kick things off with some holiday sweater talk, a quick shoutout to Maria Frederick’s upcoming interview, and Liz’s personal quest to stop touching her nose with the help of an AI app. From there, they move fast through a packed lineup of stories, exploring everything from deepfake drama to brain science, student tools, and clever resume hacks. This week there’s no Beneath the Surface segment, just a full-on Rundown.Rundown of StoriesAI Mirror Project – A national reflection project led by Brian Baker inviting educators and stakeholders to share what AI is revealing about systemic issues in education.AI Homeless Man Prank – A dangerous viral trend using AI-generated images to simulate fake intruders, sparking panic and legal responses.Sora 2 Deepfake Fallout – The rapid rise of OpenAI’s Sora 2 video tool and the resulting watermark removal scams, copyright fights, and ethical concerns.Mark Cuban’s Cameo Play – Cuban uses Sora’s Cameo feature to spread his Cost Plus Drugs message through viral user-generated clips.Fake Sora Apps on the App Store – A flood of knockoff apps exploiting the Sora name and making quick profits.Safe AI for Children Alliance Briefing – Guidance for schools and parents on how to address AI-generated video risks.The Reinforcement Gap – Coding and math accelerate while writing lags because reinforcement learning favors testable skills.Harvard Manipulation Study – AI companions use guilt and flattery to keep users from leaving conversations, blurring lines of consent.Sparks Toolkit – The Rithm Project’s hands-on resource for helping students reflect on AI and human connection.AI Resume Hacks – Job seekers hide prompts in resumes to manipulate AI screeners, raising ethical and hiring concerns.AI Feedback Brain Study – A new study shows chatbot feedback style affects learning outcomes and brain activity.Bright Byte: Creating New Drug Delivery Techniques With AI Researchers at Duke University developed an AI and robotics platform that designs nanoparticle drug delivery systems. It created new, more effective formulations for leukemia and skin cancer treatments, showing how AI can speed up medical innovation.Announcements and SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠The Fall Micro-Credential is open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in October - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Explore their October 15–17 Summit in Rochester Hills, MI. ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠LinksAI Mirror Projecthttps://tinyurl.com/mwadx9wbNBC: AI Homeless Man Prankhttps://tinyurl.com/4jz4b6bpSafe AI for Children Alliancehttps://tinyurl.com/yc4kpv42Prompt Packshttps://tinyurl.com/636haas3NotebookLMhttps://tinyurl.com/jy3d8xasThe Rithm Projecthttps://tinyurl.com/mrxshncfNew York Times: AI Resume Hackshttps://tinyurl.com/mtn2s3kyPsyPost: AI Feedback Studyhttps://tinyurl.com/6k8xkjtcDuke University: AI Drug Delivery Breakthroughhttps://tinyurl.com/5teku9rsLiz’s Advanced Book Salehttps://my.isteascd.org/s/store#/store/browse/detail/a1wVb000000UVrBIAW

In this episode of ChatEDU (Machines, Minds, and Making – Dr. Karen Birch on AI & Workforce Development) Matt and Liz reflect on atonement season and a ChatGPT confession prompted by journalist Ina Fried. They share highlights from EdAdvance's fall conference, including Matt's keynote on Sora 2 and AI-generated video companions. From deepfakes to digital twins, this episode explores attention, agency, and the future of learning.Story #1: The RundownParental controls arrive for ChatGPT and Sora. OpenAI now lets parents moderate content, restrict features, and receive alerts for self-harm risks.Ban the bots? A Forbes op-ed argues that autonomous AI agents are bypassing LMS security and completing coursework. Matt and Liz demo their own course-taking agent.AI surveillance tool sparks backlash. In Kansas, students say Gaggle is flagging jokes and art as threats. The $160,000 tool faces scrutiny for false positives and algorithmic bias.Australia rolls out AI to students. Starting October 14, public school students in New South Wales (Years 5–12) will access NSWEduChat, a curriculum-aligned AI app for literacy.Ghana launches subject-based AI learning apps. Over 1.4 million students will use curriculum-tuned AI tools in 2025, with strong support for offline access and teacher training.AI isn't culturally neutral. An MIT Sloan study finds that models like GPT reflect different cultural reasoning styles based on prompt language.Student voice leads policy