What Should Students Actually Learn in the Age of AI? with Matt Miller

In this episode of the Play Ed3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha welcome Matt Miller, an influential figure in education and author of 'Ditch That Textbook.' The conversation explores Matt's journey from journalism to teaching, his writing process, and the impact of technology on education. They discuss the importance of critical thinking in the age of AI and the need for educators to adapt to new tools while fostering responsible use among students. In this conversation, Matt Miller discusses the importance of integrating AI literacy into education, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and analysis skills. He advocates for a gradual approach to teaching AI, suggesting that educators should not overhaul their entire curriculum but instead incorporate AI discussions into existing lessons. The conversation also touches on the urgency of adapting to AI advancements, the varying policies surrounding AI in schools, and the necessity of fostering a culture of understanding among students and teachers alike.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

03:44 Matt Miller's Journey to Influencer Status

06:39 The Process of Writing and Creating Content

10:35 Living in the Country vs. City Life

12:21 Matt's Background and Early Life

14:55 The Role of Technology in Education

17:11 Blame Game: Technology vs. Education

22:09 Critical Thinking in the Age of AI

27:14 Building AI Literacy Through Critique

29:15 Integrating AI Literacy Across the Curriculum

30:36 Practical Steps for Veteran Teachers

33:40 Creating a Culture of AI Understanding

35:20 The Urgency of Embracing AI in Education

40:53 Navigating AI Policies in Schools

43:24 Juice Box Confessionals: Fun and Games

About Matt Miller

Matt Miller has taught in public schools for more than 10 years, teaching all levels of high school Spanish. In his career, he planned nearly 12,000 class lessons. He taught more than half a million instructional minutes. And he graded work for nearly 2,000 days of class. He’s an award-winning author of six books. Matt is a Google Certified Innovator and was named a ‘23-’24 Top 100 Influencer in EdTech by EdTech Digest. His Ditch That Textbook blog encourages tens of thousands of educators in more than 100 countries to use technology and creative ideas in teaching. Matt is an award-winning author who has published seven books, including his most recent -- AI Literacy in Any Class.

Follow Matt Miller on:

TikTok: tiktok.com/@ditchthattextbook

Instagram: @ditchthattextbook

Facebook: facebook.com/ditchthattextbook

YouTube: youtube.com/ditchthattextbook

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ditchthattextbook

X: @jmattmiller / @DitchThatTxtbk

BlueSky: @ditchthattextbook.com

Other: DitchThatTextbook.com

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