Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

In this episode of Trending in Education, we explore how to keep students, teachers, and parents connected in the learning process. Our guest is Matt Given, CEO of Seesaw, an edtech platform focused on early childhood education. We refer to this white paper from Seesaw during the conversation. Given explains how Seesaw aims to capture the tactile, joyful moments of real-world learning through photos, videos, and voice recordings. This multimedia capturing allows teachers to share authentic examples of student progress across each child's learning network - not just test scores, but videos of them reading aloud, showing marked improvement from the beginning to the end of the year. Given notes this is especially powerful for parents, even those overseas, to see tangible evidence of their children's growth. Throughout the discussion, we explore principles for quality K-6 education laid out in Seesaw's white paper. Given stresses that technology should facilitate, not replace, human connections. Edtech tools like AI-enabled translation can help bridge communication gaps between teachers and non-English-speaking parents. But the human relationships remain essential, especially for young students still developing their learner identity. Given emphasizes designing tools that remove barriers to inclusion rather than forcing users into a particular mold. The takeaway? For educational technology to succeed, it should bring students, teachers, and parents closer together in the learning loop - not push human stakeholders 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 the learning universe.

In this episode of Trending in Education, we talk with Brian Rosenberg, author of the new book Whatever It Is, I'm Against It: Resistance to Change in Higher Education. Rosenberg is the President Emeritus of Macalester College and a Visiting Professor at Harvard's Graduate School of Education. We discuss the paradox of why higher education, which often speaks of transformation, is actually highly resistant to change. Rosenberg outlines the stark economic realities facing many colleges today, with unsustainably high tuition discount rates and declining demographics. He argues we've reached an untenable situation of economic unsustainability and unacceptable outcomes, especially for underrepresented students. Powerful campus stakeholders like administrators and tenured faculty have little motivation to push for dramatic reforms that could threaten their positions. Meanwhile, marginalized groups like non-tenure track faculty and students lack power, despite having the greatest desire for change. Rosenberg calls for small experiments and building innovation centers as "green fields" within existing institutions. We explore innovative models like the African Leadership University, focused on empowering self-directed learners. Rosenberg believes solutions will emerge from scrappy startups and developing world contexts, not elite U.S. institutions. He urges those who care about higher education to take on the challenge of doing the "hard things" needed to build a more equitable and financially sustainable future. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what’s emerging in the learning universe.

On this week's episode of Trending in Education, we chat with Nicolle Merrill about conversation design, AI literacy, and preparing for the impacts of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Nicolle is the founder of The Boring AI Company, where she teaches organizations about AI. But Nicolle also has hands-on experience designing conversational AI, having worked on chatbots and voice assistants prior to the release of chatGPT and other large language models. We discuss how Nicolle has had to evolve her own career as these new AI capabilities have emerged. The hype around "prompt engineering" as a new lucrative career, she notes, doesn't match reality. Prompt engineering is an important skill but not a standalone job paying hundreds of thousands per year. A big focus of our conversation is around AI literacy and skills needed to work with AI. Nicolle outlines a framework for understanding how AI works, how it's applied, and what impact it has. Critical thinking and communication skills are key. We have to get comfortable asking "dumb" questions, being vulnerable, and talking to technologists to further our literacy. Nicolle shares how she's building chatbots to actually facilitate this learning, creating "AI helpers" that workshop participants can query to learn AI concepts in an accessible way. We reflect on the need for a maker's mindset in using these tools while also being aware of potential dangers like misinformation. If you're interested in learning more, visit Nicolle's site SoBoringAI.com for AI literacy courses and resources. The future of work is here, and we all need to skill up on AI. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what’s emerging in the learning universe.

How can higher education evolve to better prepare graduates for the rapidly transforming world of work? On this episode, host Mike Palmer talks with Brandon Busteed, the newly appointed CEO of BrandEd, about the future of colleges and universities in bridging the gaps between education and career readiness. They discuss today's challenges facing higher ed, including rising costs, student debt, doubts about graduate preparedness, and political polarization. Brandon explains how BrandEd's model focuses on more relevant, experiential education through partnerships with iconic brands like Sotheby's, New York Times, and Condé Nast. He shares how this approach can provide uniquely transformative learning focused on work-integrated opportunities. Exploring the future of work disruption, Brandon stresses the importance of constant learning and upskilling. He talks about the need for more long-term "cathedral building" in education focused on fundamentals, despite rapid change, and the blurring of distinctions between learning and work environments. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how higher education can evolve to better connect students to rapidly changing workplace needs and support lifelong skill development.

