Creating the Classroom of Tomorrow: Stephen Fitzpatrick Discusses Generative AI

Are you an educator navigating the new world of generative AI, or a college faculty member wondering how your incoming students are being shaped by technology? Join hosts Craig and Rob on this episode of AI Goes to College as they sit down with Stephen Fitzpatrick—a veteran secondary school history teacher, debate coach, and leading voice on AI in education—to explore how artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming the classroom experience, from high school to higher ed.Stephen shares his journey from classroom innovator to Substack thought-leader, detailing his hands-on experimentation with emerging AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, NotebookLM, and specialized debate platforms. You'll hear candid stories about students' rapid normalization of AI use, from research projects and note-taking to more controversial applications like essay writing—and the ethical dilemmas teachers face in response.This episode reveals why banning AI in schools is a losing game, and why the true challenge is fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and responsible use among students. Discover how high school educators are wrestling with the balance between preserving “AI-free” learning spaces and adapting assignments for an AI-empowered world. Stephen provides actionable insights on:The rise of AI-powered research and note-taking among high schoolers—what college faculty need to knowThe importance of clear, consistent policies on AI use across classes and institutionsHow educators' comfort level with technology directly impacts their ability to guide studentsPractical solutions for cultivating AI fluency and resilience in both teachers and studentsWhy peer-to-peer training and real-world use cases trump generic professional developmentWhether you're a teacher, administrator, or college professor, this conversation will equip you to meet students where they are in the age of AI—challenging old paradigms and preparing them for a future where intelligent technology is their constant companion. Stephen’s nuanced perspective, grounded in frontline experience and continuous experimentation, will inspire you to rethink resistance and embrace adaptation.Ready to hear the real story behind “AI Goes to College”? Tune in to learn how you can empower students to use AI as a tool for deeper thinking and lifelong learning—and don’t forget to check out Stephen’s Substack, Teaching in the Age of AI, linked in the show notes for even more practical wisdom.Links:Teaching in the Age of AI: https://fitzyhistory.substack.com Mentioned in this episode:AI Goes to College Newsletter