Episode 323: Jen Manly

AI Ethics, Overreliance & Honest Talk with Jen ManlyIn this episode of My EdTech Life, Fonz sits down with returning guest Jen Manly, a computer science educator, TikTok powerhouse, and advocate for ethical tech use, to unpack the complex relationship between AI, teaching, and critical thinking. From data privacy concerns to AI detectors that fail our students, this conversation gets real about what’s hype, what’s helpful, and what needs more scrutiny. Whether you're cautiously curious or deep in the AI trenches, this episode offers clarity, nuance, and practical insight from a seasoned voice.👏 Huge thanks to our sponsors: 🛠️ Book Creator – Amplify student voice 📚 Eduaide.AI – AI-powered teaching assistant 🌐 Yellowdig – Connect learning communities📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Sponsor Shoutouts 02:00 – Meet Jen Manly: Her work, mission, and CS journey 04:30 – Teaching AI ethics before it was trendy 05:45 – The ChatGPT launch and why mass acceptance raised red flags 08:15 – AI “Fight Club” and the divide in EdTech reactions 11:30 – Is AI really saving time for teachers? 13:45 – Rubrics, productivity hacks, and the danger of using AI for everything 17:10 – Platform overpromises and pricing concerns 19:00 – Environmental cost of AI and hidden labor 22:00 – How AI systems encode and amplify bias 25:45 – AI grading? Why Jen draws the line 27:30 – Why AI detectors (like Turnitin) miss the mark 32:00 – Building assessments that don’t benefit from AI use 36:00 – The illusion of "just Google it" vs thoughtful search 37:00 – What real AI literacy looks like 39:30 – Age-appropriate and ethical integration of AI tools 42:00 – Tech ≠ Learning: The unplugged approach 44:00 – How to teach agency without tech overload 47:00 – Final thoughts, reminders, and calls for caution 49:00 – Jen’s “AI Kryptonite” and billboard message 51:00 – Wrap-up & CTA🔗 Connect with Jen Manly: 🎥 TikTok: @strategicclassroom 🌐 Website: https://learningandteachingblog.com/🎧 Catch more episodes and resources at: 🌍 www.myedtech.life📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share! Your support helps amplify educator voices and build a more informed and thoughtful EdTech community.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myedtechlife.substack.com