Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 11 hours ago
In this conversation, I interview Kimberly Becker and Jessica Parker, founders of Academic Insight Lab now known as Moxie, about their work in AI and education. They discuss the challenges of learning in the education system and how AI can be used to support academic writing and research. They emphasize the importance of keeping the human in the loop and using AI as a tool for augmentation rather than automation. The conversation covers topics such as the role of curiosity in learning, the use of simulations to test research ideas, and the power of good writing in academic work. The conversation covers various topics including effective communication, the importance of process in writing, the role of bravery in pursuing goals, the advancements in AI technology, and the influence of TV shows and movies. The main themes that emerge: prioritizing the audience in communication, focusing on the writing process, embracing bravery in pursuing goals, exploring the advancements in AI technology, and the impact of influential TV shows and movies.
Takeaways
AI can be used as a tool for augmentation in education, supporting academic writing and research.
Curiosity is a powerful driver of learning and exploration in the AI space.
Simulations can help students test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions.
Good writing in academia involves the ability to synthesize research, support claims, and communicate effectively. Prioritize the audience in communication and understand their needs and wants
Focus on the writing process and experiment with different strategies to improve
Embrace bravery in pursuing goals and trust in the support of others
Stay updated on advancements in AI technology and leverage them for feedback and guidance
Recognize the influence of TV shows and movies in shaping personal experiences and perspectives
Sound Bites
"It's not just about AI. It's about thinking and learning and articulation and how we leverage emerging technology to continue to push what's potential."
"You don't have to be a technical person to start an AI EdTech company. You can learn on your own."
"The ability to create simulations for students so they can test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions."
"Put the audience as your primary priority and put what you wanna say on the back burner and understand what the audience needs or wants to hear."
"Good writing is about process, not just product."
"Being brave also means collectively trusting that you are surrounding yourself with people who are going to have your back and who can do things that you can't."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:55 The Role of AI in Education
08:06 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education
16:00 Exploring Topics in AI and Education
25:59 The Importance of Good Writing in Academia
29:12 Putting the Audience First: Effective Communication
30:57 The Power of Process: Enhancing Writing Skills
35:46 Embracing Bravery: Pursuing Goals and Taking Risks
39:35 Advancements in AI Technology: The Impact of Claude III
42:47 Influential TV Shows and Movies: The Sound of Music and Ghost
Resources
Here is the slidedeck to check out all the ideas discussed and the ones we did not have time to cover
Moxie website to learn about the work and opportunities academicinsightlab.org/team
Kimberly on LinkedIn
Jessica on LinkedIn
Anne Lamott book, Bird by Bird
10% Happier Podcast
Adam Grant Podcasts
The Alchemist book
"What you seek is seeking you", a quote from Rumi
"Follow your values and not your passions becase your passions will change but your values tend to stay the same"
197: The Art of Authenticity: Living Out Loud with Brant Menswar
In this conversation, I interview Kimberly Becker and Jessica Parker, founders of Academic Insight Lab now known as Moxie, about their work in AI and education. They discuss the challenges of learning in the education system and how AI can be used to support academic writing and research. They emphasize the importance of keeping the human in the loop and using AI as a tool for augmentation rather than automation. The conversation covers topics such as the role of curiosity in learning, the use of simulations to test research ideas, and the power of good writing in academic work. The conversation covers various topics including effective communication, the importance of process in writing, the role of bravery in pursuing goals, the advancements in AI technology, and the influence of TV shows and movies. The main themes that emerge: prioritizing the audience in communication, focusing on the writing process, embracing bravery in pursuing goals, exploring the advancements in AI technology, and the impact of influential TV shows and movies.
Takeaways
AI can be used as a tool for augmentation in education, supporting academic writing and research.
Curiosity is a powerful driver of learning and exploration in the AI space.
Simulations can help students test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions.
Good writing in academia involves the ability to synthesize research, support claims, and communicate effectively. Prioritize the audience in communication and understand their needs and wants
Focus on the writing process and experiment with different strategies to improve
Embrace bravery in pursuing goals and trust in the support of others
Stay updated on advancements in AI technology and leverage them for feedback and guidance
Recognize the influence of TV shows and movies in shaping personal experiences and perspectives
Sound Bites
"It's not just about AI. It's about thinking and learning and articulation and how we leverage emerging technology to continue to push what's potential."
"You don't have to be a technical person to start an AI EdTech company. You can learn on your own."
"The ability to create simulations for students so they can test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions."
"Put the audience as your primary priority and put what you wanna say on the back burner and understand what the audience needs or wants to hear."
"Good writing is about process, not just product."
"Being brave also means collectively trusting that you are surrounding yourself with people who are going to have your back and who can do things that you can't."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:55 The Role of AI in Education
08:06 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education
16:00 Exploring Topics in AI and Education
25:59 The Importance of Good Writing in Academia
29:12 Putting the Audience First: Effective Communication
30:57 The Power of Process: Enhancing Writing Skills
35:46 Embracing Bravery: Pursuing Goals and Taking Risks
39:35 Advancements in AI Technology: The Impact of Claude III
42:47 Influential TV Shows and Movies: The Sound of Music and Ghost
Resources
Here is the slidedeck to check out all the ideas discussed and the ones we did not have time to cover
Moxie website to learn about the work and opportunities academicinsightlab.org/team
Kimberly on LinkedIn
Jessica on LinkedIn
Anne Lamott book, Bird by Bird
10% Happier Podcast
Adam Grant Podcasts
The Alchemist book
"What you seek is seeking you", a quote from Rumi
"Follow your values and not your passions becase your passions will change but your values tend to stay the same"
197: The Art of Authenticity: Living Out Loud with Brant Menswar
