EdTechSR Ep 324: Deep Dives into Disinformation

Welcome to episode 324 (“Deep Dives in Disinformation”) of the EdTech Situation Room from April 17, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer and Dr. Wesley Fryer discussed a variety of important topics in educational technology and AI’s impact on education, from San Diego, California and Charlotte, North Carolina respectively. Jason opened the episode by sharing his experiences at the ASU + GSV conference, which brought together leaders in education and technology. The discussions at the conference focused heavily on the integration of AI in educational settings and the ethical implications of new technologies. Wes and Jason then delved into the pressing issue of Kremlin-backed actors spreading disinformation through sophisticated AI tools. They discussed the evolution of disinformation tactics and the crucial role of media literacy in combating these threats. The co-hosts explored various other technological updates, including new developments from Google and Microsoft, emphasizing the educational potentials and challenges of these innovations. They also addressed the need for thoughtful integration of AI tools in education, to enhance learning without compromising ethical standards. “Geeks of the Week” featured valuable tools and resources for educators. Among these, Jason highlighted an AI-powered music creation tool, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize educational content delivery. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdtechSR page on Facebook, @edtechsr@mastodon.education on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif) – aicentrist.com – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. Texas will use computers to grade written answers on this year’s STAAR tests (Texas Tribune, 9 April 2024)
  10. Hard Fork Podcast: “A.I.’s Data Wall + a Surprise Privacy Bill + What Happened to the TikTok Ban?” (12 Apr 2024)
  11. AI Music Generation Takes Center Stage: Udio and Suno
  12. Kremlin-backed actors spread disinformation ahead of US elections (ArsTechnica, 17 Apr 2024)
  13. https://substack.com/@katieharbath 
  14. The great rewiring: is social media really behind an epidemic of teenage mental illness? (Nature; 29 March 2024)
  15. Apple Plans to Overhaul Entire Mac Line With AI-Focused M4 Chips (Bloomberg; 11 April 2024)
  16. Apple is reportedly planning a big AI-focused M4 Mac upgrade (The Verge; 11 April 2024)
  17. Jason’s Geek of the Week: AI Chat Battle!
  18. Wes’ Geek of the Week: StoryGraph
EdTech Situation Room: Episode 324” (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

EdTechSR Ep 323: Security Breaches Unfold

Welcome to episode 323 (“Security Breaches Unfold”) of the EdTech Situation Room from April 3, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (AIcentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) discuss significant security breaches and vulnerabilities that have surfaced across various platforms, impacting millions from AT&T customers to young public school students. The episode also explores the latest in generative AI with insights from recent collaborations between Amazon and Anthropic, and the ethical quandaries faced by AI researchers. From discussing the ease of phishing attacks targeting Apple users to the potential educational transformations by generative AI as viewed by MIT, the conversation highlights critical tech and education intersections. ‘Geeks of the Week’ includes innovative educational tools and insights into how AI-generated content is shaping digital interactions. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdtechSR page on Facebook, mastodon.education/@edtechsr on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif) – aicentrist.com – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. AT&T resets account passcodes after millions of customer records leak online (TechCrunch, 30 March 2024)
  10. Warning: Apple Users Targeted in Phishing Attack Involving Rapid Password Reset Requests (MacRumors, 26 March 2024)
  11. Hackers are targeting a surprising group of people: young public school students (NPR, 13 March 2024)
  12. The Strange Story of the Teens Behind the Mirai Botnet: Their DDos Malware Threatened the Entire Internet (IEEE Spectrum 23 May 2023)
  13. ChatGPT no longer requires an account — but there’s a catch (TechCrunch 1 April 2024)
  14. Amazon and Anthropic deepen their shared commitment to advancing generative AI (Amazon; 27 March 2024)
  15. Generative AI and K-12 Education: An MIT Perspective (An MIT Exploration of Generative AI; 26 March 2024)
  16. Anthropic researchers wear down AI ethics with repeated questions (TechCrunch, 2 April 2024)
  17. How Spammers, Scammers and Creators Leverage AI-Generated Images on Facebook for Audience Growth (Stanford Internet Observatory, 18 March 2024)
  18. OpenAI’s voice cloning AI model only needs a 15-second sample to work (Verge, 20 March 2024)
  19. Sora: first impressions (OpenAI, 25 March 2024)
  20. A wildly popular game dubbed ‘Pokémon with guns’ has been forced to deny that its characters are a rip-off (Business Insider, 25 Jan 2024)
  21. Jason’s Geek of the Week: going.com
  22. Wes’ Geeks of the Week: My 9 fav podcasts / My Podcast SubscriptionsSIFT Lesson VideosTired of Streaming? Free Blockbuster Libraries Offer an Alternative. (NYTimes, 21 March 2024) #GiftLink
Security Breaches Unfold (EdTechSR 323)” (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

EdTechSR Ep 322: Openness Challenges Authoritarianism

Welcome to episode 322 (“Openness Challenges Authoritarianism”) of the EdTech Situation Room from March 20, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer and Dr. Wesley Fryer navigated through the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, education, and policy. The episode offered in-depth discussions on the implications of new AI developments, with a particular focus on Google’s AI challenges and Microsoft’s latest endeavors in integrating AI into Windows. The conversation also touched on Apple’s strategic moves in AI and the broader impact of AI on educational practices and cybersecurity. Amid these discussions, the show highlighted the importance of open-source platforms in combating authoritarian regimes, as exemplified by Taiwan’s digital transformation under the leadership of its Digital Minister, Audrey Tang. The episode underscored the power of openness and transparency in fostering trust and democracy in the digital age. “Geeks of the Week” included insights into Stephen Johnson’s collaboration with Google on the Notebook LM project, showcasing the potential of AI in enhancing writing and creative processes. Additionally, the EFF’s podcast episode on “Open Source Beats Authoritarianism” was spotlighted, offering listeners a glimpse into Taiwan’s successful use of open-source principles to revolutionize government transparency and citizen engagement. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdtechSR page on Facebook, @edtechsr@mastodon.education on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif) – aicentrist.com – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. Formula 1 chief appalled to find team using Excel to manage 20,000 car parts (ArsTechnica, 20 March 2024)
  10. Elon Musk sues OpenAI over AI threat (Courthouse News Service; 29 February 2024)
  11. OpenAI and Elon Musk (Open AI Blog; 5 Match 2024)
  12. In Latest A.I. War Escalation, Elon Musk Releases Chatbot Code (NYTimes, 17 March 2024)
  13. Elon Musk sues OpenAI over AI threat (Courthouse News Service; 29 February 2024)
  14. OpenAI and Elon Musk (Open AI Blog; 5 Match 2024)
  15. In Latest A.I. War Escalation, Elon Musk Releases Chatbot Code (NYTimes, 17 March 2024)
  16. Report: Apple’s iPhone AI Plans May Leverage Google Gemini (Thurrott; 18 March 2024)
  17. Copilot Pro Users Can Now Access the AI Assistant in the Microsoft 365 Web Apps (Thurrott; 14 March 2024)
  18. Microsoft Brings GPT-4 Turbo to Free Version of Copilot (Thurrott; 13 March 2024)
  19. 4 Reasons to Use Microsoft Copilot Instead of ChatGPT (MakeUseOf, 14 March 2024)
  20. Wes’ AI Learning site and preso slides “Stories About AI” ai.wesfryer.com
  21. House passes a bill that could lead to a TikTok ban if Chinese owner refuses to sell (AP; 13 March 2024)
  22. Why Trump is now against a TikTok ban (Washington Post, 12 March 2024)
  23. The U.S. Wants to Ban TikTok for the Sins of Every Social Media Company (404; 13 March 2024)
  24. Automakers Are Sharing Consumers’ Driving Behavior With Insurance Companies (NYTimes, 11 March 2024)
  25. How to consume information in times of conflict (DFR Lab, 18 Mar 2024)
  26. A Forensics Expert on Princess Kate’s Photo—and How Credentialing Tools Can Help Build Trust in a World of Increasing Uncertainty (Time; 12 March 2024)
  27. Walmart Brings the Popular MacBook Air With the M1 Chip to Its Shelves (Walmart Corporate; 15 March 2024)
  28. “Disabling cyberattacks” are hitting critical US water systems, White House warns (ArsTechnica, 19 March 2024)
  29. Four big questions for DC following massive health care hack (Politico, 18 March 2024)
  30. Wes’ Geeks of the Week: [PODCAST] Exploring the Intersection of Information Integrity, Race, and US Elections by Tech Policy Press and Mastodon.Education suspended by Mastodon.Cloud and War Over TikTok
  31. Jason’s Geek of the Week: innovationrunsthroughit.com
EdTechSR Ep 322: Openness Challenges Authoritarianism” (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