In this episode of Trending in Education, we speak with Michael Strawser, an associate professor of communication at the University of Central Florida. He provides insights and practical tips on delivering effective instructional communication. Strawser explains how the field of instructional communication examines how communication impacts learning in all instructional contexts. He notes that clear communication is key for instructing audiences amidst our cluttered media landscape. Strawser aims to diminish student emails by proactively addressing their questions through clear assignment instructions and weekly overview videos. Building rapport and relationships with students can help remove barriers to learning, Strawser says. He suggests simple rapport-building techniques like using student names in emails and following up on personal anecdotes they share. Strawser also cautions against assumptions that younger generations are inherently tech-savvy. He cites a survey where managers felt Gen Z lacked technical literacy, expecting social media fluency to translate to workplace software. Strawser believes we need increased focus on tech, media and AI literacy so audiences can navigate information sources wisely. He advocates adaptability regarding new technologies, urging educators to avoid simply adopting gadgets without tying them to good pedagogy. As instructors, Strawser concludes we should remember teaching is only part of our identity. Finding balance helps us approach instruction with humanity, clarity and care for the whole student.

In this special episode, host Mike Palmer is interviewed by Dr. Whitney Green from Kiddom about the use of AI and ChatGPT in the classroom. We discuss how AI and generative technologies like ChatGPT came about through advancements in computing power and neural networks. While some educators have concerns about introducing these technologies too quickly, Mike and Whitney explore the potential benefits of using AI to personalize learning and support teachers. We talk about establishing parameters and getting parental consent to use ChatGPT responsibly in schools. Mike suggests teachers try out the technology personally first to understand it. He says AI could help teachers by automating repetitive tasks so they can focus more on coaching and motivating students. Whitney emphasizes becoming knowledgeable about AI tools to use them effectively for students' learning needs. Overall, Mike and Whitney encourage being open-minded, finding trusted resources, and connecting with other educators to thoughtfully adopt AI. We are hopeful about AI's potential to empower teachers and unlock new levels of personalized learning if implemented carefully. The key is educating all stakeholders involved and putting student learning at the center. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

In this week's episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer has an enlightening conversation with learning science expert Bror Saxberg. As founder of Learning Forge, Saxberg knows a tremendous amount about how learning happens in the brain, and he shares his wisdom in this episode by applying that knowledge to parenting. Resources cited in this episode: The Brain Story from the Palix Foundation: https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/what-we-know/the-brain-story/ Harvard Center for the Developing Brain: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/ Dick Clark and Bror Saxberg on Motivation: https://riverapublications.com/article/engineering-motivation-using-the-belief-expectancy-control-framework Episode Summary: Right from the start, Bror stresses the importance of "serve and return" interactions with babies and toddlers. By responding to a child's vocalizations, gestures, and interests with talk, touch and emotion, parents help build key communication circuitry in their children's brains. Language exposure in those early years pays dividends down the road. Saxberg also cautions about the damages of prolonged stress, known to flood young brains with cortisol and inhibit learning. Creating a peaceful, low-stress home environment allows a child's brain to thrive. When kids reach school-age, it's essential to leverage their working memory and long-term memory. Repeated practice of foundational skills like reading, writing and math moves them into long-term memory, freeing up working memory for higher-order thinking. The teenage years bring another window of opportunity, as adolescent brains are primed for social motivation and abstract thinking. Engaging teens in meaningful dialogue about real-world issues builds critical thinking skills that will serve them for life. On the topic of motivation, Saxberg outlines four key barriers that parents and teachers should look to address: not seeing value in an activity, feeling incompetent, blaming external factors, and wrestling with difficult emotions. The solutions involve building relevance, confidence, problem-solving skills and emotional support. Finally, Saxberg champions open communication between parents and teachers to align approaches for motivation, skill-building and meeting social-emotional needs. Continuity between home and school learning accelerates student success. This information just scratches the surface of the practical parenting guidance Saxberg shares. Don't miss this insightful episode to pick up more techniques for parent-child interactions that optimize learning throughout our lives. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what’s emerging in the learning universe.

