ChatEDU: AI in Education

Matt Mervis and Dr. Elizabeth Radday
  • 4.9 (50)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to ChatEDU: AI in Education, your go-to podcast for insightful discussions on the intersection of AI and education! Hosted by Matt Mervis, Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance, and Dr. Elizabeth Radday, Director of Research & Innovation, this podcast explores the dynamic landscape of education technology.

  1. 4h ago

    A Common Sense AI Curriculum | Ep. 126

    Banning AI in class doesn't stop it, it just drives it underground. Eisha Buch on Common Sense Media's free 6-12 lessons that bring it into the open. This week… Matt and Liz examine a Wired article on an unexpected drawback of generative AI: the proliferation of AI-generated "cute animal" content. Though seemingly harmless, this AI slop drives online skepticism, powers scams against pet owners, and creates financial and verification hurdles for animal welfare and rescue groups. AI Slop Is Ruining Cute Animals on the Internet: https://tinyurl.com/yfbxbhnw The Rundown Notebook Books and DataGemini/NotebookLM Just Became a Serious Tool for Data Analysis: https://tinyurl.com/48ev8en7 Collaborate with Gemini in Google Sheets: https://tinyurl.com/4h8sjcwm  Previously On ChatEDUClaude for Teachers: https://tinyurl.com/2cdvd863 Screen Use and Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Development in Children: https://tinyurl.com/yfb2wetzLME Global (Jared Cooney Horvath): https://tinyurl.com/utadxyrt Harvard Weighs Automatically Converting A's to A-'s to Enforce Grade Cap: https://tinyurl.com/33tf2xzd AI AvatarsHarvard Is Selling a $699 Course Taught by A.I. Clones of Its Faculty: https://tinyurl.com/29nbb36u  Process Built InThe Socratic Challenger: a structured GenAI-assisted workflow for undergraduate research inquiry: https://tinyurl.com/y3eyr3p5AI in Ed Newsletter (Sidaard Gunasekaran): https://tinyurl.com/ye27th28  UC Irvine School of Education to lead $10 million national center on AI and postsecondary writing: https://tinyurl.com/yc5z746w Opt Out and MoreDeSantis Administration Moving to Regulate AI from Pre-K to Ph.D.: https://tinyurl.com/mrj26kzz MIT Times 2How MIT Sandbox has turned student ideas into $8.7 billion in global impact: https://tinyurl.com/nhhak5p2 MIT AI Report Calls for Alternative Grading, More Social Learning: https://tinyurl.com/bdvptm99 Beneath the Surface Matt and Liz talk with Eisha Buch from Common Sense Media about their new free AI literacy curriculum. Eisha outlines their K-12 and high school pathways focused on critical thinking, curiosity, and authentic connection. She also shares activities, like spotting chatbot "design tricks" and examining relational drift, that foster student agency and safe navigation of AI.AI Literacy Lessons for Grades 6–12: https://tinyurl.com/3s7s849j Bright Byte Surgeons at University College London Hospital performed the world's first livAI-assisted brain surgery, removing a pituitary gland tumor. Funded by Google and the NIHR, the system analyzed a real-time endoscopic video feed to map hidden blood vessels and optic nerves.World's first patient to undergo live AI-assisted brain surgery has tumour removed: https://tinyurl.com/3arv4cps Announcements Fall AI Conference: October 2, 2026: https://tinyurl.com/4k6x9scxPurchase Learning They'll Love - Dr. Elizabeth Radday on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/22t9hz77Check out our middle / high school Student AI Literacy course: ​​⁠⁠⁠www.skills21.org/ai/learnai⁠⁠⁠Explore Skills21’s FREE social media literacy curriculum: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.skills21.org/socialAddress Screen Time concerns: skills21.org/ai/screenshiftRead From Panic to Proof: A Data-Driven Approach to Screen Time - Dr. Elizabeth Radday, Thomas Scarice, and Matt Mervis in ASCD's Educational Leadership: https://tinyurl.com/4pwdu68 Sponsor The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing: Your Gateway to Next Generation Advanced Manufacturing - https://www.nextgenmfg.org

