Artificial intelligence is everywhere – but what does it actually mean for structured literacy and foundational skills instruction?

In this episode, I sit down with Viv Ramakrishnan, co-founder of Project Read AI, to unpack what educators truly need to understand about AI, large language models, and how thoughtfully designed technology can support (not replace) teachers.

We explore why tools like ChatGPT struggle with phonics and decoding, how Project Read AI was built differently, and what it looks like when AI is used as a co-teacher grounded in the Science of Reading.

Key Takeaways:

1. What AI, generative AI, and large language models (LLMs) actually are – and why these distinctions matter for literacy instruction
2. Why ChatGPT is fundamentally limited when it comes to grapheme-phoneme correspondences and decodable text
3. All about Project Read AI’s features: Decodable Text Generator, UFLI Portal, and AI Tutor
4. Why screen time fears deserve nuance and how to think about “empty calories” vs. “nutrient-dense” instructional technology
5. Whether AI could ever replace teachers
6. What early research is showing about student growth when AI is used intentionally and responsibly

Resources:

1. Project Read AI
2. Documentary: Can AI Help Our Kids Read? The Project Read Story
3. Project Read AI - Helpful Links
4. YouTube: ProjectReadAIYT

Connect with Viv Ramakrishnan:

1. LinkedIn
2. Twitter/X: @vivramak
3. Instagram: @projectreadai

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• Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
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• For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit

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Mentioned in this episode:

SOR Fall Book Study

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