Margin of Thought with Priten
Education & Explainer
About
Margin of Thought is a podcast about the questions we don’t always make time for but should. Hosted by Priten Soundar-Shah, the show features wide-ranging conversations with educators, civic leaders, technologists, academics, and students. Each season centers on a key tension in modern life that affects how we raise and educate our children. Learn more about Priten and his upcoming book, Ethical Ed Tech: How Educators Can Lead on AI & K-12 at priten.org and ethicaledtech.org.
Episodes
- How Do We Catch Higher Ed Up For Age of AI? - Tina Austin
The episode features a conversation between Priten and AI educator Tina Austin about adapting higher education for the age of generative AI. They explore how AI challenges traditional assessment methods that equate polished output with lea…
- What Happens When School Is Not Enough? - Laura Schroeder
Laura Schroeder, an 18-year-old student, shares her experiences in both American and German high schools, comparing their educational approaches. She discusses how extracurricular learning, like her involvement in the Knowledge Society, pr…
- Is Using Tech the Same as Understanding It? - Melvin D. Smith II
Priten and Melvin D. Smith II discuss whether using technology is the same as understanding it. They cover topics like basic digital literacy, the "digital native" myth, and the importance of intentional communication in digital spaces.
- How Do You Teach Responsibility if Students Don't Care? - Lorin Koch
Priten and educator Lorin Koch discuss challenges in teaching student responsibility, especially concerning AI in different educational settings. They explore why students choose shortcuts and the impact of AI on accountability, assessment…
- What If Our Pedagogical Goal Was Curiosity? - Mary Shawn Newins
Mary Shawn Newins, a computer science teacher, discusses shifting pedagogical goals to curiosity, especially regarding AI literacy. She emphasizes using AI as a catalyst for deeper exploration rather than a shortcut, and strategies for ope…
- Are We Building AI Literacy or AI Dependence? - Alyssa Muhvic
Alyssa Muhvic, a high school history teacher, joins Priten to discuss how AI is reshaping her classroom. She emphasizes developing AI literacy, addressing equity concerns, and teaching students to use AI tools responsibly while maintaining…
- How Should Special Education Approach AI? - Brian Merusi
Priten and Brian Merusi discuss the role of AI in special education, specifically for students with cognitive impairments. They explore the potential of AI for accessibility, the ethical considerations, and the importance of unified policy…
- Can You Still Teach Critical Thinking? - Paul Blaschko
Priten and Paul Blaschko discuss whether critical thinking can still be taught in the age of AI. They explore the impact of AI on education and the need to reimagine critical thinking instruction and course design.
- What Is Age-Appropriate AI in Education? - Megan Barnes
Priten and Megan Barnes discuss age-appropriate AI in education, covering topics such as the distinction between real and synthetic information, the impact of the attention economy on AI design, and the importance of information literacy a…
- Is AI Literacy the New Professional Credential? - Anna Zendall
Priten and Anna Zendall discuss the integration of AI literacy into professional credentials, particularly in healthcare. They cover adapting curricula for AI-driven instruction and the challenges and insights from piloting an AI-enhanced…
- What's the Line Between Research Integrity and Using AI as a Tool? - Kari Weaver
Kari Weaver explores the complexities of integrating AI into research, highlighting the inadequacy of traditional citation methods. She also discusses the ongoing efforts to establish a global standard for AI disclosure in academic work.
