Teachlab

Teachlab Presents: The Homework Machine

Teachlab is a podcast that investigates the art and craft of teaching. Hosted by Justin Reich, MIT Professor and director of the MIT Teaching Systems Lab.

Recent

Jan. 28, 2026

AI Literacy Part 1 "Where Angels Fear to Tread" with Sam Wineburg

Schools and teachers are being directed to teach and learn "AI Literacy" but do we know enough to do that responsibly?
Nov. 26, 2025

Click Here: Silencing a Kindergarten

In a small classroom in western China, children once learned to sing and count in the language of their ancestors — Uyghur. Then the doors were locked, and founder Abduweli Ayup went from teacher to enemy of the state.
Oct. 2, 2025

The Homework Machine Ep 7: "Break the Teacher"

Generative AI has added more strain to an already frayed education system.
Sept. 25, 2025

Close All Tabs: Teens Under the Influence (Of Chatbots)

Young people are increasingly turning to AI “companion” chatbots to meet their emotional needs.
Sept. 17, 2025

The Homework Machine Ep 6 "Inviting AI to the Party"

Using AI to support learning requires human knowledge.
Sept. 8, 2025

The Homework Machine Ep 5 "Winterset"

One school system in Iowa goes all in on AI.

About the Host

Justin Reich Profile Photo
Justin Reich

Host

Justin Reich is an associate professor of digital media in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing department at MIT and the director of the Teaching Systems Lab. He is the author of Failure to Disrupt: Why Technology Alone Can’t Transform Education, and the host of the TeachLab Podcast. He earned his doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was the Richard L. Menschel HarvardX Research Fellow. He is a past Fellow at the Berkman-Klein Center for Internet and Society. His writings have been published in Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Washington Post, The Atlantic, and other scholarly journals and public venues. He started his career as a high school history teacher, and coach of wrestling and outdoor adventure activities.

Reviews

Future of Ed Tech

"Listen to this podcast to better understand the future of education, ed tech, and why tech alone can’t solve our education challenges."

don macph | Jan. 26, 2021

Informative, engaging, and important podcast

"This podcast is a power packed list of people who have championed equity in education. Justin Reich keeps the conversation going while letting his guests share their experiences and insights. I look …"

CPKZAK | Feb. 7, 2020

Great questions that zero in the biggest take-aways

"Equity in the classroom is a great focus to start with, something that is not covered enough in teaching programs. Thank you for asking the question -what mistake do you often see white teachers maki…"

LoveOverFear | Jan. 21, 2020

Super engaging!

"I really enjoyed the first episode with Dr.Tatum. Really brought up a lot of important issues. Can’t wait to see what’s next!"

joshinsomerville | Jan. 16, 2020