EdTechSR Ep 321: AI Integration Insights

Welcome to episode 321 (“AI Integration Insights”) of the EdTech Situation Room from March 6, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) explored the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its profound implications for education and technology. Amidst the scenic backdrop of the NCTIES conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the anticipation of spring break, the co-hosts delved into pressing topics that captivate the attention of educators and tech enthusiasts alike. The conversation kicked off with insights into the significance of AI integration in educational settings, reflecting on how these technologies are reshaping teaching, learning, and professional development. The co-hosts examined the latest developments in AI legislation, highlighting its impact on educational technology and policy. The discussion ventured into the realm of digital privacy, with a focus on recent executive orders aimed at curbing the sale of personal data to foreign entities, underscoring the ongoing challenges and ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and security. A highlight of the episode was the exploration of innovative AI tools and platforms, offering a glimpse into the future of education and the potential of AI to enhance learning experiences. Dr. Neiffer shared his experiences with AI integration in the Montana Digital Academy, while Dr. Fryer provided insights from his role as a middle school media literacy and STEM teacher. In light of the NCTIES 2024 conference, the co-hosts discussed the importance of collaborative professional development and the exchange of ideas among educators. The episode also touched on broader implications of AI on educational practices, the dynamics of digital education, and the role of technology in addressing contemporary challenges in the education sector. “Geeks of the Week” included notable mentions of the latest AI-driven educational tools and resources, offering valuable insights for educators aiming to leverage technology in enhancing learning environments. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow us on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif) – aicentrist.com – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. Apple Has a New Open-Source AI Image Editor (LifeHacker, 7 Feb 2024)
  10. Google Chatbot’s A.I. Images Put People of Color in Nazi-Era Uniforms (The New York Times; 22 February 2024)
  11. Google Chatbot’s A.I. Images Put People of Color in Nazi-Era Uniforms #GiftLink https://bit.ly/3wQ9ff8 
  12. Claude 3 Released – (Anthropic; 4 March 2024)
  13. Ideogram 1.0 Released (Ideogram; 28 February 2024)
  14. The AI wars heat up with Claude 3, claimed to have “near-human” abilities (ArsTechnica, 4 Mar 2024)
  15. Windows 11 Gets its First Big Update of the Year With Copilot and Accessibility Improvements (Thurott.com; 29 February 2024)
  16. Biden executive order aims to stop Russia and China from buying Americans’ personal data (Engadget; 28 February 2024)
  17. Walmart isn’t buying Vizio for its hardware. It wants the TV maker’s ad business (Fast Company; 20 February 2024)
  18. $30 doorbell cameras can be easily hijacked, says Consumer Reports (ArsTechnica, 28 Feb 2024)
  19. Microsoft is Killing the Windows Subsystem for Android and Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 (Thurrott; 5 March 2024)
  20. Apple unveils the new 13- and 15‑inch MacBook Air with the powerful M3 chip (Apple Newsroom; 4 March 2024)
  21. Jason’s Geek of the Week: New York Public Library’s Digital Collections
  22. Wes’ Geeks of the Week: [VIDEO] Expert Behind Google’s Secret A.I. Writing Tool | Steven Johnson | How I Write Podcast and [PODCAST] How to Fix the Internet: “Open Source Beats Authoritarianism”
EdTechSR Ep 321: AI Integration Insights” (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

