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Kicking Off a Rainy Friday the 13th What a day! Alarm buzzing, sheer darkness and the sound of raindrops. The early hours of Friday, October 13th felt straight out of a horror movie. In the midst of it all, I woke up recalling a vivid nightmare where I stayed out all night and was a no-show at the morning event where I was scheduled to speak. I'm no dream expert, but I'm pretty sure that's my anxiety talking. Facing Event-Day Jitters As I sat up in bed and put my first foot on the floor, I made a conscious effort to smile about the dreary day that screamed Halloween and remind myself that with jitters comes the opportunity for thrills. Sure, I could worry about everything that could go wrong, losing my train of thought when I needed it most, or delivering content that didn't match the audience needs. But instead I chose to manifest gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to team up with Erica Hanna to present at the Social Media Breakfast - Minneapolis St. Paul (SMBMSP) on the Topic of Visual Storytelling with Neuroscience and AI. Reconnecting with Erica For those unfamiliar, Erica is co-founder of Camcorder.AI. She's also a six time Emmy Award Winner, a Noble Peace Prize Forum Delegate, a Three-time Top Twitter Personality and Online Course Creator. Simply put, she's a dynamo who even had Prince as a client! Our paths first crossed around 2010 or 2011, at the dawn of SMBMSP and when platforms like Twitter and Instagram were on the verge of going mainstream. Erica, always a trailblazer, was one of my initial follows. We both come from a TV news backgrounds, different channels but a shared understanding of the hectic newsroom life. Now, Fast forward 13 years (#13 appears to be our lucky charm) our paths have crossed again, thanks to the magnetic pull of social media and our mutual curiosity and passion around AI. That's how the presentation was born. Key Learnings Great stories have obstacles. Great stories show resilience. Erica shared Nancy Duarte's secret structure for compelling storytelling. With Neuroscience, if you want a story to be memorable, you need to incorporate sensory cues. Maybe it was the smell of the bacon as you greeted new faces or the giant coffee stain on the front of your shirt, you noticed a little too late. ChatGPT isn't there to replace you. It's a tool that can assist you in areas you choose. Similar to an e-bike, you're still driving. If you do want help from ChatGPT crafting something, it's important that you feed it the context it needs to deliver what you want. And don't be afraid to ask it what it needs. Erica and I were curious how ChatGPT might help promote SMBMSP so we fed it some of the storytelling tricks. Click on the image to see the results. For those who made it Friday morning, you had to prioritize this gathering over something else important in your life and then you had to brave the elements to get there. For that, we're grateful. This day would not have been the same without you. Here are a couple of LinkeIn posts shared after the session. One from Amelia Irvine who is a Marketing Communications Strategist. Here is a sample of some of her key takeaways. You can see the full post here. 💡 The brain processes facts vs. stories differently. Neural activity increases five times when processing stories! 💡 Memory recall increases from 10% to 65% when a photo is associated with the story or information. This jumps to 95% retention when the content is video. 💡 ChatGPT is here to stay, but it's not perfect. The tool is most effective when its output is reviewed and tweaked by a human brain. Companies that don't have dedicated teams playing with and learning from ChatGPT will get left behind. Here are insights from another attendee, Margaret Korfhage. Margaret is a marketing strategist who says that for marketing to be effective, it must first connect emotions. Summary In summary, it's that human interaction can never be replaced. The smiles, the laughter, the handshakes, the comforting hugs. It's these personal connections and experiences that will make a difference in your brand messaging. And this is perfectly in line with Erica's key point, "If you can place the logo of your competitor on your story, then it's the wrong story". Below, a few photos. A special shout out to my 84 year old dad who is intrigued by the AI related dialogues even though he's never sent a text message, he's now asking me to "ChatGPT" things for him. Before it was, "Can you Google this for me". Cheers to many more caffeinated mornings with bagels and bacon. Hope you found some valuable nuggets you can immediately apply. Also, your experimenting doesn't have to be for work, it can totally be just for fun and curiosity's sake. This Gif is for Erica who is also teaching me how to add more fun to presentations. Special Offers One promotional highlight was Erica's special offer for "clipper," a product from her company. Check out https://clipper.camcorder.ai/ and use code: smb before Monday, October 16, 2023 for a fantastic deal. To beta-test new camcorder.ai products, sign up at https://get.camcorder.ai/. Lori and Erica are also teaming up for the Business, Brand, and Marketing with AI (VIP Intensive). Register soon and get a special discount using code: smbmsp before Oct 20th. With the rise of AI, there's never been a more crucial time to upskill and adapt to the evolving business landscape. 