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.

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.

We know that artificial intelligence will grow in its sophistication and ability. But how will that impact the workforce? And, just as importantly, what skills will be beneficial in this shifted workforce? In this episode, Holly and Matt discuss this with Dr. Micah Shippee, Director of Education Technology Consulting and Solutions for Samsung. They share several skills we can develop in students and some thoughts on how they can be integrated into learning.   Dr. Micah Shippee, is the Director of Education Technology Consulting and Solutions at Samsung. Micah and his team design, develop, and deliver learning solutions to inspire and empower educators and learners. The team strives to amplify the meaningful work in education by supporting the adoption of Samsung innovation. Micah operates at the intersection of practice and research as a veteran consultant and professor specializing in planned change and innovation, learning theory, project management, and organizational behavior. His efforts focus on the adoption and deployment of new technological innovations in organizations. As an author, consultant, and keynote speaker, he focuses on the adoption of innovation through the development of cultures that embrace change. Micah is the author of WanderlustEDU: An Educator’s Guide to Innovation, Change, and Adventure and co-author of Reality Bytes: Innovative Learning Using Augmented and Virtual Reality.   Resources: 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.

It's clear that AI is going to force some changes to how we do classwork and school. But in what directions should we move? It's time to look through our Tomorrow Glasses and predict what students will need to survive and thrive in the era of artificial intelligence. In this episode, Holly and Matt share some shifts we can make now in our classwork and schools to start to prepare students for their future.

Peter Paccone, a high school social studies teacher in California, saw the benefits of generative AI as soon as ChatGPT came out in 2022. Since then, he's been incorporating it into his practice but also championing its use in Advanced Placement classes and to promote instant feedback with students. In this episode, Holly and Matt ask Peter about his experiences -- and why he believes so strongly in the power of AI on equity in education. You can connect with Peter on Twitter/X @PeterPaccone

Students have lots of content to master. But not all of it is connected to their interests or curiosities. Thankfully, we have ways to infuse student choice into what students are learning. Choice boards give students additional resources connected to what they're learning that are tailored to what students are into. In this episode, Matt and Holly tell you all about explore boards and how you can make them for your students.   Resources: Using an Explore Board in the Classroom: The Outsiders HyperDoc Example from Holly Clark Personalize learning with Explore Boards from Matt Miller 🍿Watch this one minute Tik Tok on what this Explore Board is 🍿Watch this one minute Tik Tok of this Explore Board in action with students

In this episode of the Digital Learning Podcast, Matt Miller and Holly Clark discuss how to create chatbots for use in the classroom. Chatbots can be a valuable addition to the classroom, providing students with personalized support and feedback. By following best practices, teachers can create effective chatbots that enhance the learning experience for their students. In this episode, Holly shares her experience creating a chatbot and ideas for using something similar in the classroom. Resources: Poe.com Poe is a platform that lets people ask questions, get instant answers, and have back-and-forth conversations with a wide variety of AI-powered bots. It is available on iOS, Android, MacOS and web. Huggingface.co Hugging Face offers tools that enable users to build, train, and deploy machine learning models. ChatGPT Vision The new features include voice and image capabilities that allow users to have a voice conversation or show ChatGPT what they are talking about, and to snap pictures of objects and ask questions about them. Khanmigo Khanmigo is an AI-powered tool developed by Khan Academy that helps students and teachers with their learning and teaching. It gives suggestions and feedback to students as they write, debate, and collaborate, and provides personalized tutoring to learners of all backgrounds.   

Let's be honest. Students are already using AI tools on their own, whether or not they're old enough or have permission. But they're not just using them to do their homework. In this episode, Matt and Holly share what they're hearing from teachers and students about how they're using AI to learn deeply -- and paint a picture of how it can be used to engage students and level up learning.