AI in Edu: News, Tools, & Views (April 4)
Welcome to my weekly digest of AI in education news, tools, and views to help keep you informed. Let’s get started:
New in NotebookLM: Discover Sources
Google's NotebookLM is introducing a"Discover Sources" feature, enabling users to find and add relevant web content to their notebooks by simply describing a topic. NotebookLM scans numerous web sources, curates up to ten recommendations with summaries, and allows one-click addition to Notebooks. These sources can be utilized with other features like Briefing Docs and FAQs. An "I'm Feeling Curious" button also lets users explore random topics. This feature is powered by Gemini and is rolling out to all users over the next week.
https://blog.google/technology/google-labs/notebooklm-discover-sources/
Padlet’s AI Tools Supercharge Digital Collaboration
TCEA explores Padlet’s new AI-powered features to enhance digital collaboration in education. The "Magic Padlet" feature allows users to generate entire boards by providing a brief description, while "AI Recipes" offer templates for specific educational activities. Additionally, the Padlet Teaching Assistant (TA) integrates with resources like Google Drive and YouTube, and includes tools such as an AI image generator and a name picker, streamlining the creation of engaging, customized learning experiences.
https://blog.tcea.org/padlets-ai-tools-supercharge-digital-collaboration/
Brisk Teaching Introduces Podcast Feature
Brisk Teaching's latest feature allows educators to effortlessly convert various content types—such as Google Docs, articles, PDFs, and websites—into engaging podcasts with a single click. Students can listen while following along with an automatically generated transcript, which can be translated into over 40 languages. Podcasts can be downloaded or shared via a link and are saved directly to the "My Podcasts" page within Brisk for easy management. Depending on the plan, audio lengths vary from 2 to 10 minutes. Additionally, teachers can enhance podcasts with activities like hooks, pulse checks, or exit tickets using the "Boost It" feature.
https://www.briskteaching.com/post/turn-any-content-into-a-podcast-students-will-love
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Teachers Believe That AI Is Here to Stay in Education. How It Should Be Taught Is Debatable.
EdSurge reposts that a survey of over 1,000 public school teachers revealed that 96% believe AI will become integral to education within the next decade, yet many feel unprepared to incorporate it into their teaching. While educators are optimistic about AI's potential to personalize learning and provide data insights, concerns persist regarding plagiarism, misinformation, and reduced student interaction. Efforts are underway to formalize AI education, with 29 states initiating data science programs in recent years.
Anthropic introduces “Claude for Education”
Anthropic has launched "Claude for Education," a specialized AI version designed for higher education institutions. This initiative introduces "Learning mode," which employs Socratic questioning to enhance students' critical thinking. Partnerships with Northeastern University, LSE, and Champlain College provide campus-wide access to Claude. Collaborations with Internet2 and Instructure aim to integrate AI into educational platforms like Canvas LMS. Additionally, programs such as Claude Campus Ambassadors and API credits support student engagement with AI projects.
https://www.anthropic.com/news/introducing-claude-for-education
ChatGPT Talks Now. What Does That Mean For Teaching?
Tech&Learning explores ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode, enabling real-time, natural conversations that surpass traditional voice assistants like Alexa or Siri. This feature allows users to select from various lifelike voices and engage in seamless dialogues. In educational settings, ChatGPT's voice assistant can serve as an interactive tutor, offering personalized explanations and feedback. Additionally, when integrated with a smartphone's camera, it can analyze and comment on the user's environment, enhancing contextual learning experiences.
https://www.techlearning.com/news/chatgpt-talks-now-what-does-that-mean-for-teaching
Why Understanding AI Starts With Math
Education Week reports that high school courses are increasingly integrating AI concepts with math, particularly probability and statistics, to solve real-world problems. This approach enhances students' critical thinking and prepares them for data-driven careers. Educators advocate for introducing probability concepts earlier to boost AI literacy and inspire innovation. Understanding the mathematical foundations of AI enables students to critically assess and utilize AI technologies effectively.
https://www.edweek.org/technology/why-understanding-ai-starts-with-math/2025/03
How Philadelphia educators navigate chatbots and more
Philadelphia's Northeast High School English teacher, Adrienne Staten, once hesitant about artificial intelligence (AI), now integrates it into her teaching to enhance student engagement and address individual needs. The Philadelphia School District encourages such experimentation with AI but remains vigilant about data privacy and ethical concerns. To support educators, the district has initiated a professional development program focusing on responsible AI use in classrooms.
And More …
SchoolAI introduces Micro-Courses, focused 15-minute sessions to develop AI proficiency.
Doctrina AI - learn and teach smarter
OpenAI announces that the new ChatGPT image generator is available to all ChatGPT Free, Plus, Team, and Pro users and that anyone can create 3 free images per day with GPT-4o.
Common Sense Media is launching a new privacy seal to recognize companies with best-in-class privacy practices. The first companies earning the seal include Brisk Teaching, ClassDojo, Kami, MagicSchool AI, Prodigy Education, and Quizizz.
“Help Me Help You.” How to Get AI Chatbots To Prompt Themselves - Daniel Nest
Understanding why students cheat and use AI: Insights for meaningful assessments - eSchoolNews
Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About IT Infrastructure & Management? - Education Week
Facing Cell Phone Distractions Head-On - Edutopia
How Schools Can Prepare for Sexually Explicit Deepfakes (DOWNLOADABLE) - Education Week
AI-driven teaching methods essential for modern education, researcher says - PhysOrg
MagicSchool and BenQ - BenQ, a provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, has partnered with MagicSchool to make MagicSchool available on BenQ Boards.
Large Language Models pass the Turing Test - Cornell University
ChatGPT will soon offer "Internal Knowledge" to ChatGPT Team users, allowing users to integrate internal data sources like Google Drive.
Find more AI tools, views, and how-to’s at tomdaccord.com
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