Trending In Education

Tony Wan is the Head of Platform for Reach Capital. He is also one of the CoFounders of EdSurge. He rejoins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about what it's like to write and think about venture capital in Ed Tech at a time when AI is everywhere. We begin by hearing Tony's thoughts on writing while experimenting with GPT where he was able to train a bot to write like him. What does this mean for writing? Is it about the product or the process? From there, we explore his latest article exploring the cooling of EdTech investment in the first half of 2023. What's driving these trends and how does it relate to AI, Web 3, and AR/VR? Tony highlights two Ed Tech companies that are catching his eye and we conclude with his thoughts on how AI might be able to help solve big problems around durable skills and well-being. As we provide some perspective about the future of work, Tony suggests we check out Benedict Evans' article on the automation of work. Don't miss this insightful interview with a prominent thought le

Tom Adams is The Chair and Co-Founder of Pedago Studios and the President and Co-Founder of Quantic Business School. He's also the former CEO of Rosetta Stone. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about the strategic approach he and team are taking in building new learning programs informed by the impending revolution in interactive learning. We hear how Tom got his start in the early days of EdTech, successfully taking Rosetta Stone public as CEO. From there, we learn what drew him into the new initiative that is driving the work at Quantic and beyond. Tom paints a vision of what truly interactive learning products are, with the learner responding to novel stimuli on average every 8 seconds. This contrasts much of the video-based content that is prevalent in the MOOCs and elsewhere. Tom shares why Pedago focused on business education and technology as we zero in on who Quantico’s target market is. We also get a sense of how interactive content powered by the emerging capabilities of AI may transform e

Alan Safran is the CEO and Chair of Saga Education and AJ Gutierrez is its Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer. They join Mike Palmer in a conversation about the work they are doing at Saga to bring evidence-based high-impact tutoring interventions to students who need them. We begin by hearing how Saga got started and how AJ and Alan met. AJ shares his personal experiences in school when he was attending Alan's charter school where high-impact tutoring was integrated into the program. From there, we learn how they've grown with Saga as the effectiveness of the program has become more widely understood and they've begun to unpack what makes it work. They share how they integrate tutoring into the rest of the educational program with a focus on 8th-grade Algebra to move the needle in outcomes for students, schools, and districts. Alan provides his vision for the future of education while AJ explores how AI and the right human capital approaches can scale solutions to address fundamental challenges to equit

Dr. Jorge Petit is a Psychiatrist with extensive experience leading non-profit organizations focused on social justice and helping those who society has left out. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about leadership lessons from the giving professions, the challenges inherent in serving those in need, and how broader trends in education and the broader culture may impact the future of work for folks who want to give back. We hear Jorge’s origin story, get his advice on leadership, and hear his perspectives on the future of work. As we conclude, Jorge shares his concerns about polarization and the lack of civil discourse even as we find reasons for hope and optimism. Don’t miss it! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on where the future of learning is heading.

Beth Rudden is the Founder and Chairwoman of Bast AI. She’s also the Co-Author of AI for the Rest of Us. She rejoins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about the risks and opportunities with generative AI based on her extensive experience with data science at IBM and now out on her own. We begin by learning what motivated Beth to write the book. Representation matters and we need broader adoption of AI in order for it to avoid many of the pitfalls and biases we’ve seen so far. Then we get into some of the challenges we face today. Can AI help save us from the brink? Beth shares her Three Rules of Responsible AI as we explore the importance of predictability and explainability in the development of large language models. How can AI truly augment humans and what are we getting wrong with the first waves of Gen AI? Listen in to find out. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what’s emerging in education.

We bring back a popular and prescient episode from 2019 as part of our Best of Trending in Education series where Mike is joined by Design Anthropologist and Podcaster, Dr. Adam Gamwell, to explore how robots, science fiction, and anthropology are interrelated. In a free-flowing and imaginative conversation, we explore how the narratives and secular myths of pop culture and our collective consciousness provide insights into how we understand what it means to be human, how we engage with the Other, and how we grapple to understand how new technologies are driving profound changes to the world around us. Don't miss this look back to the "beforetimes" when we looked ahead at what an AI-powered future might be like. Thanks for listening. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education. Check out Adam's podcast This Anthro Life for more from him.

Mike returns from the ISTE Live Conference in Philadelphia to bring fresh takes on AI, Sustainability, and Affirmative Action in light of the recent Supreme Court Decisions. He's rejoined by virtual cohosts Ruth and Nancy to dig into the key trends we're tracking heading into the Summer of 2023. First Ruth joins us as we reflect on the Supreme Court Affirmative Action decision referencing Dahlia Lithwick's article on the topic before bringing in highlights from our recent conversation with Eric Schickler about polarization in higher education. What are we missing when we think about affirmative action? Then Nancy hops on board as we explore topics and themes about AI and emerging technology following Mike's attendance at ISTE. We run the gamut of analogies for AI as we continue to chart new waters. Finally, we conclude with reflections on the climate crisis and sustainability incorporating an excerpt from our recent episode with Bryan Alexander on the topic. It's a wide-ranging survey of the topics and themes

