Welcome to episode 334 (“Considering AI Regulation”) of the EdTech Situation Room from August 29, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) explored the rapidly evolving world of AI, including the implications of California's sweeping AI safety legislation and the broader challenges of algorithmic accountability. Discussions spanned the role of AI in education, emerging AI-powered tools like Google’s Gemini, and the sustainability challenges posed by large-scale AI systems. They also touched on Apple’s upcoming product announcements, Tumblr’s migration to WordPress, and YouTube’s rise as the top podcast platform. The ethical, social, and technological dimensions of these developments provided a rich tapestry of insights. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 333 (“Billions Breached”) of the EdTech Situation Room from August 21, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) discussed the alarming implications of recent massive data breaches, including the exposure of billions of personal records worldwide. They explored the broader consequences of these breaches on privacy, cybersecurity, and digital trust. The hosts also examined the ethical challenges of generative AI, the latest advancements in Google’s Pixel devices, and SpaceX’s Starlink integration with the US Navy. “Geeks of the Week” included practical tools like AI-driven local models and a creative journaling resource. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 332 (“AI and Cyber Threats”) of the EdTech Situation Room from August 7, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) explored the latest advancements in AI technologies, discussing their ethical implications and potential in educational settings. They examined pressing cybersecurity challenges, highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities and proactive measures for resilience. The conversation also covered updates on digital privacy policies and regulatory shifts, with a focus on their impact on educators and students. Critical topics like media literacy and the ethical dilemmas posed by generative AI rounded out the episode, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful engagement in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdTechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] on Mastodon for updates, and join LIVE on Wednesday nights if you can. All show notes are available at edtechSR.com/links.

Welcome to episode 331 (“CrowdStrike Crisis Impact”) of the EdTech Situation Room from July 24, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) covered an array of pressing issues in tech and education. They delved into the recent widespread disruption caused by a CrowdStrike security update, which affected numerous organizations, including airlines and medical facilities, sparking discussions on cybersecurity vulnerability, dependency on digital infrastructure, and the essential preparations individuals and organizations should make. On the legislative front, they reviewed judicial blocks on age-verification laws for social media in Mississippi, examining the implications for digital privacy, parental control, and student safety. The hosts also discussed AI in education, with updates on emerging AI models from Meta and Mistral, the rise of open-source options, and considerations for classroom integration. The ethical considerations surrounding generative AI and the risk of “lazy learning” with AI-assisted assignments were hot topics, leading to a conversation about critical engagement, media literacy, and the role of assignments in fostering genuine learning. "Geeks of the Week" included Wes's discovery of Spoutible, a Twitter alternative focused on safety, and his experiences using AI to troubleshoot coding projects with MakeCode Arcade. Jason shared LocalSend, an open-source cross-platform file-sharing app for Android and iOS, providing an alternative to AirDrop. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com. Please follow our @EdtechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] 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 https://notegpt.io/youtube-transcript-generator and a custom GPT on ChatGPT, as well as options for our show title! Stay savvy and safe!

Welcome to episode 330 (“AI Summer Surge”) of the EdTech Situation Room from July 18, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) discussed a variety of topics with a focus on artificial intelligence and its broader implications. Key discussions included the increasing dominance of AI in various sectors, the ethical challenges surrounding AI usage, and the impact of AI on social media and disinformation. The hosts also touched on the significance of AI vision tools and their practical applications, from personal use cases to educational settings. The episode covered the evolving landscape of social media algorithms and their effects on user engagement and information dissemination. Dr. Fryer shared his personal experiences with algorithmic bans on social media platforms and the importance of computational thinking in education. The conversation also highlighted the latest updates from major tech companies, including Microsoft’s changes in Windows updates and Apple’s advancements in iOS 18. “Geeks of the Week” included "Claude AI" and "Chad GPT Vision Tools" (from Jason) and "Ideogram AI Visuals" and "Perplexity Answer Engine" (from Wes). Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube via StreamYard.com. We created our episode show art with Ideogram.ai. Please follow our @EdtechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] 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!

Welcome to episode 329 (“Apple's AI Move”) of the EdTech Situation Room from June 26, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) discussed a variety of technology topics through an educational lens. Key discussions included Apple’s recent advancements in AI, their strategic decisions regarding AI integration, and the implications for educational technology. The episode also covered the ongoing challenges with tech privacy, the evolving digital divide among students regarding access to AI tools, and innovative applications of AI in social media. "Geeks of the Week" included Jason’s recommendation of Notion, a comprehensive note-taking and organization app, and Wes's highlight of a family audio preservation project using digitized tapes from 1972. Our show was live-streamed and archived on YouTube Live via StreamYard.com.(Facebook changed their live streaming policies, so unfortunately we can't live stream there until we get at least 100 likes on our Facebook page!) Please follow our @EdtechSR page on Facebook, @[email protected] 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!

