Podcast
AI CAFE 2025
Hosted by Accretive Media Ventures · EN
The first school year in the age of generative AI is historic and is raising many big questions. AI Café is where active classroom teachers meet to share what we've learned about managing generative AI in the classroom this week? Grab a cup of coffee with a middle school teacher, a university professor, an early childhood educator-technology specialist, and an education researcher as we meet to share our weekly discoveries. We cover it all from the aha moments to mistakes we’ve made, and the lessons we learned. We cap the meet-up by sharing the AI tools we found most helpful and effective.
10episodes
Episodes
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Lightning Presentation: AI Cafe Year in Review 2024
Jan 3, 202500:10:14Tap to summarizeThe AI Cafe podcasts 2024 mic drop episode looks back on a year of generative AI in education. Through the lens of a diverse cohort of educators ranging from early adopters to AI skeptics. The discussions highlight the evolving perceptions of AI, from initial fears of cheating and hindering critical thinking to recognizing its potential to enhance strategic thinking and critical analysis. The podcast covers various aspects, including AI’s role in personalized learning, ethical concerns about AI bans, and the importance of data security. It emphasizes the need for intentional AI use, balancing technology with foundational skills, and fostering a community of educators navigating this AI-driven educational landscape. Mic Drop is a pilot project from BRN’s Gen AI Podcast Labs. The first iteration is promising, and we look forward to improving the channel as the technology evolves. See an error or have a suggestion? Leave your comments below.
Transcribe →The County Banned Gen AI in My School, I’m a K12 Teacher, What Should I Do?
Nov 11, 202400:20:54Tap to summarizeThe conversation explores the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education, and the varying policies across institutions. Participants discuss the importance of AI literacy for educators, the implications of banning AI tools, and the need for a balanced approach to technology in the classroom. The dialogue also touches on the intersection of AI and social justice, emphasizing the digital divide and the necessity for equitable access to educational resources. Follow on Twitter: @ideasforteacher @DrBioTom @jonHarper70bd @CFKurban @JBR_Kleinmann @bamradionetwork Resources: ChatGPT | AI LABS | School AI | Magic School | Hacking GenAI in Education: Conversation Starters Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. Caroline previously was Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University. She also teaches in the Faculty of Education. She has taught, trained, and managed in schools and universities in her twenty-year career. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Dan Jones earned a BS in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. Dan is an FLGI Master Teacher whose professional interests include e-learning, technology, and Project-Based Learning. Dr. Juli Ross-Kleinmann is an experienced Administrator/ Instructional Specialist who has worked in primary, secondary, and higher education and is skilled in authentically integrating educational technology, professional development, curriculum planning, instructional design, and organizational leadership. Juli has a Master of Science in Education (Administration & Supervision) focused in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Fordham University. She served for three years on the board of ISTE and is an ISTE-certified educator. Jon Harper is an elementary school teacher and a former assistant principal at Choptank Elementary School in Cambridge, Maryland. He was a math coach and taught first through fifth grades. He is the author of My Bad: 24 Educators Who Messed Up Fessed Up and Grew! He Hosts the Teachers’ Aid podcast.
Transcribe →We Need Time to Play Before We Teach: The Key to A Supportive AI Culture
Oct 20, 202400:22:09Tap to summarizeThe conversation explores the overwhelming number of AI tools available to educators and our challenges in finding time to learn and implement them effectively. Participants discuss the importance of play in professional development, the need for targeted learning experiences, and the systemic changes required to support teachers in their ongoing learning. They emphasize the significance of intrinsic motivation and the necessity for effective questioning when using AI as a support tool. The discussion concludes with recognizing the need for open conversations about supporting teacher play time in education. Follow on Twitter: @ideasforteacher @DrBioTom @jonHarper70bd @CFKurban @JBR_Kleinmann @bamradionetwork Resources: ChatGPT | AI LABS | School AI | Magic School | YouLearn | Hacking GenAI in Education: Conversation Starters Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. Caroline previously was Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University. She also teaches in the Faculty of Education. She has taught, trained, and managed in schools and universities in her twenty-year career. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Dan Jones earned a BS in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. Dan is an FLGI Master Teacher whose professional interests include e-learning, technology, and Project-Based Learning. Dr. Juli Ross-Kleinmann is an experienced Administrator/ Instructional Specialist who has worked in primary, secondary, and higher education and is skilled in authentically integrating educational technology, professional development, curriculum planning, instructional design, and organizational leadership. Juli has a Master of Science in Education (Administration & Supervision) focused in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Fordham University. She served for three years on the board of ISTE and is an ISTE-certified educator. Jon Harper is an elementary school teacher and a former assistant principal at Choptank Elementary School in Cambridge, Maryland. He was a math coach and taught first through fifth grades. He is the author of My Bad: 24 Educators Who Messed Up Fessed Up and Grew! He Hosts the Teachers’ Aid podcast.