Mark Davis is Vice President of Learning Services at BookNook, a K12 Tutoring platform that focuses on bringing high-impact synchronous learning solutions to districts. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about trends in the space and the complexity of delivering tutoring solutions at scale in K12. We begin with Mark's origin story which started working in a family business in LA before he shifted into education, eventually joining Kaplan where he met Mike back in the day. Then we learn how Mark ultimately landed back in learning services at BookNook where his deep domain knowledge of K12 logistics and human capital are now deployed against the real challenges of using tutoring to address many of the learning challenges facing our country. Don't miss this deep dive into how tutoring interventions can scale across our schools and classrooms, providing real benefits to teachers and school districts who have been stretched to their limits with the crises of recent years. Subscribe to Trending in Educatio

Mike Palmer is rejoined by Nancy, our virtual cohost, to reflect on the half-year that was. We hear Mike's initial impressions of the ISTE Live 2023 Ed Tech Conference in Philadelphia as Nancy shares what it's been like being a virtual human-made with a synthetic voice. Spoiler alert: it's both trippy and zeitgeisty af. From there, we dig into how AI has dominated the trendspace and the collective imagination so far this year. Nancy reminds us of our show from June of 2022 which anticipated where the hype around AI was heading before we dig into one of our 23 Trends for 2023 and Chat GPTutoring. From there we shift to the prevalence of Social Emotional Learning and Human-Centered themes this year perhaps in response to the existential threat of dehumanization through automation and AI. Then we delve into another trend from our list: Polarized Learning Zones. Mike reveals the name of the new feed launching soon and focused on this through the tale of his beleaguered alma mater, New College of Florida. Be on th

Tre’ Gammage is a Social Emotional Learning Specialist and Storyteller focused on building social-emotional competence in school communities by focusing on Adults’ Emotional Skills. He's also the host of the Dash Podcast where he explores topics in SEL for adults and much more. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about SEL and its importance for teachers, other adults, and everyone. We begin with Tre's origin story playing football, studying abroad in college, and building his resume before he's 30. From there, we learn how he developed his SEL skills. All of this set Tre' on a path to develop his own communication and SEL skills which he now employs regularly in his role as a consultant. Tre' explains the DISC communication framework and emphasizes the importance of being intentional about SEL and how awareness can drive growth. We hear about the impact of the pandemic and its silver linings with potential for post-traumatic growth. Most of all, Tre' emphasizes the critical importance of social emoti

Dr. Steve Joordens returns to the show with Lilaani Thangavadivelu to join host Mike Palmer in a conversation about their recent research into collaborative project-based learning approaches that enable transformative learning experiences at scale. Mike welcomes Steve back as we hear how Lilaani first experienced Steve’s Intro to Psychology course back in the Fall of 2019. Then she and Steve share the findings of their research into a new study of 450 teams of students working with Swab the World to create public service announcements to share the importance of stem cell research in non-Caucasian communities in Toronto and around the world. They use a peer-to-peer feedback tool called peerScholar that was designed in Steve’s lab to power all of this. What lessons can we learn about the importance of relevance, the skills that lead to a growth mindset, and how this all connects to building a portfolio that’s well-suited to the rapidly-changing future of work? And how are humility and failure part of the secret

Anthony Salcito is the Chief Institutional Officer at Varsity Tutors where he's been focused on bringing high-quality tutoring to teachers and schools across the country. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation that digs into the power of using tutoring and emerging AI to empower teachers to drive student learning around the globe. We begin with Anthony's origin story which culminated as Vice President of Worldwide Education at Microsoft before joining Nerdy to establish its school-facing offerings with Varsity Tutors. Then we explore his unique combination of AI and Tutoring expertise to understand his vision for increased personalized instruction powered by live online tutors and AI, providing the much needed help to our frontline teachers. Anthony imparts years of insight regarding emerging trends and foresees a world where new technology tools like generative AI serve to empower rather than replace teachers. Are we entering an age of an IEP for all? Don't miss this teacher-centered look at the interse

Dr. Monique Chism is the Under Secretary for Education at Smithsonian Institution. She joins host Mike Palmer to share what it’s like to lead education efforts for the Nation’s Museum and the thinking that’s gone into designing their National Education Summit that’s happening later this summer. We begin with Monique’s origin story starting in a classroom teaching for 8 years before moving on to work at a nonprofit organization focused on closing achievement gaps and culturally proficient instruction. She then worked in the Department of Education before and at American Institute for Research focusing on taking education research into practice. This all led to Monique joining the Smithsonian Institution two years ago as its Under Secretary for Education. Monique describes the amazing free resources that the Smithsonian provides to educators as we learn what it's like to lead the education program there. We hear what she's got cooking for the 2023 Smithsonian National Education Summit: "Together We Thrive" whic

