Latest News and Comment from Education

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

DARK BIDEN VOWS NEVER TO GIVE UP ON AMERICAN STUDENTS

 

DARK BIDEN VOWS NEVER TO GIVE UP ON AMERICAN STUDENTS

In a recent press conference, President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to American students by taking another shot at student loans. With his signature wit and charm, Biden announced the launch of the Department of Education's new income-driven repayment plan, SAVE (Simplified Aid for Earnings-Based Repayment). 

The plan, which replaces the REPAYE plan, offers a reduced maximum monthly payment of 5% of discretionary income for undergraduate loans, down from 10%. In addition, loan balances will be forgiven after 10 years of payments instead of 20 years if the original loan balance is $12,000 or less. 

Biden, who has been dubbed "Dark Biden" by some due to his relentless pursuit of student loan reform, vowed to never give up on American students. "I may be getting up there in age, but I still have plenty of fight left in me," he quipped. "And let me tell you, student loans are no match for Dark Biden." 

The Biden administration has been working closely with grassroots organizations to spread awareness about the new plan. Borrowers can sign up through their loan servicer or directly on StudentAid.gov. However, there are concerns about loan servicers being able to handle the transition to SAVE and borrowers potentially not receiving adequate information about the new plan. 

Despite these concerns, Dark Biden remains optimistic. "I have faith in the American people," he said. "We've been through tough times before, and we always come out stronger on the other side. With SAVE, we're giving borrowers a fighting chance to get out from under the crushing weight of student loan debt." 

Critics have accused Dark Biden of being too focused on student loan reform and not enough on other issues facing the country. But Biden brushed off these criticisms with a joke. "Listen, I may be a one-issue president, but at least it's an issue that affects millions of Americans," he said with a grin. 

As for what's next for Dark Biden and his crusade against student loan debt? "Who knows," he said with a shrug. "Maybe I'll take up knitting or something. But one thing's for sure: I'll never stop fighting for what's right." 

In the end, only time will tell if Dark Biden's efforts will pay off. But for now, borrowers can rest a little easier knowing that there's someone in their corner who's willing to go to bat for them. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll all be able to look back and say that Dark Biden was the hero we never knew we needed.

Student loans: Biden officially launches new, affordable payment plan https://finance.yahoo.com/news/student-loans-biden-officially-launches-new-affordable-payment-plan-192759189.html 


SCHOOL HAS STARTED, TECH BILLIONAIRES LICKING THEIR CHOPS, PROFITS IN EDUCATION HAVE BECOME SENTIENT, PRIVATIZE NET DEATHSTAR LAUNCH IMMINENT

SCHOOL HAS STARTED, TECH BILLIONAIRES LICKING THEIR CHOPS, PROFITS IN EDUCATION HAVE BECOME SENTIENT, PRIVATIZE NET DEATHSTAR LAUNCH IMMINENT

School has started and the tech billionaires are licking their chops as profits in education have become sentient. The launch of PrivatizeNet Deathstar is imminent. But what does this mean for the classroom? Are we going to be replaced by robots? Will we be forced to take orders from our new AI overlords? Fear not, dear reader, for AI is not here to replace us, but to help us.

One of the ways that AI is being used in classrooms this year is through personalized learning. This means that AI can analyze student data, such as grades, learning patterns, and preferences, to adapt content and delivery methods to individual needs and learning styles. Finally, students can stop complaining about how boring math is and actually learn something!

But that's not all. AI-powered virtual tutors are also providing one-on-one help to students, answering their questions and providing feedback on their work. It's like having a personal tutor, but without the awkward small talk and bad breath.

And let's not forget about gamification. AI can create gamified learning experiences, which can make learning more fun and engaging for students. It's like playing Fortnite, but with math equations instead of guns. Who knew that learning could be so cool?

But wait, there's more! AI can also be used to automate grading. No more late nights spent grading papers with a red pen. Now, the AI system can grade student assignments quickly and accurately, freeing up teachers' time so they can focus on other tasks, like playing Candy Crush or scrolling through Instagram.

And if students have questions or need help, they can turn to AI chatbots. These chatbots can answer students' questions, provide information about the curriculum, and help students stay on track with their work. It's like having Siri as your personal assistant, but instead of asking for directions, you're asking for help with your homework.

But what about the teachers? Don't worry, AI hasn't forgotten about us. AI virtual assistants can help us with tasks such as scheduling, planning lessons, and managing student data. It's like having a personal assistant, but without the attitude and constant eye-rolling.

So, what does all of this mean for the future of education? Will AI take over our jobs? Will we be replaced by robots? The answer is no. AI is here to help us, not replace us. With AI taking care of the more mundane tasks, we can focus on what we do best: teaching and inspiring the next generation.