EdTechSR Ep 320 Privacy and Platform Shifts

Welcome to episode 320 (“Privacy and Platform Shifts”) of the EdTech Situation Room from February 21, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer and Dr. Wesley Fryer, joining from their diverse locales of Montana and North Carolina, dove into a rich dialogue exploring the evolving landscape of digital privacy, the shift in platforms due to new technological integrations, and the profound implications for educators and learners. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the co-hosts unpacked the potential of AI in revolutionizing not just educational practices but also the broader societal interactions, drawing attention to the pressing issues of digital droughts affecting agricultural economies and the potential for wildfire risks. The discussion ventured into the realms of policy, with insights into legislation aimed at protecting youth online, and the innovative strides in virtual reality, highlighting the quest for immersive learning environments. As digital citizenship continues to be a pivotal theme, Fryer and Neiffer emphasized the importance of navigating the complexities of tech integration with foresight and ethical consideration. “Geeks of the Week” included an exploration of perplexity AI as a tool for enhancing research and the groundbreaking developments in virtual reality, pointing towards a future where education transcends traditional boundaries. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdtechSR page on Facebook, mastodon.education/@edtechsr on Mastodon for updates, subscribe to us on Substack, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif) – aicentrist.com – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. High school senior: Why aren’t more teachers embracing AI? (CNN OpEd, 16 Sept 2024)
  10. MTDA AI Framework via Michigan Virtual
  11. Sora by OpenAI (official)
  12. Musk’s X sold checkmarks to Hezbollah and other terrorist groups, report says (ArsTechnica, 14 Feb 2024)
  13. New Surgeon General Advisory Raises Alarm about the Devastating Impact of the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the United States (US Dept of Human Services, May 2023)
  14. Senate poised to pass biggest piece of tech regulation in decades (Washington Post; 15 February 2024)
  15. Kids Online Safety Shouldn’t Require Massive Online Censorship and Surveillance: 2023 Year in Review (EFF, 28 Dec 2023)
  16. Media Literacy
  17. Here’s why conspiracy theories about Taylor Swift and the Super Bowl are spreading (NPR, 1 Feb 2024)
  18. After years of losing, it’s finally feds’ turn to troll ransomware group (ArsTechnica, 20 Feb 2024)
  19. Hardware
  20. After trying the Vision Pro, Mark Zuckerberg says Quest 3 ‘is the better product, period’ (The Verge; 13 February 2024)
  21. Wes’ Geeks of the Week:: Rewind: Third Wave Internet with Ben Tarnoff (Reimagining the Internet, 18 Jan 2024) and Grandparents of Media Literacy and wesfryer.com/after (reboot), 
  22. Jason’s Geek of the Week: Matt Wolfe Channel (YouTube)
EdTechSR Ep 320 Privacy and Platform Shifts” (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

