explAInED

S.02 Ep. 08 (32): Adam Sparks...Again

All right, welcome to explAInED! We are thrilled to host Adam Sparks, co-founder and CEO of Short Answer, back on the podcast for a deep dive into the evolving world of educational technology. We discuss the current pressures and aspirations surrounding edtech, exploring Adam's aspirational vision for a future that combines self-paced, mastery-based instruction with AI affordances like scalable oral assessment to actualize best practices. Adam shares his view that the debate needs more nuance, arguing that lawmaker frustration is often misdirected toward removing tools like Chromebooks rather than focusing on critical reforms like standardizing Data Privacy Agreements. Finally, we unpack the concept that technology is simply an "amplification of human intent" and look at critical, often overlooked arguments for edtech, including its power to support neurodivergent students and reduce teacher burnout

explAInED S.02 E. 07 (31): Dawn Taylor

In this episode we welcomed AI and education expert Dawn Taylor to the explAInED Podcast. Drawing on her background with dyslexia, Taylor discusses the immense potential of AI to support individuals with special educational needs, emphasizing that AI fundamentally changes the learning process. We explored the challenge of education systems quickly adapting to AI shifts. Dawn talked about the challenges of eliminating technology in schools, noting that relying solely on traditional modalities can set children up to fail. Her advice for institutions struggling with adoption: diagnose the source of discomfort and start small with safe tools to address the fear of AI.

explAInED S.02 Ep.06 (30): Josh Blumberg

Welcome to explAInED! This week we sit down with Josh Blumberg of the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) to discuss the state’s newly released comprehensive guidance on Artificial Intelligence implementation in schools. This episode dives into: * Grade-Band Recommendations: Learn the AOE's specific framework for student AI use, which ranges from limited interaction (no direct contact) in PreK-2 to fostering AI fluency and its use as a cognitive assistant in high school. Middle school focuses on tailored, education-specific apps, avoiding open-ended chatbots. * Mitigating Cognitive Offloading: Discover practical strategies for teachers to address students using AI to complete assignments. The key shift involves assessing the learning process—such as through writing conferences or requiring code explanations—rather than relying solely on the final product. * Personalized Learning & Support: Josh Blumberg explains how AI can amplify Vermont's commitment to Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) by helping students reflect on their learning and enabling schools to analyze PLP data for better class planning. * Policy and Practice: Hear what district leaders should do to provide staff with approved, data-private AI tools, and why encouraging open discussion among teachers is vital for successful implementation. The discussion also covers balancing the urgency of AI adoption with concerns over student screen time and the necessity of developing deep content expertise. Josh Blumberg, bringing a background in software development, edtech, and high school teaching, emphasizes that the guidance is a framework, and the real work now begins in supporting schools with implementation, professional development, and strategic planning.

explAInED S.02 E.005 (29): Dr. Med Kharbach

Today, we are diving deep into the intersection of literacy, pedagogy, and the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Joining us is a scholar who has been at the forefront of educational technology for over a decade. He is a researcher and faculty member at Mount Saint Vincent University—where he also earned both his Master’s and PhD. You likely know him as the voice behind the widely influential platform Educators Technology, which has been a staple resource for teachers since 2012. His latest work tackles one of the biggest questions in modern schooling: how do we integrate Generative AI without losing our pedagogical soul? He’s the co-author of the upcoming book, The BEARA Framework for Pedagogical Integration, and is currently finishing a second volume on AI-enabled assessment. Enjoy learning from Dr. Med Kharbach.

explAInED S.02 Ep.04 (28) Vera Cubero

In the latest explAInED episode, we’re joined by Vera Cubero, a visionary leader in AI and education at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, who discussed her role in leading the state’s AI framework after the 2022 launch of ChatGPT revealed the immediate need for educational change. We discussed the necessity of instructional redesign, shifting the focus from basic AI literacy to prioritizing durable human skills like critical thinking and judgment. Vera introduced the concept of the knowledge architect, where educators use AI to customize resources for their specific students, and explained how Micro PBL 2.0 leverages AI to make project-based learning more manageable and standards-aligned. We also explored the North Carolina AI Solv-a-thon, a pitch contest that empowers students to use AI to solve real-world community challenges. After a slow start last year, this year’s Solv-a-thon had 25 competing teams from middle and high schools throughout North Carolina, with students developing solutions for issues like homelessness, DMV backlogs, and protecting local wildlife. Addressing the difficult mindset shift regarding the cheating narrative surrounding AI use, Vera argued that we must move past a "blocking and banning" mentality to ensure students are prepared for a future workforce where AI is ubiquitous. Finally, she shared her goals for scaling these pilots statewide and using portfolios to promote metacognition and reflection on AI use to capture the actual process of learning.