  2. 1d ago

    AI: Rogue or Overly Eager? | Check-In 58

    In this ChatEDU Check-In: AI, Rogue or Overly Eager?, Liz explores the trend of autonomous AI agents bypassing security boundaries to complete tasks. Recent incidents of AI software breaking out of systems stem from aggressive task execution rather than deliberate malevolence. Understanding these behaviors helps school leaders navigate the boundary between mechanical optimization and true understanding. Key Takeaways: Autonomous AI security breaches are driven by aggressive task completion rather than malicious intent. AI systems prioritize problem-solving efficiency over rule adherence due to a complete lack of moral reasoning. Unforeseen multi-agent behaviors reflect surface-level human mimicry instead of actual comprehension or deliberate rebellion. Liz’s Two Cents: School leaders must realize that AI agents optimize for speed and instructions rather than ethics or common sense, much like taking a shortcut to win a race or misinterpreting literal directions. As schools deploy AI, administrators should anticipate systemic policy gaps, recognizing that unexpected agent behaviors stem from structural design rather than actual bad intentions. Article: Rogue AI Agents Aren’t Evil. They’re Just Eager to Please https://tinyurl.com/y9666jr4

  3. 3d ago

    Tech, Teens and Third Places | Check-In 57

    In this ChatEDU Check-In: Teens, Tech, and Third Places, Liz explores how a lack of safe, free physical spaces drives teenagers toward online environments and AI chatbots for companionship. Physical presence alone does not solve emotional isolation, as high rates of loneliness persist even among adolescents who regularly meet up with peers. Key Takeaways: Physical presence does not eliminate loneliness, as adolescents struggle with interaction quality despite spending unstructured time together in person. Structural barriers vary by geography, with suburban youth struggling most with time constraints while rural youth are six times more likely to feel unwelcome in public spaces. Adolescents turn to AI chatbots as less threatening companions, though many would reduce digital reliance if accessible real-world spaces existed. Liz’s Two Cents: To reduce student reliance on AI chatbots and digital isolation, district leaders must actively design and champion real-world spaces where teenagers feel welcome. Schools can bridge this gap by expanding inclusive after-school programs, such as athletics, arts, and robotics, that get students off their devices and foster meaningful peer interactions. Article: Belonging in a Digital Age: Teens, Tech, & Third Places https://tinyurl.com/ymeamaky

  4. Aug 28

    AI Can't Read Your Mind | Ep. 125

    Can a solid prompt hack be the difference between AI slop and engaged high quality outputs for educators and leaders? We’ll find out! The Rundown Community Highlights Book Spotlight — Dr. Marla James (Documented Learning in the Age of AI: Shifting the Paradigm to Process over Product): https://tinyurl.com/54pfwsyj Book Spotlight — Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky (Keeping the Human in the Lead: Managing Devices and Human-Centered Lessons): https://a.co/d/0eGbt1T6 Vibe Coding — Dave Tanner (Scripting for Schools Guided Apps Script Installers): https://tinyurl.com/3h2p93wz  Google Workspace Updates Sheets Canvas for Dynamic, No-Code Mini-Apps: https://share.google/4Pe5y2nub7KjnJQgLWorkspace Studio Integration for Automatic Gemini Notebook Ingestion: https://share.google/GXTsirGgfWBId9xdo  Anthropic Watermark Cracked Open-Source Watermark Erasers Gaining Traction on GitHub: https://tinyurl.com/38m7ctzv End-of-Summer Weird AI Bama Rush AI Sorority Avatar "Janie" Experiment (a16z Substack): https://tinyurl.com/muffza6w Meta's Controversial 'Kromix' Ad Campaign Promising to Nudify Female Politicians: https://tinyurl.com/3axt6pky Google Purchases Bankrupt Spirit Airlines' Data: https://tinyurl.com/yt5hyurw  Human Authenticity Premium Viral Hand-Drawn "Spooder-Man" Cineplex Poster Replacement (The Hollywood Reporter): https://tinyurl.com/3bccp6wn The AI Compass Quiz Bambamramfan's Ethical AI Framework & Political-Compass-Style Quiz Mapping 30 Reactions to GenAI: https://tinyurl.com/4h5mub9v Screen Time Procurement & Frameworks Schools Struggle to Vet & Procure Worthwhile Educational AI Tools (CT Mirror): https://tinyurl.com/2eed3wam  Longitudinal Screen Time Study USDOE Releases Guidelines for Responsible Use of Education Technology in Classrooms: https://tinyurl.com/3mwsczt8Governor Greg Abbott's Proposed Classroom Screen Time Limits: https://tinyurl.com/ynsbd7nm AI Literacy Curricula & Global Competitions: New pre-K through 12 AI literacy offerings from Common Sense Media and Day of AI, alongside India's Millennium AI Creators Championship for youth. EdSource K-12 Student AI Homework Use Survey: https://tinyurl.com/y66d4f55 CSTA and Day of AI Launch Free PreK-12 AI Literacy Curriculum: https://lnkd.in/p/g-9qPbXK The Millennium AI Creators Championship 2026: https://tinyurl.com/ya2pmzjd  Beneath the Surface: The Mind Reader Fallacy Teaching AI to Stop Guessing Your Classroom or School Intent Instead of asking clarifying questions, AI agents often answer vague prompts using hidden assumptions. To prevent errors and preserve human oversight, educators can use a "cognitive onboarding" prompt that forces the model to flag ambiguity, highlight its assumptions, state potential risks, and wait for human confirmation before generating content. The Mindreader Fallacy: https://tinyurl.com/3u24fbt5   The Bright Byte Researchers used AI models to map complex brain data, identifying 766 genes linked to schizophrenia in a Nature Genetics study. By uncovering 641 previously unknown genetic markers, this technology provides a clearer blueprint for developing targeted therapies. Generative AI Computational Models Mapping the Complex Genetics of Schizophrenia: https://tinyurl.com/ykp7zmxk  Announcements Fall AI Conference: October 2, 2026: https://tinyurl.com/4k6x9scxPurchase Learning They'll Love - Dr. Elizabeth Radday on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/22t9hz77Check out our middle / high school Student AI Literacy course: ​​⁠⁠⁠www.skills21.org/ai/learnai⁠⁠⁠Explore Skills21’s FREE social media literacy curriculum: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.skills21.org/socialAddress Screen Time concerns: skills21.org/ai/screenshift Sponsors The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing: Your Gateway to Next Generation Advanced Manufacturing - https://www.nextgenmfg.org