Transcribe →We Found A Way to Increase Passionate, Meaningful and Joyful Learning with Gen AI
Oct 6, 202400:21:48Tap to summarizeThis week, we discussed the critical role of intrinsic motivation and passion in education, discussing how traditional educational systems often rely on extrinsic motivators. The group emphasized the need for relevance in learning, the integration of AI to connect to student passions, and the importance of authentic performance tasks that align with students’ interests. They also touch on standards-based grading to foster student agency and the potential future of education in light of AI advancements. Follow on Twitter: @ideasforteacher @DrBioTom @jonHarper70bd @CFKurban @JBR_Kleinmann @bamradionetwork Resources: ChatGPT | AI LABS | School AI | Hacking GenAI in Education: Conversation Starters Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. Caroline previously was Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University. She also teaches in the Faculty of Education. She has taught, trained, and managed in schools and universities in her twenty-year career. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Dan Jones earned a BS in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. Dan is an FLGI Master Teacher whose professional interests include e-learning, technology, and Project-Based Learning. Dr. Juli Ross-Kleinmann is an experienced Administrator/ Instructional Specialist who has worked in primary, secondary, and higher education and is skilled in authentically integrating educational technology, professional development, curriculum planning, instructional design, and organizational leadership. Juli has a Master of Science in Education (Administration & Supervision) focused in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Fordham University. She served for three years on the board of ISTE and is an ISTE-certified educator. Jon Harper is an elementary school teacher and a former assistant principal at Choptank Elementary School in Cambridge, Maryland. He was a math coach and taught first through fifth grades. He is the author of My Bad: 24 Educators Who Messed Up Fessed Up and Grew! He Hosts the Teachers’ Aid podcast.
Transcribe →How Much Student Struggle Is Productive, How Much Gen AI Is Too Much?
Sep 21, 202400:25:30Tap to summarizeThis week, we discussed the balance between utilizing technology and maintaining foundational skills. The speakers discuss the importance of struggle in the learning process, the potential dangers of over-reliance on AI, and the need for structured, purposeful use of technology in educational settings. They reflect on their experiences with students and the challenges of integrating AI effectively while ensuring students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Follow on Twitter: @ideasforteacher @DrBioTom @jonHarper70bd @CFKurban @JBR_Kleinmann @bamradionetwork Resources: ChatGPT | AI LABS | School AI | Magic School | Hacking GenAI in Education: Conversation Starters Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. Caroline previously was Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University. She also teaches in the Faculty of Education. She has taught, trained, and managed in schools and universities in her twenty-year career. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Dan Jones earned a BS in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. Dan is an FLGI Master Teacher whose professional interests include e-learning, technology, and Project-Based Learning. Dr. Juli Ross-Kleinmann is an experienced Administrator/ Instructional Specialist who has worked in primary, secondary, and higher education and is skilled in authentically integrating educational technology, professional development, curriculum planning, instructional design, and organizational leadership. Juli has a Master of Science in Education (Administration & Supervision) focused in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Fordham University. She served for three years on the board of ISTE and is an ISTE-certified educator. Jon Harper is an elementary school teacher and a former assistant principal at Choptank Elementary School in Cambridge, Maryland. He was a math coach and taught first through fifth grades. He is the author of My Bad: 24 Educators Who Messed Up Fessed Up and Grew! He Hosts the Teachers’ Aid podcast.
