The Educated Guess

Category: Educational Technology

  • The Unseen Hand: AI, Authenticity, and the Future of Learning

    This past week, I had the privilege of attending a dynamic academic roundtable, a gathering that brought together educators from a variety of professions and academic levels to grapple with one of the most pressing challenges facing modern education: the profound impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). The discussions were vibrant, ranging from the incredible potential of GenAI to transform learning experiences to the complex ethical tightropes we must navigate. It was a powerful reminder that while the future of AI in our classrooms is still being written, the questions it poses about how we learn, how we teach, and, crucially, how we assess, are immediate and urgent.

    What struck me most throughout the debates was a recurring tension between the exciting possibilities AI offers for personalisation and efficiency, and the deep-seated anxieties it stirs regarding academic integrity and the very essence of what we aim to cultivate in our students: genuine learning and critical skills. These aren’t abstract concerns for distant futures; they are live dilemmas impacting classrooms nationwide right now. They demand careful consideration and proactive strategies from everyone dedicated to fostering genuine learning and a true enjoyment of learning. My reflections and research in this episode of The Educated Guess are deeply shaped by those conversations, aiming to explore the intricate relationship between GenAI, the concept of authenticity in student work, and the evolving landscape of assessment.

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  • Conquer Information Overload: How NotebookLM AI Can Help with Documents

    As healthcare professionals and educators, we’re constantly drowning in a sea of documents. New guidelines, updated policies, essential research papers, training materials….. these complex and often lengthy documents can take time to read and extract the information needed. Synthesising and understanding the document is also another issue in a time when we are all being asked to do more with less. Could Artificial Intelligence (AI) help us? While we often hear about complex AI in diagnostics or administration, what about tools that help with everyday challenge of managing information? Following on from previous episodes of The Educated Guess, let’s explore Notebook LM and its potential to help staff interact with their documents.

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  • Play to Learn, Play to Heal: Unlocking Gamification’s Potential in Education & Healthcare

    Uninspired students, dull textbooks, healthcare routines that feel like chores – the struggle for sustained engagement in learning and wellness is a familiar one. This isn’t just a student problem; it’s a critical challenge for adult learning providers like higher education today. But what if the answer lies in play?

    Enter gamification: the strategic application of game mechanics – like challenge, reward, social interaction, and progress – to make non-game contexts more absorbing and effective. It’s far more than just points and badges; it’s about leveraging core human motivators. While explored in many fields, gamification is proving truly transformative in education and healthcare (Shurui et al, 2020, Sailer & Homner, 2020).

    In this episode of The Educated Guess, we’ll unpack the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of gamification across these vital sectors. We’ll look closely at how I’ve designed and implemented games to boost student motivation and retention, and how healthcare providers are using game mechanics to empower patients and improve treatment adherence. Stick around as we explore the research, compelling case studies, and the exciting future of integrating play into the serious business of learning and healing.

    Image source: Generate by Gemini

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