EdTechSR Ep 319 Tech Titans Testify

Welcome to episode 319 (“Tech Titans Testify”) of the EdTech Situation Room from January 31, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) delved into a variety of current topics at the intersection of technology, education, and policy. Discussions kicked off with an exploration of the unusual weather patterns affecting the United States, including an unprecedented heatwave followed by a forecast of more snow, showcasing the bizarre weather phenomena exacerbated by climate change. The conversation quickly pivoted to pressing cybersecurity concerns, highlighting FBI warnings about potential Chinese cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure. The episode also covered the testimony of tech CEOs before Congress, where topics ranged from social media’s impact on youth to digital privacy challenges and the responsibilities of tech companies in moderating content. In a lighter vein, Dr. Fryer shared exciting updates from the Webb Space Telescope, offering a glimpse into the universe’s marvels and the scientific community’s latest discoveries. The episode further discussed the rise of artificial intelligence, its implications for education and security, and the innovative uses of AI in creating new educational content and tools. Reflecting on the digital landscape, the hosts touched upon the evolving role of smart speakers and the potential shifts in browser technologies, pointing to a future where technology is increasingly integrated into our daily lives and learning environments. “Geeks of the Week” included a nod to the Hardfork podcast for its insightful analysis of media and journalism’s digital transformation and the Voices of DARPA podcast, shedding light on defense research projects that could influence future educational technologies. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdtechSR page on Facebook, mastodon.education/@edtechsr on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif) – aicentrist.com – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. ChatGPT’s new @-mentions bring multiple personalities into your AI convo (ArsTechnica, 31 Jan 2024)
  10. Google News Is Boosting Garbage AI-Generated Articles (404 Media; 18 January 2023) – Archive.today version
  11. Nightshade, the tool that ‘poisons’ data, gives artists a fighting chance against AI (TechCrunch; 26 January 2024)
  12. Toxic Telegram group produced X’s X-rated fake AI Taylor Swift images, report says (ArsTechnica, 26 Jan 2024)
  13. Teen boys use AI to make fake nudes of classmates, sparking police probe (ArsTechnica, 2 Nov 2023)
  14. FBI director warns that Chinese hackers are preparing to ‘wreak havoc’ on US critical infrastructure (CNN, 31 Jan 2024)
  15. Amazon confirms that Fire TV is dropping Android in deleted job listing (9 to 5 Google; 31 January 2024)
  16. Accusations, tears and rants: 5 takeaways from today’s tech CEO hearing (CNN, 31 Jan 2024)
  17. Pew report shows TikTok’s rise and YouTube’s ubiquity (TechCrunch; 31 January 2024)
  18. The Media and Democracy Project names Elon Musk the “2023 Disinformer of the Year” (Media & Democracy Project, 31 Jan 2024)
  19. Apple Vision Pro review: magic, until it’s not (The Verge; 30 January 2024)
  20. The Vision Pro (Daring Fireball; 30 January 2024)
  21. Apple is finally allowing full versions of Chrome and Firefox to run on the iPhone (The Verge; 25 January 2024)
  22. Positive Misc
  23. NASA’s Webb Depicts Staggering Structure in 19 Nearby Spiral Galaxies (NASA Webb Mission Team, 29 Jan 2024)
  24. Jason’s Geek of the Week: Drop.com
  25. Wes’ Geeks of the Week: Mediapocalypse Now + a16z’s Chris Dixon Defends Crypto + HatGPT (Hard Fork, 26 Jan 2024) and Voices from DARPA Podcast: Episode 73: The AI Cyber Challenge – CTF, Code, and Critical Infrastructure
EdTechSR Ep 319 Tech Titans Testify” (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