🔍 Why Attend? Exclusivity: With only 8 spots available, benefit from a close-knit, interactive environment that ensures personalized attention and quality interactions. Maximize Productivity: Get actionable strategies to streamline your workflow, enhancing efficiency and saving precious time. Harness AI's Power: Go beyond theoretical knowledge. Leave with concrete brainstorms and ideas tailored to seamlessly integrate AI into your everyday tasks. 💡 ROI Guaranteed: Your investment in this workshop will not only pay for itself, but the skills and insights you'll gain promise substantial dividends. Remember, in today's fast-paced world, knowledge isn't just power – it's profitability. When: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 8am to 10:30am Where: Minnetonka, MN (exact address to be shared upon registration) Use code: smbmsp before Oct 20th for 25% off your ticket price Takeaways Linked in Course: This has been one of my favorites:Linked in Learning: Generative AI for Creative Pros: Opportunities, Issues & Ethics People worth a follow on LinkedIn: Conor Grennan - Dean of Students NYU, Rachel Woods - CEO the AI Exchange, Paul Roetzer - Marketing AI Institute Lori's Resource List Smartphone Video Bootcamp: Email erica@pukerainbows.com for more information AI generated Thank you note! Subject: From Bagels to Bytes: A Hearty Thanks! Dear Breakfast Buddies, As the Friday drizzle whispered of drear, we gathered at Improving, chasing the digital cheer. With bagels in belly and caffeine at core, we dove into the AI lore. A shoutout to Erica Hanna, my comrade in code, whose invite was my road, to this abode of mind meld, where tech tales are told. Kudos to Mykl and Jen Roventine, our hosts so fine, who amidst bytes and bagels, made insights shine. Under the cozy roof of Improving, we mingled and mused, with AI dreams infused. Oh, what a blend of brains and banter, even the rain outside seemed to ponder! As we part ways, let’s not let the dialogue decay. Click subscribe, share your vibe, let’s keep the tech talk alive. Pitch in your questions, share your sessions, for in this digital dimension, every interaction is an extension of our AI intention. With a dash of code and a splash of cheer, awaiting our next techy tete-a-tete, dear peers!

I have been staring at a blank page for days. Typing something in... then clicking delete, then typing something else in, then delete. Our world is in crisis right now... and I'm struggling. It feels like anything I might publish about AI or ChatGPT pales in comparison to everything else going on. I'm supposed to be publishing a blog with resources from a speaking engagement, I just can't. At least not today. My mind has been spinning, thinking about what's happening in Israel. My heart is heavy and I feel helpless. There's been unrest in the middle east for centuries. While I'm far from an expert in Mideast Relations, I just know humans have not figured out a way to solve it. The idealist in me wonders, could AI help? Could it see patterns or areas of compromise that we humans are not able to see? What if we could leverage AI to assist with negotiations and help people help find areas of compromise they hadn't imagined before. I realize right now a lot of the narrative is around the potential for AI to end the world as robots will only get smarter and eventually more powerful than we are. I prefer to lean in to another type of message about AI. This one from Deepak Chopra to Twin Cities Business Magazine back in May of 2023. "We have to figure out a way to use it to a create a more just, sustainable, peaceful world, healthier and joyful world." I'm sure there are plenty of people who think I'm out of my mind. But if anyone is interested in creating something that could help with conflict resolution, I'm all in. Please reach out! I credit my grandfather, Sam Scheiner, for distilling in me that we have the potential to make our world a better place. This year I've been learning a lot more about his legacy and how he founded what is now the Jewish Community Relations Council. He was also an integral part of the book "Into the Bright Sunshine" written by acclaimed journalist and writer of Civil Rights history, Samuel G. Freedman. It just came out this summer. The spirit of community and solidarity he fostered through the JCRC is what we witnessed this week with Minnesotans supporting Israel. It's a testament to the power of community collaboration. I know if he was watching from above, he would have been very moved by this. The work of the organization he started continues to make a difference thanks to Steve Hunegs, the Executive Director of the JCRC Minnesota and Dakotas. I encourage you to check out the JCRC's blog about the event. In these times, let us be inspired by his legacy to see beyond the divisions, to recognize the deep historical and cultural ties that can both unite and separate us. Let's approach each story with empathy and understanding, inspired by the heroes of the past. And who knows, maybe one day, hopefully while we're still on this earth, we'll be able to see peace even in the most unlikely of places. Here's how to subscribe.

