College of Education Auburn Ed Talks podcast debuts with spotlight on AI in the classroom

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s becoming a classroom companion. Auburn University’s College of Education is diving into this transformative topic with the launch of its new podcast, Auburn Ed Talks. The inaugural episode, “The Teacher’s AI Co-Pilot,” explores how AI is reshaping lesson planning, classroom management and the future of teaching.

Available now on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and iHeartRadio, Auburn Ed Talks offers conversations that spotlight the people, ideas and innovations shaping education. What makes the podcast unique? Students take the lead as hosts, interviewing professors, alumni, staff and peers.

The first episode features Megan Burton, professor of Elementary Education in Auburn’s College of Education and a passionate advocate for empowering future educators. Burton recently attended a national conference on AI in education and shared insights on its potential impact in her recent Auburn Ed Talks visit.

“It can be a tool to support teachers to effectively meet the needs of their learners,” Burton said. “It also can be a tool so that it can save time for teachers on things that don't matter as much, so they can really spend their time on the things that need the personal or professional touch that only a teacher can give.”

 

Burton highlighted AI tools educators should know, from education-specific platforms like Eduaide, Brisk, Conmigo, Magic School and Teacher Tool AI to broader tools such as Gemini, Claude and Copilot. She also mentioned more personalized AI tools like Snorkel, Napkin AI and Slides GO as well as Notebook LM.

“There are just so many platforms that can do so many different things,” she said.

Student host Mimi Dorough, a College of Education Student Ambassador, added her perspective on using AI in coursework and addressed common misconceptions. Burton emphasizes that AI is a resource, not a replacement: “While I think AI is a great tool, and I think it really can help in the classroom, I just can't ever see it replacing a teacher.”

Her advice for future educators? “Just don't be afraid to dive in,” Burton said. “Go in and ask something as simple as list some things in your refrigerator and ask it what it could make for dinner… And then in addition, remember, just because you've put in something and it's given you something doesn't mean you have to use it.”

The Auburn Ed Talk episode closes with a reminder of collaboration: “We're better when we work together. And I think that with AI we have to work together and communicate and also think about whose voices aren't there exploring it, whose voices aren't in the output, and how do we keep everybody moving forward.”