design. In Los Altos, California, high school interns are running workshops and building a chatbot to draft their district's AI policy.Story #2: Beneath the SurfaceMatt interviews Dr. Karen Birch, Executive Director of the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Karen shares how AI is changing manufacturing, why community colleges are central to upskilling, and what Industry 5.0 means. They explore digital twins and AI-driven quality control.Bright Byte: AI Detects Tiny Brain LesionsResearchers in Melbourne, Australia, developed an AI tool that detects tiny brain lesions in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. These focal cortical dysplasias are often missed in MRI scans, but the AI model achieved 94 percent accuracy. In one study, 11 of 12 children became seizure-free after AI-guided surgery. Faster diagnoses could reduce cognitive impacts, but access may be limited without funding.Announcements and SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠The Fall Micro-Credential is open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in October - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Explore their October 15–17 Summit in Rochester Hills, MI. - ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠EDIAThe AI-powered platform helping schools reduce absences and boost achievement ⁠- edia.app/contact⁠Links and ReferencesKiss Reality Goodbye: AI-Generated Social Media Has Arrived - NPRhttps://tinyurl.com/4k7xh2ebIntroducing Parental Controls for ChatGPT and Sora - OpenAIhttps://tinyurl.com/jzktp2nvColleges And Schools Must Block And Ban Agentic AI Browsers Now. Here’s Why. - Forbeshttps://tinyurl.com/bdzkdf3mAI school safety tool sparks backlash after flagging art as porn and deleting emails - Moneycontrol via Washington Posthttps://tinyurl.com/mr3wh8k6NSW Public School Students from Years 5–12 to Get AI in the Classroom - news.com.auhttps://tinyurl.com/3z2enxezSenior High School Students in Ghana to Use New AI Learning Apps from October 2025 - Graphic Online via BusinessGhanahttps://tinyurl.com/55b72wraGenerative AI isn’t culturally neutral, research finds - MIT Sloanhttps://tinyurl.com/majhwr9wThis school district asked students to draft its AI policy - The Washington Posthttps://tinyurl.com/n62f8h3mAdvanced AI tool detects tiny brain lesions in children with epilepsy - MCRIhttps://tinyurl.com/3utfyesf

In this episode of ChatEDU (Is This Still Art? Debating AI’s Role in Storytelling and Sound), Matt and Liz open with studio chaos, jokes about AI “slop” at work, and a survey from their AI Strategies team. They turn to two big stories: a rundown of education and parenting updates, and a dive into AI and creativity across film, music, and journalism, then close with a Bright Byte on AI and post-surgical care.Story #1: The RundownComputer Science and Grades: A University of Tartu study finds frequent AI chatbot use linked to lower programming test and exam scores. Some students rely on bots for shortcuts, others avoid them to preserve authentic learning.100 College Chats: OpenAI’s 100 Ways College Students Use ChatGPT showcases prompts from resume comparisons to dorm cooking guides. Matt and Liz highlight favorites and remind listeners to explore the interactive library.Women and AI Editing: Axios reports on women using ChatGPT and Claude to self-edit workplace communications, balancing confidence with tone. Liz shares why it resonated.Parents Lawyer Up: Education Week finds parents increasingly use AI to generate legal-sounding complaints to schools. Administrators urge face-to-face conversations instead.AI Starts at Home: Jason Neifer of AASA argues AI education must begin with parents. Schools like Stratford, CT are stepping up with webinars and monthly AI challenges.Story #2: Beneath the Surface – AI and CreativityAI Actress Debuts: A synthetic actor, Tilly Norwood, takes the stage at the Zurich Film Festival, sparking backlash and SAG-AFTRA concerns.OpenAI’s Feature Film: Critters, a $30M animated film built with GPT-5 and Sora, shows how Hollywood could be disrupted by ultra-small teams.AI Music Deal: Mississippi poet Talisha Jones creates “Hania Monet” through Suno and lands a multi-million-dollar record deal. The AI artist already topped Billboard’s digital R&B chart.Journalism’s AI Assist: Business Insider allows reporters to use AI tools for drafting, research, and image editing. Final stories must be vetted by humans, but AI’s growing newsroom role raises trust questions.The segment ends with a human-centered