In this episide I delve into the human tendency to anthropomorphize AI models and the potential risks associated with this behaviour. We explore why beetles mistake beer bottles for mates, why Hollywood robots tend to be androids and why we are inclined to see AI as sentient. I conclude with a call to educators to equip our students with the digital literacy skills needed to safely navigate the complexities of AI interactions.

Anthropomorphism Research by Canfer Akbulut: https://ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AIES/article/view/31613/33780

CASA Research by Nass, Steuer & Tauber: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221517042_Computer_are_social_actors

00:00 Introduction: Humanizing AI

00:26 The Beetle and the Bottle: A Curious Case

01:47 Hollywood's Influence on AI Perception

03:26 Clippy and the Tamagotchi effect

05:58 The CASA Paradigm: Computers as Social Actors

11:10 The Risks of Anthropomorphizing AI

16:28 Educational Imperatives: Teaching AI Literacy

20:21 Conclusion: Navigating the AI Landscape

In this episode of the AI Academy podcast, I ask whether advances in artificial intelligence pose a threat to teachers' jobs.

Drawing on insights from a LinkedIn article by Chris Goodall, interviews with Khan Academy founder Sal Khan and an innovative programme launched by the David Game College in London last year, I discuss the role of teachers, the rapid development of AI, the quality and human connection in education, and the current state and future of the teaching profession.

Chris Goodall’s LinkedIn article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-replace-teachers-chris-goodall-trode/

Ed Mylett interview with Sal Khan: https://youtu.be/va5yW-6wHIs?si=Mt5T1AGLT4Vh9UYq

00:00 Introduction: Are AI Advances a Threat to Teachers?

01:51 Defining the Role of a Teacher

05:01 AI's Rapid Development and Its Implications

06:50 Current Educational Models: Fit for Purpose?

14:34 Real-World Case Studies: AI in Education

20:47 Conclusion: The Future of Teaching in an AI-Driven World

In this episode of the AI Academia podcast, I explore seven predictions for advancements in artificial intelligence by the end of 2025 and examine their potential implications for education.

You can find out more about the AIcademia project at https://aicademia.co.uk/

00:00 Introduction to AI Predictions for 2025

01:10 Advances in Frontier Models

07:16 The Rise of AI Agents

10:28 Exploring Multi-Modality in AI

12:24 Custom Trained Models and Robotics

13:55 The Quest for AGI

15:28 Quantum Computing Breakthroughs

16:44 Implications for Education

18:50 Conclusion and Future Discussions

In the inaugural episode of the AI Academia Podcast, host Andy Fisher introduces himself and shares the motivations behind starting the podcast. Andy, a seasoned secondary school teacher from the UK, discusses his journey into AI, including his sabbatical research and early adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT. He outlines what listeners can expect from the podcast, such as insights into AI's impact on education, practical tutorials, and interviews with experts. Andy aims to prepare educators for the forthcoming changes in education driven by AI and to offer balanced viewpoints on the opportunities and risks associated with integrating AI into teaching practices.

You can find out more about the AIcademia project at https://aicademia.co.uk/

00:00 Introduction to the AI Academia Podcast

00:33 Meet Your Host: Andy Fisher

00:47 Career Journey and Teaching Experience

02:19 Exploring AI and Its Impact on Education

03:11 Launching the AI Course and Future Plans

04:53 Purpose and Goals of the Podcast

07:09 Upcoming Episodes and Final Thoughts