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending an outdoor wedding. While the scenery was spectacular, and the fall crisp air perfectly fitting for the event, some of us - yours truly included - prioritized style over warmth. Thankfully, the planners anticipated that their guests would come unprepared for the brisk country breeze and provided cozy blankets we happily shared. So where am I going with all of this? After the ceremony ended, one of the gals sent her husband on a noble quest: to retrieve her sweater from the car. As it turned out, there was more than one sweater in the car and he returned with you guessed it, the wrong sweater. That meant a second trip back to the car. We'll call it the "Two-Trip-Tango". We've all been there. We've asked a spouse, a child, a friend or a co-worker to help us with something and we don't get what we expect in return. Oftentimes it's a simple a breakdown in communication. This my friend, is where I find parallels with ChatGPT. You know, sometimes we can get caught in all the buzz about prompts and prompt templates. Don't get me wrong, they're great if you are building workflows. But in my year of jamming with ChatGPT, I've realized there's a lot to be gained by talking to ChatGPT as if it's your friend. I've tossed all sorts of questions. I think I just registered my 500th conversation. Most of the time, I'm just curious what it will say. It's been a hands-on way for me to learn what it excels at and where it needs more training. As for OpenAI's new voice features? Just seems like they're making it even more intuitive for us everyday folks to strike up a conversation without feeling intimidated. Whether we're querying a chatbot for details, or asking a loved one for a sweater, the dance of communication can be a complex jig. The goal is not to overthink it. It’s all about Specifics: Just like my friend could’ve specified, “Honey, it’s the black, button-up one in the backseat,” when prompting ChatGPT, being precise in your ask can save a lot of back-and-forth. Expect the Unexpected: Both humans and AIs are prone to moments of unpredictability. Embrace it. Sometimes, the journey (or the Tango) is where the fun's at! A Bot’s Patience is Infinite: One undeniable perk of digital buddies like ChatGPT? Their inexhaustible patience. Ask, rephrase, ask again – they won’t mind. Unlike us mortals who might huff and puff with every repeated request, chatbots handle our incessant queries with grace. They won't roll their eyes or sigh dramatically; they just keep on assisting, no matter how many "Two-Trip Tangos" we dance with them. With both humans and bots, we initiate a conversation with the best of intentions, aiming for clarity right from the start. Yet, even when armed with the best details, things might not always go as planned. The beauty? It’s in the journey of refinement, learning from our miscues, and evolving our approach. Just as we hone our ways of interacting with those around us, we too can perfect our 'prompts' with AI, making every request a bit more seamless than the last. And hey, if you're keen on learning about AI in visual storytelling, please join me and the incredible Erica Hanna at the October 13, 2023 event! “Visual Storytelling: Creative Breakthroughs, Neuroscience, and AI” hosted by Social Media Breakfast - Minneapolis/St. Paul. Hope to see you there!

Just as I was about to click publish on today's blog, news drops from OpenAI about a huge update. Imagine this: ChatGPT is about to join the ranks of Alexa and Siri. If you are Plus subscriber, any day now you could be conversing with ChatGPT over dinner or wine. I can't wait to find out if we'll get to name our own bot. Oh, and did I mention you can now share pics and talk about them? If something's broken, take a few pics, upload to ChatGPT and ask for help and it won't get frustrated with you. Now, while I'm a pretty darn excited to test out the new features, there’s also a tiny voice in the back of my mind saying, "Did OpenAI intentionally release this around Halloween?". Today's development is the exclamation point for why panel discussions like the ones I participated in last week are crucial. The advancements are coming at us fast and furiously and we need to chat, debate and discuss to make sure we're using the tools for good and understanding the implications. So, rewinding to last week's panel discussion "ChatGPT: Strategies for Back to School Success". First off, a huge thank you to EdNorth and the panelists. It was 90 minutes of pure gold. Okay, maybe I'm a little biased but we listened and learned as the educators shared stories of real classroom magic happening with ChatGPT. Jacob Boe, a 6th-grade social studies teacher at Richfield Public Schools, highlighted the challenge of teaching students at varying reading levels. He's been using ChatGPT to tailor content to individual students. But here's the kicker: he ensures curriculum experts vet the AI-generated content. So far, ChatGPT's been hitting the mark. David Bjorklund from BlueSky Academy shared a heartwarming story of an autistic student who found a conversational partner in ChatGPT. Interestingly, this student also pointed out the tool's potential misuse for cheating. Ben Stanerson, teacher and technology integrationist from Minnetonka High School emphasized student involvement in shaping the district's AI ethics policy. He also noted a growing optimism among teachers who've attended ChatGPT training sessions. Suzy Kaback, a 20 year literacy teacher educator, shared the pioneering work she is doing with incoming teachers, harnessing ChatGPT to enhance their prompting skills for more dynamic lesson plans. Of course, our discussion wasn't without its skeptics. Concerns about student laziness and AI's occasional hallucinations were raised. The consensus? These concerns are valid and warrant attention. Perhaps it's time for educators to engage students in this dialogue. Maybe, just maybe, it's an opportunity for teachers to learn from their students. Now, you might wonder about my stake in this. I'm not an educator, but I am a mom and a big sister in the Big Brother's Big Sisters Program. I've seen firsthand the challenges students face, and I genuinely believe tools like ChatGPT can make a difference. I'm convinced that students who engage with ChatGPT, understanding its strengths and limitations, are gearing up for a competitive edge. Here's what meant the most to me. When the panel discussion was over, it was clear none of us wanted it to be over. We had so much more to talk about. We all agreed, we should get together monthly, share what's working, what's not working. And now based on today's big news from Open AI, we will surely have plenty to talk about as we test the waters with the new features. Our panelists also compiled some of their favorite resources The video recording should be available soon. An AI helper was enlisted to help refine some audio challenges. Sign up to stay updated. If you enjoyed this post, please give it a heart and share with your friend. .