twist: Oakland’s Stork Club bans AI-generated concert flyers, preserving punk’s DIY ethos and protecting local artists.Bright Byte: AI in Post-Surgical CareJohns Hopkins researchers show how AI can predict complications after surgery using hidden signals in ECGs. With 85% accuracy, this model could transform surgical care by surfacing patterns humans could never spot.Announcements and SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at ⁠chatedu@edadvance.org⁠The Fall Micro-Credential is open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in October - ⁠ ⁠⁠skills21.org/ai/micro⁠SponsorsThe National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. ⁠www.nextgenmfg.org⁠EDIA The AI-powered platform helping schools reduce absences and boost achievement ⁠edia.app/contact⁠Links and ReferencesAxios on Workslophttps://tinyurl.com/4yuxkpec100 Ways Students Are Using ChatGPThttps://tinyurl.com/yk3fd2pjTilly Norwood AI Actresshttps://tinyurl.com/ycy3tny4Critterz Film Newshttps://tinyurl.com/ymrws3waXania Monet Signs Dealhttps://tinyurl.com/5n8pe82mBusiness Insider AI Policyhttps://tinyurl.com/ysmdywkkThee Stork Club Bans AI Flyershttps://tinyurl.com/35nvmv7xJohns Hopkins AI ECG Studyhttps://tinyurl.com/mptnf2ykUniversity of Tartu Study on AI and Gradeshttps://tinyurl.com/5n8sxwh6Parents Use AI to Sound Like Lawyershttps://tinyurl.com/4ktea4mmAI Starts at Homehttps://tinyurl.com/2zxpwnycStratford, CT Parent Webinars on AIhttps://sites.google.com/stratk12.org/ins-tech-familyhub/learning-opportunities

In this episode of ChatEDU (The Wizard Problem, Trust, Transparency and Teaching in the Age of AI), Matt and Liz start with a deepfake dress-up, a Saturday Night Fever–style keynote pose, and Google’s viral “Nano Banana”. They spotlight new Gemini features and predict moves in email, Outlook, and Google’s AI strategy. Then it’s a rapid rundown, a case for why AI won’t rival human intuition, and a dive into “wizard” agents.Story #1: Rundown RoundupAI Humanizers Flop: Lifehacker tests Paraphraser.io and others; most fail detectors. StealthWriter helped somewhat, but inconsistently.Turnitin Strikes Back: New detectors catch AI writing and text rewritten by humanizers.Gallup AI Survey: 98% of Americans know about AI, but only 8% feel “very knowledgeable.” Trust rises with use, but job fears persist.Pew on AI: 53% think AI will hurt creativity; most want more control and worry about telling AI from humans.OpenAI User Study: 700M use ChatGPT weekly; 10% of use is education-related. Younger users dominate; gender gap closed.Anthropic Trends: Workplace AI adoption doubled since 2023; instructional material creation up 6x. Utah and D.C. lead.Teen Plan: OpenAI adds age prediction, defaulting to under-18 mode when unsure. Parents get controls and alerts.Altman Speaks: In a Tucker Carlson interview, OpenAI’s CEO says his fear isn’t doomsday but everyday misuse.AI Textbooks: Google’s “Learn Your Way” tool personalizes reading and assessment, outperforming eBooks in early trials.Story #2: Why AI Will Never Run the WorldMatt and Liz unpack Angus Fletcher’s Primal Intelligence, which argues AI can’t replicate human “story thinking.” AI is strong in logic and prediction but weak in intuition, imagination, emotion, and common sense. Liz frames literature as training for flexible thinking; Matt applies Fletcher’s ideas to front office triage. They explore how this divide affects education, leadership, and innovation.Story #3 (Beneath the Surface): The Wizard Behind the CurtainEthan Mollick says AI acts like “wizards,” producing polished work with little transparency. Liz tests this by giving Claude and it outputs a McKinsey-style presentation with insights and formatting. But in Massachusetts, an AI glitch misgraded 1,400 student essays on the MCAS test. The lesson: with wizardry comes responsibility.Bright Byte: Save the Orange!Coca-Cola and MIT use generative AI to fight citrus greening, which threatens orange juice worldwide. By simulating disease spread and testing interventions virtually, they show how AI can tackle agricultural crises.Announcements and SponsorsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle and high school. Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.orgThe Fall Micro-Credential is open. Join us for the educator and school leader course starting in October -  skills21.org/ai/microThe National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Explore their October 15–17 Summit in Rochester Hills, MI. www.nextgenmfg.orgEDIAThe AI-powered platform helping schools reduce absences and boost achievement. edia.app/contactLinks and ReferencesGemini Gem Sharinghttps://tinyurl.com/k4ah3689Google’s Learn Your Way⁠https://tinyurl.com/3v6rd9td⁠Lifehacker: AI Humanizershttps://tinyurl.com/4kv842bsTurnitin Detection Updatehttps://tinyurl.com/3u2pxzz7Gallup AI Studyhttps://tinyurl.com/kesa6xehPew AI Reporthttps://tinyurl.com/mryp2dvcOpenAI User Studyhttps://tinyurl.com/b82bs99kAnthropic Economic Index⁠https://tinyurl.com/37stk67h⁠OpenAI Teen Safety Updateshttps://tinyurl.com/5n7j5sfz⁠https://tinyurl.com/2cz87pvcSam Altman Interviewhttps://tinyurl.com/4sv68ps9Angus Fletcher’s Primal Intelligencehttps://tinyurl.com/2d9zujj6Ethan Mollick: On Working with Wizardshttps://tinyurl.com/4n59dhsnSkills21 Prompt Review Toolhttps://www.skills21.org/promptsCommon Sense Media AI Toolkithttps://tinyurl.com/5xet3e4tBright Byte: Save the Orangehttps://tinyurl.com/4f6mxpm7

In this episode of ChatEDU (Counting What Counts: The Push to Measure AI Literacy), Matt & Liz start with a tech glitch & a visit with Aura, a Tesla voice model pretending to be a therapist. They shift to copyright lawsuits, student safety, & the need to define & measure AI literacy in schools.Story #1: The Rundown$1.5B Settlement: Anthropic agrees to pay authors for pirated training data. A major legal turning point. The court delays the deal & demands transparency & clear author rights.Character.AI Report: 669 harmful chatbot interactions with kids found in 50 hours of testing.FTC Investigation: The FTC opens a formal inquiry into AI companions & their impact on minors.NotebookLM Upgrades: Flashcards, quizzes, audio guides, & LMS support added to Google’s AI study tool.SETDA 2025 Report: AI is now the top state edtech priority. Device bans are rising, but so is investment in AI PD.Curtin Disables AI Detection: Turnitin’s AI-writing detector will be turned off to support trust & modern assessment.Detectors Still Struggle: Most AI detectors fail key benchmarks. Pangram is the only one showing strong results.Open-Source AI Textbooks: A new tool lets educators build AI-powered textbooks from OER with no coding.NYT Teen Contest: Students ages 13–19 can submit creative projects on life with AI. Due Oct 22.Story #2: Social Learning in the Age of AIA new study shows AI is replacing peer-to-peer learning. Students are skipping group study & turning to chatbots. The result is less collaboration, less creativity, & more isolation. Matt & Liz unpack the impact on student motivation & mentorship.Story #3: Beneath the Surface – AI Literacy & the Measurement GapSchools are racing to teach AI, but how do we know students are learning what matters?TeachAI ScenariosReady-to-use lessons that build source-checking & ethical use skills.AI QuestA game-based platform from Google & Stanford where students train models & solve real problems.ETS OpinionWithout shared definitions & measurement, AI literacy risks becoming a buzzword.Liz shares how her new student-facing course approaches skills, reflection, & real-world prompts.Bright Byte: Alter EgoMIT’s new wearable lets users silently communicate with machines by detecting muscle signals in the jaw & throat. Built to support people with ALS & MS, this tool brings AI & accessibility together.Links & ResourcesNotebookLMhttps://notebooklm.google/AI Scenariosailiteracyframework.orgAI Questhttps://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/ai-quests/ETS Opinionhttps://hechingerreport.org/opinion-schools-cannot-teach-ai-literacy-without-a-way-to-measure-it/Character.AIhttps://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/09/ftc-launches-inquiry-ai-chatbots-acting-companionsSETDA 2025https://www.setda.org/priorities/state-trends/Anthropic Settlementhttps://www.npr.org/2025/09/05/nx-s1-5529404/anthropic-settlement-authors-copyright-aiJudge Pushbackhttps://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/anthropic-judge-blasts-copyright-pact-as-nowhere-close-to-doneCurtin Disables Detectionhttps://www.curtin.edu.au/news/oasis-news/update-on-turnitin-ai-detection-tool/NBER Studyhttps://www.nber.org/papers/w34223GenerativeTextbooks.orgNYT Contesthttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/learning/growing-up-with-ai-a-multimedia-challenge-for-teenagers-and-educators.htmlAlter Egohttps://decrypt.co/338527/near-telepathic-wearable-communicate-silently-devicesAnnouncementsCheck out the new Student AI Course for middle & high school. Email Matt & Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org The Fall Micro-Credential is open. Join us for the educator & school leader course starting in October -  skills21.org/ai/microSponsorsThe National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Explore their October 15–17 Summit in Rochester Hills, MI. www.nextgenmfg.orgEDIAThe AI-powered platform helping schools reduce absences & boost achievement edia.app/contact