EdTechSR Ep 318 Deepfake Democratic Threats

Welcome to episode 318 (“Deepfake Democratic Threats”) of the EdTech Situation Room from January 24, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) embarked on a comprehensive exploration of the latest developments in artificial intelligence, copyright laws, and the impact of technology in education and society at large. The conversation kicked off with a deep dive into Meta’s investment in Nvidia AI chips, underscoring Mark Zuckerberg’s commitment to bolstering AI capabilities with billions of dollars. This move signals a significant shift towards more advanced AI integrations across various platforms and services. In the realm of AI and intellectual property, the hosts discussed the new certificates for copyright-compliant AI, highlighting the challenges and controversies surrounding AI-generated content and its compliance with copyright laws. Despite these efforts, notable tools like ChatGPT have faced scrutiny for potential copyright issues. A concerning trend in the misuse of AI technology was addressed through the discussion of a fake Joe Biden robocall, which misled voters in New Hampshire. This incident illustrates the growing problem of deepfake technologies and their potential to disrupt democratic processes. The hosts also delved into the legal and ethical dimensions of AI, discussing perspectives on whether training generative AI models on copyrighted works constitutes fair use. This topic sparked a debate on the future of intellectual property in an AI-dominated landscape. From an economic viewpoint, a MIT study shed light on the limitations of job automation by AI, suggesting that only a fraction of tasks involving vision are economically viable for AI automation. This finding prompts a reevaluation of AI’s impact on the workforce and the need for a balanced approach to integrating these technologies. On the technological front, updates to Google Chrome and ChromeOS were discussed, including new generative AI features and enhancements aimed at improving user productivity and focus. The hosts also touched on Google’s latest AI video generator, Lumiere, capable of creating whimsical scenarios featuring cute animals, showcasing the lighter side of AI advancements. Apple’s recent developments were a hot topic, with discussions on the App Store rule changes, the sale of Vision Pro headsets, and innovative features like Stolen Device Protection to safeguard iPhones against theft. The conversation also highlighted Apple’s plans to integrate generative AI into iPhones, emphasizing the company’s strategic direction towards embracing AI technology. In education, the release of Microsoft’s AI-powered reading tutor as a free resource marked a significant milestone in leveraging AI to enhance learning experiences. The update to the National Ed-Tech Plan, its first since 2017, was praised for its forward-looking vision in integrating technology into education. Finally, the hosts reflected on the dire consequences of accessing forbidden content in North Korea, as highlighted in a BBC report, and the vulnerabilities of cash apps in facilitating theft, underscoring the broader societal implications of technology adoption and security. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdtechSR page on Facebook, mastodon.education/@edtechsr on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif) – aicentrist.com – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. Mark Zuckerberg indicates Meta is spending billions of dollars on Nvidia AI chips (CNBC; 18 January 2024) 
  10. Certificates for copyright-compliant AI are here — but ChatGPT won’t get one (The Next Web; 18 January 2024)
  11. Fake Joe Biden robocall tells New Hampshire Democrats not to vote Tuesday (MSNBC, 22 Jan 2024)
  12. Is A.I. the Death of I.P.? (THe New Yorker; 15 January 2024)
  13. Training Generative AI Models on Copyrighted Works Is Fair Use (Association of Research Libraries, 23 Jan 2024)
  14. Rethinking AI’s impact: MIT CSAIL study reveals economic limits to job automation (MIT; 22 January 2024)
  15. Google’s next Chrome update adds three new generative AI features (Engadget, 23 Jan 2024)
  16. ChromeOS 122 bringing Focus Mode to Chromebooks (About Chromebooks; 21 January 2024)
  17. How to customize your mouse buttons on a Chromebook [VIDEO] (ChromeUnboxed; 6 January 2024)
  18. Google’s latest AI video generator can render cute animals in implausible situations (ArsTechnica, 24 Jan 2024) – Lumiere
  19. Apple’s App Store rule changes draw sharp rebuke from critics (Bloomberg; 18 January 2024)
  20. Kuo: Apple Has Already Sold Up to 180,000 Vision Pro Headsets (MacRumors; 22 January 2024)
  21. Apple’s Stolen Device Protection feature is now live. Here’s how it can help protect your iPhone (CBS News; 23 January 2024)
  22. Apple boosts plans to bring generative AI to iPhones (FT, 23 Jan 2024)
  23. Bots May Have Nabbed Thousands of Apple Vision Pro Preorders (PC Mag, 24 Jan 2024)
  24. Microsoft makes its AI-powered reading tutor free (TechCrunch, 18 Jan 2024)
  25. National Ed-Tech Plan Gets First Update Since 2017 (Government Technology, 24 Jan 2024)
  26. North Korea: Rare footage shows teens sentenced to hard labour over K-drama (BBC, 18 Jan 2024)
  27. Mugger take your phone? Cash apps too easily let thieves drain accounts, DA says (ArsTechnica, 24 Jan 2024)
  28. Jason’s Geeks of the Week: https://clipdrop.co/https://www.aicentrist.com/
  29. Wes’ Geeks of the Week: Roll Call Question Random GeneratorRecent AI Discoveries (thread)Invidioushttps://www.wesfryer.com/after/