I want to start with a sincere thank you to Justin Grammens who hosted a panel discussion this week at his software and development company,Lab651. The session titled "What Businesses Need to Know about AI" was part of Twin Cities StartUp week and Justin invited me to participate along with Heather Boschke of Vogel Venture and Andrew Eklund of Ciceron. I was beyond ecstatic to be in the company of such brilliant minds. I went with my learner's hat on, soaking in insights and jotting down mental notes like there was no tomorrow. Justin kicked things off with an important reminder. AI has been around for decades, and we're interacting with it constantly. Think about it; maybe you unlock your phone with your face, or how about those suggestions from Netflix? Or my personal favorite. Have you checked your email junk folder lately? Machine learning is saving you from spam emails like "why she cheated!". That's a real example and a recent one automatically dumped in my junk folder! Thank you AI. While AI isn't new, What changed in this past year is the public's access to generative AI tools that require only curiosity and and the ability to ask a question. Andrew reinforced, we're in the beta phase of it all right now. Stay Curious and Keep Experimenting The resounding message was clear: it’s curiosity o’clock! Whether you're a startup or a seasoned business, now is the time to venture out of the comfort zone and play around with AI tools like ChatGPT. Andrew says he encourages his team at Ciceron to experiment with AI tools. He shared a story about how they used ChatGPT to create customer personas and then took it a step further leveraging AI to generate images of those personas. Put your data to work for you Andrew put it perfectly with a dash of humor, "We're sitting on a goldmine of data; it's high time we start digging!" And truly, there's never been a more opportune time to derive actionable insights from the data at our fingertips. And you don't have to be a data analyst to do so. It's a great time to be a startup Tools like ChatGPT can help you with a variety of tasks where you might not be an expert. Heather talked about how ChatGPT can be an excellent marketing assistant. Think market research, press release, or content creation. Not to mention. you can whip up a draft of a social calendar in a matter of seconds. I used ChatGPT to help write a press release for a retail company about to open it's first out of state store. And like those entrenched in a startup, these AI tools never sleep so answers are immediate around the clock. Spotlight on Must-Have Tools We also swapped notes on our favorite AI tools. Heather brought Elicit.com into the spotlight, a tool that will help you with research or verify the authenticity of ChatGPT answers. (A definite add to my toolkit.) And then there’s ChatPDF, my go-to for deciphering the often cryptic terms and conditions and privacy policies. It’s like having a translator for the fine print! The Heartbeat of AI: Human Connection Applied AI meetups – Highly recommend as an awesome way to connect with other AI enthusiasts and learn something new. And mark your calendars for the November 10 Applied AI conference. You don't want to miss it. For those days when an in-person connection isn't possible, you'll see below the subscribe button a few other noteworthy AI related tidbits that keep my wheels turning. What’s Next? This Thursday, I’m leading a conversation with educators about using ChatGPT for back-to-school success. I’d love for you to join us as we learn and grow together. Here's the link with details.Classroom Kickoff: ChatGPT Insights and Strategies for Back to School Success - It's from 5pm to 7pm at Finnovation Lab in downtown Minneapolis. Let’s keep this AI journey fun and exciting, together. Hope to catch you there! Also, if you found this information valuable please like and share. And don't forget to subscribe. You'll get a dose of AI news along with details on upcoming events. I promise, I won't spam you! Please note, ChatGPT was used for help with a few sentences and word choices.

You are invited to join the forefront of AI and ChatGPT discussions, where curiosity meets responsibility. Introduction I have to admit, zeroing in on a single focus for this blog was no easy task. Ideas kept bouncing around in my mind, each one taking a different shape. But as the Twin Cities Start-up Week kicked off, I finally nailed it down. I’m gearing up to be part of two critical discussions this week. I'll be part of a panel talking about what businesses need to know about artificial intelligence. Additionally, I'll be moderating a discussion with educators uncovering how schools can leverage ChatGPT for back-to-school success. I'm super grateful for both of these opportunities. In gearing up for these discussions, I remind myself that there are people who certainly know more than I do about generative AI, machine learning and large language models, however it's the all about the fresh perspectives each person brings to the table and the "Aha" moments that can come from unexpected encounters and conversations. Keep in mind this is all so new. ChatGPT and other generative AI tools just came on the scene less than a year ago. These tools are just in their infancy and we're seeing updates and enhancements all of the time. As I prepped my talking points and questions, I realized the parallels between business and education at this juncture. Opening Up Conversations: The Generative AI Elephant in the Room It's time to foster a culture of openness and exploratory dialogue. Whether guiding a business strategy discussion or standing at a chalkboard in front of 10th graders, it is essential to acknowledge and discuss the 'elephant in the room': the growing adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Why not encouragr your team or students to experiment with ChatGPT for certain tasks and present their findings as part of a group discussion? Don't Knock it Till You Try it: Embrace Generative AI Tools Practice with prompting to unearth ChatGPT's potential. Think about tasks that you dread, or just take time to complete. What if you could offload some of that work to ChatGPT? On the business side, you could ask ChatGPT to draft compelling points for a prospect meeting. As an educator, you could ask ChatGPT to help you craft an email to parents. ChatGPT has the potential to help ease your workload. Ethics at the Forefront Navigating the complex landscape of right and wrong. Now is the time to kickstart the ethical discussions if you haven't already. What entails cheating or cutting corners when using AI tools? How do we discern what needs to be cited? Should we inform clients about our utilization of such tools? It's an evolving dialogue, and it's imperative to foster a culture that champions ethical usage, encouraging transparency and responsibility at each step. Up-Skill with Unity: A Collective Endeavor Learn, grow, and evolve together. Who says business leaders and their employees can't learn at the same time or teachers and students? I like to think we all have an innate desire to learn and grow. So let’s embrace the spirit of up-skilling not as individuals but as a collective force ready to shape a future where technology meets empathy, understanding, and human touch. These discussions are just the tip of the iceberg, paving the way for a deeper understanding of AI and ChatGPT's role in our evolving landscape. So come, be a part of these sessions. What Business Leaders Need to know about Artificial Intelligence Sept 18, 2023 11am Lab651 Classroom Kickoff: ChatGPT Insights and Strategies for Back to School Success Sept 21, 2023 5-7pm Finnovation Lab If this sparked your curiosity, don’t hesitate to share it with someone who’d value this insight. Let’s navigate the exciting world of AI together. See you there! Coming up next in the blog, I'll share links to some of my favorite resources and their insights that were valuable in preparing for the sessions.

Ever ask ChatGPT about the time? Well, Tim Bornholdt, a Software Architect and Entrepreneur, did just that. He asked, "It's 11:32am. How many minutes are between now and 11:54am?" ChatGPT's answer? A whopping 82 minutes! Even Morris Day and the Time would shake their heads at that one! Now.. let's put this wrong answer into perspective. Yes, it's a bit troubling but even the best of us have our off days, and AI is no exception. The wrong answers don't have to invalidate the countless correct ones. Imagine ditching your favorite restaurant because one day they got your order wrong. I bring this up because I've recently heard a few folks say they tried ChatGPT once and it was wrong and they have no intention to go back. First off, to those who've tried and walked away, major props for giving it a whirl! Sure, you bumped into ChatGPT's quirks, and yeah, sometimes it daydreams a little (those darn confabulations, aka hallucinations). But should we toss it aside and never look back? No way! Here's the thing: those AI tools that chat back with unique answers? They're not packing their bags anytime soon. We've got to get a hang of them because, guess what? The 2023 World Economic Forum says that in the next five years, almost half of our job skills are going to change. So, unless you're about to hit the beach with a retirement cocktail in hand, we need to navigate this together. Here's a suggestion to reframe your thinking. Every time you prompt ChatGPT, trying to expose it's flawed thinking, that's actually super valuable. Not only can you give a thumbs up or down to your answers and add comments, but you can also report your findings to OpenAI through the Help Page. Some food for thought, just last month a couple thousand hackers gathered in Las Vegas for the annual Def Con convention. One of their goals was to find chinks in the AI armor. This exercise was supported by AI companies and the WhiteHouse. The New York Times did a piece on it. Here's a quick blurb from the article, When Hackers Descended to Test A.I, They Found Flaws Aplenty By Sarah Kessler and Tiffany Hsu The hackers tried to break through the safeguards of various A.I. programs in an effort to identify their vulnerabilities — to find the problems before actual criminals and misinformation peddlers did Each competitor had 50 minutes to tackle up to 21 challenges They found political misinformation, demographic stereotypes, instructions on how to carry out surveillance and more. At first glance, what they uncovered was pretty unsettling. However, I tried to think about it like the annual doctor visit where they run all of those preventative checks. If your doctor identifies early signs of health concerns, like high cholesterol, the intent isn't to alarm but to prevent. By treating these early warnings, you increase your odds of avoiding a stroke or heart attack down the road. Similarly, the hackers at Def Con were "diagnosing" potential cracks in the AI models that need to be addressed, ultimately reducing the risk of real harm by malicious users. To wrap things up, my advice is to keep chatting, keep questioning, and if anything doesn't add up, rate or report it. Would love to hear your thoughts. Have you tried ChatGPT, Google's Bard or Microsoft's Bing Chat? What did you think of the answers? Thrilled, satisfied or they left something to be desired. Please add your comments. Also, if you found this blog worthwhile, please like and share. Additionally, I highly recommend following Tim Bornholdt on Linked in and if you get a chance attending or listening to his Tedx talk coming up October 12. Just a little side note, when I asked ChatGPT to review my blog with a critical eye, I received this message. If you have any idea what flagged this content, please comment. Curious to learn more.

