Overview:
In this episode of ChatEDU (Taking the Wheel – How Students and Teachers Are Driving AI in Schools), Matt and Liz explore how educators and students are leveraging AI to enhance learning, rather than being passive recipients of AI-driven tools. From workforce trends to assessment feedback, they break down the latest research and real-world applications of AI in classrooms.
In the News:
- AI in the Workforce: A new study reveals how AI is reshaping productivity, benefiting younger, highly-educated, and high-income workers the most. How should schools respond to this shift?
- AI and Feedback in Education: Generative AI can provide instant, data-driven feedback, but is it missing the critical human element of recognition? A new study explores the distinction between AI-driven and human-driven feedback.
Beneath the Surface:
Educators Leading the Charge in AI Adoption
Schools across the country are banding together to explore best practices for AI integration.
Projects in Denver, the Bronx, Wisconsin, and Boston showcase how AI is supporting civics education, multilingual learners, and student interview preparation.
A major takeaway? AI is most powerful when students and teachers actively shape its use, rather than being passive users.
**Short Stack Chat Back: **
FDR on Smart Leadership: "I’m not the smartest fellow in the world, but I sure can pick smart colleagues."
Bright Bites – AI for Good:
- AI & Healthcare: AI-assisted screening speeds up clinical trials for heart failure treatments without introducing demographic bias.
- AI & the Environment: AI-powered sonar helps locate and remove abandoned "ghost nets," reducing harm to marine life.
Related Links:
AI in the Workforce Study –https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5136877
AI and Feedback Study –)https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02602938.2025.2459641?af=R
Educators Leading the Charge in AI Adoptionhttps://www.edsurge.com/news/2025-02-10-these-schools-are-banding-together-to-make-better-use-of-ai-in-education)
Learning Accelerator Blog on AI in Schools –)https://learningaccelerator.org/ai-powered-teaching-voices-from-the-school-teams-ai-collaborative/
Mass General Brigham Study on AI in Healthcare –)https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/ai-screening-for-clinical-trial-speeds-up-enrollment
Ghost Nets & AI-Powered Sonar –)https://digital.ecomagazine.com/articles/ai-sonar-technology-shines-in-ghost-net-recovery-efforts
**Guardian Article on UK universities and ‘deepfake’ applicants – **https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/feb/12/uk-universities-automating-interviews-face-deepfake-applicants)
Older AI Models Study:
Announcements:
Join the next cohort of ChatEDU’s AI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential starting April 14th. Visitskills21.org/ai/micro) for details and group discounts.
Our Episode Sponsor: National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing –https://www.nextgenmfg.org)
Get in Touch:
Have a question or comment? Email Matt and Liz at [email protected]. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform.