Live Comp Sci - AI in Computer Science Education | Ep. 29

In this live episode of ChatEDU (Live Comp Sci - AI in Computer Science Education), Matt and Liz dive into the future of computer science education in an age dominated by AI, The episode was recorded in front of a live audience with the Connecticut Computer Science Teachers Association and features discussions on AI's impact on teaching and learning in computer science, insights from a new Teach AI and CSTA report, and live Q&A with educators.

Getting Started:Matt and Liz kick off the episode by thanking the Connecticut Computer Science Teachers Association team for hosting their first live recording. They joke about the large crowd and share their excitement about the evening's discussions on AI in education.Matt introduced Google’s Notebook LM, a tool that transforms PDFs into engaging NPR-style interviews. Matt uploaded the evening’s feature story on AI and CS which became a short podcast. He joked that they could now retire (which Liz objected to streneously).

Beneath the Surface:

1. AI is Changing Computer Science Education:Matt and Liz explore the shifting landscape of computer science education, including the controversial idea that coding may become obsolete as AI advances. They discuss the Teach AI and CSTA report, "Guidance on the Future of Computer Science Education in an Age of AI," which outlines how computer science teaching must adapt to new AI technologies in the following briefs:

1. Whether kids still need to learn to code.

2. How AI can support teachers in teaching and feedback.

3. How to teach students to be ethical, critical consumers of AI.

2. The Importance of "Code Sense":The episode unpacks the Teach AI report's emphasis on "code sense"—the foundational understanding of programming that remains crucial despite AI’s capabilities. They discuss the need for students to learn coding to understand, debug, and critically assess AI-generated outputs.

Live Audience Q&A:

1. AI and Ethical Use:The audience engages with the topic of ethics in AI education, including the role of middle school educators in teaching students to use AI responsibly. Liz highlights the importance of starting these conversations early to help students develop critical thinking skills around technology.

2. AI in Assessment:Discussion on Code.org’s AI Teaching Assistant, designed to support computer science teachers with real-time feedback and assessment. Teachers share their experiences and the potential benefits of integrating AI into the classroom.

Short Stack Chat Back:Matt and Liz end the episode with their "Short Stack Chat Back," featuring an imagined response from Alan Turing on the importance of learning to code, emphasizing that students must be creators, not just consumers, of intelligent systems.

Announcements:Matt and Liz announce upcoming live ChatEDU sessions with other organizations and tease future episodes focusing on AI in various educational settings. They invite listeners to join the conversation by emailing their thoughts and questions at chatedu@edadvance.org

Related Links:

• Teach AI and CSTA Report on the Future of Computer Science Education.https://www.teachai.org/cs

• Google’s Notebook LM: https://research.google.com/notebook-lm/

• Code.org AI Teaching Assistant: https://code.org/ai

• Netflix Documentary "Coded Bias" https://www.netflix.com/title/81328723

Contact Us:Have questions or comments? Email Matt and Liz at chatedu@edadvance.org. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ChatEDU on your favorite podcast platform!