Ed3 Weekly Issue #83: Turkey-day AI News
AI gratitude in the shifting tides of education
Hello web3 and education friends!!! 👋
Recently, I attended an education conference featuring tech columnist Kevin Roose as the keynote speaker. His insights on the history and future of artificial intelligence particularly resonated with me. What stood out most was his observation that educators, often perceived as traditional and slow to adopt new technologies, are actually at the forefront of AI adoption.
It was a surprising revelation. Could it be that we, who are often the last to embrace change and innovation, stuck with outdated textbooks, are actually leading the way in AI integration?
This week's resources speak to this shift in mindset. In the world of education, embracing cutting-edge technology like AI has become a necessity, not a choice. As Sam Altman mentioned in a New York Times interview with Roose, the initial reaction to ChatGPT from school districts was to ban it. However, this stance rapidly shifted as educators realized the immense potential of AI in shaping the future of education. Not only was the ban lifted, but the use of AI tools like ChatGPT was actively encouraged in classrooms.
It's a remarkable turnaround, and as an educator, I feel a sense of pride. We've collectively decided not to lag behind in adopting new technologies. Instead, we're embracing AI, exploring its possibilities in our schools, and reimagining teaching and learning with this powerful tool.
Given the transformative nature of AI, it's no wonder my newsletter has been heavily focused on it in recent months. We're just scratching the surface of AI's capabilities, and it won't be long before we integrate more advanced, on-chain functionalities.
So, dive into this week's resources and keep innovating!
📆 This week's resources cover:
🧑🎓 To Educate Students about AI, Make Them Use It
🧭 Navigating AI in Education: A VISTA-Driven Dialogue
📢 UK announces AI funding for teachers: how this technology could change the profession
🤿 This week’s deep dive:
📝 Khan Academy Plans to Shake Up Writing Instruction With AI Tool
Khan Academy Plans to Shake Up Writing Instruction With AI Tool
DigitalVision Vectors
This article covers how Khan Academy is significantly advancing its AI offerings in K-12 education with key updates to its AI-powered chatbot, Khanmigo. In a major move to increase accessibility, the price for Khanmigo has been nearly halved, dropping from $60 to $35 per student per year. This decision aligns with the current economic climate where school districts face budget cuts following the expiration of federal COVID relief aid.
Additionally, technological enhancements are being made to Khanmigo, including a new feature that provides personalized feedback on student essays, aiding them in the revision process. This feature is designed to act as an ethical writing coach, helping students improve various aspects of their essays, such as thesis statements and argument support.
Looking ahead, Khanmigo will also provide teachers with feedback on areas where students might need more instruction. Plans are underway to enable Khanmigo to function outside the Khan Academy platform, guiding students through content on external sites, thereby expanding its utility and impact in the educational realm.
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