They Are Waiting for Us

Equity, AI, and Creative Learning with Sofía De Jesús (Part Two)

In Part 2, Lisa continues her conversation with educator and author Sofía De Jesús. They dive deeper into the importance of equity and accessibility in computer science education, discussing how Sofía's work at Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Academy strives to close the gaps in access to STEM education. Sofía emphasizes the need for thoughtful implementation of AI in classrooms and explores the ethical concerns surrounding generative AI. They also examine how AI’s limitations could potentially widen educational disparities if not addressed with care. The conversation touches on the importance of creativity in education and the role AI should—or shouldn’t—play in shaping future learning environments. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the balance between technology, creativity, and equity in education.

Equity, AI, and Creative Learning with Sofía De Jesús (Part One)

In this episode of They Are Waiting For Us, Lisa welcomes Sofía De Jesús, author of Applied Computational Thinking with Python and a seasoned educator with over 24 years of experience. Sofía shares her journey in building inclusive and equitable STEM programs and the challenges of integrating technology effectively in education. They discuss the importance of ethical AI in K-12 classrooms and the role of computational thinking in preparing students for the future. Sofía highlights her work with Carnegie Mellon’s CS Academy and her advocacy for thoughtful technology use in schools. The conversation also delves into the importance of teacher capacity building and aligning technology with real educational needs. Join them for an insightful exploration of the intersection of education, technology, and equity.

Exploring the Impact of AI in Education with Code.org’s Micah Kennedy (Part Two)

In the second part of this insightful conversation, Lisa continues her discussion with Micah Kennedy, a professional learning manager at Code.org, exploring the evolving role of teachers as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into the classroom. Micah shares their perspective on how AI can serve as a valuable co-planner and teaching assistant, alleviating the administrative burdens that often consume a significant portion of a teacher's time. The episode also addresses the complex issue of cheating and plagiarism in the age of AI, with Micah emphasizing the importance of teaching students how to use these tools responsibly and ethically, rather than relying solely on detection technologies that can be unreliable. Looking towards the future, Micah expresses excitement about the potential for assessment practices to evolve, moving away from traditional standardized tests and towards more project-based, collaborative, and critical-thinking-focused evaluations. Micah commits to incorporating these transformative approaches into the professional learning resources developed by Code.org, empowering educators to embrace the opportunities presented by AI. Listeners are encouraged to continue the conversation by reaching out to host Lisa Andrew, as she aims to amplify the perspectives and experiences of those navigating the complex and rapidly changing landscape of education in the age of artificial intelligence.

Exploring the Impact of AI in Education with Code.org’s Micah Kennedy (Part One)

Lisa sits down with Micah Kennedy, a professional learning manager at Code.org, to discuss the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the education landscape. Micah shares their personal journey into computer science education and their passion for making the field accessible and equitable for all students. The conversation delves into the emerging technologies that are poised to have the most significant impact on how students learn and how educators teach, with a particular focus on the transformative potential of AI. As AI becomes increasingly ubiquitous in the lives of even the youngest learners, Micah offers insights on the steps that can be taken to ensure these advancements in technology benefit all students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. The discussion also addresses the evolving relationship between knowledge, thinking, and the role of AI as a collaborative partner in the educational process. Tune in as Lisa and Micah navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of AI in education, offering valuable perspectives and practical strategies for educators and policymakers alike.

Championing Student Success: Insights from a University President with Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson (Part Two)

In the second part, Lisa explores San José State University's role in shaping the Silicon Valley workforce with Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson. Given the university's proximity to tech innovators, Lisa asks how technology can enhance educational access, equity, and scalability. Dr. Teniente-Matson elaborates on how this unique positioning fosters access, promotes equity, and nurtures the talent pipeline for the workforce. She shares San José State's strategy to prioritize student-centeredness and student readiness, ensuring graduates have necessary skills and adaptability. Listeners gain insights into how the university bridges academics and industry demands to empower future professionals.