In this episode of Teach Your Kids, Manisha Snoyer talks to Rachel Thomas, a renowned expert in AI, data ethics, and education. The conversation takes listeners on a captivating journey that covers the dynamic landscape of homeschooling. They dissect screen time, debunk common myths, and explore the role of technology in modern education. Rachel delves deep into her own experiences, giving parents practical insights into resources, strategies, and apps that make homeschooling a rewarding choice. The episode isn’t just about tools and resources; it's an earnest discussion about the emotional and ethical aspects of home-based learning. They touch on AI’s role in education and how it can serve rather than replace the human element. Listen in to learn how Rachel Thomas seamlessly merges data ethics and AI into the homeschooling narrative. Rachel Thomas is a luminary in AI and machine learning, holding a PhD in mathematics from Duke University. She co-founded fast.ai, where she created the world's most renowned deep learning course, and serves as an adjunct professor at QUT. A pioneering advocate for ethical tech, Rachel founded the Center for Applied Data Ethics at the University of San Francisco. Recognized by Forbes as one of the 20 Incredible Women in AI, Rachel is a compelling keynote speaker and a steadfast champion for diversity in technology. Rachel's expertise also extends to machine learning in healthcare, addressing ethical implications. A former engineer at Uber and a multifaceted mentor, Rachel enriches her homeschooling approach with her extensive academic and professional background, readying the next generation for a fast-paced digital landscape.
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Time Codes
00:00:00 — Manisha introduces the episode and her guest, Rachel Thomas, highlighting her impressive background in AI, data ethics, and education.
00:01:32 — Rachel shares her initial hesitation and surprise at the idea of homeschooling.
00:03:00 — A fresh perspective on how homeschooling can differ from traditional schooling.
00:05:00 — Omicron's influence on the family's return to homeschooling.
00:09:36 — Family dynamics during the pandemic: Screen time becomes relational.
00:15:37 — Discussion on tech gadgets that empower learners.
00:17:40 — The evolution of educational apps, from Dragonbox Algebra to Slice Fractions.
00:21:25 — Outdoor vs. Indoor activities: A balanced approach.
00:28:20 — The importance of personalized education.
00:33:16 — Deep learning's day-to-day applications explored.
00:41:40 — Addressing the plague of poor math teaching.
00:47:48 — The psychological risks of perfectionism in traditional schooling.
00:52:00 — Breaking down the viral myth: viruses vs. healthy bacteria.
00:59:00 — Homeschooling: It's not just for the "cognitive elite."
01:05:35 — Manisha wraps up the episode by discussing the availability of free resources and grants for families. She emphasizes the importance of making education accessible to all.
This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at velaedfund.org.