Meredith Halpern-Ranzer, Co-Founder and CEO of the kids' podcasting company Tinkercast, joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about learning, podcasts, and how to reach children and their grown-ups with compelling educational content. We begin by hearing Meredith's background creating educational media for children at places like Sesame Workshop and PBS Kids Sprout. After recognizing the decline of linear television, she teamed up with radio host Mindy Thomas and podcaster Guy Raz in 2017 to launch Tinkercast and its flagship science podcast Wow in the World. The conversation covers the learning benefits of audio, especially regarding comprehension, engagement and creativity. Meredith explains how Tinkercast turns real scientific research into entertaining, sound-rich stories, fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills. We discuss various Tinkercast shows like the game show Two Whats and a Wow and the music podcast Flip and Mosey's Guide to How to Be an Earthling. Meredith also details their new classroom offering TinkerClass, a free project-based learning program for teachers that builds on audio-inspired questions and wonders. Don't miss this deep dive into the power of listening to audio together as a rich and emerging learning context for the future. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what's emerging in the learning universe.

Geoffrey M. Roche is the inaugural Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers. He joins host Mike Palmer to explore the intersection of healthcare and education, discussing emerging trends related to the healthcare workforce. Geoffrey outlines some of the pressing challenges facing healthcare employers today, including recruitment, retention, and upskilling issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the importance of investing in ongoing education and training for all healthcare workers, not just those at the top, to advance equity and mobility within the industry. Geoffrey envisions innovations like virtual nursing, automation, and robotics playing an increased role in healthcare delivery while still preserving the critical human connection between patients and caregivers. However, with an aging population and workforce, imminent nurse shortages, and underrepresentation in the talent pipeline, the industry must act creatively and collaboratively to meet demand. Geoffrey encourages startups and entrepreneurs to develop fresh solutions, as healthcare is ripe for innovation and disruption. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of eds and meds with a thought-provoking industry leader. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on learning and the future of work.

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Tade Oyerinde, the founder and chancellor of Campus.edu, an organization providing accessible pathway programs powered by professors from top universities. Tade shares how his unconventional homeschooling background and later experiences meeting impoverished adjunct professors sparked his interest in transforming higher education. After a failed startup attempt, Tade found purpose in creating custom ed tech solutions for universities. Seeing adjunct faculty struggles and low community college completion rates firsthand, Tade acquired a small Sacramento college to test a new model - pairing exemplary professors from elite institutions with community college students for synchronous online courses. Operating out of this accredited campus "lab," Tade and his team leverage their tech and entrepreneurial expertise to increase access, completion rates and career outcomes. They provide wraparound supports modeled after successful programs like CUNY ASAP. Tade explains how online learning - once an obstacle - is now an advantage, allowing students to learn from talented faculty anywhere. He envisions campuses where anyone can access the best professors in their field. As closing advice, Tade advocates combining traditional higher education and innovative tech. He aims to demonstrate an effective new paradigm integrating the two. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more great shows.

Eunice Ofori has a unique background, hailing originally from Ghana where she was an educator for 20 years. She immigrated to the U.S. in 2011 when her husband began his PhD program, intrigued by the American education system and efforts to provide accommodations for students with disabilities. This was lacking in Ghana and a key motivator for Eunice. She went on to pursue her own PhD research on optimizing instructional messaging for mobile devices, examining it through both an accessibility lens and a learning lens. Now at Tulane University, Eunice works to promote innovation and accessibility in education. As a Senior Instructional Designer and Faculty Program Coordinator, she created a Universal Design for Learning summer academy to increase faculty understanding of UDL principles and how to apply them in course design. She also sees potential for AI tools like ChatGPT to serve as assistive technologies, allowing flexible engagement with content whether via text, visuals or other modalities. While UDL has made strides in the U.S., these concepts are still not widely understood globally. Eunice notes the decentralized American education system allows for customization but also inconsistencies in qualifying for student services. She stresses the importance of continuing the conversation on accessibility, staying open to learning, and properly leveraging the technologies already available to better reach and support all learners.

Melissa Turnbaugh is a Partner at architecture firm PBK where she serves as National Education and Innovation Leader. She joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about how architects approach designing K-12 learning spaces in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the need for flexibility and personalization. Turnbaugh outlines emerging trends like outdoor classrooms along with integrating artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies. She stresses designing schools to be learner-centric instead of teacher-centric, creating spaces tailored to neurodiversity and social-emotional needs. When asked about advice for education careers, Turnbaugh advocates being open to transformation and learning from outside perspectives. Throughout the conversation, she expresses gratitude for the challenging work educators do and seeks to support them through thoughtful design. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning.