Welcome to episode 328 (“AI Copyright Clash”) of the EdTech Situation Room from June 5, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) discussed a variety of pressing topics in the realm of educational technology. Key discussions included the controversy surrounding AI-generated voices and copyright, highlighted by the recent Scarlett Johansson incident with OpenAI. They delved into the implications of AI ethics, focusing on the balance between technological advancements and ethical considerations in education. The hosts also explored the potential and challenges of AI companions, reflecting on how these technologies might shape future interactions and relationships. Additionally, they discussed practical strategies for integrating AI tools into educational settings, emphasizing the importance of responsible usage and the evolving landscape of AI legislation. “Geeks of the Week” included Fireflies.ai, an advanced AI meeting notetaker recommended by Jason, and Google’s Gemini Prompting Guide 101, highlighted by Wes as a valuable resource for effective AI prompts. 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, @[email protected] 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!

Welcome to episode 327 (“AI Search Evolution”) of the EdTech Situation Room from May 22, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) discussed various topics, beginning with Jason's recent trip to Japan, where he visited Hiroshima and experienced some unique weather patterns. The conversation quickly transitioned to an in-depth look at current technology news and its implications for education. Key discussions included the return of controversial figures to social media platforms, the impact of fractured social media ecosystems on communication and professional development, and the potential and challenges of federated social media platforms like Mastodon. The hosts emphasized the importance of educators exploring and understanding these evolving platforms to better navigate the digital landscape. The episode also highlighted significant updates from Google I/O and Microsoft, focusing on their AI advancements and new product announcements. Jason and Wes analyzed Google's move to integrate AI into search results, comparing it to science fiction-like interactions and pondering its future implications for advertising, media, and user behavior. They also delved into Microsoft's controversial "Recall" feature, which captures screenshots of users' screens every few seconds, raising substantial privacy and security concerns. The hosts wrapped up with their "Geeks of the Week" segment. Jason recommended the Logitech Options+ software for enhancing mouse functionality with AI features, while Wes shared a personal throwback by showcasing a 1978 remix of Star Wars and a practical video on managing email effectively for a productive digital life. 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, @[email protected] 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!

Welcome to episode 326 (“Live From Japan!”) of the EdTech Situation Room from May 8, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer (aicentrist.com) joined live from Kyoto, Japan, and Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com) joined from Charlotte, North Carolina. They discussed a variety of topics including Jason's travel experiences in Japan, the latest Apple product updates, and the significance of privacy and security in technology. Key discussions included: Jason's culinary adventures in Japan and observations on the strong dollar's impact on travel costs. The latest updates to Apple’s iPads, with a focus on their implications for education and the mixed reactions from the tech community. The importance of multi-factor authentication highlighted by a major healthcare cyber attack due to its absence. The role of debate in developing critical thinking skills in an AI-dominated world. Media literacy and the new challenges posed by sophisticated propaganda and misinformation campaigns. "Geeks of the Week" included Google’s free webinar series "Generative AI for Teachers" (from Wes), and Amazon Prime’s series "Fallout" based on the popular video game (from Jason). 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, @[email protected] 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! Stay savvy and safe!

Welcome to episode 235 ("Privacy and TikTok Ban") of the EdTech Situation Room from April 24, 2024, where technology news meets educational analysis. This week, Dr. Jason Neiffer and Dr. Wesley Fryer delve into a variety of technology and educational topics. They discuss Dr. Neiffer's upcoming trip to Japan, providing insights into the extensive planning required for such an adventure. The conversation quickly transitions to pressing issues in tech and education, notably the recent U.S. legislation potentially affecting TikTok. This move by Congress, framed as a national security issue, opens broader debates on data privacy and the influence of social media on public opinion. The episode also covers the significant impact of artificial intelligence on content creation and the ethical implications of AI technologies. Updates from tech giants like Google and Apple are discussed, highlighting upcoming events and product enhancements that could influence educational practices. "Geeks of the Week" includes personal tech recommendations and educational resources, emphasizing tools that effectively integrate technology into educational settings. 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, @[email protected] 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!

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, @[email protected] 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!