AI in Education: Why Learning Isn't Supposed to Be Easy

AI in Education: Why Learning Isn't Supposed to Be Easy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1745159/fan_mail/new] Nobody likes to struggle, but what do we lose when every answer is just a click away? As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt and transform classrooms, new questions are emerging. What’s the best way for students to learn? Why does struggle matter in the learning process? And happens when technology eliminates the struggle? In this episode of Speaking Of... College of Charleston, Ian O’Byrne, associate professor in the School of Education, answers these questions and discusses the future of learning in an AI-driven world.  In This Episode * Why learning isn't supposed to be effortless * The promise and pitfalls of AI in education * What AI-powered schools like Alpha School are getting right—and wrong * The growing debate over cognitive offloading and whether AI is changing how we think * The difference between the “orchestrator” and the “outsourcer” when using AI * Why great teachers still matter in an age of artificial intelligence * How students can thrive in an AI-driven future Featured Guest Ian O'Byrne, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the School of Education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on digital literacy, artificial intelligence, online reading comprehension, emerging technologies and education. He works with educators and students to better understand how technology can support meaningful learning while preserving the human elements that help people grow and succeed.  Resources * Read Ian O’Byrne’s article in The Conversation: AI Schools Promise Efficiency, but Can't Replicate the Messy Process That Helps Kids Learn [https://theconversation.com/ai-schools-like-alpha-promise-efficiency-but-cant-replicate-the-messy-process-that-helps-kids-learn-282464]  * Learn more about Ian's work at wiobyrne.com  * Explore more episodes of Speaking Of... College of Charleston on the College of Charleston podcast page

Burnout Among Social Media Managers: Faculty Research Highlights the Reality of Always‑On Work

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1745159/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Speaking Of… College of Charleston, College of Charleston marketing professor Kelley Cours Anderson discusses her latest research on burnout among social media managers and the pressures shaping digital marketing careers. The work, recently published in The Conversation as The hidden burnout crisis facing social media marketers, [https://theconversation.com/the-hidden-burnout-crisis-facing-social-media-marketers-283216] traces its origins to a student project in Anderson’s social media class. The alumna’s bachelor’s essay on social media wellness helped identify the early themes that informed Anderson’s research. As Anderson and her co-authors write in The Conversation, “For the people who run brand accounts on social media, the workday never really ends.” Drawing on interviews with industry professionals, Anderson explains how constant content demands, real-time engagement and the expectation to monitor trends make it difficult for social media managers to fully disconnect. Many spend significant portions of their day on social platforms, blurring the line between work and personal time.  The conversation also explores the realities behind what is often seen as an entry-level role. Social media managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including content creation, brand voice, analytics, customer service and crisis communication, often with limited support.  Anderson shares what students and aspiring professionals should understand before entering the field, including the importance of setting boundaries, managing expectations and developing both creative and analytical skills.  Beyond the workplace, the episode highlights the often-invisible labor behind social media and encourages listeners to better understand the human impact of managing the digital spaces people use every day. Key Topics * Burnout among social media managers * Digital marketing careers * Always-on work culture * Social media job expectations * Digital wellbeing Resources * [Dis]Connect Collective [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Ddiconnect%2Bcollecive%26rlz%3D1C5MACD_enUS1106US1107%26oq%3Ddiconnect%2Bcollecive%26gs_lcrp%3DEgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRiPAjIHCAIQIRiPAtIBCDQxODBqMGo0qAIAsAIB%26sourceid%3Dchrome%26ie%3DUTF-8%23%3A~%3Atext%3DThe%2520%255BDis%255DConnect%2520Collective%2Chttps%253A%2F%2Fwww.disconnectcollective.com&data=05%7C02%7Cstockwellal%40cofc.edu%7Cc8ed40d6382048cf958d08ded1450c65%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C639178291659302504%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zCFjtXRWthnuZcCYpoea8ROfSHh90l0EBBdGTycN7u4%3D&reserved=0]  * AIC (American Influencer Council) [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DAmerican%2BInfluencer%2Bcouncil%26rlz%3D1C5MACD_enUS1106US1107%26oq%3DAmerican%2BInfluencer%2Bcouncil%26gs_lcrp%3DEgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRiPAjIHCAIQIRiPAtIBCDU2NzZqMGo3qAIAsAIA%26sourceid%3Dchrome%26ie%3DUTF-8%23%3A~%3Atext%3DAmerican%2520Influencer%2520Council%2520%25E2%2580%2593%2520AIC%2Chttps%253A%2F%2Fwww.americaninfluencercouncil.com&data=05%7C02%7Cstockwellal%40cofc.edu%7Cc8ed40d6382048cf958d08ded1450c65%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C639178291659336103%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=tl3g4%2F9w3yFP%2FrVCA6AeYBOxEQbTTZKqu7ThG3waH9A%3D&reserved=0] * Academic Article [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tandfonline.com%2Fdoi%2Ffull%2F10.1080%2F10696679.2025.2563367&data=05%7C02%7Cstockwellal%40cofc.edu%7Cc8ed40d6382048cf958d08ded1450c65%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C639178291659358820%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=edqQNpkopBxS%2FI0Et3NoMUM4Hg%2FVBChXJWx0A%2FR6cLY%3D&reserved=0] that The Conversation article is based upon. * CofC + Global Day of Unplugging [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globaldayofunplugging.org%2Funplugged-cities%2Fcharleston-sc&data=05%7C02%7Cstockwellal%40cofc.edu%7Cc8ed40d6382048cf958d08ded1450c65%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C639178291659380519%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bHdzCwnNsAxqOWSHwlSSbx4yYTxD7BmE4BEkVlgQmvw%3D&reserved=0] - CofC Unplug Week this Fall will be the last week of September 28th * We will screen Your Attention Please [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourattentionplz.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cstockwellal%40cofc.edu%7Cc8ed40d6382048cf958d08ded1450c65%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C639178291659402476%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KbNXr%2BWD0zbB1a6wTIUUSC%2BbHQWwteUUTe19AkYyFAo%3D&reserved=0] (date tbd - aiming for Mid-September) * Recommend Summer Reading List: * Attensity by The Friends of Attention [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F782387%2Fattensity-by-the-friends-of-attention%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cstockwellal%40cofc.edu%7Cc8ed40d6382048cf958d08ded1450c65%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C639178291659424122%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0qGTYwGiXUFUyvbjr6BsB%2F64%2FfEoxxadbQMrqkkxj1w%3D&reserved=0] * Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.macmillan.com%2Fbooks%2F9781250391230%2Fcarelesspeople%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cstockwellal%40cofc.edu%7Cc8ed40d6382048cf958d08ded1450c65%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C639178291659445621%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zW7MjMiW6LUKvj5NLXbQblW0IqJDBJA99BiEFMJIQ1s%3D&reserved=0] * How to do Nothing by Jenny Odell [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F600671%2Fhow-to-do-nothing-by-jenny-odell%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cstockwellal%40cofc.edu%7Cc8ed40d6382048cf958d08ded1450c65%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C639178291659470420%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5cCaPFljEAqAo6H00UAbl4tHqXRAzqwQ2dD2mo0QMVM%3D&reserved=0]