Transcribe →Going From Toy to Tool: Finding Your Path to Using Gen AI Effectively In The Classroom
Sep 7, 202400:34:19Tap to summarizeThe conversation explores the journey of embracing AI as a tool rather than a toy. The participants discuss the importance of vetting AI apps and the need for critical thinking when using AI-generated content. They also highlight the role of AI in personalization, project-based learning, and adaptive learning. The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating AI in education, including policy development and teacher training. The participants share their experiences with AI tools like School AI, ChatGPT, Gamma, Canva, Diffit, and Merlin. They emphasize the need for reflection and continuous engagement with AI to maximize its benefits in the classroom. Follow on Twitter: @ideasforteacher @DrBioTom @jonHarper70bd @CFKurban @JBR_Kleinmann @bamradionetwork Resources: ChatGPT | AI LABS | School AI | Magic School | Gamma | Canva | Diffit | Merlin Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. Caroline previously was Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University. She also teaches in the Faculty of Education. She has taught, trained, and managed in schools and universities in her twenty-year career. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Dan Jones earned a BS in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. Dan is an FLGI Master Teacher whose professional interests include e-learning, technology, and Project-Based Learning. Dr. Juli Ross-Kleinmann is an experienced Administrator/ Instructional Specialist who has worked in primary, secondary, and higher education and is skilled in authentically integrating educational technology, professional development, curriculum planning, instructional design, and organizational leadership. Juli has a Master of Science in Education (Administration & Supervision) focused in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Fordham University. She served for three years on the board of ISTE and is an ISTE-certified educator. Jon Harper is an elementary school teacher and a former assistant principal at Choptank Elementary School in Cambridge, Maryland. He was a math coach and taught first through fifth grades. He is the author of My Bad: 24 Educators Who Messed Up Fessed Up and Grew! He Hosts the Teachers’ Aid podcast.
Transcribe →It Takes Time to Save Time With Gen AI: How to Spend the Least and Get the Most
Apr 7, 202400:32:08Tap to summarizeWe began by exploring whether we're just using generative AI because it's the shiny new thing. We quickly agreed that Gen AI is definitely a massive time saver. But how much time did we each have to invest in learning, setting up, and tweaking generative AI tools to start seeing significant time savings? We discovered that the time ranged from less than 15 minutes to many, many hours, depending on how you approach the technology. Follow on Twitter: @ideasforteacher @DrBioTom @jonHarper70bd @CFKurban @JBR_Kleinmann @bamradionetwork Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. Caroline previously was Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University. She also teaches in the Faculty of Education. She has taught, trained, and managed in schools and universities in her twenty-year career. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Juli Ross-Kleinmann is an experienced Administrator/ Instructional Specialist who has worked in primary, secondary, and higher education and is skilled in authentically integrating educational technology, professional development, curriculum planning, instructional design, and organizational leadership. Juli has a Master of Science in Education (Administration & Supervision) focused in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Fordham University. She served for three years on the board of ISTE and is an ISTE-certified educator. Dr. Thomas Mennella has been an instructor in higher education for over ten years. Starting as a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and moving on to an Assistant Professorship at Delaware State University (DSU), Tom is now an Associate Professor at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dan Jones earned a BS in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. Dan is an FLGI Master Teacher whose professional interests include e-learning, technology, and Project-Based Learning. Errol St.Clair Smith is an Emmy Award-winning correspondent who has written for the Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Reason Magazine, Edutopia and ISTE. He is currently the executive producer at BAM Education Radio Network (BRN) and the BLINDSIDED by AI docuseries premiering in June 2024.
Transcribe →Show Me Your Work: How Can We Assess Students’ AI Supported Assignments?
