AI Optimism with Becky Keene
In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sat down with author, educator, and thought leader Becky Keene to unpack her new book AI Optimism. We tackled everything from AI literacy and data privacy to the SAMR model, edtech skepticism, and what it really takes to shift classroom practice forward, not with hype, but with intention.
Becky shares her “AI Optimism” framework, talks candidly about the realities of edtech implementation, and reminds us all that if AI can do your job, maybe it’s time to teach differently.
Whether you're a classroom teacher, district leader, or edtech developer, this conversation is for you. Dive in and walk away with clarity, strategy, and a renewed sense of agency.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Becky’s background
03:10 – Why she wrote AI Optimism
07:00 – The SAMR model & AI’s role
11:30 – From substitution to redefinition
15:00 – Empowering student agency with AI
17:30 – Rethinking PD for meaningful AI use
23:30 – Higher ed vs. K–12 AI needs
28:30 – Data privacy concerns
31:30 – Equity, access & the freemium problem
35:45 – Can AI replace teachers?
40:00 – Encouraging teacher reflection
42:00 – Final questions & takeaways
📚 Grab Becky’s book AI Optimism + free study guide:
🌐 https://beckykeene.com
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