Exploring History Through AI in Education: Lynn Rogoff’s Innovative Approach
Veteran multimedia producer and professor Lynn Rogoff has dedicated her career to finding innovative ways to make history relatable and engaging for young people. With the rise of AI tools, she quickly embraced the technology, striving to enhance historical education.
A New Era of Storytelling: “Bird Woman: Sacagawea”
In her groundbreaking film, “Bird Woman: Sacagawea,” audiences are not merely passive observers; they can interact with animated depictions of Sacagawea, a pivotal figure in American history who guided the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804. This AI-integrated experience opens a new dimension in educational storytelling.
Engagement Through Interaction
Unlike traditional documentaries, this film allows viewers to converse with animated historical figures. Originally conceived as an audio documentary, it has since transformed into a visually arresting project, showcasing AI-generated characters designed to appeal to younger audiences.
Rogoff has expertly designed the animation style to resemble popular consumer video games. “We wanted to go where the kids are—on their computers playing games or on their PlayStations,” she explained in an interview with EdSurge.
She believes that providing viewers with interactive opportunities mirrors the engaging qualities of video games. “That’s why gaming became such a big genre; you’re in it. It’s an interactive experience,” Rogoff remarked.
The Debate Over AI in Education
While Rogoff champions the use of AI tools for engagement, concerns linger regarding their implementation in educational settings. Critics argue that AI chatbots might inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes or disseminate inaccurate information, as the technology is prone to what is referred to as “hallucination.”
Some educators express apprehension that as more companies introduce chatbot representations of historical figures, students may forgo thorough explorations of historical texts and contexts.
“I want to see people looking at primary sources. I don’t want them going through a filter,” declared Jared Ten Brink, a doctoral student in education at the University of Michigan and a member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. “If this is for a high school audience, I definitely want them reading journals and examining primary resources more, rather than engaging through a chatbot filter.”
Inspiring a Passion for History
Despite the concerns, Rogoff remains optimistic. Her ultimate goal is to ignite students’ curiosity about history, prompting them to seek out primary materials for deeper understanding.
“The Lewis and Clark journals are not easy reading,” she acknowledges, noting that contemporary readers may find the language archaic. “If you can capture a student’s imagination and motivate them to discover the stories of American history—or any history—then I believe you’ve cultivated a lifelong learner.”
Tune In: The EdSurge Podcast
For a deeper dive into the advantages and challenges of using chatbots in education, listen to Rogoff and Ten Brink as they discuss these issues on this week’s EdSurge Podcast.
Hear their insights on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or listen using the embedded player below.
Questions & Answers
- Q1: What is the main focus of Lynn Rogoff’s latest film?
A1: The film, titled “Bird Woman: Sacagawea,” allows viewers to interact with animated versions of historical figures, particularly Sacagawea, who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. - Q2: How does Rogoff believe AI tools can enhance the learning experience?
A2: Rogoff argues that AI tools can engage students more effectively by offering interactive experiences that resemble video games, moving beyond passive watching to active participation. - Q3: What concerns do educators have regarding the use of AI chatbots in education?
A3: Some educators worry that AI chatbots might reinforce stereotypes or present incorrect information and that students may neglect primary sources in favor of chatbot interactions. - Q4: What does Jared Ten Brink advocate for in teaching history?
A4: Ten Brink advocates for the use of primary resources in education, asserting that students should directly engage with historical texts rather than filtering their experiences through technology. - Q5: What is Rogoff’s ultimate goal with her educational initiatives?
A5: Rogoff aims to spark students’ interest in history, encouraging them to explore primary materials and develop a passion for learning about the past.
