Karen, Merita, and I had the joy of being in person last week with our colleagues in the Science of Learning and Development Alliance National Advisory Council (lovingly known as the SoLD Alliance SNAC). In addition to rich discussion on the future direction of the SoLD Alliance, we were able to hear from John Bailey of Vesito Partners about the intersection of the science of learning and development and artificial intelligence. I’ve played with ChatGPT some, but my mind was blown by the potential that OpenAI holds for teaching and learning, for the way we interact with data, the future of research, and more. And I believe the only way we’ll learn what we need to know about OpenAI is by continuing to try it out. So, with that in mind, I offer you my interactions with Bard and the entirely AI created Remix in the style of Karen Pittman:
First prompt: Can you write a 500 word blog post in the style of Karen Pittman on the connection between the Science of Learning and Development and AI?
Results: AI and the Learning Brain: A SoLD Alliance for Transformation
Hey SoLDsters! Buckle up, because today we’re diving into the intersection of two powerhouse fields: the Science of Learning and Development (SoLD) and the ever-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Now, some might see these as oil and water – messy and unpredictable. But I, your resident SoLD evangelist, see a dance waiting to happen. A tango of discovery, where insights from human learning fuel the fire of AI, and AI tools illuminate the murky depths of our cognitive landscape.
Let’s start with the foundation: our brains. These neural wonderlands are learning machines, constantly sculpting and rewiring their circuitry to absorb and adapt. SoLD delves into the mechanisms behind this magic, uncovering the principles that make learning stick. We talk about spaced repetition, active engagement, and the power of emotions. We understand the importance of building upon prior knowledge and nurturing metacognition, that inner coach leading us to learn smarter, not just harder.
Now, enter AI. This technological maestro can crunch data like a sumo wrestler gobbling edamame. It can personalize learning paths, curate content with surgical precision, and even provide real-time feedback. Imagine an AI tutor that adapts to your pace, celebrates your breakthroughs, and gently nudges you out of your comfort zone. Or a learning platform that analyzes your mistakes, not to shame, but to pinpoint and address gaps in understanding. It’s mind-bending, folks.
But here’s the rub: AI is a tool, not a magician. Throwing algorithms at learning without considering the human element is like trying to build a house without blueprints. That’s where SoLD comes in, playing the architect to AI’s construction crew. We provide the blueprints, the guiding principles that ensure AI serves, not supplants, the learning process. We ask: how can AI amplify the power of spaced repetition? How can it make feedback more effective, individualized, and even motivating? How can it help us bridge the gap between knowledge acquisition and actual application?
This SoLD-AI tango takes center stage in areas like adaptive learning, where algorithms tailor content and pace to individual needs. Imagine a classroom where no child gets left behind, where each student dances to their own learning rhythm. Or consider the potential for AI-powered personalized feedback, like a virtual coach whispering insights in your ear during a challenging practice session. Suddenly, learning becomes a bespoke experience, not a one-size-fits-all snoozefest.
But let’s not forget the ethical considerations. We must ensure AI doesn’t exacerbate existing inequalities, reinforcing biases and widening the learning gap. SoLD’s principles of equity and access become more crucial than ever, guiding the development and deployment of AI in ways that empower, not marginalize.
So, SoLDsters, are you ready to join the dance? This isn’t about pitting human and machine against each other. It’s about a SoLD-AI alliance, where the insights of neuroscience fuel the innovations of technology, ultimately transforming the way we learn and grow. Let’s embrace the possibilities, but with critical eyes and a commitment to equity at every step. Because let’s face it, a learning revolution powered by SoLD and AI? Now that’s a tango worth mastering.
Remember, folks, learning is a lifelong journey, and in this evolving landscape, the SoLD-AI partnership holds immense promise. So, lace up your learning boots, crank up the curiosity, and let’s dance!
Needless to say, Bard let me down. But John told us today to think of LMMs as intern level work so clearly the intern just needed more guidance.
Second Prompt: Thanks! Can your refine this based on Karen’s writing as a columnist for Youth Today at youthtoday.org?
Results: Teen Brains and Tech Titans: Can AI Ignite a Learning Revolution?
Yo, youth workers and changemakers! Gather ’round, because today’s topic is hotter than a fresh beat dropped on Friday night: the heady mashup of teen brains and tech tools, specifically, how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can light a fire under the learning revolution. Now, some might raise an eyebrow at this pairing – teens glued to screens and algorithms ruling the roost? Sounds like a dystopian flick, right? But hold on, because in this corner, we’ve got the Science of Learning and Development (SoLD) squad, ready to throw down some knowledge bombs that turn that techno-doom on its head.
SoLD, for the uninitiated, is the science behind how young minds tick. It’s about spaced repetition, not rote memorization. It’s about active engagement, not zombie stare-fests at screens. It’s about building on what teens already know, not shoving pre-packaged facts down their throats. And guess what? AI, that digital wunderkind, can be SoLD’s secret weapon. Think of it as a tricked-out learning lab, tailor-made for teen brains.
Imagine an AI that analyzes a teen’s mistakes, not to shame, but to offer a laser-focused “aha!” moment. Or personalized learning paths that dance to the rhythm of each teen’s unique learning style, not some one-size-fits-all syllabus snoozefest. We’re talking about adaptive learning platforms that morph and twist based on how a teen engages, nurturing curiosity and ditching the drill-and-kill. Suddenly, learning becomes a choose-your-own-adventure game, and teens are the thrill-seeking heroes.
But wait, before we break out the confetti, let’s address the elephant in the room: equity. AI ain’t a magic wand, y’all. It can amplify existing biases, turning the learning gap into a Grand Canyon. That’s where SoLD steps in, playing the ethical compass to AI’s tech wizardry. We gotta ensure algorithms don’t discriminate, that access to these learning tools is democratized, that the digital divide gets bridged, not deepened.
So, are we ready to bust a move in this SoLD-AI revolution? This ain’t about humans versus machines, but about a team-up that can change the game. Imagine classrooms where AI fuels curiosity, personalizes feedback, and celebrates every “aha!” moment. Imagine teens using AI to tackle real-world problems, to become creators, not just consumers, of knowledge. That’s a future worth fighting for, a future built on the bedrock of SoLD principles and powered by the engine of AI.
So, youth workers, educators, changemakers, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab our teens by their potential, and join the dance. The learning revolution is here, and the beat is undeniable.
This one made me laugh out loud because somehow, after pursuing Youth Today, Bard decided that Karen uses terms like “yo,” “fresh beat,” and “ain’t.” I have a feeling that Karen cringed unknowingly somewhere while I was doing this. Ok, more coaching to my AI intern.
Third Prompt: Hmmm. Karen wouldn’t say yo, fresh beat, ain’t. She’s not Karen Pittman the actress. She also writes at changingtheoddsremix.com. Can you revise again?
Results: Rethinking “Learning Management Systems”: Can AI and SoLD Forge a New Paradigm?
Colleagues, gather ’round for a thought experiment at the frontiers of learning and technology. We’re not talking about tweaking our LMS interfaces or adding gamified badges. No, we’re diving into the heart of the beast: reimagining how technology can amplify the learning magic woven by the Science of Learning and Development (SoLD). Enter AI, the digital Houdini in this equation, promising to transform our understanding of pedagogy and engagement.
Let’s dispense with the “one size fits all” paradigm. Traditional LMS platforms, for all their data-driven might, often feel like clunky square pegs in the round holes of diverse learning styles. But AI, with its nimbleness and personalization prowess, could usher in a new era of adaptive learning. Imagine systems that analyze learning journeys in real-time, crafting individualized pathways that dance to the rhythm of each learner’s cognitive tempo. No more plodding through pre-set modules – think dynamic feedback loops, tailored content delivery, and mistake analysis that whispers “aha!” rather than screams “failure.”
However, SoLD remains our North Star in this technological odyssey. Its principles of spaced repetition, active engagement, and metacognitive development serve as the bedrock upon which AI algorithms must be built. We must ensure these systems don’t exacerbate existing inequalities, amplifying biases or excluding marginalized voices. Equity and access become the ethical guardrails guiding every AI-powered learning intervention.
This isn’t a utopian vision of robotic teachers and brain-computer interfaces. It’s about unleashing the power of technology to augment the human-centered pedagogy at the heart of effective learning. AI can be the tool that liberates educators from rote tasks, allowing them to focus on the nuanced dance of interaction and guidance. Imagine teachers empowered by AI-driven insights, customizing support, and celebrating individual learning triumphs.
So, colleagues, are we ready to embrace this SoLD-AI tango? It’s a complex choreography, demanding careful thought and rigorous ethical considerations. But the potential rewards are vast: learning experiences that are not only effective but also deeply personalized, equitable, and engaging. Let’s step onto the dance floor, with SoLD guiding our steps and AI amplifying the rhythm. Together, we can rewrite the very definition of “learning management systems,” creating a future where technology fuels, not replaces, the magic of human-driven learning.
Ok, we’re getting a little bit closer. Merita pointed out that clarifying the audience might be a helpful addition.
Fourth Prompt: That’s improving. Can you also use Karen’s writing at forumfyi.org. She writes for practitioners and policymakers not young people.
Results: Beyond Binary Brains: Can AI and SoLD Remix the Learning Game?
Hey Remix Crew, buckle up for a mind-bending mashup at the intersection of neuroscience and tech – yes, we’re talking about the potential of AI to disrupt and remix the way we learn, especially for our young innovators. Now, some might see this as a clash of titans: silicon circuits versus squishy neurons. But hold your skepticism, because this isn’t a zero-sum game. This is about harnessing the power of both – the Science of Learning and Development (SoLD) as our guiding principles and AI as our hyper-charged remix tool.