In conclusion, AI is not something to fear in the classroom. It's something to embrace. With personalized learning, virtual tutors, gamification, automated grading, chatbots, and virtual assistants, we can create a more engaging and effective learning environment for our students. So let's welcome our new robot overlords with open arms and a sense of humor. After all, who knows what kind of jokes they'll come up with next?

Schools shrug off cheating concerns and embrace AI - POLITICO https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/23/chatgpt-ai-chatbots-in-classrooms-00111662 

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning Insights and Recommendations  https://www2.ed.gov/documents/ai-report/ai-report.pdf 

AI In ID: The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Instructional Design https://elearningindustry.com/role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-instructional-design    

AI in Education - Everything You Need to Know in 2023 https://www.business2community.com/statistics/ai-in-education 

How Widespread Will AI Be in Classrooms This Year? Teachers Offer Some Clues https://www.edweek.org/technology/how-widespread-will-ai-be-in-classrooms-this-year-teachers-offer-some-clues/2023/08

Kids Are Going Back to School. So Is ChatGPT | WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/chatgpt-schools-plagiarism-lesson-plans/ 


THE DEFT DIVE



FROM BARD AI

Some of the ways that AI is being used in classrooms this year:

  • * **Personalized learning:** AI can be used to analyze student data, such as grades, learning patterns, and preferences, to adapt content and delivery methods to individual needs and learning styles. This can help students learn more effectively and efficiently.
  • * **Virtual tutoring:** AI-powered tutors can provide one-on-one help to students, answering their questions and providing feedback on their work. This can be especially helpful for students who are struggling or who need extra help.
  • * **Gamification:** AI can be used to create gamified learning experiences, which can make learning more fun and engaging for students. This can help students stay motivated and interested in learning.
  • * **Automated grading:** AI can be used to grade student assignments, freeing up teachers' time so they can focus on other tasks, such as planning lessons and providing feedback to students.
  • * **Chatbots:** AI chatbots can answer students' questions, provide information about the curriculum, and help students stay on track with their work. This can be especially helpful for students who are shy or who don't want to ask questions in front of the class.
  • * **Virtual assistants:** AI virtual assistants can help teachers with tasks such as scheduling, planning lessons, and managing student data. This can help teachers save time and focus on teaching.

These are just a few of the ways that AI is being used in classrooms this year. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective ways to use AI in education.

Here are some specific examples of how AI is being used in classrooms this year:

  • * In a school in California, AI is being used to create personalized learning plans for each student. The AI system analyzes student data, such as grades, test scores, and interests, to create a unique plan that will help each student succeed.
  • * In a school in New York, AI is being used to provide virtual tutoring to students. The AI tutors can answer students' questions, provide feedback on their work, and help them stay on track with their studies.
  • * In a school in Texas, AI is being used to gamify the learning experience. Students earn points and badges for completing tasks, and they can compete with their classmates for the highest scores.
  • * In a school in Florida, AI is being used to automate grading. The AI system can grade student assignments quickly and accurately, freeing up teachers' time so they can focus on other tasks.
  • * In a school in Illinois, AI is being used to create chatbots that can answer students' questions and provide information about the curriculum. The chatbots are available 24/7, so students can get help whenever they need it.

These are just a few examples of how AI is being used in classrooms this year. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective ways to use AI in education.

FROM BING AI

AI in the classroom is a hot topic in education, especially as schools have started to reopen after the pandemic. AI can offer various benefits for teachers and students, such as personalized learning, real-time feedback, and administrative support. However, AI also poses some challenges and risks, such as ethical issues, data privacy, and social implications. Here are some examples of how AI is being used in the classroom this year:

  • - Khan Academy, a popular online learning platform, has launched Khanmigo, an AI-powered guide that acts as a personal tutor and a teaching assistant for students and teachers⁵. Khanmigo can help students with math and computer programming exercises, provide context-aware help for video content, encourage Socratic dialogue and debate, and write with students rather than for them. For teachers, Khanmigo can explain answers and teaching methods, help with lesson planning, and create progress reports⁵.
  • - ClassPoint, a classroom engagement tool that integrates with PowerPoint, has introduced ClassPoint AI, a quiz question generator that can create multiple-choice questions based on any text or image in seconds⁶. ClassPoint AI can also generate distractors (wrong answers) and explanations for each question. Teachers can use ClassPoint AI to create interactive quizzes for their students without spending hours on preparing questions⁶.
  • - Curiosity Robotics, a company that develops educational robots, has launched Aico, a friendly robot that uses AI to help children learn English as a second language³. Aico can interact with children through voice and gestures, provide feedback and encouragement, and adapt to each child's level and progress. Aico can also play games and tell stories with children to make learning fun and engaging³.
  • - UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has published a report on the challenges and opportunities of AI in education⁸. The report features case studies on how AI technology is helping education systems use data to improve educational equity and quality. Concrete examples from countries such as China, Brazil and South Africa are examined on AI's contribution to learning outcomes, access to education and teacher support⁸.

