2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
The Semiotics of Synthetic Media: Production and Meaning in Digital Plastic
Lately I've been digging in to the metaphor of Generative AI content as "digital plastic". I first wrote about it back in 2023 in this article, where I defined the media as a "mass produced, synthetic form of data that like its physical counterpart doesn't degrade much over time" and likened it to the way physical plastic has left its mark on the geological record, suggesting that AI-generated content could leave a similar "layer" in the digital […]
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
Build Your Own AIED Special Sauce ✨ App!
I'm throwing down a challenge to edtech developers to create products that actually enhance teaching and learning, rather than relying on superficial AI "special sauce". In this post I demonstrate building a simple AI chatbot, showing the ease of development and the need for genuine innovation in education technology. The code for the chatbot, with additional features, is provided for anyone to replicate and refine.https://leonfurze.com/2024/08/05/build-your-own-aied-special-sauce-app/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
More Practical Strategies for GenAI in Education: Part 2
Educators continue to grapple with the ethical and practical implications of Generative AI, but it has proven valuable in enhancing teaching methods and student engagement. LLMs like ChatGPT can aid in visualising abstract concepts, refining editing skills, and providing constructive feedback, presenting numerous opportunities for its integration in education.https://leonfurze.com/2024/08/02/more-practical-strategies-for-genai-in-education-part-2/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
Creating a Project Assistant with Claude and Todoist
Claude 3.5 Sonnet surpasses OpenAI's GPT-4o with its 'Project' feature, capable of creating custom chatbots and integrating with Todoist. Todoist's simple interface and powerful API complement Claude, allowing for automation of project tasks and creation of comprehensive timelines. The potential for AI applications like Claude to interact with various platforms is promising for the future.https://leonfurze.com/2024/07/29/creating-a-project-assistant-with-claude-and-todoist/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
Practical AI Strategies Free 4-Week Course: Feedback and FAQ
Just over a month ago I launched a free 4-week email course on Practical AI Strategies for educators. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 700 participants completing the first round. Participants commented on the value of the bite-sized lessons and the practical approach, and many provided feedback along the way. In this short post, I'm going to give a summary of the key points and frequently asked questions based on participant feedback. What participants found […]https://leonfurze.com/2024/07/22/practical-ai-strategies-free-4-week-course-feedback-and-faq/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
More Practical Strategies for GenAI in Education: Part 1
In January 2023, I wrote a post titled Practical Strategies for ChatGPT in Education. At the time, ChatGPT had just been released, and educators were grappling with its implications. The post outlined six strategies where ChatGPT could be used: planning, refreshing, improvising, personalising, collaborating, and communicating. It quickly became one of the most trafficked parts of my site (along with the Teaching AI Ethics series) and has since turned into a webinar, a face-to-face […]https://leonfurze.com/2024/07/22/more-practical-strategies-for-genai-in-education-part-1/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
AI Metaphors We Live By: The Language of Artificial Intelligence
In "Metaphors We Live By," Lakoff and Johnson emphasise that metaphors are fundamental to human thought and language, not just decorative language. In this post, I've examined my own use of metaphors to describe AI and analysed their implications, highlighting the power and limitations of these metaphors in shaping our understanding of AI and its impact.https://leonfurze.com/2024/07/19/ai-metaphors-we-live-by-the-language-of-artificial-intelligence/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
Digital Plastic: Understanding AI-Generated Synthetic Media
What is Digital Plastic? Last year, I wrote an article introducing the concept of digital plastic, coining the term to describe AI-generated synthetic media, which, like its real-world counterpart, can be both helpful and harmful. Lately, I've been revisiting the term amidst ongoing discussions around quickly developing technologies like video generation. In this post, I'm going to update and refine my earlier definition and offer up a few more examples of why I think AI-generated media […]https://leonfurze.com/2024/07/15/digital-plastic-understanding-ai-generated-synthetic-media/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
3 Levels of Lesson Planning with GenAI
Generative AI, including ChatGPT, has impacted education. It now incorporates image recognition, text-to-speech, and code generation. Three levels for using GenAI in education are outlined in this post: Basic Prompts, Adding Context (including file uploads), and Custom Chatbots and Projects. The goal is to enhance, not replace, human expertise in teaching. Approach AI-generated content critically.https://leonfurze.com/2024/07/01/3-levels-of-lesson-planning-with-genai/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
New Online Course: Introduction to Generative AI
This online course, "Introduction to Generative AI in Education," equips educators with foundational knowledge of generative AI and its practical use in the classroom. Participants explore technical concepts, ethical considerations, practical applications, and global perspectives. The course focuses on integrating AI into educational settings, addressing bias, and understanding its impact on student wellbeing.https://leonfurze.com/2024/06/26/new-online-course-introduction-to-generative-ai/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
Racist, Robotic, and Random: More Thoughts on Generative AI Grading
There has been a surge in discussions on using generative AI for assessment and grading, sparking polarised views on its potential biases and impacts. Research and personal experiments have revealed concerns about AI's capability and fairness in grading, particularly in regards to racial bias. The black box nature of AI poses challenges, and while it offers efficiency, it may not accommodate diverse student needs.https://leonfurze.com/2024/06/20/racist-robotic-and-random-more-thoughts-on-generative-ai-grading/
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2024 (@2024@leonfurze.com)
Education doesn’t need more sparkle ✨
The education system is often deemed broken, but in reality, it is working as designed. While technology may claim to "revolutionize education", it often fails to address societal and cultural shifts impacting education. Technological solutions, like Microsoft's "add sparkle" feature, demonstrate a lack of understanding and respect for educators. True progress lies in supporting educators and leveraging technology to enhance their capabilities, not replace them.https://leonfurze.com/2024/06/18/education-doesnt-need-more-sparkle/
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