Balancing AI and Human Touch in Education with Thomas C Murray

More Than a Test

In this episode, Laura Glaab and Thomas C. Murray dive deep into the intersection of AI and education. Listen in as Thomas shares his personal story of using a chat GPT to analyze his MRI results and discusses the implications of relying on AI for medical and educational purposes. They touch on the balance needed between technology and human connection, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of teachers and the importance of personalized, thoughtful engagement in the classroom.

From his career journey in education to creating a virtual school, Thomas Murray opens up about his experiences and the support he received along the way. They tackle hot topics such as the potential equity gap in education, the impact of AI on marginalized students, and the ethical considerations in AI use. With real-life examples and a focus on human-centered leadership, this conversation promises to shed light on the future of AI in education.

Learn about innovative strategies to integrate AI effectively without losing the essential human touch. Whether you're an educator, parent, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about AI and its role in learning. Don't miss this engaging and thought-provoking discussion!

Timestamps

00:00 Balancing technology and human connection in education.

04:20 AI customized lesson plans for 4th graders.

07:14 Patient speculates on diagnosis and treatment options.

10:19 Human component is critical for AI integration.

15:13 Improved system for efficient student data management.

19:28 Ensure inclusion in decision-making and avoid over-reliance on technology.

21:37 Discussing EdTech and human-oriented goals, mental health.

24:42 Engagement over time, balance learning and consumption.

28:06 Rising from assistant principal to district office.

30:00 Opportunity from Digital Learning Day leads to a job.

36:17 Digital handwriting led to technology challenges.

38:22 AI's impact on education and thoughtful tool selection.

42:14 Suburban and rural education inequalities must be addressed.

43:12 Innovation will vary across different districts.

46:36 Create a rubric with 5 domains, 50 points.

51:58 Adaptation during challenges and focus on improvement.

56:04 Mentor helped refocus and value others, not self.

56:48 Ethics, equity, passion about edtech, guardrails, biases.

Connect with Thomas C Murray

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascmurray/

Website: https://all4ed.org/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543.

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD