Episodes
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Roger Spitz is the Author of the new book Disrupt with Impact. He's also the President of Techistential and the Chairman of Disruptive Futures Institute. This is a bonus episode from when Mike first interviewed him about The Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption which he coauthored. We look forward to having Roger back on to talk about his new book, Disrupt with Impact, soon.
We begin by hearing Roger's origins in investment banking and M&A before shifting to his focus to futures thinking and the Disruptive Futures Institute. In a wide-ranging conversation that explores concepts and frameworks from the Guide, we learn what it takes to excel in a world of continuous disruption. We explore what we can learn from antifragility, Zen Buddhism, and existential philosophy to equip ourselves with the tools and mindsets essential to thriving in the new state of play. We hear how agency is key to navigating emerging complexity. We touch on the importance of humor, dig into the case study of Israel, and conclude with Roger's takes on the role of education in the emerging zeitgeist. It's a provocative exploration of the transformative work coming out of the Disruptive Futures Institute. Don't miss it!
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Dr. Howard Gardner is one of the leading minds in education and psychology in the last century. In this special episode of Trending in Ed, he joins host Mike Palmer in a wide-ranging conversation about his life's work that is coinciding with the release of two volumes of his collected writings: The Essential Howard Gardner On Mind and The Essential Howard Gardner On Education.
Gardner is a luminary in psychology and a professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education. He shares his journey, including his developmental psychology training and influential mentors like Jean Piaget and Eric Erikson. We discuss his notable contributions, such as the theory of multiple intelligences and his recent work on ethics and AI. Howard highlights key educational themes through examples like The Good Project and emphasizes the importance of understanding ethics in professional roles. We also touch on societal challenges, including the mental health crisis and the role of influencers. Gardner shares his thoughts from his latest compilations and blogs, and reflects on the importance of mentorship and humanism in today's world. Don't miss this chance to go deep with one of the great minds in education.
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Missing episodes?
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Mike Palmer speaks with Rekha Magon, co-founder and head of education at Boundless Life, who joins from Bali to discuss her innovative approach to global education. We explore how Rekha's background in mindfulness and her experience homeschooling her children led her to create a network of micro-schools across beautiful locations including Portugal, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and Spain.
Rekha shares how Boundless Life provides a turnkey solution for families wanting to slow travel the world, combining furnished apartments, co-working spaces, and Montessori-inspired education with Finnish pedagogical methods. We discuss how the pandemic created the perfect conditions for reimagining education, leading many families to seek alternatives that blend travel, community, and experiential learning.
The conversation delves into how Boundless Life's educational model emphasizes real-world problem-solving, cultural immersion, and mixed-age learning environments. Rekha explains how these experiences help develop crucial soft skills like adaptability and communication that will serve children well in an uncertain future.
Key takeaways:
Mixed-age classrooms foster natural leadership and collaboration while reducing unhealthy competition among peers
Slow travel and cultural immersion help children develop essential soft skills like adaptability and communication that AI cannot replicate
Parents can nurture their children's natural love of learning by thinking outside traditional educational models, whether traveling or staying local
We conclude with advice for parents and educators about nurturing children's natural love of learning, whether through travel or finding creative alternatives closer to home.
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In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer sits down with Josh Wright, Executive Vice President of Growth, Education and Government for Lightcast, to discuss the future of work and workforce demographic shifts. We dive deep into Lightcast's report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage." Josh shares insights on the demographic drought facing the workforce, including accelerated baby boomer retirements, declining birth rates, and decreasing labor force participation.
We explore the potential impacts of these trends on various industries and regions, as well as possible solutions such as automation, immigration, and improved career navigation. The conversation highlights the crucial role of community colleges and local workforce development initiatives in addressing these challenges.
Key takeaways:
The US is facing a significant workforce shortage due to demographic shifts, with impacts varying by industry and region.
Local, data-driven approaches to workforce development and education are essential for addressing these challenges.
There's a growing need for skills-based hiring and more agile, adaptable training programs to prepare workers for the changing job market.
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In this special bonus episode recorded at the HolonIQ Back to School Summit in New York City, we catch up with Sara Leoni, CEO & Founder of Ziplines Education, for a candid hallway conversation. Sara shares her journey from Division I softball player to EdTech entrepreneur, discussing how her athletic background shaped her leadership style and business acumen.