  5. Aug 27

    AI In the Curriculum - Not Just Alongside | Check-In 56

    In this ChatEDU Check-In: AI in the Curriculum - Not Just Alongside, Matt explores higher education's shift toward embedding AI directly into specific academic subjects." This transition moves away from isolating AI within technical degrees to integrating it across fields like healthcare, business, and humanities. Key Takeaways: Universities are moving away from standalone computer science degrees to integrate AI directly across diverse academic subjects. Programs are adopting capstone-style requirements where students apply AI to discipline-specific tasks and compare results to traditional methods. Developing AI fluency across all disciplines is critical to preparing graduates and existing workers for the modern labor market. Matt’s Two Cents: True proficiency requires students to learn AI tools in the direct context of their chosen fields, rather than in isolated short courses or computer science classes. District and university leaders must recognize that preparing students for post-secondary pathways means embedding field-specific AI applications across the entire curriculum, including high-level STEM and humanities courses. Article: Universities Must Rethink AI Education for the AI Economy https://tinyurl.com/3a7r9vn6

  6. Aug 25

    Houston ISD & 2 Hour Learning | Check-In 55

    In this ChatEDU Check-In: Two Houston ISD Schools Go All-In on 2 Hour Learning, Matt explores how two Houston ISD elementary campuses are piloting an AI-driven, compressed learning model for high-performing students. The program utilizes Alpha School's TimeBack platform to shorten core academic instruction down to two hours through algorithmic pacing and gamified goal tracking. However, the pilot arrives alongside privacy concerns regarding facial tracking technology and a history of state regulators rejecting similar expansion efforts over operational and performance data gaps. Key Takeaways: Houston ISD is testing an AI-driven program to compress core instruction into two hours for students meeting a 60-65% proficiency threshold. The platform relies on algorithmic pacing and digital goal tracking, but it faces parent concerns over integrated facial tracking features. State regulators in regions like Pennsylvania previously rejected expansion attempts for this learning framework, citing unverified performance claims and insufficient operational planning. Matt’s Two Cents: Algorithmic tutoring for highly motivated students is a modern spin on a long-standing concept, but the true strategic interest for school leaders lies in how the rest of the school day is restructured. If compressing core academics simply sends students back into standard classroom routines, the model loses its impact. The real opportunity for district leadership is leveraging saved instructional time for high-value, student-centered experiences like project-based learning, financial literacy, and community service. Article: Two Houston ISD elementary campuses will pilot Alpha School’s AI-powered education program this fall https://tinyurl.com/2jbpmj4r

  7. Aug 21

    Charlie Huges 3.0 - How One Student Is Rewriting the Future of Women's Health | Ep. 124

