Let's Talk Ed

AI in Education: Friend or Foe?

In this episode of Let's Talk ED, Professor Kirby Lund and I (Zahi Atallah) dive into the controversial topic of the use of AI in education. Join us as we explore whether AI is a friend or foe to educators and students. We will also exhibit using real-world examples some of the ways it enhances the learning for students, while it elevates the quality of the learning experience. Based on the utilization of Bloom's revised taxonomy and learning and thinking, we show that AI tools are adept at raising the learning outcomes for students by focusing on the highest two levels of learning and thinking (create and evaluate) We start by discussing the fears and misconceptions surrounding AI, such as the potential for job loss among faculty and academic dishonesty. We then pivot and highlight the benefits of AI, including engagement tools for teachers and enhanced learning experiences for students. We model how AI can be used ethically in the classroom, and share innovative ways to integrate AI into educational practices. Although we are not sponsored by any entity, in this episode we showcase: - Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning (by José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson) - The AI Pedagogy Project at Harvard University (https://aipedagogy.org/) - Notebook LM by Google (https://notebooklm.google/) - Copilot by Microsoft (https://www.microsoft.com/) We discuss the following topics: - The impact of AI on teaching and learning. - Ethical considerations and best practices for using AI in education. - Real-life examples of AI tools like Notebook LM and Copilot. - The importance of transparency and setting higher expectations for students using AI. - How AI can be a valuable resource for both educators and students. If you want to help us at Let's Talk ED revolutionize education, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to create make education better every day!

The Hidden Cost of Letter Grades: The Impact of Grading on Student Learning

In this episode of Let's Talk ED, I (Zahi Atallah) address the topic of grading as one method of assessment. Are grades really a measure of how much students have learned? I challenge this common misconception by exploring the difference between “assessment of learning” (grading) and “assessment for learning" (student learning outcome assessment). Moreover, I discuss the widespread belief that grades are normally distributed and can be curved without affecting the learning; hence, sharing some of the unintended consequences of these practices, including grade inflation.   Finally, I dive into progressive trends like “Ungrading” and competency-based education (CBE), which aim to prioritize learning and skill mastery over traditional grading methods. Join me on a journey of rethinking assessment to create a more equitable and effective education system. Learning and enhancing the knowledge and abilities of learners are the aim of teaching, not failing or weeding out students. So, let’s refocus on the essence of education, and that is workforce and community development. Join the educational revolution. Join Let’s Talk ED. And don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more educational insights!   #Education #GrowthMindset #StudentLearning #GradingSystem #LearningOutcomes #UnlearningGrades #CompetencyBasedEducation #Ungrading #EducationReform #GradeInflation #AssessmentForLearning #StudentSuccess #TeacherTips #GradingCurve #HigherEducation #LearningNotGrades #AssessmentStrategies #StudentCenteredLearning #LearningSkills #EquityInEducation #LetsTalkED

Transforming Higher Education: From Passive Learning to Active Partnership

On Let's Talk ED this week, I (Zahi Atallah) delve into how we can fix higher education by focusing on the student's classroom experience. I bring up the need to move away from the outdated concept of students acting like sponges, merely absorbing information and performing mundane administrative tasks. Instead, I advocate for students to be allowed to become active partners in their learning journey. The importance of moving away from the autopilot approach to teaching by actively seeking and incorporating student feedback cannot be emphasized enough. Most importantly, I stress the necessity of setting high standards (raising the bar) for our students and providing them with the tools and support they need to achieve these goals. Drawing on Prof. Carol Dweck's concept of a growth mindset, this video refocuses the conversation on strategies for creating a more engaging and effective educational environment. We’d love to hear from you. So please share your thoughts. Help us revolutionize higher education and boost student learning and success. So, Like, Subscribe, and Share Let’s Talk ED videos. #HigherEducation #StudentExperience #ActiveLearning #EducationReform #GrowthMindset #StudentFeedback #TeachingMethods #LearningPartners #EducationalGoals #StudentSuccess #InnovativeTeaching #ClassroomExperience #EducationTransformation #StudentEngagement #LearningJourney #AcademicExcellence #SupportForStudents #FutureOfEducation #LetsTalkED

Rethinking Higher Education: Are We Teaching the Right Way?