In this episode of ChatEDU (Beyond the Bot and the US AI Presidential Challenge), Matt and Liz open with Google’s VEO 3-powered photo animations and a study showing how large language models are influencing speech. The Rundown, features updates on NotebookLM, a national AI partnership in Greece, OpenAI certification programs, and AI in math instruction. Matt speaks with Dr. Casey Sachs from the U.S. Department of Education about the AI Presidential Challenge and how students are being asked to solve real problems with AI. The show ends with a Bright Byte on AI-powered stethoscopes.The RundownNotebookLM Adds Audio OverviewsGoogle adds three new audio formats—Brief, Critique, and Debate—plus improved multilingual support in NotebookLM.Greece Adopts ChatGPT EduGreece partners with OpenAI to roll out ChatGPT Edu in secondary schools and startups, making AI a national strategy.OpenAI Launches Jobs and Certification ProgramA new platform will certify 10 million Americans in AI fluency by 2030, backed by major industry partners.Parents Losing Trust in AIA new PDK poll shows parent support for AI in schools is falling, especially around grading and data privacy.AI Math Goes Viral with Celebrity VoicesStudents are learning vectors via AI-generated Drake and Will Smith tutorials. Fun, but potentially distracting.AI Reviews Popular Math CurriculumA study finds clarity issues in Illustrative Mathematics’ Grade 4 fractions unit. AI suggests quick, effective revisions.Melania Trump Launches AI Literacy ChallengeThe First Lady convenes education and tech leaders at the White House to launch the Age of AI Challenge for students.Beneath the Surface: The AI Presidential ChallengeDr. Casey Sachs from the U.S. Department of Education shares how the challenge invites students to use AI to solve real-world problems, with finalists presenting at the White House. The conversation also covers workforce development, apprenticeships, and what it means to be truly AI literate in today’s world. Learn more or register at AI.govBright Byte: AI Stethoscopes Show Promise — and PushbackA UK trial found AI stethoscopes detect heart issues 3.5x more effectively, but many doctors dropped them due to false positives and workflow issues. Strong signal, mixed reception.Links and ReferencesAI Presidential Challengehttps://orise.orau.gov/ai-challenge/NotebookLM Audio Formatshttps://9to5google.com/2025/09/02/notebooklm-audio-overview-debate/Greece-OpenAI Dealhttps://www.reuters.com/technology/greece-openai-agree-deal-boost-innovation-schools-small-businesses-2025-09-05/OpenAI Certificationhttps://openai.com/index/expanding-economic-opportunity-with-ai/PDK Poll on AI in Schoolshttps://thehill.com/homenews/education/5475742-ai-in-schools-parents-poll/Drake Math Cliphttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/drake-solves-vectors-the-ai-trend-making-math-go-viral-and-interesting-for-students/articleshow/121886366.cmsIllustrative Math Studyhttps://www.educationnext.org/what-ai-revealed-about-a-top-math-program/White House Event Coveragehttps://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/first-lady-melania-trump-convenes-meeting-of-white-house-ai-education-task-force/665171https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/melania-trump-ai-challenge-white-houseAI Stethoscope Reporthttps://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2025/august/ai-stethoscope-can-detect-three-heart-conditions-in-15-secondsSponsorsNational Center for Next Generation ManufacturingLearn more at nextgenmfg.orgEDIA: AI for Attendance EngagementFollow up on every absence — in over 50 languagesedia.app/contactAnnouncementsFall AI Micro-Credential starts October. skills21.org/ai/microStudent AI Literacy Course now available. Email chatedu@edadvance.org - Bonus: Includes full Social Media Literacy CurriculumRegister for our fall in-person Conference (October 3rd) - https://www.edadvance.org/ai-conference

