In this episode of ChatEDU (Dear AI – Why We’re All Talking to Robots in 2025), Matt reunites with Liz after her trip to Ireland to unpack a shift happening in real time— (em dash on purpose) AI is moving beyond utility and entering emotional, educational, and existential territory. From new research tools that rethink how we teach synthesis, to universities baking AI into their business programs, to Reddit users turning to bots for therapy—(2nd em dash) this episode dives into how and why we’re not just using AI, we’re talking to it. And be sure to check out the intro about Hyodols and the MUCH used em dash.

Story 1 – Deep Research, Reimagined

Google’s new Deep Research feature in Gemini transforms the AI from summarizer to synthesizer. Matt and Liz discuss how this impacts student learning, dissertation writing, and the future of teaching research in K–12 and higher ed. They also look at how equity comes into play when AI can scaffold complex thinking for every learner.

Story 2 – AI in the Wild at American University

American University’s School of Business launches an Institute for Applied AI, shifting from AI-avoidance to AI fluency. Students are using AI to design marketing campaigns, assess risk, and model financial statements— (em dash) no coding required. Their tool of choice? Perplexity Pro, now being piloted in higher ed as a full-stack platform.

Beneath the Surface – The Emotional Side of AI

A new Harvard Business Review analysis of Reddit and Quora threads shows that 2025’s top AI use cases aren’t just about speed—(em dash) they’re about support. Users are turning to AI for therapy, motivation, and life planning. Matt and Liz explore what this means for education, memory, privacy, and how we guide students through emotionally intelligent AI use.

Bright Byte – AI and the Climate

AI’s energy use is real—(em dash) but so is its potential to help. This week’s Bright Byte features insights from The Economist on how AI is reducing emissions, optimizing grids, forecasting renewable power, and identifying methane leaks. Thoughtful deployment could turn AI into an ally in climate resilience.

Related Links

Gemini Deep Research

https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/google-just-gave-gemini-a-major-research-upgrade-and-its-already-beating-the-competition

Harvard Business Review: "How People Are Really Using Gen AI in 2025"-

https://hbr.org/2025/04/how-people-are-really-using-gen-ai-in-2025

OpenAI’s Memory Update (ARS Technica)-

https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/04/chatgpt-can-now-remember-and-reference-all-your-previous-chats/

Axios: American University’s AI Business Institute-

https://www.axios.com/2025/04/03/generative-ai-business-school-students

Hyodol: AI Care Companion for Seniors-

https://en.hyodol.com/

Skills21 AI Micro-Credential-

https://www.skills21.org/pip-platform

The tasks college students are using Claude AI for most, according to Anthropic-

https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-tasks-college-students-are-using-claude-ai-for-most-according-to-anthropic/

The Economist: How AI could help the climate-

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/04/10/how-ai-could-help-the-climate

Have a question or comment?

Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org

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This episode of ChatEDU is sponsored by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. Learn more at: https://www.nextgenmfg.org