Mar 28, 202400:20:42Tap to summarizeThis week, we discuss the need and practical challenges of tracking and assessing student assignments when generative AI is an approved tool. What reliable strategies can we use to see and evaluate students’ processes without increasing our workload? Follow on Twitter: @ideasforteacher @DrBioTom @jonHarper70bd @CFKurban @JBR_Kleinmann @bamradionetwork Resources: ChatGPT | AI LABS | School AI Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. Caroline previously was Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University. She also teaches in the Faculty of Education. She has taught, trained, and managed in schools and universities in her twenty-year career. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Juli Ross-Kleinmann is an experienced Administrator/ Instructional Specialist who has worked in primary, secondary, and higher education and is skilled in authentically integrating educational technology, professional development, curriculum planning, instructional design, and organizational leadership. Juli has a Master of Science in Education (Administration & Supervision) focused in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Fordham University. She served for three years on the board of ISTE and is an ISTE-certified educator. Dr. Thomas Mennella has been an instructor in higher education for over ten years. Starting as a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and moving on to an Assistant Professorship at Delaware State University (DSU), Tom is now an Associate Professor at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dan Jones earned a BS in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. Dan is an FLGI Master Teacher whose professional interests include e-learning, technology, and Project-Based Learning.
Transcribe →Creating Stimulating, Safe Learning Experiences with AI-Powered Teaching
Mar 17, 202400:27:45Tap to summarizeThis week, we talk about an AI tool that enables teachers to create custom chatbots for specific units, provide real-time insights into student progress, level reading material, assist with IEP goals, and create interactive “choose your own adventure” activities. It’s called a “walled garden” for their students, meaning all data and interactions stay within a secure AI environment. The AI tool is FERPA and COPA-compliant, ensuring student data privacy. The educators agree that while AI can greatly assist in lesson planning, it allows teachers to focus more on direct student interaction and support. Follow on Twitter: @ideasforteacher @DrBioTom @jonHarper70bd @CFKurban @JBR_Kleinmann @bamradionetwork Resources: ChatGPT | AI LABS | School AI Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. Caroline previously was Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University. She also teaches in the Faculty of Education. She has taught, trained, and managed in schools and universities in her twenty-year career. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Juli Ross-Kleinmann is an experienced Administrator/ Instructional Specialist who has worked in primary, secondary, and higher education and is skilled in authentically integrating educational technology, professional development, curriculum planning, instructional design, and organizational leadership. Juli has a Master of Science in Education (Administration & Supervision) focused in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Fordham University. She served for three years on the board of ISTE and is an ISTE-certified educator. Dr. Thomas Mennella has been an instructor in higher education for over ten years. Starting as a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and moving on to an Assistant Professorship at Delaware State University (DSU), Tom is now an Associate Professor at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dan Jones earned a BS in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. Dan is an FLGI Master Teacher whose professional interests include e-learning, technology, and Project-Based Learning.
Transcribe →3 Frameworks for Managing the Growing Wave of Generative AI Tools: The Missing Link
Jan 27, 202400:14:27Tap to summarizeThe number of new artificial intelligence tools available to educators is expanding faster than most of us can follow. This generative AI wave is introducing technologies into the classroom with many unknowns and limited vetting. This week, we explore how we can assess students’ experiences with GAI tools to identify what works. We explored models for making these assessments and uncovered a potential missing link. Resources Mentioned: Common Sense Media | ISTE | MagicSchool | ChatGPT | Bard| FERPA | COPPA | SAMR | Triple E | TPACK Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. Caroline previously held the position of Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University. She also teaches on the Faculty of Education. She has taught, trained and managed in schools and universities in her twenty-year career. She holds a BSc in Geology, MSc in TESOL, MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Juli Ross-Kleinmann is an experienced Administrator/ Instructional Specialist who has worked in primary, secondary, and higher education. Skilled in authentically integrating educational technology, professional development, curriculum planning, instructional design, and organizational leadership. Juli has a Master of Science in Education (Administration & Supervision) focused in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Fordham University. She served for three years on the board of ISTE and is an ISTE Certified Educator. Dr. Thomas Mennella has been an instructor in higher education for over ten years. Starting as a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and then moving on to an Assistant Professorship at Delaware State University (DSU), Tom is now an Associate Professor at Western New England University in Springfield Massachusetts. Dan Jones earned a BS in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from American College of Education. Dan is an FLGI Master Teacher whose professional interests include e-learning and technology, as well as Project-Based Learning.
Transcribe →