EdTechSR Ep 317 Digital Privacy Predicaments

Welcome to episode 317 (“Digital Privacy Predicaments”) of the EdTech Situation Room from January 17, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (AIcentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com/after) delved into pressing issues surrounding digital privacy, the ethical implications of AI in education, and the latest advancements in EdTech tools and platforms. Highlights of the discussion included the evolving landscape of digital privacy laws, innovative uses of AI in the classroom, and the potential impacts of new technology policies on educators and students. The episode also covered key updates from major tech companies and their influence on educational technology. “Geeks of the Week” featured insightful resources and tools beneficial for educators. Although the specific “Geeks of the Week” links from this episode are not provided here, they typically include cutting-edge educational tools, tips, and articles shared by Jason and Wes, contributing to the professional growth of educators and the enhancement of learning environments with technology. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow @edtechsr@mastodon.education on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT 4, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif) – aicentrist.com – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. Microsoft launches a Pro plan for Copilot (TechCrunch; 15 January 2024)
  10. AI-Generated ‘George Carlin’ Comedy Special Blasted by Comedian’s Daughter (Rolling Stone; 11 January 2024)
  11. George Carlin: I’m Glad I’m Dead (2024) – Full Special (Dudesy via YouTube) CAUTION: Adult Themes and Salty Language
  12. OpenAI must defend ChatGPT fabrications after failing to defeat libel suit (ArsTechnica, 17 Jan 2024)
  13. Microsoft Tops Apple to Become Most Valuable Public Company (NYTimes, 12 Jan 2024) #GiftLink
  14. App Store to Be ‘Split in Two’ Ahead of EU iPhone Sideloading Deadline (MacRumors, 15 Jan 2024)
  15. Teen sued Utah over social media law requiring curfew for minors (ArsTechnica, 17 Jan 2024)
  16. Substack Realizes Maybe It Doesn’t Want To Help Literal Nazis Make Money After All (But Only Literal Nazis) (TechDirt, 10 Jan 2024)
  17. Hard Fork Podcast (NY Times)
  18. Apple Vision Pro’s Lengthy Sales Pitch Will Include 25-Minute Demo (Bloomberg; 14 January 2024)
  19. Supreme Court upholds Apple vs. Epic ruling, Apple must allow app developers to link to other payment systems (9 to 5 Mac; 16 January 2024)
  20. Even more Californians could be moving to Austin after Apple shuttered a San Diego office (San Antonio Express, 17 Jan 2024)
  21. Researcher uncovers one of the biggest password breaches in recent history (ArsTechnica, 17 Jan 2024)
  22. Passkeys may not be for you, but they are safe and easy—here’s why (ArsTechnica, 12 May 2023)
  23. CES 2024: AI everything, what we expect in Las Vegas and all the announcements so far (Engadget; 8 January 2024)
  24. The GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker brings BBQ inside for $1,000 (Engadet, 8 Jan 2024)
  25. Jason’s Geek of the Week: FlightAware
  26. Wes’ Geek of the Week: Free virtual AI EdTech PlayDate: Saturday, Jan 20th, 10am to Noon ET (EventBrite Registration)
Digital Privacy Predicaments” (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

EdTechSR Ep 316 AI Legislative Insights

Welcome to episode 316 (“AI Legislative Insights”) of the EdTech Situation Room from January 10, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com/after) discussed a range of topics focusing on the intersection of technology, education, and policy. Key discussions included the latest developments in AI legislation and its impact on educational technology, in-depth analysis of current tech trends, and thoughtful debates on various EdTech policies. The episode also delved into the broader implications of AI on educational practices and the dynamics of digital education. ‘Geeks of the Week’ included the Everyday AI Podcast, Beeper (software which integrates multiple chat apps) and the AI Resource Guides from EdTech PlayDate CLT. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow @edtechsr@mastodon.education on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT 4, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif) – aicentrist.com – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. In case you missed it, ChatGPT rival ‘Copilot’ is now on iOS and Android (Mashable; 2 January 2024)
  10. The New York Times Sues Microsoft, OpenAI for Copyright Infringement (Thurott; 27 December 2023)
  11. Exposing the Rotten Reality of AI Training Data (Podcast, Tech Policy Press, 31 Dec 2023)
  12. Google settles $5 billion privacy lawsuit over tracking people using ‘incognito mode’ (ABC News, 29 Dec 2023)
  13. Facebook, Instagram block teens from sensitive content, even from friends (ArsTechnica, 9 Jan 2024)
  14. AirTag saves Christmas, tracks down luggage stolen from Charlotte airport (Apple Insider, 29 Dec 2023)
  15. Apple Just Broke a Tradition It Held for 12 Years (Mac Rumors; 1 January 2024)
  16. Column: Meet the most dangerous quack in America (LA Times, 9 Jan 2024)
  17. Tips for sorting online fact from fiction (NPR KUOW, 3 Jan 2024)
  18. Jason’s Geek of the Week: Everyday AI Podcast
  19. Wes’ Geek of the Week: BeeperAI Resource Guides (PlayDateCLT)
EdTech Situation Room – AI Comic Style” (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