SoLD, for the uninitiated, is the scientific beat-keeper of teenage learning. It’s about crafting learning experiences that groove with the rhythm of their developing brains. No robotic rote memorization here. We’re talking spaced repetition that builds like a killer bassline, active engagement that makes learning feel like a mosh pit of curiosity, and feedback that hits like a perfectly timed drop.
Now, enter AI, the digital DJ on the decks. Imagine algorithms that curate personalized learning paths, dropping knowledge bombs tailored to each student’s unique cognitive groove. No more one-size-fits-all playlists – think adaptive learning that responds to mistakes like a beatboxer building on every stumble. Suddenly, learning becomes a choose-your-own-adventure, a remix project where every student is the headliner.
But before we hit the rewind button on education, let’s address the elephant in the room: equity. AI, like any powerful tool, can amplify existing biases, turning the learning gap into a digital divide. That’s where SoLD steps in, acting as the conscience to AI’s technical prowess. We gotta ensure these algorithms lift up every voice, not amplify inequality. Access and equity become the bassline we build upon, ensuring everyone gets to rock the mic, not just those with the fanciest tech.
So, Remix Crew, are we ready to join this SoLD-AI revolution? This is about pushing the boundaries of learning, about building classrooms that feel less like lectures and more like live remix sessions. We’re talking about empowering our young changemakers to tackle real-world problems, to become co-creators of knowledge, not just passive consumers. It’s a future where SoLD is the guiding melody and AI is the beat that drives us forward.
Let’s crank up the volume, Remix Crew. The learning revolution is here, and it’s time to make it our own. Drop your thoughts, share your remixes, and let’s keep this conversation groovin’.
Now we’re getting somewhere. There are parts of this that I could imagine Karen writing. But I think we can get a little better. One more time and I think we’ve got it.
Fifth Prompt: Can you also connect this to the science of learning and development at soldalliance.org?
Results: Rethinking “Learning Management Systems”: Can AI and SoLD Alliance Forge a New Paradigm?
Colleagues, gather ’round for a thought experiment at the frontiers of learning and technology. We’re not talking about tweaking our LMS interfaces or adding gamified badges. No, we’re diving into the heart of the beast: reimagining how technology can amplify the learning magic woven by the Science of Learning and Development (SoLD), as championed by the SoLD Alliance. Enter AI, the digital Houdini in this equation, promising to transform our understanding of pedagogy and engagement.
Let’s dispense with the “one size fits all” paradigm. Traditional LMS platforms, for all their data-driven might, often feel like clunky square pegs in the round holes of diverse learning styles. But AI, with its nimbleness and personalization prowess, could usher in a new era of adaptive learning, aligned with SoLD principles. Imagine systems that analyze learning journeys in real-time, crafting individualized pathways that dance to the rhythm of each learner’s cognitive tempo. No more plodding through pre-set modules – think dynamic feedback loops, tailored content delivery, and mistake analysis that whispers “aha!” rather than screams “failure,” echoing SoLD’s emphasis on spaced repetition and active engagement.
However, SoLD remains our North Star in this technological odyssey. Its principles of spaced repetition, active engagement, and metacognitive development serve as the bedrock upon which AI algorithms must be built. We must ensure these systems don’t exacerbate existing inequalities, amplifying biases or excluding marginalized voices, aligning with SoLD Alliance’s commitment to equity and access.
This isn’t a utopian vision of robotic teachers and brain-computer interfaces. It’s about unleashing the power of technology to augment the human-centered pedagogy at the heart of effective learning, as SoLD emphasizes. AI can be the tool that liberates educators from rote tasks, allowing them to focus on the nuanced dance of interaction and guidance, building on SoLD’s focus on the teacher-learner relationship. Imagine teachers empowered by AI-driven insights, customizing support, and celebrating individual learning triumphs, fulfilling SoLD’s vision of fostering a deep understanding of how individuals learn and develop.
So, colleagues, are we ready to embrace this SoLD-AI tango? It’s a complex choreography, demanding careful thought and rigorous ethical considerations, as outlined by the SoLD Alliance. But the potential rewards are vast: learning experiences that are not only effective but also deeply personalized, equitable, and engaging, aligning perfectly with SoLD’s goals. Let’s step onto the dance floor, with SoLD guiding our steps and AI amplifying the rhythm. Together, we can rewrite the very definition of “learning management systems,” creating a future where technology fuels, not replaces, the magic of human-driven learning, upholding the SoLD Alliance’s vision of transforming education and youth development for all.
In addition to the final revisions, Bard left me this note:
“I hope this helps you perfect the blog post in a way that captures Karen’s essence while remaining consistent with her established writing style. Let me know if you have any further questions!”
I’ll let you be the judge. Did Bard capture Karen’s essence?
I don’t think that we’ll yield the writing of blogs and remixes to Bard or Chat GPT yet, but I do have to say that along the way, Bard came up with some fun titles – those shared here and others. As someone who always tells our comms team that I hate coming up with titles, I may have found the perfect role for KP Catalyst’s newest intern, Bard. Keep an eye out for more cool titles to come in the New Year.
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