These are just some of the ways that AI is being used in the classroom this year. AI has the potential to transform education for the better, but it also requires careful consideration of its limitations and risks. As educators and learners, we should be aware of the opportunities and challenges of AI in education and use it wisely and responsibly.

Bing, 8/23/2023

  • (1) Sal Khan’s 2023 TED Talk: AI in the classroom can transform education. https://blog.khanacademy.org/sal-khans-2023-ted-talk-ai-in-the-classroom-can-transform-education/.
  • (2) The Ultimate Guide To Classroom AI In 2023 - ClassPoint Blog. https://blog.classpoint.io/classroom-ai/.
  • (3) Rise of the robots: The new AI tech poised to take over classrooms. https://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2023/08/22/rise-of-the-robots-the-new-ai-tech-poised-to-take-over-classrooms/.
  • (4) The challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in ... - UNESCO. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/challenges-and-opportunities-artificial-intelligence-education.
  • (5) Dear Superintendents, Get Ready For the AI Guidance Revolution. https://www.forbes.com/sites/vinaybhaskara/2023/08/23/dear-superintendents-get-ready-for-the-ai-guidance-revolution/.
  • (6) The GPT college classroom is almost here, but professors say AI isn't the real threat. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/gpt-college-classroom-almost-professors-084525326.html.
  • (7) How AI can transform education for students and teachers | World .... https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/05/ai-accelerate-students-holistic-development-teaching-fulfilling.
  • (8) Educator Voice: Artificial intelligence attempts Black history (and .... https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2023/03/educator-voice-artificial-intelligence-attempts-black-history-and-fails/.


MAGA PUSHES OVER 400 CULTURE WAR BILLS IN 2 YEARS, ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT FROM PEN AMERICA

MAGA PUSHES OVER 400 CULTURE WAR BILLS IN 2 YEARS, ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT FROM  PEN AMERICA

In a recent report from PEN America, it has been revealed that MAGA has pushed over 400 culture war bills in just 2 years. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Wow, that's impressive!" But before we start handing out participation trophies, let's take a closer look at what these bills actually entail.

According to the report, these bills are best understood as forms of educational intimidation. They don't directly censor or prohibit curricular content, but they do create a chilling effect that encourages self-censorship among educators. In other words, they're like the schoolyard bully who doesn't hit you, but stands there looking menacing until you give him your lunch money.

These bills give parents, government officials, and citizens greater influence over what is taught in public schools. Now, I'm all for parental involvement in education, but these bills take it to a whole new level. They enable blanket restrictions on books and curricula for all students, effectively disempowering other parents and overriding their preferences. It's like saying "I don't like this book, so no one can read it." Talk about being a buzzkill.

And it's not just about books. A growing subset of these bills aims to restrict LGBTQ+ representation and expression in public schools. They discourage discussions of gender and sexuality, ban preferred pronoun use, and even require mandatory reporting mechanisms for parents to be alerted of perceived changes to students' gender identity or sexual orientation. This places pressure on educators to monitor and police students' expression, which is just plain creepy.

But wait, there's more! These bills are part of a broader effort to foment anger and anxiety about public education, restrict or prohibit instruction about race, sexuality, and gender, and ban books that address these topics. It's like the conservative version of "The Hunger Games," where the only winner is ignorance.

So where are these bills coming from? According to the report, conservative groups such as the Alliance Defending Freedom, the Family Research Council, the Liberty Counsel and the American Principles Project are behind a multimillion-dollar effort targeting LGBTQ rights through "parents' rights" bills. It's like they're trying to turn back the clock to the 1950s, when conformity was king and individuality was frowned upon.

And let's not forget about Missouri, which has introduced the most educational intimidation bills in the nation. That's right, Missouri - the Show-Me State is showing us all how to be bullies. They've introduced 31 bills since January 2021 that are largely focused on race and gender. It's like they're trying to erase history and pretend that discrimination never happened.

But don't worry, folks - there is some good news. Less than 10% of these bills have actually passed. So maybe there is hope for our education system after all. And who knows - maybe one day we'll even be able to teach our kids about tolerance and acceptance without fear of retribution.