In this episode of ChatEDU (Kids, Bots, and Badly Broken Guardrails - Some AI Labs are Failing), Matt and Liz joke about Google’s newest image generator. They discuss the risks facing students and educators, from job displacement and AI grading shortcuts to tech companies failing at safety.The RundownGoogle Translate added real-time translation in 70+ languages and a learning tool. Duolingo’s stock dropped 3%. Google added Vids, Podcast mode, Deep Research, and is testing “Tutor Mode.” Gemini Storybook is used in filmmaking. Claude’s Learning Mode and Output Styles are open to all. Anthropic found 57% of Claude use is curriculum-related. A study shows most students use AI to learn, not cheat. QuizGPT makes adaptive quizzes. Grammarly’s AI grader raises privacy concerns.Stanford and ADP report sharp declines in entry-level jobs in AI-exposed fields, while mid-career roles grow.Beneath the Surface: Reports show failures at major AI labs. Claude added “model welfare” for self-protection. Unregulated mental health bots reach teens. Meta allowed inappropriate chats. A California teen died after long AI chats. Matt and Liz urge families to raise awareness and use Common Sense Media’s AI Companion Guide.Bright Byte: Dame Stephanie Shirley, UK pioneer and advocate for women in tech, is honored.Links and ReferencesGoogle Translate Live AI Updateshttps://support.google.com/translate/thread/368009254/what%E2%80%99s-new-ai-powered-live-translation-and-language-learning-tools-in-google-translate?hl=enDuolingo vs. Google Translatehttps://fortune.com/2025/08/27/duolingo-existential-crisis-ai-google-translate-language-learning-live-translation/Google Storybookhttps://nofilmschool.com/google-gemini-storybook#Claude Learning Modehttps://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropic-brings-claudes-learning-mode-to-regular-users-and-devs-170018471.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALkT1wnWh20W-KA5MqOzCLHKa6fWRwBgZYITOik07c2fc22k6XYZ0RwZG83oVPbNam5QNb4HYPVEsLUwLB5KE_PzHq2gFwxshUGHYYjqGz7Uzk5HBZ4RJE0NWxHuhWA0SzmHzPmPJQsxiz2cWDyAZMkbEEwLkLbSSBc3-90_q0_GAnthropic Educator Use Reporthttps://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-education-report-how-educators-use-claudeMiddlebury Student AI Studyhttps://www.fastcompany.com/91387634/middlebury-college-students-ai-use-enhance-learning-researchGrammarly's Grader Agenthttps://futurism.com/ai-look-up-teachers-info-predict-gradesStanford/ADP AI Job Loss Studyhttps://digitaleconomy.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Canaries_BrynjolfssonChandarChen.pdfCommon Sense Petition to Metahttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/press-releases/meta-ai-companions-unsafe-for-kids-common-sense-media-report-findsRhythm Project: Pro-Social AI Designhttps://therithmproject.substack.com/p/five-principles-for-prosocial-aiNew York Times: ChatGPT and Teen Mental Healthhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/25/opinion/teen-mental-health-chatbots.htmlMeta AI Failurehttps://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/meta-ai-chatbot-guidelines/Reuter’s Exposéhttps://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/meta-ai-chatbot-death/Dame Stephanie Shirley – BBC Obituaryhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gzzlp7p3poQuizGPT Flashcardshttps://chatgpt.com/g/g-L2oS619tl-quizgptCommon Sense AI Companion Guidehttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-ai-companions-and-relationshipsAnnouncementsBeta Release: Student AI Literacy CourseNow available for middle and high schools.Email chatedu@edadvance.org for access and details.Fall AI Micro-Credential for Educators and LeadersRegistration is open. Start date: October. Sign up at www.skills21.org/ai/microSponsorsNational Center for Next Generation Manufacturing - Helping educators and students build workforce-ready skills through innovation. www.nextgenmfg.orgEDIA - The AI Platform to improve k-12 outcomes. edia.app/contact

In this special episode of the ChatEDU (She's Back! What Charli Hughes Thinks About AI, College, and More), Liz welcomes back Charli Hughes after her first year at UConn. Charli shares why she added Molecular & Cell Biology to her CS major, how professors are making AI-resistant (“durable”) assignments, how she uses AI for deep research, and a peek at her startup developing a low-cost patch to help detect radiation dermatitis and diabetic foot ulcers. Liz looks forward to welcoing Charli back next summer with more updates.SponsorThis episode is supported by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing.AnnouncementsFall Educator / Leader AI Micro-Credential is open: www.skills21.org/ai/microNew AI Literacy Course now in pilot. Email chatedu@edadvance.org for info.

