Mike Pearson and Pat Burns talk with Bob Miller, a former Buddhist monk and translator specializing in ancient Buddhist texts. The show not only discusses Buddhism and Bob's experiences but also the art of translation. What goes into translating Tibetan and Sanskrit into English? How does a human do this? Moreover, how would AI do this? And what would AI miss? Today's show is about language, thought, thinking, and feeling and what might we gain and/or lose when AI translates or generates for us?

Mike's GPTs:

• Rhetorica: AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Tutor
• AP Diction Detective
• Maggie Magpie: Text Set Curator
• Copenhagen Cool Cyclist

Other Links

• Contact Us
• Mike Pearson
• Pat Burns
• The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators Website
• thebotbrothersai@gmail.com
• Facebook: The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators
• @TheBotBrothers
• You Tube: The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators

Hosts Mike Pearson and Pat Burns welcome Jane Rosenzweig, director of the Harvard College Writing Center. Jane, an experienced educator and writer, delves deep into the implications of using AI in educational settings.

Jane discusses her initial skepticism and gradual exploration of AI tools. She talks about an op-ed she wrote just prior to the release of ChatGPT, which foreshadowed the current discourse around AI in writing.

The conversation shifts to Jane's course titled "To What Problem is ChatGPT the Solution?", which encourages critical thinking about the role of AI in writing. She underscores the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations, advocating for an informed use rather than outright dependency.

Jane and the hosts discuss the students' divided opinions on AI's utility in writing. They agree that understanding the workings of AI instills confidence in its appropriate use.

A significant part of the discussion focuses on the challenges high school educators face in teaching writing and how AI might complicate or assist this process. Jane provides valuable insights into encouraging authentic writing and critical thinking over formulaic approaches.

Mike and Pat share their classroom experiences, reflecting on how they navigate the intersection of AI, writing, and student engagement.

Show Links:

Jane Rosenzweig

Writing Hacks Substack

Twitter

Mike's GPTs:

• Rhetorica: AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Tutor
• AP Diction Detective
• Maggie Magpie: Text Set Curator
• Copenhagen Cool Cyclist

Other Links

• Contact Us
• Mike Pearson
• Pat Burns
• The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators Website
• thebotbrothersai@gmail.com
• Facebook: The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators
• @TheBotBrothers
• You Tube: The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators

In this episode of The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators, hosts Mike Pearson and Pat Burns engage with veteran social studies teacher Peter Paccone to discuss the transformative effects of AI on teaching methodologies, particularly in the context of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Key themes explored include the adaptation of AP exam rubrics to accommodate the complexities of AI integration in educational settings. Paccone emphasizes the nuanced relationship between student's writing skills and their ability to express complex thoughts, advocating for a shift in rubrics that value simplicity in prose as a valid demonstration of complex thinking.

Mike, Pat and Peter ponder the shift from traditional teaching methods to ones that prioritize understanding and critical thinking over the quality of written product. They share personal experiences and strategies they've employed in their classrooms to harness AI effectively while ensuring that the core educational values are upheld.

They also discuss the teaching of controversial topics and fostering civil discourse among students. It highlights the importance of encouraging skepticism without cynicism, offering various pedagogical approaches to engage students in meaningful discussions.

The conversation underscores the potential of AI to revitalize teaching practices and the importance of equipping students with the skills to navigate and critically assess the information-rich world shaped by AI.

Peter Paccone Links

https://x.com/PeterPaccone?s=20

Blog

Class Companion

Mike's GPTs:

• Rhetorica: AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Tutor
• AP Diction Detective
• Maggie Magpie: Text Set Curator

Other Links

• Contact Us
• Mike Pearson
• Pat Burns
• The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators Website
• thebotbrothersai@gmail.com
• Facebook: The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators
• @TheBotBrothers
• You Tube: The Bot Brothers: AI for Educators