In this episode of ChatEDU (Dear AI, Slow the Heck Down), Matt and Liz discuss the disruptive and problematic consequences of large tech companies moving too fast in the AI space. They unpack various incidents, and the implications of rapid AI advancements on education.

First in Our Intro

Matt and Liz discuss the emergence of non-human AI models, including meerkats, whales, dogs, and elephants. They humorously explore the idea of translating animal noises into “language” and the challenges it poses, particularly with Liz's silent dog, Aloe.

Then in the News:

Voice Mode Updates - Matt provides an update on the much-anticipated ChatGPT 4.0 voice mode. Together, Matt and Liz poke fun at the delay, but also explore how this advanced voice mode might be used in schools.

OpenAI's Library - Liz talks about Sam Altman's focus on creating an old-timey library at OpenAI's headquarters, blending high-tech AI work with a Victorian academic feel. Liz goes on to explore the relevance of libraries in modern education and AI development.

Beneath the Surface:

Matt and Liz discuss the consequences of the "move fast and break things" ethos in the tech industry. They review several AI-related incidents, including, but not limited to:

• ChatGPT's Gibberish Incident: A night of bizarre outputs from ChatGPT.
• Google's Gemini Image Issue: Controversial AI-generated images that sparked debates on diversity and historical accuracy.
• Scarlett Johansson Voice Scandal: The controversy around OpenAI's voice persona, Skye, and its unintended resemblance to Johansson's voice.
• Rock Eating and Glue on Pizza: Logical recommendations from Google’s AI search summaries.

Together, the hosts provide some guidance on how educators might navigate these disruptive AI episodes.

Short Stack Chat Back:

Shakespeare-Style - ChatGPT + ElevenLabs provide a three-sentence summary of the consequences of AI companies moving too fast (in the style of the Bard…the real Bard not the Bard turned Gemini).

Have a question or comment? Please email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org

In this episode of ChatEDU (Teens on Gen AI: A New Study from Common Sense Media), Matt and Liz dive into a new report from Common Sense Media that explores how teens are using and perceiving generative AI. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on this topic, shedding light on both the excitement and concerns surrounding AI among young people.

First in Our Intro

• Matt and Liz talk about interactive prompting and narcissism :). Check out www.skills21.org/ai (Prompts > Counselor > Role-Playing a Challenging Work Situation)

Then in the News:

• Cara: An AI-Free Space for Artists - Matt introduces Cara, a social media portfolio app created by photographer Jenga Zhang. Cara aims to protect artists' rights by providing an AI-free environment where they can share their work without the risk of it being scraped by AI models.

• Tribeca Film Festival - The festival features five short films created using OpenAI's Sora, a text-to-video tool. This marks the first time Sora is showcased at a major arts festival, highlighting the potential of generative AI in filmmaking. Matt and Liz discuss how schools will need to address each artistic field individually when it comes to generative AI.

• Illuminate by Google - Liz discusses Illuminate.withgoogle.com, an experimental tool that transforms dense academic papers into accessible NPR-style discussions. This tool aims to make academic research more engaging and easier to understand, while addressing issues like hallucinations in AI-generated content.

Short Stack Chat Back:

• Dumbledore-Style - ChatGPT + ElevenLabs provide a whimsical, yet insightful, three-sentence summary of the Common Sense Media report in the style of Dumbledore, capturing the essence of teens' perspectives on generative AI.

Have a question or comment? Please email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org

In this episode of ChatEDU (AI Surrender - Professors Throw in the Towel on Writing?) Matt and Liz discuss the controversial notion of AI taking over writing tasks. The episode deep dive is informed by the work of two professors from Carnegie Mellon University who are saying the quiet part out loud, with an AI tool aimed at assisting students with the writing process.

Fist in the news:

1. Mechanistic Interpretability - Matt explains the concept of mechanistic interpretability, likening it to an MRI for language models. This technique, championed by AI safety-focused company Anthropic, helps unpack the black box nature of AI models to understand how they generate their outputs and address issues like bias and hallucinations.

2. AI Tutors in Education - Liz revisits the topic of AI tutors, emphasizing the benefits they bring to students (particularly in math and science). These AI tools can serve as accessible and affordable tutors, helping students understand complex problems step-by-step as a means to increase educational equity.

Short Stack Chat Back - The episode concludes with an AI supported take on the Beneath the Surface topic.

Have a question or comment? Please email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org