We dive into Ziplines Education's mission to accelerate careers by partnering with higher education institutions to deliver industry-focused certificates. Sara explains how they're addressing the skills gap for adult learners, particularly in Middle America, by offering programs in digital marketing, business analytics, project management, and more.
The conversation touches on the rapidly evolving landscape of tech-enabled careers and the increasing importance of continuous learning. We explore how Ziplines is integrating generative AI into their curriculum and why they've launched a course on AI prompting.
Key takeaways:
Ziplines Education focuses on partnering with public institutions to serve the underrepresented middle-American market.
The half-life of skills is shortening, necessitating ongoing education and upskilling.
Understanding the unique needs of the education market is crucial for EdTech entrepreneurs.
Join us for this insightful discussion on the future of work, the importance of industry-recognized credentials, and how Ziplines Education is helping adult learners navigate the rapidly changing job market.
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In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Jane Oates, senior policy advisor at Working Nation, for her third (fridge-magnet-earning) appearance on the show. Jane and Mike dive deep into workforce development, education, and the role of technology in shaping the future of work. We discuss Working Nation's "Breaking Barriers" series, the challenges of implementing new technologies in education and workforce development, and strategies for encouraging employee upskilling and AI literacy.
Key takeaways:
Employers should provide time and opportunities for employees to explore and learn new technologies, including AI, in the workplace.
Diversity in all forms, including diversity of thought and experience, is crucial for innovation and problem-solving in the workforce.
Short-term credentials and stackable certificates can provide accessible pathways for career advancement, especially for those who may not pursue traditional college degrees.
Don't forget to subscribe to Trending in Education to ensure you don't miss out on more insightful conversations like this one with Jane Oates and other leaders in the education and workforce development space. -
Mike Palmer welcomes Marcio Sequeira, founder and CEO of MOLA, to discuss structural engineering education and the future of architecture.
Marcio shares his background and how his interest in architecture and structures was influenced by his parents' careers in steel construction and physics. He explains how he developed MOLA, a physical model kit that uses springs and magnets to teach structural concepts, out of frustration with abstract structural engineering classes in university.
We explore the importance of hands-on, visual learning in architectural education and how MOLA helps students develop intuition about building behavior. Marcio discusses MOLA's use in university settings, including at MIT for teaching structural dynamics.
The conversation touches on the balance between artistic vision and functionality in architecture, using examples like Gaudi's work in Barcelona. We discuss the challenges of teaching architectural concepts earlier in K-12 education and the potential for tools like MOLA to spark interest in the field.
Marcio shares insights on emerging trends in architecture, including the increasing use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in Brazil. We also explore the impact of climate change and environmental concerns on architectural design.
The episode concludes with Marcio's advice for aspiring architects and educators, emphasizing the value of persistence and long-term vision. He shares that MOLA took 20 years from concept to a successful company, highlighting the importance of dedication in pursuing one's goals.
Key takeaways:
Hands-on, visual learning tools like MOLA can significantly enhance structural engineering education.
Integrating architectural concepts earlier in K-12 education could help spark interest in the field.
Persistence and long-term vision are crucial for success in both education and entrepreneurship.
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In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer sits down with Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure, at the HolonIQ Back to School Summit in New York. Steve shares his journey from mechanical engineering to leading the company behind Canvas, the leading learning management system (LMS). We explore the changing landscape of education, the role of technology in learning, and the potential impact of AI on the future of edtech.
Key takeaways:
The educational journey is becoming more flexible, with a growing need for diverse pathways and recognition of skills beyond traditional degrees.
AI in education shows promise, but its immediate impact may be more focused on simplifying administrative tasks for teachers rather than replacing human interaction.
Career success often comes from pursuing opportunities that bring energy and passion, rather than following a predetermined path.
Steve describes Instructure's approach to integrating AI securely, the importance of personalization in learning, and the role the company's strategic partnerships play in its strategic development. Steve also offers valuable career advice based on his extensive experience in the tech industry.
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Kicking off our 9th Season of Trending in Education, we're joined by James Rhyu, CEO of Stride, Inc., formerly known as K12. With 25 years experience in the education technology space, Stride offers unique perspectives on the evolving landscape of K-12 education.
Rhyu, who started his career in accounting and finance, found his way to education through a personal situation and a fortuitous job offer. Now in his 13th year with the company, he's developed a deep appreciation for the needs of families in education. We discuss how the pandemic has changed perceptions of online learning. While many families struggled during this time, it also opened eyes to new possibilities in education. Rhyu emphasizes the importance of recognizing teachers' efforts during this challenging period.
The conversation turns to personalized learning and the role of AI in education. James cautions against rushing to implement AI without careful consideration, especially in K-12 education where error rates could have significant impacts on children's learning.
We explore Stride's approach to personalized learning, which includes not just academic content but also addressing students' emotional and physical needs. Rhyu envisions a future where AI can help create individualized learning plans and assist teachers with administrative tasks like lesson planning.
The discussion broadens to the concept of treating families as customers in education. James argues for giving families more choices and respecting their understanding of what's best for their children. He draws parallels to other industries that have evolved to be more customer-focused over the past 25 years.
Looking ahead, Rhyu sees innovation as key to improving the educational experience. This could involve offering more flexibility in learning formats, integrating technology effectively, and adapting to how students consume information through short-form videos and gaming.
We wrap up with Rhyu's advice for listeners, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning in addition to pursuing passion and taking risks. He also calls for depoliticizing education and focusing on what's best for children and families.
As we conclude, James reminds us that K-12 education is about the future of our country and our children. He urges us to put aside political differences and concentrate on what truly matters - the kids.
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In this episode of Trending in Education, we sit down with Mike Yates, a senior designer at Teach for America's Reinvention Lab. Mike shares his journey from a student who hated school to becoming an innovative educator and AI enthusiast. We explore his experiences in various educational settings, including juvenile detention centers and experimental schools, and how these shaped his approach to teaching and learning.
Mike discusses his current work at Teach for America's Reinvention Lab, where he focuses on leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes. We delve into the potential of generative AI in education and the importance of making these tools accessible to students and educators alike. Mike references the work of Ruha Benjamin as an influence in his understanding of the promise and perils of technology.
Throughout the conversation, Yates emphasizes the need for educators to stay connected with youth culture, using platforms like TikTok to understand and engage with students more effectively. We also touch on the risks and opportunities presented by AI in education, including issues of bias and equity.
Key takeaways from the episode include:
The importance of putting AI tools in the hands of young people to foster creativity and future employability.
The need for educators to become media literate and engage with platforms like TikTok to stay relevant to their students.
The crucial role of human interaction in education, even as we integrate more AI technology.
We conclude with Mike's insightful reminder that the most effective use of AI in education should create more room for meaningful human moments.
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In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Dr. Joshua R. Eyler, author of Failing Our Future: How Grades Harm Students and What We Can Do About It. We dive deep into the complex world of grading systems and their impact on students' learning and well-being.
Dr. Eyler, who directs the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Mississippi, shares his journey from English professor to educational researcher. We explore the historical context of grading, its unintended consequences, and the growing movement for grading reform.
Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:
The psychological impact of grades on students' motivation and mental health
How traditional grading systems can reinforce societal inequities
Alternative assessment methods, such as standards-based grading and portfolio assessments
The challenges of institutional change in education
The role of grades in the evolving landscape of work and artificial intelligence
Key takeaways:
Grades often hinder the natural learning process and can contribute to mental health issues among students.
There's a growing movement towards alternative grading systems that prioritize learning over evaluation.
Rethinking grading practices could better prepare students for the future of work, which demands creativity and risk-taking.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply interested in the future of education, this episode offers valuable insights into how we might reimagine assessment to better serve learners and society. Subscribe where you get your pods. Video versions now live on Youtube and Spotify. -
In this episode of Trending in Education, we dive into the exciting world of immersive learning with Josh Reibel, CEO of Dreamscape Learn. We explore how virtual reality and cinematic storytelling are revolutionizing education, particularly in STEM fields. Josh shares insights on Dreamscape Learn's innovative approach, which combines Hollywood-style narratives with rigorous academic content to create engaging, interactive learning experiences.
We discuss the company's origins, its collaboration with Arizona State University, and the impressive results they've seen in student engagement and performance. Josh explains how their VR experiences work, from asynchronous biology labs to synchronous classroom sessions, and how they're addressing scalability challenges.
Throughout the conversation, we touch on various topics including:
The process of creating immersive learning content
The impact of avatar-based interactions on student participation
The potential applications of generative AI in their platform
The importance of maintaining academic rigor while leveraging entertainment techniques
Key takeaways from the episode include:
Immersive learning experiences can significantly increase student engagement and success rates, particularly in challenging STEM courses.
The combination of Hollywood storytelling techniques and academic content creates a powerful tool for capturing and maintaining student attention.
While creating high-quality immersive content is complex, there's growing potential for educators to develop their own experiences using accessible tools.
We conclude with Josh's insights on innovation in education technology and his vision for the future of learning spaces as "departure hubs" rather than isolated classrooms.
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In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Kate Eberle Walker, CEO of Presence, to discuss the evolving landscape of special education and teletherapy in schools. Kate shares insights on how Presence is leveraging technology to address the growing demand for special education services amidst staffing shortages.
Kate explores the impact of the pandemic on teletherapy adoption and the subsequent shifts in perception. She discusses Presence's innovative approach to connecting remote therapists with schools, highlighting the benefits of their teletherapy platform for both clinicians and students. The conversation delves into the potential of AI to streamline administrative tasks, allowing therapists to focus more on student engagement.
The discussion also touches on broader trends in special education, including the increasing need for mental health support and the importance of early identification. Kate shares her vision for the future of the field, emphasizing the need for more accessible education pathways to grow the workforce.
Three key takeaways:
Teletherapy and technology are playing a crucial role in addressing the shortage of special education professionals.
AI has the potential to significantly reduce administrative burdens on therapists, allowing them to serve more students effectively.
There's a growing need for mental health support in schools, with a focus on proactive identification and universal access.
Don't miss this insightful conversation on the intersection of technology and special education. Subscribe to Trending in Education for more discussions on the future of learning and educational innovation. -
In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes Alden Do Rosario, founder of Custom GPT AI, and Dr. Phil Hendrix to discuss the emerging landscape of custom chatbots and AI in higher education. We explore the origins of Custom GPT AI and delve into a white paper co-authored by Dr. Hendrix on the adoption of AI in universities.
The conversation covers various aspects of AI implementation in educational settings, from individual faculty use to university-wide applications. We discuss the importance of responsible AI, addressing concerns about hallucinations and misinformation. The guests share insights on how custom GPTs can enhance learning experiences, improve student services, and provide valuable data for educators.
Key takeaways from the episode include:
The importance of curated, trusted data in building custom AI solutions for educational institutions.
The potential of AI to personalize learning experiences and adapt to individual student needs.
The need for universities to embrace AI technologies to prepare students for an AI-integrated workplace.
Alden concludes by emphasizing the importance of a "crawl, walk, run, fly" approach to AI adoption in higher education, encouraging institutions to start small and scale up as they gain experience and confidence in using these transformative technologies. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. -
In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer welcomes Katy Knight, President and Executive Director of the Siegel Family Endowment. We dive into the intersection of technology, society, and education, exploring how these elements shape our future. Mike references Katy's recent appearance on The Cusp with Paul Fain in the open.
Katy shares her journey from Google to philanthropy, discussing the Siegel Family Endowment's focus on learning, workforce, and infrastructure. We explore the current state of AI in education, debating its potential and limitations. Katy emphasizes the importance of addressing fundamental issues in education before fully embracing AI solutions.
We also delve into the changing landscape of work and how technology is reshaping career paths. Katy highlights the need for better data interoperability in education systems and the importance of digital literacy in our tech-driven world.
Key takeaways from this episode:
AI in education should be approached cautiously, focusing on solving real problems rather than being a cure-all solution.
The integration of physical and digital worlds through technologies like augmented reality could rebalance our relationship with technology.
We should strive to be in charge of technology, not let it control us, by becoming informed consumers and diligent creators.
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In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer and his AI co-host Nancy explore whether generative AI in education has entered the peak of inflated expectations or even the trough of disillusionment on the Gartner Hype Cycle. We discuss the origins of the Hype Cycle and its relevance to current AI trends.
Then we dive into recent developments, including the LAUSD's experience with an AI chatbot and Scarlett Johansson's battle with OpenAI over the rights to her voice. These events highlight growing concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property in the AI space.
We also examine the concept of the Uncanny Valley and its impact on AI adoption, emphasizing the need for human involvement to smooth over AI's shortcomings. The discussion touches on the challenges of data interoperability in education and the importance of solving real problems with seamless, user-friendly solutions.
Key takeaways:
Generative AI may be entering the trough of disillusionment, with increasing focus on negative stories and backlash.
Data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property concerns are becoming more prominent in AI implementation.
Human involvement remains crucial in AI integration, particularly in addressing the Uncanny Valley effect and ensuring effective emotional design.
