Transforming Education: AI Tools and Social Impact with Mary Jo Madda

More Than a Test

Welcome to another episode of MTAT! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Mary Jo Madda, a program lead for Education for Social Impact at Google. In this episode, Mary Jo delves into her work with high school students in programs like Code Next, which aims to break down barriers and provide access to quality computer science education for underrepresented communities. We'll explore the intersections of AI and education, discuss the importance of diverse voices in technology development, and get book recommendations like "Algorithms of Oppression" and "The Boys and Men." Mary Jo also reflects on her TED talk, the role of technology in education, and the ever-evolving landscape post-COVID-19.

Join us as we navigate how AI tools can enhance productivity, foster deeper relationships, and redefine assessment in the classroom. Take advantage of this insightful conversation filled with enthusiasm, practical advice, and a visionary outlook on the future of education technology!

Timestamps

00:00 Program lead at Google.org supports social impact.

03:54 Encouraging diverse interests in STEM education for kids.

08:01 Varied teaching experiences shape assessment perspective, supporting schools.

12:10 Obtained master's in technology and joined EdSurge.

15:07 Focus on the application of AI in education.

17:19 AI facilitating connections, social capital, education stagnation.

22:04 Long work weeks, tools to save time.

24:27 AI chatbot connecting students with mentors efficiently.

28:26 Health care and education need more user input.

32:49 Importance of small, low-stakes pilot programs.

36:39 EdTech company reluctant to adapt, improve outcomes.

40:47 Admire innovative schools, hands-on learning, technology's balance.

43:34 "The Big Test" exposes flaws in SAT.

45:45 The importance of giving without expectations is explained.

50:40 Supporting young men in high school; addressing bias.

52:36 AI trail, reading, Amira Learning, subscribe, thanks

Connect with Mary Jo Madda

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mary-jo-madda-8547137

Website: https://www.google.com/about/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD