Trending In Education

Jenee Henry Wood, Chief Learning Officer at Transcend and co-author of the book Extraordinary Learning for All: How Communities Design Schools Where Everybody Thrives, joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about community-based design and how to leap ahead past the industrial model of K12 education left over from the 20th century. Jenee shares her journey into education, which began with a background in international economics and led her to Teach for America to become a teacher and advocate for students' voice and teacher/community empowerment. We discuss the limitations of the traditional "industrial" model of education and explore the concept of community-based design, where schools partner with students, parents, and the wider community to create learning experiences that are relevant, engaging, and empowering.   Key Takeaways: The current design of school is a 100-year-old model that needs to be redesigned to meet the needs of today's learners.   Learning experiences should be relevant, engag

Isabelle Hau, author of the book, Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Childhood, joins Mike Palmer in a conversation about the importance of relationships in early education and what it means to our understanding of intelligence and human development. Hau highlights the concept of “relational intelligence” or “RQ” and its increasing importance in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. Isabelle is the Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning. The two discuss the role of parents, and the give and take of "serve-and-return" interactions with early learners in fostering relational intelligence and building synaptic connections early in life. Hau emphasizes the importance of play in early childhood development and offers advice for parents on how to encourage healthy social and emotional growth in their children while avoiding the risks of over-parenting and over-structuring children's lives. Key takeaways from the episode include: Relational intelli

In this episode of Trending in Education, we're diving deep into the often-turbulent waters of college admissions with Teege Metille, an expert in higher education, admissions consulting, and a podcaster himself. He's also the author of The Admissions Counselor Malaise: Addressing the Staff Morale Crisis in College Admissions. With his insights, we explore the evolving landscape of higher education, address common anxieties and misconceptions, and reveal how AI is transforming the admissions process.   Key Takeaways: The Real Cost of College: Take a closer look at the often-misunderstood costs associated with higher education, debunking common myths and shedding light on the true financial picture.   AI's Role in Admissions: Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the admissions process, from streamlining applications to providing personalized support to students.   The Value of Community College: Explore the benefits of community colleges and associate degrees, emphasizing their

Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, joins Mike Palmer to discuss the future of education and the role of AI in shaping learning. Erin shares her insights on the importance of AI literacy, the need for ethical AI development, and the challenges and opportunities facing education in the age of AI. She emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing world and highlights the need for collaboration between K-12, higher education, and the workforce.   Key Takeaways: AI is transforming the education landscape. Educators need to embrace AI and prepare students for an AI-powered world.   AI literacy is essential for all students. Schools need to incorporate AI education into their curricula to ensure students have the skills and knowledge to navigate an AI-driven society.   Ethical considerations are paramount in AI development. Educators, policymakers, and developers need to work together to ensure AI is used responsibly and ethically in education.   Collaboration is key to success.

Kathleen deLaski, author of Who Needs College Anymore? Imagining a Future Where Degrees Won't Matter joins host Mike Palmer for a candid conversation about the future of higher education. With rising college costs and a shifting job market, many are questioning the value of a traditional college degree. We dig into it with Kathleen who brings her unique blend of experience at the Education Design Lab and beyond to bear on the conversation. Here's the link to her previous appearance on Trending in Ed.   In this episode, we explore: The factors driving the shift away from traditional higher education.   The rise of alternative pathways to success, such as apprenticeships and skills-based learning programs.   The growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work and education.   Practical advice for parents and students navigating a changing educational landscape. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the status quo and offers a glimpse into the futur

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In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Sanjit Sethi, the President of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). Sanjit shares insights from his journey from ceramics to college presidency, emphasizing the importance of creativity and community in leadership. The conversation covers challenges faced during the pandemic and social unrest, the significance of mentorship, diversity, and equity, as well as the impact of AI on creative practice. Sanjit highlights the need for fearless listening and collaborative leadership to navigate the complex educational landscape. He concludes making likening transformational leadership to the expeditionary behavior of NASA astronauts. Don't miss this deep dive with a leader in creative leadership in higher ed. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more. Video episodes now available on Youtube and Spotify. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:43 Sanjit Sethi's Journey to MCAD 02:11 The

In this episode of Trending in Education, Kumar Garg, President of Renaissance Philanthropy, rejoins host Mike Palmer for his second appearance after first appearing in the Spring of 2021. The conversation delves into Garg’s evolution from Schmidt Futures to launching Renaissance Philanthropy, and their work at the intersection of AI and learning science. We discuss the historical underfunding of education R&D compared to other sectors and explore the immense potential of AI in transforming learning experiences. The conversation covers the Learning Engineering Virtual Institute, the importance of interdisciplinary expertise, recent research with the Walton Family Foundation, and future ambitions for integrating cutting-edge technology into education. We also reference Renaissance's Pattern Language for High Impact Philanthropic Giving. Subscribe where you get your podcasts. Video versions now available on Youtube and Spotify. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:38 Kumar Garg's Journey and Renaiss

In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer interviews Dr. Lindsay Weinberg, a professor at Purdue University and author of Smart University: Student Surveillance in the Digital Age. We discuss Lindsay's professional journey and the origins of her book, which critically examines the emergence of surveillance technologies in higher education. The conversation highlights issues of data privacy, discrimination, and the implications of these technologies on faculty and student rights. Dr. Weinberg advocates for democratized decision-making in adopting educational technologies and encourages collective resistance to harmful tech practices. The episode closes with insights into the future of higher education and the importance of preparing leaders who can navigate these challenges. Subscribe wherever you get your pods. Share and review us to spread the good word about work like Lindsay's. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:54 Lindsay Weinberg's Pro

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Celine Coggins, CEO of The Goodness Web. We discuss Celine's extensive background in public education and her transition to her current role focused on youth mental health. The conversation touches on the underfunding of youth mental health, the rise of mental health concerns post-pandemic, and the impact of social media on young people's mental health. Celine shares insights on the initiatives of The Goodness Web, which includes prevention and early intervention strategies, policy advocacy, and improving access to mental health care. We also explore the future of work and education, emphasizing the importance of building emotional resilience and productive struggle. Finally, Celine and Mike consider the complex interplay between technology, policy, and mental health, underscoring a collective responsibility to address these critical issues. Subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. Video versions are available on Youtube and

In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer speaks with Matthew Kennard, CEO of BetterLesson, about the complexities and importance of professional development for teachers. With a career transition from investment banking to edtech, Kennard shares his insights on the evolving landscape of K-12 education. They discuss the traditional and future models of professional learning, emphasizing job-embedded support, continuous improvement, and career pathways for educators. Kennard underscores the crucial role of effective professional development in achieving optimal student outcomes, teacher retention, and overall systemic improvement in education. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:39 Matt Kennard's Professional Journey 02:53 Challenges in K-12 Professional Learning 06:15 The Importance of Continuous Improvement 10:00 Rethinking Professional Development 17:44 The Role of Technology in Education 28:20 Final

In this episode of Trending in Education, we talk with Dr. Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran and Dr. Terrence J. MacTaggart, co-authors of 'The New College President: How a Generation of Diverse Leaders is Changing Higher Education.' We delve into their respective backgrounds, the challenges faced by college presidents today, and the importance of diversity and resilience in leadership. Eileen and Terry share insights from their extensive research, including seven compelling case studies of university leaders who have thrived amidst adversity. We also discuss the future of higher education, the importance of mission-driven leadership, and how to identify and support potential candidates from diverse backgrounds. Don't miss this surprising deep-dive into what it takes to thrive in higher ed leadership in challenging times. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

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 wi

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 lat

 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

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 approa

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 o

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 i

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 sp

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 co