Join us for this insightful exploration of AI's current state in education. Don't forget to subscribe to Trending in Education for more thought-provoking discussions on the future of learning and technology! -
In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer delves into Mary Meeker's latest report from Bond Capital, "AI and Universities: Will Masters of Learning Master New Learnings?" Palmer examines Meeker's insights on global market capitalization leaders, the accelerating adoption of digital platforms, and the U.S.'s dominance in machine learning models and AI investment in industry. He explores trends in education technology, student debt, and international academic performance rankings.
Mike also discusses three emerging trends discovered in parallel with Meeker's latest report: the Gen AI hype cycle reaching its peak, post-secondary disruption, and the importance of durable skills to battle AI fatigue and Clippy's Revenge.
Key takeaways:
U.S. technology companies lead in global market capitalization.
AI adoption is accelerating rapidly, with ChatGPT reaching 100 million users in record time.
Higher education faces challenges in keeping pace with industry innovation in AI.
Palmer concludes by inviting listeners to share their thoughts on future topics and encourages engagement with the show. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.
Also, check out our Youtube Playlist of conversations on Higher Ed Disruption. -
Mike Palmer speaks with Colleen Keating-Crawford and Elisabeth Booze from Teach for America's Reinvention Lab about their study, "Crossing the Canyon: Ethnographic Findings About Life After High School."
We explore youth perceptions of life after high school, discussing the pressure to attend four-year colleges and the growing skepticism about higher education. The conversation introduces a framework for understanding different types of support organizations can provide to youth, categorized as trail guides, transport helicopters, bridge builders, and mapmakers.
Key takeaways:
Youth are critically examining institutions and seeking authenticity in their post-high school journeys.
There's a need for a more cohesive ecosystem of support for young people transitioning to adulthood.
Organizations can use the presented framework to assess and improve their support for youth in local contexts.
We encourage listeners to check out the full "Crossing the Canyon" report and subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more. -
Mike Palmer welcomes Dan Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute and author of Mindset Matters: The Power of College to Activate Lifelong Learning, to discuss the value of higher education in fostering growth mindsets. Dan shares his background and explains why he wrote the book, emphasizing the importance of appreciating what college offers to young adults during a formative time in their lives. We explore the five growth mindsets Dan identifies: discovery, creation, collaboration, mentorship, and striving. The conversation touches on how these mindsets prepare students for a rapidly changing world and work life.
We delve into the role of productive struggle, resilience, and overcoming imposter syndrome in college experiences, especially for first-generation students. Dan provides examples of students he mentored while President of Franklin and Marshall University who successfully navigated these challenges. The discussion also covers the importance of faculty mentorship and creating a supportive culture on campus.
Key takeaways:
Growth mindsets developed in college are valuable assets in today's fast-changing economy.
Faculty play a crucial role in helping students develop confidence and overcome challenges.
Investing in education at all levels is vital for national competitiveness and democracy.
Dan concludes with an inspiring message about the power each individual has to create their own education and growth opportunities.
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We kick off this special "Stepping Up" edition by welcoming back our virtual co-host Nancy to discuss the AI revolution happening in 2024. The episode explores what "stepping up" means in this new era of agentic intelligence and transformative learning technologies.
Host Mike Palmer reflects on recent conversations with guests like Brian Rosenberg, Dwayne Matthews, and students from the Marcy Lab School - all highlighting the importance of doing hard things, embracing cognitive surplus, and developing durable "brain-to-brain" skills. We also bring in conversations with Bror Saxberg and Charles Fadel to really round out the perspectives.
Nancy emphasizes that while AI tools are rapidly advancing, humans must step up by designing compelling experiences that leverage these technologies to drive motivation, vision and human will. We examine the transition of AI from a scientific phase to an engineering one, where the promise of personalization at scale is an emerging challenge.
Mike concludes with a highlight from the Palm Court Podcast featuring Dr. Jonathan White about getting comfortable with the messiness of working on real problems.
Three key takeaways:
Stepping up means identifying the winners and transformative use cases as agentic AI steps up (or falls short).
Developing "brain-to-brain" skills like empathy, collaboration and perspective-taking will be crucial for humans to thrive alongside AI.
We must get better at discerning problems and mapping the right AI/human tools to solve the messy, complex challenges ahead.
Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts to join us in stepping up to this new AI-enabled future of learning. - Show more
