Episode 272: Dr. Nneka McGee

Beyond the Hype: The Overlooked Aspects of AI in Education Join me as I dive deep into AI in education with the brilliant Dr. Nneka McGee on this episode of My EdTech Life. Dr. McGee's passion for educational equity and her balanced approach to AI implementation is truly inspiring. We kick off the conversation by learning about Dr. McGee's remarkable journey in education, from her math teacher roots to her transformative work as a district leader. She shares her philosophy of "cautious advocacy" when it comes to AI, emphasizing the need for transparency, data privacy, and teacher empowerment. Dr. McGee offers practical insights from her experience leading AI integration in the San Benito school district. Her Greyhound Astro project is a model for how to thoughtfully pilot AI tools with teacher input at the center. We also explore the pressing challenges around student data and the importance of vetting EdTech partnerships carefully. Throughout our discussion, Dr. McGee underscores the potential for AI to bring more humanity to education. Her vision is one where AI supports greater creativity, personalization, and equity for all students. She reminds us that while AI is a powerful tool, it's ultimately about how we choose to harness it in service of student success. Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and inspiration whether you're an educator, administrator, or simply passionate about AI's role in education. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:10 - Dr. McGee's background and journey in education 8:48 - The positive impact of ChatGPT and generative AI 12:14 - Being a cautious advocate for AI in education 17:40 - Concerns around student data privacy and third-party access 22:28 - Current state of AI implementation in schools 26:23 - Importance of transparency from EdTech companies 32:43 - Dr. McGee's approach to AI implementation in the San Benito school district 43:06 - Bringing humanity back to education with AI 47:27 - How to connect with Dr. McGee 50:55 - Edu-Kryptonite: Perfectionism 53:00 - Billboard message: All students can achieve success 53:40 - Passion for creativity in service of others Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6066160593272832 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/support