In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy is joined by Kevin Alster to discuss one of her 12 favorite problems, “how might we make thinking visible?”

Kevin is a strategic advisor at Synthesia, an AI video communications platform that translates text into professional, instructional AI videos. They explore the importance of using concrete, pictorial, visual, and abstract representations to help learners understand complex concepts. They also emphasize the need for a product design mindset and an experimental approach when incorporating AI and technology in learning experiences.

In this conversation, Tracy and Kevin discuss how storytelling is a powerful tool for making thinking visible and communicating complex concepts.

Key Takeaways:

• Making thinking visible involves using concrete, pictorial, visual, and abstract representations to help learners understand complex concepts.

• A product design mindset and an experimental approach are crucial when incorporating AI and technology in learning experiences.

• Unbundling tasks and identifying which ones can be impacted by AI can lead to more efficient and effective learning processes.

• Leveraging AI tools, such as large language models or custom models, can enhance the learning experience and improve outcomes.

• The process of learning and growth involves going broad, diving deep, and trusting your brain to make connections.

Kevin’s Recommendations:

Follow-up resources:

• Sinead Bovell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinead-bovell-89072a34/

• Synthesia Academy - https://www.synthesia.io/academy

• AI Video (FOCA) Certification - https://rise.articulate.com/share/3RUx1hiDtyl6wuBT9OaRy330gRVwUmpd#/

• Vanderbilt’s Open Source AI - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jules-white-5717655_an-advanced-open-source-enterprise-generative-activity-7209676778439675904-Z3oi/

Book Recommendations:

• Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg- https://amzn.to/4fY89jO

• Made to Stick by the Heath Brothers - https://amzn.to/4edu6K7

• Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel - https://amzn.to/3XiEgST

• Slow Productivity by Cal Newport - https://amzn.to/3MhPm5h

Podcast Recommendations:

• Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend - https://www.earwolf.com/show/conan-obrien/

• Acquired - https://www.acquired.fm/

• Kurzgesagt - https://www.youtube.com/@kurzgesagt

Connect with Kevin:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinalster/