In this episode of the AI Chronicles podcast, host Kyle James speaks with Teddy Garcia, a senior IT educator at Instituto Iberia in the Dominican Republic. They discuss the transformative role of AI in education, focusing on how Teddy has integrated AI into the classroom to enhance student engagement and prepare them for a tech-driven future. Teddy shares his journey into education, the challenges of introducing AI to both teachers and students, and the importance of teaching effective AI prompting. The conversation highlights the significant impact of AI on learning processes and the necessity of empowering educators to embrace this technology.

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• Teddy Garcia emphasizes the importance of teachers understanding AI before students can benefit from it.
• AI can enhance student engagement and learning experiences in the classroom.
• Effective AI prompting is crucial for obtaining desired results from AI tools.
• Students initially used AI as a shortcut rather than a learning tool.
• Hands-on experimentation with AI leads to deeper understanding among students.
• Teachers of varying ages can successfully adopt AI with proper training and support.
• AI can save teachers time and improve their workflow significantly.
• The integration of AI in education requires a cultural shift among educators.
• Teddy's approach includes teaching AI in extracurricular activities to spark interest.
• AI is a powerful tool that can revolutionize the educational landscape.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to AI in Education
• (00:01:30) - Teddy Garcia's Journey to Education
• (00:07:36) - Introducing AI in the Classroom
• (00:10:47) - Understanding AI Prompting
• (00:12:37) - Overcoming Challenges with AI
• (00:17:15) - Student Innovations with AI
• (00:18:41) - Teacher Engagement with AI
• (00:24:27) - Advice for School Leaders on AI Implementation

Links:

RootSum -> rootsum.be

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Key Moments:

• Rootsum started as a fully organic gardening center in 1992.
• The company transitioned to selling beneficial insects and nematodes online.
• Educating customers about ecosystem balance is crucial for success.
• Pesticides harm not only plants but also beneficial insects and soil life.
• The first step for gardeners is to stop using pesticides.
• Ladybugs and lacewings are effective natural pest control options.
• Indoor gardening can benefit from specific predatory insects.
• A step-by-step plan for biodiverse gardening includes improving soil life.
• Avoiding invasive species is essential for maintaining local ecosystems.
• AI can streamline business processes and enhance marketing efforts.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Rootsum and Its Mission
• (00:01:47) - The Evolution of Rootsum: From BioGrowey to Today
• (00:05:49) - Customer Mindset: Shifting from Pesticides to Biodiversity
• (00:07:47) - Practical Steps for Hobby Gardeners
• (00:11:05) - Understanding Beneficial Insects and Their Role
• (00:13:41) - Step-by-Step Plan for Biodiverse Gardening
• (00:19:13) - Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency
• (00:22:27) - Conclusion and Resources for Gardeners

• Mark Slater transitioned from advertising to web development in the early 90s.
• Handmade Interactive started with pro bono work to stimulate demand.
• Building relationships with clients is crucial for success.
• The transition from free to paid services is based on client value recognition.
• Understanding client needs is essential for effective web solutions.
• Creating demand for digital services is a key strategy.
• The company has seen significant growth in enterprise clients.
• Results include increased website traffic and sales for clients.
• Mark emphasizes the importance of personal connections with clients.
• Handmade Interactive is open to global collaboration.

Guest Links:

Handmade Interactive -> handmadeinteractive.com

Sponsor:

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• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Handmade Interactive
• (00:01:11) - The Journey into Web Development
• (00:03:01) - Building Client Relationships
• (00:06:13) - Transitioning from Pro Bono to Paid Work
• (00:08:26) - Challenges with Early Clients
• (00:11:06) - Creating Demand in a New Market
• (00:13:34) - Results and Impact on Clients
• (00:17:24) - Connecting with Handmade Interactive