Teaching Students to Think With AI & Tara Altherr - HOET269

High school chemistry teacher Tara Altherr joins the podcast to explain how she's helping students use AI as a thinking partner instead of a shortcut. From classroom assignments that encourage students to challenge AI's responses to practical strategies for maintaining authentic learning, Tara offers a thoughtful perspective on what responsible AI integration can look like today.

Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas for helping students think more deeply—not less.

You'll Learn

• How to introduce AI as a thinking partner instead of an answer machine.
• Ways students can use AI to strengthen critical thinking rather than avoid it.
• Why challenging AI responses is an essential digital literacy skill.
• How Tara Altherr designs chemistry assignments that require students to evaluate AI-generated information.
• The CARE framework for responsible AI use in education.
• Practical differences between ChatGPT, Gemini, Canva AI, and other classroom tools.
• Strategies for preserving authentic discussion and human interaction in AI-enhanced classrooms.
• Why teacher expertise remains the most valuable resource in an AI-powered classroom.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Canva AI
• ChatGPT
• Gemini
• Google Classroom
• NotebookLM
• SchoolAI
• Securely
• Traffic Light Edu

#EdTech Thought

The biggest change coming to education might not be another AI chatbot—it could be schools creating their own technology.

As AI makes software development more accessible than ever, educators are beginning to rethink their relationship with traditional EdTech vendors. Could the future belong to schools building solutions designed by educators, for educators?

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