In the realm of daily business challenges, I found myself spending hours a day on meeting notes. It sparked my interest. Could technology help save me the grueling task of organizing and sharing notes after each meeting. Given this curiosity, I ventured into trying out AI-powered note-taking apps, specifically Fireflies.ai and Tactiq.io. Here's what I uncovered - the impressive and the areas of caution. AI Note-Taking Review: The Main Features Time-Savings: The first time I used an AI note-taking app during a meeting, it felt liberating. When it's part of the meeting, I feel a sense of relief that I won't miss a crucial action item or decision. The tool captures everything, giving me the freedom to be truly present in the discussion. Unbiased Memory: One of my favorite aspects of the AI notes and summaries is the tool doesn't come with any preconceptions. On occasion, it will capture something I might overlook because subconsciously, my concerns or priorities influence what I jot down. Objective Insights: Beyond mere transcription, I'm amazed by the analytics. Both Fireflies and Tactiq provide insights into meeting dynamics, showing the percentage of speaking time for each participant. It was an eye-opener, highlighting those who might dominate conversations and others who might hold back. Fireflies goes a step further, evaluating the meeting's mood – positive, negative, or neutral. Such insights can prove valuable in understanding team dynamics. Meeting Summaries: While Tactiq provides a limited number of AI summaries each month on their paid subscriptions, Fireflies seems to take the lead with more comprehensive reports. But to be fair, all of these applications are enhancing their offerings frequently. AI Search: With Fireflies, there's a feature named "Ask Fred", available for an extra $5 a month. It lets you search through your notes seamlessly, eliminating the age-old hassle of manually sifting through pages or digital files. Transcription Data: Why transcribe? Tech giants like Microsoft and Google are ramping up their AI search capabilities. Soon, we could be searching our notes as effortlessly as we do the internet, pinpointing specific comments or decisions. Concerns to Consider: An AI Note-Taking Review Privacy: The specter of data privacy regulations, like GDPR and CCPA, looms large. Always get consent for transcription. With Fireflies, you can notify participants by default and even customize your message for clarity. Legal Implications: Consider this scenario: an employee alleges workplace bias or a partner cries foul over a contractual breach. These AI-generated notes could be summoned as evidence in court. Thus, always consult legal experts before full-fledged adoption. Access to the Notes: It's not just about taking notes but controlling who sees them. Miscommunications or inadvertent leaks can be detrimental. Be discerning in setting access permissions. Data Security: Data breaches are a legitimate concern. It's paramount to scrutinize not just the app's functionalities but its commitment to data security. Dive deep into privacy policies and terms before choosing a tool. A Personal Verdict: I remain an advocate for AI-powered note-taking tools, appreciating their efficiency and objectivity. However, my approach is now more measured. I kick off meetings with clear recording notifications and am selective about when to use the tool. For those on the fence, remember: immense power requires immense responsibility. Navigate the legal and ethical maze, seek expert opinions, and put the privacy and security of everyone at the forefront. Here are links to their pricing pages: Fireflies.ai Pricing Tactiq.io Pricing It's important to note I have no ties to either of these companies and I'm not getting compensated in any way. These are just observations from someone who is curious about how they work and actively using them. Have you tried AI note-taking tools? Encountered any hiccups or surprises? Share your experiences in the comments! And if you find this blog worthwhile, please like and share.

AI x Education: Provoking Conversations on Ethics, Access, and Policy This month, I had the privilege of attending the AI x Education conference - a two-day event that really got my wheels turning. There were more than 60 speakers including esteemed university professors, principals, teachers and students. They explored a variety of topics around AI in the classroom for all age levels from K-12 to Higher Education. Not only were the presentations outstanding but there was time dedicated to thought provoking question and answer sessions. The organizer, Johnny Chang, UIUC ECE '23 | Stanford CS '25, recently sent a recap email where he reiterated the importance of open dialogue at this critical time. The AI x Education conference was more than just a knowledge exchange. It was a call to introspect, discuss, and collaborate. Let’s ensure that as AI evolves, our understanding and strategies evolve with it. I invite everyone to join this conversation and share their insights. The more perspectives we have, the richer our understanding will be. A couple of conversations that left an impression on me included: To Cite or Not to Cite: AI in Student Assignments When to Cite AI can be tricky. It was brought up that students use Grammarly and spellcheck every day, and nobody bats an eye. ChatGPT could be headed that way. In the meantime, educators and students mostly agreed that if AI is helping craft content, it should be cited. A teacher pointed out that if students are dishing out credits to AI, what about the parents or tutors lending a hand? It's an interesting angle, especially when you think about the extra help some kids might get at home. This poignant observation draws attention to the tangible advantages some students may have in more affluent settings. While it’s a question without straightforward answers, it's worthy of reflection. Equal Access: Who’s Getting Left Behind? As we marvel at how many students might be leveraging AI, the more critical question might be, "who isn't leveraging it, or perhaps, isn't even aware of its existence?" and how do we ensure those students aren't left out? Another point that was emphasized is the need for districts to craft policies around the ethical use of AI. Amanda Bickerstaff, the Founder and CEO of AI for Education and a former high school biology teacher shared a strategic blueprint for districts to introduce an AI policy. Foundational Training: Begin by ensuring that the staff is acquainted with the basics of AI. Knowledge is empowerment. School-wide Policy Introduction: When introducing something as transformative as an AI policy, it requires collective comprehension. AI Literacy Days: Designate days or even a week focused on AI literacy. A concentrated effort can boost adoption and understanding. Clear Classroom Expectations: Each educator should set clear boundaries for AI's use, ensuring students understand the 'why' behind the rules. Community Engagement: AI's influence isn’t restricted to classrooms. Extend AI awareness sessions to the broader community, ensuring everyone's on the same page. In Chang's summary email, he also included a call to action which is driving this blog post. In the spirit of collective growth and shared knowledge, we encourage you to share these resources with your fellow educators. We believe that the inspiring ideas and practices discussed by our speakers can benefit educators worldwide, especially as we gear up for the upcoming semester. I encourage everyone to check out the AI x Education resources. You can access all the session recordings on our Youtube channel: AI x Education Videos. Concise conference report summarizing some pivotal points from the various discussions. You can review it here: AI x Education Conference Report. Stay informed with the AI x Education Substack Newsletter Please, share your thoughts in the comments. Your perspective and insights matter. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of AI in education, there is so much we can learn from one another. Let's continue this journey of exploration together

By now, who hasn't heard about using ChatGPT and generative AI tools to help make you more efficient. You can automate this and that. Personally, this is causing a huge internal struggle for me. Yes, these tools leveraged by so many to save time are actually costing me extra time. Why is that you ask? I take the jumbled thoughts in my head, I type them into ChatGPT and ask the bot to help make my writing better. I give it specific instructions on what tone I want, friendly, conversational, humorous, satirical, you name it. Guess what, ChatGPT typically spits out something so good, there's no way in the world I could claim it as my own. So then I go back and send another message to ChatGPT, telling the bot pretty much, excellent work but it's a no-go. It's too good. It's too clever, it sounds so intelligent, that it's definitely not anything that would come from my head or mouth. Seriously, what I'm doing makes absolutely no sense! I think that's why I'm so excited about the new feature, ChatGPT Shared Links, introduced by OpenAI and rolling out to all users including those on the free version. To me, this has the potential to be the Great Transparency Feature. It's like opening up the backstage to everyone, revealing the puppet strings, and showing who's really pulling them. Curious how this post would have looked if I copied and pasted from ChatGPT? "....it's causing me more internal struggles than a reality TV star deciding whether to accept the final rose. Why? Because it's actually, paradoxically, munching up my time. Yes, I use ChatGPT. I sit there, coffee in hand, unloading my brain's random musings into it. It's like a confession booth for my thoughts. Then I ask the question: "ChatGPT, can you make this mess look pretty?" And oh, does it deliver. It takes my thoughts and returns a polished masterpiece that's so sparklingly eloquent, I feel like I'm reading a novel written by the love child of Hemingway and J.K. Rowling. Here's the problem: It's too good. Like, 'there's-no-way-I-wrote-this' good. So, I have to keep telling my AI assistant, "Dumb it down, make it sound like me, not the world's most articulate robot." We go back and forth, back and forth, until I've spent more time editing than writing. You see, if my name's on it, it needs to sound like me. Authenticity matters, right? So here's a big question: Should I just stick with my gut and let my own words fly, sans the AI's input? So, how about you? Is anyone else doing the ChatGPT tango, or are you gliding along with no hiccups? Or maybe you're using the new sharing feature to show just how much your AI buddy contributes to your work?" That gave you a flavor, and because I'm all about full transparency, here's a link to the conversation. that's behind the creation of this post. Talk to me! What are your thoughts on leveraging ChatGPT for writing, articles, blogs, you name it? Should attribution to ChatGPT be required or links to conversations? What do you think? Make sure to comment with your perspectives. I believe these are important conversations as our world continues to grapple with the ethical use of AI. If you you like this post, please subscribe and share with your friends and networks.