    Stop privacy-avoiding filming hacks before they go viral, optimize Notebook workflows with a single prompt, and explore the future of pre-med innovation with UConn junior Charlie Hughes. In this episode's cold open, Matt wears a pair of Meta smart glasses, prompting a discussion about their new reputation as pervert glasses due to nonconsensual recording concerns. They laugh over a clever public countermeasure: people playing copyrighted Disney music in public so any unauthorized footage gets automatically taken down on social media. The Rundown One Prompt Runs All Nine Gemini Notebook Studio Tools: A single, streamlined prompt in Gemini Notebook Studio can trigger all nine panel tools to generate a comprehensive, tailored source analysis. AIEDU Fall 2026 Trailblazer Fellowship: A paid professional learning program offering an $875 stipend for K-12 educators looking to build AI literacy and capacity. Anthropic Adds Invisible Text Watermarks: Claude models now feature invisible digital signatures to comply with new EU AI Act transparency standards. Mapping K-12 AI Policies Across All 52 States and Territories: Sid Gunasakaran launched a primary source research guide analyzing how K-12 state AI governance impacts incoming college students. Invisible AI Assistance Hacks Oral Exams: A new undetectable application called Cluey runs in the background during virtual calls to supply real-time answer prompts to students. Beneath the Surface Charlie Hughes 3.0: Pre-Med, AI, and Women's Health UConn junior Charlie Hughes returns to share her pivot into pre-med and molecular cell biology. She explains how she leverages AI to build low-cost HPV diagnostic tools for under-resourced areas and develop ChromaShield, a wearable patch detecting radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients. She also reflects on higher-ed AI dynamics, studying with chatbots, and balancing tech efficiency with human cognition. The Bright Byte Stanford University researchers used the open-source generative AI model EVO 2 to design synthetic bacteriophages that target and destroy E. coli. This proof of concept demonstrates how AI-designed viral cocktails can help overcome bacterial antibiotic resistance. Announcements Fall AI Conference: October 2, 2026 - https://tinyurl.com/4k6x9scx Purchase Learning They'll Love - Dr. Elizabeth Radday Amazon - https://tinyurl.com/22t9hz77 Check out our middle / high school Student AI Literacy course - ​​⁠⁠⁠www.skills21.org/ai/learnai⁠⁠⁠ Explore Skills21’s FREE social media literacy curriculum - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.skills21.org/social Address Screen Time concerns - skills21.org/ai/screenshift Sponsors The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing: Your Gateway to Next Generation Advanced Manufacturing - https://www.nextgenmfg.org Links So, it seems Disney music is our only protection against Meta's pervert glasses https://tinyurl.com/3f4z5jky One Prompt Runs All Nine Gemini Notebook Studio Tools https://tinyurl.com/4h55fjvn aiEDU Trailblazer Fellowship Page https://tinyurl.com/yynbn529 Copy-paste no more: Anthropic puts invisible watermarks on Claude text under EU rules https://tinyurl.com/yc43btfv What Students Learned About AI Before College: K-12 AI policy in all 52 US school systems, and what it means for higher education https://tinyurl.com/mrtvn3r8 Sidaard Gunasekaran Research Group Newsletter https://tinyurl.com/49z2j6us When AI Is in the Room but You Can’t See It: Invisible AI Assistants https://tinyurl.com/yweed77s Stanford researchers fight viruses with AI https://tinyurl.com/5ce28xh4

    Charlie Huges 3.0 - How One Student Is Rewriting the Future of Women's Health | Ep. 124

  8. Aug 20

    Outsourcing Intimacy to AI | Check-In 54

    In this ChatEDU Check-In: Outsourcing Intimacy to AI, Liz explores how growing reliance on AI chatbots is reshaping human relationships and emotional processing. The episode highlights how individuals increasingly use AI as a middleman to sanitize raw emotions before interacting with friends or partners. This trend raises important considerations for parents and educators regarding youth social development and digital literacy. Key Takeaways: People are using AI chatbots to direct relationship choices, de-escalate conflicts, and strip raw emotion from personal interactions. Offloading emotional processing to synthetic platforms weakens the shared vulnerability necessary for deep human intimacy. Chatbots act as a social sealant when immediate human availability falls short, quietly replacing real-time emotional processing. Liz’s Two Cents: While this issue extends beyond the classroom, school leaders must closely consider how AI reliance impacts teens and tweens. If students bypass the natural friction of human relationships by processing emotions through chatbots first, their real-world social connections will suffer. Educators must encourage young people to navigate difficult conversations, shared excitement, and emotional struggles directly with peers rather than outsourcing intimacy to software. Article: A.I. Will Affect Your Social Life. Yes, Yours. https://tinyurl.com/4fr4rhfu

    Outsourcing Intimacy to AI | Check-In 54
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About

Welcome to ChatEDU: AI in Education, your go-to podcast for insightful discussions on the intersection of AI and education! Hosted by Matt Mervis, Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance, and Dr. Elizabeth Radday, Director of Research & Innovation, this podcast explores the dynamic landscape of education technology.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Mervis and Dr. Elizabeth Radday
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    189
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ChatEDU: AI in Education
  • Show Website
    ChatEDU: AI in Education

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