E138: Testing AI Tools So Teachers Don’t Have To (w/ Ken Rafanan)

About this episode

In this episode, Joel Amidon talks with Ken Rafanan about testing AI tools for educators to help them make informed decisions without getting overwhelmed by trends.

AI tools are showing up everywhere in education, but most teachers don’t have the time to experiment with every new platform that promises transformation. In this episode, I talk with Ken Rafanan about his work co-hosting TERC Tech Talks , a video podcast series that tests AI tools so educators don’t have to. We explore what happens when you move from reacting to AI hype to actually putting tools through their paces. Ken shares what he’s learned about discernment, practical implementation, and how hosting these conversations has shaped his own thinking about teaching and learning. If you’re trying to make wise decisions about technology without chasing every new trend, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and grounded insight. Plus, the Physical Media of the Episode, the movie, Swingers. Show notes for the episode can be found at amidonplanet.com/episode138 . Click here to subscribe to the Amidon Planet email list .

People in this episode

Guest: Ken Rafanan

Topics covered

• AI in education
• teacher resources
• technology implementation
• educational tools
• podcasting

Keywords

• AI tools
• TERC Tech Talks
• discernment
• practical implementation
• teaching and learning
• technology decisions
• educational transformation
• Swingers

Mentioned in this episode

Products: AI tools

Books & works: Swingers

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