Last night, I had the incredible opportunity to join an EdTech Meetup that took us through the halls of Exploration High School in North East Minneapolis. Newly opened in the fall of 2021, the school proudly carries the slogan, "Public School for Public Good". Their unique approach breaks from traditional 'learn first, apply later' models. Here, students learn by doing. They are directly involved in tangible projects such as the Uncommon Construction program, where they get a chance to create real structures - like the tiny house I saw on my tour! 🏠 On top of it, these students are assessed not only on their abilities to build and create but also on their growth in soft skills, such as communication and teamwork which are crucial to the workplace. I even had a moment to sit in a classroom 🎒, listening to the values these wise young minds had created. A testament to their growth and the school's vision! Witnessing this refreshing model reminded me of the critical need for education to continue evolving, to keep up with our fast-paced world. Which brings me to ChatGPT and the recent advancements in AI. In the same way that Exploration High is reinventing the way we approach education, tools like ChatGPT are changing the way we learn, work, and communicate. The leaps we're making in Minnesota's EdTech scene are exciting, with people in our community looking at classroom data and machine learning to better predict student performance and identify students in need of more or different resources. Additionally, they are looking at ways to design tools for lesson plans. It was inspiring to hear from other attendees about their groundbreaking contributions to this evolving landscape. The future of education is hands-on and tech-forward, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to attend events like this that I can share with you. Monday, June 12th, the students are doing a public exhibition of their learning and I can't wait to attend and see their projects. Hoping I can get my Little Sister from the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program to join me. As always, would love to hear your thoughts. And if you haven't already, please subscribe!

Lately, there's been a lot of scary messaging surrounding AI, but I'm here to share some incredible stuff I discovered this weekend that showcases the positive side of generative AI. Let me take you through what grabbed my attention and got me pumped up especially around the potential to reimagine education. Let's dive in! Sal Khan's TED Talk: A Game-Changer for Education I watched a fantastic TED Talk by Sal Khan, the CEO of Khan Academy, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. He talked about and demonstrated a chat technology his company has developed, which acts like a super tutor for students as well as a helpful teaching assistant for teachers. One of the coolest things about their AI tutor named Khanmigo is that it doesn't just give kids the answers. It prompts them to try other avenues to solve the problem. Pretty cool huh! Additionally, the conversations are recorded and viewable by the teacher. And according to Khan this is just the tip of the iceberg. He says think about math teachers trying to teach kids to code! This could be a game-changer. Now, this one is maybe even more amazing because we have a lot of math teachers. We've all been trying to teach the world to code, but there aren't a lot of computing teachers out there. And what you just saw, even when I'm tutoring my kids, when they're learning to code, I can't help them this well, this fast, this is really going to be a super tutor. The screenshot below also shows how the tool was trained to help kids understand why they are learning something. They can click a button,"Why should I care about learning this?" and there's an important reminder not to share any personal data. The Ted Talk by Sal Khan is 15 minutes long. I think it's important for everyone to watch, not just educators and parents. Additionally, when you click the link you'll find several other resources shared by Sal Khan on the subject. Coincidentally, I found a new podcast this weekend called "Possible" which is hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger. The episode was called "How might we develop and deploy beneficial, safe artificial general intelligence for humanity?" and the guests were Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, and Greg Brockman, OpenAI co-founder and president. And Khan Academy came up in their discussion. REID: Talk a little bit about education, medicine. You know, like, what are some of the advances there that you could see across the entire world? Because I think we see line of sight to some of those right now. GREG: Yeah, I think education, for me, is one that I’m extremely interested in. Actually, if we weren’t going to successfully start an AI company, one of my backups was to do a programming education company, because I think the way that you teach people today – like, everyone has a story about that one teacher who really understood them, who took the time to get to know them, learn what motivated them, and just really inspired them to do more. And imagine if you could give that kind of teacher to every student 24/7 whenever they want for free. It’s still a little bit science fiction, but it’s much less science fiction than it used to be. And you can look at things like Khan Academy, who are really starting to take GPT-4 and deploy it in the classroom, and really figure out how to steer this technology so that it’s a helpful tutor that if a kid asks for, “oh, just do my homework for me,” it’ll say, “no, no, no, I don’t do that,” but tries to probe to figure out what they’re excited about and how to really motivate them. And so, I think that this kind of technology of just reaching global scale and figuring out how do you get the best out of people, like, that is the realm that we’re starting to enter now. And finally, I want to highlight another awesome resource related to AI in education: ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). Within the past month they've produced and published some excellent videos. One that stood out for me is called: AI Explorations in Schools with ISTE and GM. This video is 6 minutes and I highly recommend watching as it includes teachers and students. ISTE also has some wonderful resources to help teachers navigate this new world and they say educators are the key to preparing students to thrive in a world where artificial intelligence is an integral part of their lives and careers. So, that's a wrap on amazing resources I came across this weekend that show the brighter side of AI. From Sal Khan's inspiring TED Talk to the insights from OpenAI and ISTE's partnership with General Motors to help prepare teachers for what lies ahead. I hope these resources get you as excited as I am about AI's potential in education. Let's guide people towards the positive aspects and work together to build a better future for learners everywhere! As always, I appreciate your feedback. If you found this information valuable, please like, subscribe and share.