EdTechSR Ep 315 Debriefing Our AI PlayDate

Welcome to episode 315 (“Debriefing Our AI PlayDate”) of the EdTech Situation Room from January 3, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (AIcentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com/after), along with their special guest, Dr. Heather Kaiser, delved into a variety of thought-provoking topics. Dr. Kaiser, drawing on her experience as an online fifth-grade teacher, shared valuable insights on the effectiveness of Learning Management Systems and strategies for engaging students in virtual classrooms. The conversation then shifted to the burgeoning role of AI in education, exploring innovative AI tools and their potential to revolutionize teaching and learning. Highlighting the gamification of education, Dr. Kaiser shared how she incorporates tools like Classcraft, enhanced by AI technologies, to create immersive and engaging learning experiences. The episode also touched upon the significance of collaborative professional development and the sharing of resources, with a focus on “EdTech PlayDates” as a platform for such interactions. Discussions on emerging technologies brought to light new developments like ARM-based processors in Microsoft devices, Microsoft Co-Pilot, and their implications for education. The co-hosts also addressed pressing issues like the mental health impacts of social media on adolescents, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures and responsible technology usage. To conclude, the “Geeks of the Week” segment featured a variety of tools and resources. Dr. Kaiser recommended Mizu and Snorkel for creating interactive learning experiences, while Dr. Neiffer highlighted Sunno, an AI-powered music creation tool. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of AI, technology, and education, providing valuable insights for educators navigating the digital landscape. Our show was live-streamed and archived simultaneously on YouTube Live as well as Facebook Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow @edtechsr@mastodon.education on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All shownotes are available on edtechSR.com/links. AI Disclosure: An initial draft of this episode summary was generated using youtubetranscript.com and a custom GPT on ChatGPT 4, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Shownotes

  1. Subscribe to our EdTechSR Substack Newsletter!
  2. EdTech Situation Room Listener Survey: wfryer.me/edtechsr
  3. Follow EdTechSR on Facebook, Mastodon and Substack!
  4. Audio podcast feed (Subscribe with iTunes or Stitcher)
  5. Video version on YouTube
  6. Check out our video podcast feed and subscribe to our YouTube Channel (episodes also in this YouTube playlist)
  7. Jason Neiffer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@neif – Twitter: @techsavvyteach) – blog: blog.ncce.org
  8. Wes Fryer (Mastodon: mastodon.cloud/@wfryer) – wesfryer.com/after
  9. Archived resources from 27 Dec 2023 PlayDate
  10. 20 Jan 2024: In-person EdTech PlayDate – AI Edition (Charlotte, NC)
  11. Report: Surface Pro 10 and Laptop 6 Are Coming in Spring 2024 With Intel and Qualcomm Chips (Thurott; 28 December 2023)
  12. Youth suicide rates rose 62% from 2007 to 2021: ‘People feel hopeless,’ one recent grad says (CNBC, 5 Dec 3023)
  13. To Minimize Harms and Maximize Benefits of Social Media to Adolescent Health, New Report Recommends Setting Industrywide Standards, New Protections Against Harassment (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 13 Dec 2022)
  14. A New Kind of AI Copy Can Fully Replicate Famous People. The Law is Powerless. (Politico, 30 Dec 2023)
  15. Heather’s Geeks of the Week: https://www.classcraft.com/https://mizou.com/https://snorkel.ai/ 
  16. Jason’s Geeks of the Week: https://copilot.microsoft.com/ … Music Generator by Suno
  17. Wes’ Geeks of the Week: Chrome browser extension “Show YouTube Video Upload Date” and  “Breaking the Social Media Prism: How to Make Our Platforms Less Polarizing” by Chris Bail
EdTech Playdate!” (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer