Ep. 17 | What Students Are Teaching Us About AI with Dr. Julie Evans

Students are already using AI to explore their interests, strengthen their skills, and direct their own learning. What can their experiences teach us about the future of education? Dr. Stefan Bean talks with Dr. Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow and founder of the Speak Up Research Project, about what students are saying about AI and why active listening matters. They explore student agency, the enduring importance of relationships with educators, and the durable skills students will need for a future that is still taking shape. From an AI-powered Spanish practice session to a fifth grader teaching himself to play piano on an iPad, the conversation reveals the curiosity and optimism students bring to learning when they have room to explore. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Connect with Dr. Julie Evans: Project Tomorrow: https://www.tomorrow.org Email: jevans@tomorrow.org About Our Guest: Dr. Julie A. Evans is the CEO of Project Tomorrow (www.tomorrow.org) and is the founder of the heralded Speak Up Research Project which annually collects and reports on the authentic views of 400,000 K-12 students, parents and educators on key education issues each year. Dr. Evans leads research efforts on the impact of innovative learning models and interventions in both K-12 and higher education. Over the past 20 years, almost 6 million K-12 students, teachers and parents have participated in the Speak Up Project representing over 35,000 schools from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and around the world. Dr. Evans is the longest-serving woman executive in the education technology nonprofit sector.