175: Debate, AI, and Education: A Conversation with Stefan Bauschard

aarmau@gmail.comJune 6, 2023Uncategorized

In this episode, I engage in conversation with Stefan Bauschard. I will highlight here and now that this conversation happened back in April of 2023 and due to my own backlog of work, I am just now getting this published. And as we all know this is lights years in the AI field, but his insights are still just as valid now and back then.

Stefan recently co-edited a 650 page volume featuring 32 authors with expertise in education, technology and the law on the impact of generative ai and education and has run many webinars and classes teaching students and teachers about generative artificial intelligence tools. He is also experienced Debate Coach and nonprofit leader with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Online Learning (more than 1,000 hours of direct instruction and more than 5,000 hours provided through DebateUS.org), Student Development, Tutoring, Curriculum Development, and Public Speaking.

I love this book and you should check it out here:

Chat(GPT): Navigating the Impact of Generative AI Technologies on Educational Theory and Practice: Educators Discuss ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence Tools https://amzn.to/3IU7lxr

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Challenges & Goals:

The conversation focused on understanding the impact of AI technologies like ChatGPT on education, encouraging proper debates that promote learning rather than just defending one’s stance, and involving everyone in conversations about AI technology to ensure its ethical use. Additionally, integrating AI tools into the educational process without compromising academic integrity and adapting to the rapidly changing technology landscape in education were discussed.

Big Takeaways:

– AI technologies like ChatGPT can generate speeches and rebuttals for debates, potentially changing how students prepare for them.

– There is a significant knowledge gap among educators regarding AI technologies, leading to misunderstandings about their capabilities and limitations.

– Students are already using AI tools for various purposes, sometimes even without their teachers’ knowledge or approval.

– The concept of originality is becoming increasingly complex as AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated and indistinguishable from human-written work.

Emerging Patterns:

– The increasing influence of AI technologies on various aspects of education, from research to writing assignments.

– A shift towards synthesis rather than originality as a key skill for students.

– The need for educators to adapt their teaching methods to incorporate AI tools effectively.

– An increasing focus on persuasive communication skills across different platforms (physical vs online).

Key Moments:

1. “My whole life has really been about debate and about arguments and about ideas and about people because obviously the arguments are useless without the people.”

2. “This affects everybody, this affects kids, this affects adults, this affects their careers, this affects their jobs, this affects the teachers.”

3. “We need people to chime in and say maybe this one is GDPR compliant… but I think everybody needs to be involved in these conversations.”

4. “If you don’t get involved [in discussions about AI],  then it’s gonna use you.”

5. “I am kind of proud of the fact that it isn’t like a book written by education technology experts… I think a book written by 20 different people with diverse backgrounds leads to a different place.”

Recommendations:

  1. Educate all stakeholders about the basics of AI technologies so they can make informed decisions about its usage.
  2. Encourage open discussions among educators with diverse perspectives to better understand the implications of AI tools in education.
  3. Develop guidelines for ethical use of AI-generated content within educational settings.

Conclusion:

This conversation revealed that while there are significant benefits associated with using AI technologies like ChatGPT in education, there are also potential drawbacks that must be considered carefully. By engaging in open discussions and understanding the basics of these technologies, educators can make informed decisions about their use and ensure that they contribute positively to educational theory and practice. Further testing and development are necessary to address concerns related to ethics, safety, and potential negative impacts on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

RESOURCES & FURTHER LEARNING:

FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THE CONVERSATION:

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