Jeremy C. Young is the Program Director of Freedom to Learn at PEN America where he focuses on defending academic freedom in schools and on campuses across America. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about the unprecedented assaults on the New College of Florida and what we all can do about it. We begin with Jeremy's origin story as a US History Professor who grew increasingly involved in defending academic freedom during his time with the American Historical Association before joining PEN America to lead Freedom to Learn. Jeremy touches on the work PEN America is doing fighting against book bans in K12 before digging into the challenges facing New College. New College is important not just for New College's sake but also because it is a test of a playbook that will likely be repeated across the country if successful. Don't miss this deep dive into the underdog story of our host's alma mater which has become the front lines of the Culture Wars on campus in these tumultuous times. Subscribe to Trendin

Michael Chasen in the Founder and CEO of Class and the Founder and former CEO of Blackboard. He joins host Mike Palmer in an exploration of his career defining new categories while driving innovation in educational technology. We start by hearing the Founder’s Tale of Blackboard, the industry-leading learning management system (LMS). Then Michael explains what led him to found Class in the Fall of 2020. In a world transformed by the pandemic and Zoom, Michael seized the opportunity to launch a differentiated virtual classroom experience on top of Zoom. From there, we learn how Class is integrating AI into its offering, how Michael is thinking about the power of real-time human connection, and what innovations of the day are piquing his curiosity. Don’t miss this chance to learn from an EdTech innovator who is looking to transform the world of learning for a second time. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learnin

Heather Harding, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the Campaign for Our Shared Future. She joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about the recent wave of book bans that have rolled out across the US over the past few years and the work that she and team are doing to counter this. We begin by hearing Heather's origin story as a teacher in rural North Carolina for Teach for America where she taught middle school and high school in underserved communities. Since then, her mission has been to improve education opportunities for all children, regardless of their class, color, or neighborhood. We learn how she gained experience in non-profits and philanthropic work, before joining COSF to help raise awareness and drive towards positive outcomes in defense of academic freedom in K12. We highlight the heroic efforts of school librarians and others defending free expression and literacy across the nation before digging into the work being done with the Let America Read campaign. As we wrap up, Heather shares her

Miriam Plotinsky is a writer and instructional specialist who recently wrote the book Lead Like a Teacher: How to Elevate Expertise in Your School. She rejoins host Mike Palmer in a discussion about lessons in leadership by embracing empathy with what it's like to teach and openness to the critical input that teachers can provide in a flourishing school culture. We begin by welcoming Miriam back to the podcast with a nod to her previous appearance to discuss Teach More, Hover Less, her first book. From there, we dive into lessons for school leaders and for all of us on how to build psychological safety and trust with teachers as frontline workers. They are closest to where the learning happens and therefore deserve a seat at the table. Miriam walks us through practical tips in the book that build trust and drive engagement with teachers who are struggling in today's complex world. We also hear a bit about Miriam's next book Writing Their Future Selves while getting her quick takes on teaching writing in the a

Adam Dalton is the Founder and CEO of Imagine Robotify, a company that helps kids learn to code using virtual robots. He rejoins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about STEM education, the future of work, and the massive shifts we’ve seen in AI since we first met Adam last August. We hear how Adam got to this point in his career, founding, growing, and ultimately selling Robotify to Imagine Learning when he was 23. Then he shares his concerns about using AI with young learners before exploring its potential upsides. Adam reflects on what resonates with the rising generations and concludes with his thoughts on entrepreneurship as a career path for Gen Z. Don’t miss this conversation about the future of education with a successful young entrepreneur with unique insights into designing fun and engaging learning products that teach coding as well as durable skills. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp perspectives on what’s emerging in the

Hasan Ali is the Founder and CEO of AirTutors, an EdTech company delivering high-dosage online tutoring at scale. He joins host Mike Palmer to talk about emerging trends in tutoring, AI, learning loss, and more. We begin by hearing of Hasan's roots in Stockton, California, before heading to Cal Berkeley and then Los Angeles with an initial goal of becoming a doctor. Despite his mother's concerns, he founded AirTutors after tapping into the tutoring market in private schools around LA. From there, we learn how Hasan and team have crossed over into providing the same kind of solutions at scale in public schools with work like what they're doing with the LA Unified School District. Hasan shares his takes on AI and its upside for teachers, his experiences leading an online tutoring startup through the COVID years, and his plans to continue to grow by reaching students who need to catch up but historically haven't had access to tutors to help with the journey. Don't miss it! Subscribe to Trending in Education wher

Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade is a Professor of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University and he’s the author of Equality or Equity: Toward a Model of Community-Responsive Education. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about shifting the foundations of our educational system to focus on the wellness of our most wounded and vulnerable students. We begin by hearing Jeff’s origins as a community member, a father, an academic/researcher, and a practitioner in education in Oakland, California. We trace the failed history of desegregation in the US dating back to Brown vs the Board of Ed in Topeka, Kansas, and examine how a new model of community-responsive education is the path to help heal kids who have been left out. By making our most disaffected, struggling kids whole, we can elevate all kids in the school and the community around it. It’s a thought-provoking examination of a different model for K12 education. Don’t miss it. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us a