Social Learning Amplified hosted by Eric Mazur

How do we teach and assess in a world where AI can do so much of the work for us? In this special live recording from the Perusall Exchange 2026, Eric Mazur sits down with the three authors of the highly anticipated The Norton Guide to AI-Aware Teaching (W.W. Norton, Summer 2026): Annette Vee, Associate Professor of English at the University of Pittsburgh; Marc Watkins, Director of the AI Institute for Teachers at the University of Mississippi; and Derek Bruff, Associate Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at UVA.Together, they explore why "AI-aware" is the right framework for this moment — not resistant, not fully integrated, but grounded in pedagogy. The conversation covers making thinking visible in the age of AI, rethinking assessment from artifacts to performance, the dangers of the "illusion of mastery," and why talking openly with students about AI might be the most important move an educator can make right now.Whether you're overwhelmed by AI in the classroom or eager to engage with it more intentionally, this episode offers both inspiration and practical first steps.Want to be part of the conversation? Read alongside the authors in their 4-week community book event on Perusall -- starting July 6th! Learn more & register: www.perusall.com/engage

What does it take to truly thrive as an online instructor — and why does it matter so much for students? In this episode, Eric Mazur sits down with Flower Darby, Associate Director of the Teaching for Learning Center at the University of Missouri and author of the recently published book, The Joyful Online TeacherFinding Our Fizz in Asynchronous Classes. Flower shares why instructor well-being isn't a luxury but a pedagogical necessity, how meaningful social connections can combat the isolation that plagues asynchronous courses, and why joy may be one of the most underrated tools in an educator's toolkit. Whether you teach online, in person, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that centering the people in your classroom (starting with yourself) makes all the difference.

In this engaging conversation, host Eric Mazur and guest John Warner explore the evolving role of AI in writing education. They discuss the diverse perspectives on AI's impact, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges it poses to academic integrity and assessment practices. Warner emphasizes the importance of human elements in writing and the need for educators to rethink their approaches to teaching and assessment in light of AI advancements. The discussion culminates in actionable takeaways for educators to foster collaboration and critical thinking in their classrooms.John Warner's latest book, More Than Words, is available through Hachette Book Group. Discover more Social Learning Amplified episodes on perusall.com/podcast and join the conversation on www.perusallexchange.com.

In this episode of Social Learning Amplified, host Eric Mazur speaks with writer and educator Jonathan Malesic—author of The End of Burnout—about how generative AI is reshaping reading and writing in higher education. Together, they explore pressing questions: Are students still motivated to read deeply? Can AI tools support or sabotage real learning? What’s lost when students (and faculty) turn to summaries and shortcuts?Drawing on Malesic’s essays in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, this thoughtful conversation examines how educators can foster intrinsic motivation and rebuild student confidence in reading. They discuss strategies for reintroducing long-form reading, the shifting value of writing assignments, and whether the academy can still champion intellectual growth beyond job training.

In this episode of Social Learning Amplified, host Eric Mazur is joined by Marc Watkins—educator, academic innovator, and director of the AI Institute for Teachers of Writing at the University of Mississippi. Together, they discuss how generative AI is reshaping reading, writing, and student-teacher relationships. From introducing “friction” into the reading process to encouraging ethical, reflective use of AI tools, Marc offers a grounded, human-centered perspective on navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. Tune in for a conversation about the future of learning, critical thinking, and the role of relationships in education.Marc Watkins is also a Perusall Exchange® 2025 presenter! Register for free