- What Does Medicine Look Like When AI in the Room? - Jack Kincaid
Priten speaks with Jack Kincaid, a Harvard Medical School student, about navigating clinical training with powerful AI tools. Jack shares his perspective on medical LLMs like Open Evidence, Harvard's AI Sandbox, and the tension between lev…
- Who Builds the Tools Teachers Are Asked to Use? - Yanni Chen
Priten and Yanni Chen explore how to build AI tools that support learning by focusing on scaffolding, inclusivity, and keeping teachers central. Yanni Chen, a master's student at Harvard, shares her experience developing an AI math tutor a…
- Is Surveillance Culture Ruining Trust in Schools? - Jessica Maddry
Priten and Jessica Maddry examine how surveillance culture and rigid policy enforcement are eroding trust and genuine learning in schools. They explore various aspects, including cell phone bans, AI detection tools, and the critical import…
- What Does Representative Governance Mean for Our Future? - Nathán Goldberg
Nathán Goldberg joins Priten to discuss representative governance, democratic activism, and his experiences in professional soccer. He shares his perspective on the importance of diverse representation in decision-making and how outside mo…
- How Do We Teach the Journey When AI Offers the Destination? - Varun Gupta
In this episode, Priten speaks with Varun Gupta, an Accounting and Economics professor, about the challenges AI poses to traditional learning. They discuss students potentially bypassing the learning process and the continued importance of…
- Can We Preserve Core Classrooms Values While Integrating Ed Tech? - Brian Tash
Priten and Brian Tash discuss integrating educational technology while maintaining core classroom values. They explore balancing tech with fundamental skills and using AI thoughtfully in elementary education.
- Why Do We Teach Foreign Languages When AI is Multilingual? - Noelia Pozo
Noelia Pozo, a veteran high school Spanish and French teacher, shares how she transformed her classroom by openly using AI with students. The discussion covers her approach to AI-generated work, fostering human connection, and exploring AI…
- Do Kids Need Phones? - Shon Holland
Shon Holland, a middle school science teacher, shares his insights on how adolescents interact with technology. He discusses monitoring technology use, the importance of student responsibility, and the impact of smartphones on middle schoo…
- How Can AI Support Writing Instruction? - Kim Cowperthwaite
Kim Cowperthwaite, a veteran English Language Arts teacher, shares her perspective on integrating AI into writing instruction. She discusses methods for identifying AI-generated work, fostering open dialogues about AI, and guiding students…
- Should Students Be Trusted With Phones During Exams? - Dini Arini
Dini Arini, a PhD candidate and educator, explores the use of phones during exams and the potential of AI to democratize education. She discusses her approach to classroom technology, the importance of knowing students, and emerging resear…
- What If the Answer to Technology Overload Isn't Better Tech But Real Relationships? - Nate Otey
Priten speaks with Nate Otey about a school's low-tech approach, emphasizing relationality over connectivity, and the implications of technology on human relationships. They discuss device policies, ethical AI use in education, and the imp…
- How Can AI Support Inclusive Education? - Tamsyn Smith
In this episode, Priten speaks with Tamsyn Smith about how generative AI can support inclusive education. They discuss data privacy, the myth of digitally-native students, and the importance of Universal Design for Learning.
- How Might AI Support Early Education Interventions in India? - Ratna Gill
Ratna Gill from Rocket Learning discusses using AI to provide early education interventions in India through WhatsApp. She explains how their AI-powered personalized tutor delivers bite-sized educational content to caregivers and Anganwadi…
- How Can We Center Pedagogy During the AI Tech Wave? - Lance Eaton
Priten and Lance Eaton discuss integrating AI and educational technology in higher education, focusing on thoughtful adoption of AI aligned with pedagogical goals. They cover topics including reflection bots and the balance between commerc…
- What Are Some Ethical Tech Integration Strategies for K-12? - Justin Cerenzia
Priten and Justin Cerenzia discuss ethical considerations for integrating AI and educational technology in K-12 schools. They explore strategies for balancing innovation with pedagogy and the importance of ethical decision-making in tech a…
- What Does Values-Driven Education Technology Policy Look Like? - Joe Carver
Joe Carver, Associate Head of School at The Meadow School, shares his journey and philosophy on values-driven technology integration in education. He emphasizes involving stakeholders, thoughtful adoption of AI and EdTech, and preparing ed…
- Can We Teach Critical Thinking and Not Mindless Clicking? - Aidan Kestigian
Priten and Aidan Kestigian discuss the lack of critical thinking skills in college graduates and how explicit instruction can address this. They also cover ethical considerations for EdTech development, emphasizing pedagogy over gamificati…
- What is Margin of Thought? - Priten Soundar-Shah
Priten Soundar-Shah introduces Margin of Thought, a podcast focusing on questions about education, technology, and civic life. The show will explore topics like the ethics of education technology and civics education through conversations…