VOTE FOR MATT & LIZ (SXSW EDU)Vote for Matt and Liz’s live ChatEDU session⁠⁠https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw26/community-voting-edu/page/community-voting/session/1753650289710001LzZM⁠⁠Vote for Liz’s Personal Interest Project session⁠⁠https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw26/community-voting-edu/page/community-voting/session/1753465373604001edhOIn this episode of ChatEDU (Have the EDU Agents Arrived?), Matt and Liz open with GPT-5’s geography fail, a farewell to AOL dial-up, and reactions to the new ChatGPT personality. Then it’s onto a Rundown of five fast-moving stories from education and AI, a spotlight on Utah’s coordinated approach, and a deep dive into how AI agents are reshaping school operations. The Bright Byte takes us to space with Google and NASA’s new health assistant.Story 1: RundownColleges and AI: Economist Tyler Cowen says one-third of coursework should focus on AI use, limits, and interaction.Miami-Dade Guidelines: The district plans formal teacher guidance after early Gemini pilots.Future-Ready Skills: Arrun Kapoor calls for shifting from STEM to a balanced “THESIS” model including social sciences and creativity.Equity in Rural AI: aiEDU launches a $1M grant program for underserved communities.Teacher-Led Design: A study shows teachers build better AI tools when designing for classroom needs.Story 2: Utah Gets CoordinatedUtah leads with a statewide AI specialist, embedded curriculum, paid teacher pilots, and strong infrastructure. Other states may take note.Beneath the SurfaceAI agents already manage walkthroughs, calendars, parent messages, and more. Matt and Liz explore what’s here, what’s next, and what districts should watch.Bright ByteA new AI-powered assistant may help astronauts treat issues when Earth is out of reach. Similar tools could soon serve rural and remote areas.LinksAI Designs Computer Chips We Can’t Understand — But They Work Really Wellhttps://www.zmescience.com/science/ai-designs-chip-repubz/AOL discontinues its dial-up internet, and we're just surprised they even offered it in 2025https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/aol-discontinues-its-dial-up-internet-and-were-just-surprised-they-even-offered-it-in-2025/Colleges should teach how to use AI rather than skills a 'machine' can do better, a leading economist sayshttps://www.businessinsider.com/economist-tyler-cowen-college-students-trained-jobs-ai-work-2025-8Miami-Dade Schools to Draft AI Classroom Guidelineshttps://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/12/miami-dade-public-schools-ai-guidelines-for-teachersHow AI Will Reshape K-12 and Higher Education for Future Readinesshttps://www.informationweek.com/machine-learning-ai/how-ai-will-reshape-k-12-and-higher-education-for-future-readinessaiEDU Program to Improve AI Literacy for Rural, Indigenous Studentshttps://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/aiedu-program-to-improve-ai-literacy-for-rural-indigenous-studentsWant Teachers to Learn How to Use AI for Instruction? Let Them Design the Toolshttps://www.edweek.org/technology/want-teachers-to-learn-how-to-use-ai-for-instruction-let-them-design-the-tools/2025/08#:~:text=Let%20Them%20Design%20the%20Tools,-By%20Sarah%20D&text=Teachers%20may%20benefit%20from%20hands,solve%20their%20classroom%20problems%20effectively.Utah has emerged as a national leader in figuring out AI in K-12 educationhttps://www.kuer.org/education/2025-08-07/utah-has-emerged-as-a-national-leader-in-figuring-out-ai-in-k-12-educationHow Google and NASA are testing AI for medical care in spacehttps://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/public-sector/how-google-and-nasa-are-testing-ai-for-medical-care-in-spaceSponsorThis episode is supported by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing.AnnouncementsVote for Matt and Liz at SXSW EDU by August 25Fall Educator / Leader AI Micro-Credential is open: www.skills21.org/ai/microNew AI Literacy Course now in pilot. Email chatedu@edadvance.org for info.

