Episodes

  • A Superintendent's Response to Generative AI with Jerry Almendarez

    A Superintendent's Response to Generative AI with Jerry Almendarez
    Aug 1 2024
    In this episode, we engage in an insightful conversation with Jerry Almendarez, the superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District, about integrating AI in education. Almendarez discusses the initiatives taken by the district to adopt AI, the strategies for rolling it out, and the overall impact on teaching and learning. He emphasizes the importance of innovation, the proactive involvement of stakeholders, and the challenges and benefits of using AI tools to enhance education. Almendarez also shares practical examples, success metrics, and future plans for AI deployment in schools.

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

    Innovating Instruction: How AI is Changing the Teaching Landscape with Jon Fila
    Apr 9 2024
    The Impact of Generative AI in Education: A Conversation with Jon Fila


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


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

    Transforming Education for the Age of AI: Insights from Dr. Charles Fadel
    Mar 27 2024

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

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


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

    Elevating Education: The Power of Generative AI and Stakeholder Voices with Julie Evans
    Mar 14 2024
    In this engaging conversation, Julie Evans, the CEO of Project Tomorrow, joins hosts Julie and Adam to discuss the transformative potential of generative AI in education, the importance of stakeholder feedback, and the work of Project Tomorrow. With over two decades of experience, Evans highlights the organization's commitment to amplifying educator voices through its Speak Up Research Project and introduces a new partnership focused on utilizing generative AI to enhance educational experiences. Evans shares her passion for data and cooking, emphasizing the significance of localized data in making informed decisions that resonate with specific community needs. The discussion also covers the newly launched generative AI survey aimed at capturing comprehensive insights from educators and school leaders to guide the future of education technology.


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

    Navigating the AI Roadmap: An Insight into Denver Public Schools with Dr. Charles
    Feb 14 2024
    In a podcast featuring special guest Dr. Richard Charles, Chief Information Officer for Denver Public Schools, Julie and Adam lead conversations in the topics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI. Dr. Charles elaborated on the rapid technological changes, data security concerns, and the impact of AI on teaching and learning. He highlighted the need for new approaches to computing and mathematics education, stressing on the importance of statistics, linear algebra, and data science. Dr. Charles also shared, among others, about the use of AI tools for second language learners and the need for schools to establish policies and guardrails around the use of such technologies.

    Check out Dr. Charles' TED Talk


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

    Introducing The Generative AI in Education Podast
    Jan 22 2024
    Hosts Julie Foss and Adam Garry get things rolling with their inauguarl episode exploring Generative AI in Education. They share some of their early experiences working with school districts and look at the topic from a systems level.
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    30 mins
  • Emerging Trends & Risks in Generative AI: An Education Perspective

    Emerging Trends & Risks in Generative AI: An Education Perspective
    Jan 13 2024

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

    They discuss the importance of AI in facilitating advanced learning partnerships and the rising implications its usage has for school systems. Topics include:
    • newly proposed regulations on data privacy
    • the rise of specialized A
    • the importance of policies, and the rapidly increasing risks related to AI.
    As a bonus, they also consider the future of AI, exploring promising possibilities, potential pitfalls, and the compelling pace of technological development.
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    39 mins