MIT’s Teaching Systems Lab has launched a powerful new podcast series, The Homework Machine, under its TeachLab brand. Co-hosted by renowned educator Justin Reich and journalist Jesse Dukes, the series dives deep into how generative AI, including tools like ChatGPT, is transforming teaching and learning in K–12 schools. Through raw interviews, real classroom audio, and educator narratives, the podcast brings to light both the promise and pitfalls of AI integration in education.
In a groundbreaking new podcast, The Homework Machine, MIT’s Teaching Systems Lab tackles the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and public education. As AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini make their way into classrooms, educators are asking hard questions — and so is this podcast.
This timely audio documentary series is designed to reflect the voices of those closest to the action — teachers, students, and school leaders navigating the seismic changes brought about by AI.
The MIT Teaching Systems Lab, housed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has long been at the forefront of designing and researching innovative ways to train and support teachers. Their new initiative, The Homework Machine, is an extension of their commitment to future-ready education systems.
An education researcher, MIT professor, and author of Failure to Disrupt, Reich has spent decades studying how technology changes learning systems. His role in the podcast is to interpret the broader trends and ask sharp, research-driven questions.
“When major shifts like AI happen in schools, we must listen to those at the heart of these changes — educators and students,” Reich explains. “It’s their lived experiences that truly reveal the impact.”
A veteran audio journalist and former public radio producer, Dukes brings his storytelling craft to the classroom, highlighting the nuanced reality teachers and students face in the AI era.
“We’re three years into the era of the ‘instant homework machine,’ and yet so many schools still haven’t caught up,” says Dukes. “The conversations about values, ethics, and policies are long overdue.”
The podcast doesn’t just offer surface-level commentary — it dives deep into real classrooms, collecting first-person stories and critical conversations that reflect the current educational landscape influenced by generative AI.
Each episode of The Homework Machine zeroes in on one of the many complex challenges or opportunities AI brings into the classroom:
An intro to the AI education revolution. Fast-moving tech meets slow-moving institutions. Can schools keep pace?
Students and AI — who’s doing the homework? Educators weigh the difference between creativity and copy-paste intelligence.
How one teacher uncovered AI-assisted cheating and turned it into a teachable moment. A gripping tale of trust, tech, and transformation.
Inspiration from classrooms using AI to enhance learning, not just replace effort. Success stories from forward-thinking teachers.
Teachers interviewed on the podcast range from cautious critics to enthusiastic early adopters. Here’s what they’re saying:
Students speak candidly on the show about how they’re using AI — for better or worse. Some say it’s a shortcut; others see it as a tool to enhance understanding.
The Homework Machine doesn’t shy away from the hard questions. Episodes tackle issues like:
As AI becomes ubiquitous, schools must rethink policy, curriculum design, and teacher training. The Homework Machine makes clear that ignoring AI is no longer an option.
Some educators featured on the podcast are pioneering new ways to integrate AI:
The Homework Machine concludes each episode with a reflection: how can we design a future where AI supports, rather than supplants, the human elements of teaching?
“We have a unique window to shape how AI enters our schools,” says Reich. “That window won’t stay open forever.”
The Homework Machine is available on:
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In an age where generative AI is redefining everything from essays to ethics, The Homework Machine is more than just a podcast — it’s a much-needed conversation starter.
By blending real voices with data-driven analysis, it serves as a roadmap for educators, parents, students, and policymakers navigating the uncharted territory of AI in education.
