ChatEDU – The AI & Education Podcast

• From ChatGPT to Chat Group GPT? | Ep. 85

  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 ⁠[email protected]⁠The 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

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• Unlocking Student Passions with PIPs and AI | Ep. 84

  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 ⁠[email protected]⁠The 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

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• From Sycophants to Socrates | Ep. 83

  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 ⁠[email protected]⁠The 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

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• When Teachers Build the Tools – Thomas Hummel of Eduaide.Ai

  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 ⁠[email protected]⁠The 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/

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• Signing Off of ChatGPT | Ep. 81

  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 ⁠[email protected]⁠Registration 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

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