Frustrated With AI? Make It Interview You First

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Frustrated with AI? Make it interview you first. Dr. Jie Tao of Fairfield University explains why "prompt and pray" gives you brilliant answers one day and useless ones the next, and how a few simple habits get you consistent, reliable results.

On this Tech Tool Tuesday, Jie shares the interview pattern he calls the most powerful prompting technique he teaches, how a "scratch pad" keeps AI working only from your information, and what agentic AI means for teachers. He also explains how his research team used a language model to help clinicians spot signs of suicidal ideation on social media.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why "prompt and pray" frustrates teachers, and why consistent answers beat brilliant ones
  • The interview pattern: tell AI "do not assume anything" and to ask you questions first
  • How to use a scratch pad so AI works only from the information you give it
  • Agentic AI vs. fully autonomous agents like OpenClaw, explained simply
  • Why AI is an "overconfident intern," and how to test a tool before students ever see it

Dr. Jie Tao is an associate professor of business analytics and director of the AI & Tech Institute at Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business, and hosts the AI4U podcast.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US).

Full show notes, resources, and the complete transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e997


Check out this episode!

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