A Year End Conversation with President Andrew Hsu

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1745159/fan_mail/new] President Andrew Hsu joins Speaking of… College of Charleston to look back on a landmark academic year for the College. In this year‑end conversation, he highlights record‑breaking philanthropy, major academic expansions, and the continued rise in student demand that’s shaping the future of the university. The episode explores transformational gifts supporting new facilities and programs — including the Michael and Amy Bennett School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the expansion of the School of Business. President Hsu also discusses the launch of high‑demand academic offerings such as the joint BS in Nursing with MUSC, along with growth in engineering, computing, and STEM programs. Listeners will hear standout stories from across campus: NCAA tournament appearances, CAA championships, national research awards, and student achievements reaching the International Space Station. President Hsu also welcomes new academic leaders and shares a heartfelt message to the graduating Class of 2026. A celebratory, forward‑looking episode for students, families, alumni, and anyone invested in the future of the College of Charleston.

Quest Founder Luke Shirley ’18 on Mental Fitness, Peer Support and Asking for Help

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1745159/fan_mail/new] Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, U.S.). In South Carolina, you can also call the Mobile Crisis line at 833-364-2274. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.  On this episode of Speaking of… College of Charleston, alumnus Luke Shirley ’18 shares how depression and isolation shaped his sophomore year and how that experience helped inspire Quest, a Charleston-based nonprofit focused on strengthening the mental fitness of students and young adults through community and peer support.  Luke also explains what Quest means by “mental fitness” and why movement and the outdoors can help people get out of their heads and connect with peers.  Featured event: Quest’s flagship fundraiser, Sound of Mind, is March 29 at The Refinery in Charleston with headliner River Whyless.  Learn more: * Quest (Quest in Recovery): questinrecovery.org  * Quest on Campus (student-led program at the College of Charleston and The Citadel): questinrecovery.org  * CofC Office of Student Wellness and Well-being: charleston.edu/wellness

A Smarter Way to Navigate College: Life Design at the College of Charleston

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1745159/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we explore the College of Charleston’s Life Design Center and how it helps students move from uncertainty to action through individualized coaching, practical tools, and community support. What You Will Learn * What the College of Charleston’s Life Design Center is and how it helps students build clarity and confidence with practical tools and coaching. Life Design Center  * How Life Design differs from traditional advising or career planning by focusing on individualized support and real-world experimentation.  * What students can expect in a first visit, including the kinds of questions coaches ask to help students clarify what they want and what to try next.  * The difference between Design My Charleston (for early college exploration) and Life Launch: Design My Life (for students preparing for graduation), and how students can start in either place.  * How to take the first step, including where to find the Life Design Center and when to drop in.  * Where to go next on campus for degree planning and job or internship preparation, including Academic Advising and the Career Center.  Resources from this episode: * Life Design  [https://charleston.edu/life-design-center/?utm_source=today.charleston.edu&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=TCT&utm_content=life-design-center]