After 6 weeks of thinking about the state of American higher education, in this episode of Let’s Talk ED, I explore the current state and question whether we are truly teaching students in the best way possible. Traditionally, we teach how we were taught, but is this the most effective method for today's learners? We focus heavily on credentials and have pursued access without prioritizing equity, leaving many students without a safety net. This approach means we miss out on numerous opportunities to support and engage our students. In contrast, the workforce values collaboration and the use of various tools, including AI, to enhance productivity. However, in higher education, working together or using tools like AI is often labeled as cheating. Join us as we delve into these critical issues and discuss how we can better prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce. #LetsTalkED #GrowthMindset #College #HigherEducation #TeachingMethods #StudentSuccess #EquityInEducation #Collaboration #AIInEducation #WorkforceSkills #EducationReform #Learning #FutureOfEducation

Community Colleges as a Stepping Stone, Not Grade 13: We’ll Break the Stigma

On Let's Talk ED this week, we (Zahi Atallah and John Mercer) explore the value of higher education from ballooning costs and the future of good jobs, and we attempt to break the stigma associated with going to a community college. We explore the pressing issues and misconceptions that shape the landscape of higher education today, and its impact on the future of the American economic and workforce success.  In the first segment, "Is Higher Education Worth the Cost? Is Tuition Increasing?", we tackle the ballooning costs of education and debate whether the investment in higher education is justified. We provide insights into the factors driving tuition hikes and discuss potential solutions to make education more affordable. For example, the fastest-growing college expense seems to not be tuition, but rather the cost of other necessary student services. These services include mental health counseling, career advising, and other support systems that are essential for student success. As colleges and universities strive to provide a more comprehensive support network for their students, the expenses associated with these services have surged, outpacing the growth of tuition fees. This trend underscores the increasing importance of holistic student support in higher education. (Hechinger Report: https://hechingerreport.org/the-fastest-growing-college-expense-may-not-be-what-people-think/ [https://hechingerreport.org/the-fastest-growing-college-expense-may-not-be-what-people-think/]) The second segment, "Future-Proof Your Career: Higher Education is Indispensable to Future Good Job Prospects", focuses on the importance of higher education in securing a successful career. We highlight the growing demand for advanced skills and qualifications in the job market and explain why obtaining a higher education degree is crucial for future job prospects.  And we explore the critical role of higher education in securing good jobs in the future. The majority of well-paying future jobs will require at least some level of postsecondary education, with a significant portion demanding a bachelor's degree or higher. This trend indicates that investing in higher education is essential for those aiming to secure stable and well-paying careers.(Georgetown University, Center for Education and the Workforce report: summarize information from https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/cew-the_future_of_good_jobs-fr.pdf [https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/cew-the_future_of_good_jobs-fr.pdf]) In the final segment, "Community Colleges as a Stepping Stone, Not Grade 13: We’ll Break the Stigma", we address the stigma often associated with community colleges. We emphasize the invaluable role community colleges play in providing accessible and quality education, while supporting the future success and competitiveness of the US economy, workforce, and innovation. These institutions offer diverse programs that cater to various career paths and academic goals, making higher education more accessible and affordable. The article emphasizes that community colleges play a significant role in helping students achieve their educational and professional aspirations, challenging the outdated perception of their value.(Community College Research Center report: https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/easyblog/debunking-13th-grade-stigma.html [https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/easyblog/debunking-13th-grade-stigma.html]) Join Let’s Talk ED in revolutionizing higher education!  Subscribe to our channel and join the conversation! #HigherEducation#GrowthMindset #CollegeCosts #TuitionHikes #FutureCareer #JobProspects #CommunityCollege #EducationStigma #StudentSuccess #CareerGrowth #AffordableEducation #EducationDebate #HigherEdValue #CollegeDegree #EducationMatters #CareerOpportunities #BreakingStigma #EducationInvestment #FutureJobs #CollegeLife #EducationJourney