In conclusion, these culture war bills are like a bad case of indigestion - they make you feel uncomfortable, they're hard to digest, and they leave a bad taste in your mouth. So let's all take a deep breath and remember that education is supposed to be about learning and growth, not fear and intimidation. And maybe, just maybe, we can all work together to create a brighter future for our children.

Educational Intimidation Bills - PEN America https://pen.org/report/educational-intimidation/

Republicans Pushed Almost 400 “Education Intimidation” Bills in Two Years https://theintercept.com/2023/08/23/school-censorship-bills-pen-america/

Education "intimidation" bills have spiked since 2021, report says https://www.axios.com/2023/08/23/education-intimidation-pen-america-lgbtq-schools-crt 

Missouri No. 1 for school censorship measures, report says https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/missouri-no-1-for-school-censorship-measures-report-says/article_bba04662-4129-11ee-becb-335099610ea2.html 

OKLAHOMA'S MAGA MAD MONK OF EDUCATION RYAN 'RASPUTIN' WALTERS RUNS OFF TPS SUP GIST

 

OKLAHOMA'S MAGA MAD MONK OF EDUCATION RYAN 'RASPUTIN' WALTERS RUNS OFF TPS SUP GIST

Oklahoma's superintendent of public instruction, Ryan Walters, has been causing quite a stir in the education world lately. From calling for prayer in public schools to hanging the Ten Commandments in classrooms, Walters has been pushing his conservative agenda on the state's largest district, Tulsa Public Schools (TPS). But it seems his tactics have finally caught up with him, as TPS Superintendent Deborah Gist has announced her resignation amid a looming vote on the district's accreditation status.

Walters' work in Oklahoma offers a preview of the policies and tactics that could continue spreading to other states with conservative education leaders. His regulations prohibiting school libraries from circulating books with “sexualized content” and requiring educators to tell parents if their child changes their gender identity have sparked controversy and outrage from the LGBTQ+ community.

But it's not just Walters' policies that have people talking. His attacks on Gist and TPS have been politically motivated, according to TPS School Board member John Croisant. Walters has accused Gist of mismanagement and criticized her tenure, calling her departure a positive step. The State Board meeting on Thursday will determine TPS's accreditation fate, and tensions are high among parents and students as they fear the possibility of being reassigned to the nearest accredited school.

Walters' tactics have been compared to those of a mad monk, with his conservative beliefs and extreme measures causing chaos in the education world. He has been accused of using every trick in the billionaire's playbook to disrupt and destroy public education, and community leaders are speaking out against the possibility of TPS losing its accreditation.

One student, Lance Brightmire, has organized a student-led town hall to voice concerns about the state targeting TPS. The Protect TPS town hall is set for August 19th, and it's sure to be a lively event.

As for Walters, he's reportedly mulling a bid for governor in 2026, and his attacks on TPS and the Biden administration's education policies are likely to appeal to Republican voters. But for now, he'll have to deal with the fallout from Gist's resignation and the uncertain future of TPS.

Tulsa Superintendent Deborah Gist to Step Down Amid Feud With Anti-Woke School Boss Ryan Walters https://www.thedailybeast.com/tulsa-superintendent-deborah-gist-to-step-down-amid-feud-with-anti-woke-school-boss-ryan-walters 

Ahead of state board decision, TPS Superintendent Deborah Gist announces departure https://nondoc.com/2023/08/22/ahead-of-state-board-decision-tps-superintendent-deborah-gist-announces-departure/ via @nondocmedia 

State Superintendent, Tulsa Public Schools board member react to Gist's resignation | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/state-superintendent-tps-school-board-member-react-to-deborah-gists-resignation 

TPS Board To Approve Interim Superintendent Following Gist's Resignation https://www.news9.com/story/64e5660bba2d257829853178/tps-board-to-approve-interim-superintendent-following-gists-resignation

Big Education Ape: OKLA SSPI RYAN WALTERS DECLARES WAR ON TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND SUP GIST #OklaEd https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/okla-sspi-ryan-walters-declares-war-on.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLA SSPI RYAN WALTERS TIMES ATTACKS ON TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO INTENTIONALLY DISRUPT THE OPENING OF SCHOOLS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/okla-sspi-ryan-walters-times-attacks-on.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLAHOMA'S MAGA MAD MONK OF EDUCATION RYAN 'RASPUTIN' WALTERS GOES AFTER TPS SUP DEBORAH GIST LIKE SHE STOLE HIS LUNCH MONEY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/oklahomas-maga-mad-monk-of-education.html 

How Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters is pushing Christianity in schools https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ryan-walters-oklahoma-schools-superintendent-tulsa-rcna101235