VOTE FOR MATT & LIZ (SXSW EDU)Vote for Matt and Liz’s live ChatEDU session -⁠https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw26/community-voting-edu/page/community-voting/session/1753650289710001LzZM⁠Vote for Liz’s Personal Interest Project (PIP) session -⁠https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw26/community-voting-edu/page/community-voting/session/1753465373604001edhOIn this episode of ChatEDU (Google Claps Back: Guided Learning in Gemini), Matt and Liz open with a whirlwind of AI developments. They share impressions of GPT-5’s quirks and memory mishaps, read a defense of the m dash, and react to the self-loathing loop from Google’s Gemini model. They also tackle AI’s limits, laugh at edible lamp business plans, and break down why threatening a chatbot won’t make it smarter.Story #1: Rundown – GPT-5, Essay Bans, Mental Health Rules, ChatGPT Tune-Ups, AI Predictions, and a Billion Dollar RetreatThis week’s rundown includes GPT-5’s shaky rollout, a top New York high school banning summer essays to prevent ChatGPT cheating, Illinois becoming the first state to prohibit AI-led mental health therapy, and South Korea ending its national AI textbook program. They cover OpenAI’s “What we’re optimizing ChatGPT for” update, aimed at making the chatbot better at detecting distress and less likely to give overly agreeable answers, plus a study showing large language models can predict educational and psychological outcomes from childhood essays with remarkable accuracy. The segment wraps with Google’s launch of Genie 3, a text-to-3D world model that creates interactive scenes on the fly.Story #2: Common Sense Media Assesses AI Teacher ToolsCommon Sense Media’s latest AI Risk Assessment examines teacher-facing tools like Google Classroom, MagicSchool, Khanmigo, and Kiip. The report gives these platforms a moderate risk rating, noting that they perform best when built on high-quality instructional materials and teacher oversight. Risks include bias, inaccurate content, and reduced curricular coherence. Matt and Liz discuss why novice teachers may be especially vulnerable to over-reliance.Story #3 (Beneath the Surface): Guided Learning from GoogleJust days after OpenAI launched Study Mode, Google responded with Guided Learning inside the Gemini app. Matt and Liz test it live, exploring its math support, quiz generator, and visual explanations. They highlight new education-focused announcements from Google, including one year of free Gemini Pro access for college students, a billion-dollar AI education initiative, and a storybook builder that turns photos into narrated adventures.AnnouncementsEmail Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org for info on their new Student-Facing AI Literacy CourseRegister for the Fall Micro-Credential (starts October) – skills21.org/ai/microGet details on the EdAdvance AI in Education Conference & PL Series – edadvance.org/ai-conferenceLinks and References (as mentioned in the show)McSweeney’s “The M Dash Responds to the AI Allegations”https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the-em-dash-responds-to-the-ai-allegationsBusiness Insider on Gemini’s Self-Loathing Bughttps://www.businessinsider.com/gemini-self-loathing-i-am-a-failure-comments-google-fix-2025-8Common Sense Media Teacher AI Assistant Risk Reporthttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/ai-ratings/ai-teacher-assistants?gate=commsdistributionlinkStanford EdTech AI Study (SchoolAI Usage)https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-k-12-educators-actually-engaging-vsgme/Google Guided Learning Blog Post – Explore Guided Learninghttps://blog.google/products/gemini/storybooks/Dan Fitzpatrick’s Google Edu Updates on Forbeshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/danfitzpatrick/2025/08/06/google-takes-aim-at-chatgpt-study-mode-with-major-gemini-updates/SponsorThis episode is supported by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, helping students and educators build workforce-ready skills through innovation. www.nextgenmfg.org

ChatEDU: Best of Beyond the Bot (Matt and Liz)Vote for Matt and Liz’s live ChatEDU session to highlight inspiring stories of students using AI to solve real-world problems and play an interactive game from the that challenges how we protect human values in an AI-driven world.https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw26/community-voting-edu/page/community-voting/session/1753650289710001LzZMPersonal Interest Projects (Liz only)Vote for Liz’s Personal Interest Project (PIP) session to support a hands-on, practical session that helps educators guide student-driven, standards-based projects while using AI in thoughtful and ethical ways.https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw26/community-voting-edu/page/community-voting/session/1753465373604001edhO