We (attempt to) discuss the purpose and history of education. Jordan starts off the episode giving some book club updates and a recap of the latest Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing held about kids and screens. Helen and Jordan discuss the funny differences in their approach to “doing things.” Jordan often dives in immediately, and Helen takes more time to think it through. Most recently, Jordan created a technology survey to gather parent feedback regarding concerns with personal devices and school devices. She discusses an analogy about how smoking was once accepted (or at least permitted) in many places, including schools, and now the same is true with smartphones. Both are health-harming and both have secondhand effects. As Helen gives her first report on her “Introduction to Education in the United States” course, she teaches us all what a “snow squall” is after experiencing her first one! On the first day of class, Helen asked her students, “What is the purpose of education?” Jordan attempts to answer this in one word or short phrase and (not surprisingly) answers with many words. Helen discusses the latest Brookings Report on AI in education then shares about her current work-in-progress: creating a video series regarding disciplinary AI literacy and educator identity.

A new direction for students in an AI world