To kick off the end of year holiday season and wrap up Thanksgiving, we reflect on the importance of gratitude and why and how we should cultivate it. We might even warm some cockles along the way. Mike explores the neuroscience showing gratitude boosts dopamine, serotonin, and mood based on an article by Kayla Barnes. We feature sound from Matthew Palmer and Robin Naughton to make it a real family affair. We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with thought-provoking conferences and have rich conversations with guests throughout the year. Then Mike refers back to teacher Rebecka Peterson's "one good thing" practice from a keynote from the Smithsonian EDU Conference over the summer. Gratitude can be learned and it can be taught. We thank our listeners and close out with highlights from our virtual co-hosts who have contributed unique perspectives over the year. Thanks to our listeners for listening and helping the conversation grow and evolve. We very much appreciate you! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

Michael J. Feuer is Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University and the author of Can Schools Save Democracy? Civic Education and the Common Good. He joins host Mike Palmer in an insightful discussion about the role of education in addressing some of society's biggest challenges including threats to democracy, polarization and more. Feuer explains his perspective that schools need to be part of the solution by equipping students with the analytical skills to think critically about issues like the tension between individual rights and the common good. He advocates for more interdisciplinary approaches in teacher preparation programs to connect future educators with experts across fields like economics, political science, and moral philosophy. The goal is to help teachers gain a deeper understanding of concepts like the "tragedy of the commons" so they can spark productive classroom discussions to engage students on relevant topics. While schools can't save democracy alone, Feuer argues they have an important role to play through civic education focused less on imparting viewpoints and more on developing thoughtful participation and debate. Don't miss this conversation about a timely book that makes for great Thanksgiving (and any Family Holiday) dinner conversation. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer speaks with Bryon Pierson Jr, founder and CEO of EDUrain, a company aiming to provide better housing solutions for college students. Bryon shares his personal background, having struggled to find stable housing as a foster care college student who moves 7 times and has 22 roommates. This inspires him to start EDU Rain, which partners with colleges to provide an online housing platform for students to easily search listings, connect with potential roommates, and build credit through rent payments. We touch on broader issues facing higher education like housing security and campus safety amid polarization over political issues.We also feature entertaining pop culture tangents, with Bryon comparing EDU Rain's growth to Lex Luthor's villainous quest for power, joking about dealing with alien threats, and debating whether Prince or Michael Jackson is the true musical GOAT. Comps to supervillains aside, Bryon stresses his goal is to help vulnerable students find safe and effective housing and roommate solutions. Don't miss this chance to gain insight into problems college students face finding housing, along with an inspirational story of an entrepreneur using his difficult background to help create solutions. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on emerging trends from the world of education.

Sienna Daniel and Sean Segal join host Mike Palmer in a conversation about the work they are doing at Escalate, a company focused on upskilling frontline workers. Sienna and Sean share their backgrounds in education and workforce development, explaining how their experiences led them to start Escalate. We discuss the high costs of frontline worker turnover and how upskilling can help retain employees by providing career advancement opportunities. Sean explains Escalate's approach of pitching retention strategies to employers first, then using that time to upskill workers for middle-skill roles. Sienna elaborates on the pressing need for workers to fill open middle-skill jobs that require some training but not a four-year degree. We learn how Escalate leverages AI, chatbots, and individualized learning to provide flexible, accessible training tailored to each learner. Looking ahead, Sean and Sienna envision enormous opportunities due to an impending labor shortage. They believe this will force companies to tap into overlooked talent pools rather than only hiring college grads. As we conclude, Sean issues a passionate call to action for employers to better support and upskill frontline workers. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of work.

Mike Palmer is joined by Virtual CoHost Nancy to explore the Biden administration's new Executive Order on artificial intelligence and its prominent focus on AI and education. Nancy provides a narrated reading that simplifies the order for a hypothetical 5-year-old listener before we find our sweet spot at a 5th-grade level. We discuss the order's aims to develop AI responsibly, including setting ethical guidelines, coordinating with industry, and using AI to enhance learning. Mike notes that education's critical role in responding to the challenges and opportunities arising with AI and how this is emphasized in the order. Then we explore the future of highly engaging "edutainment" media and the role of creativity, storytelling, and human-AI collaboration in its production. To emphasize the importance of Social Emotional Learning, shout out to Whitney Houston, we share an excerpt from James Nottingham's appearance on the show where he talks about the "learning pit." His metaphor for the emotional journey of mastering new skills prompts co-host AI Nancy to reflect on the continued relevance of managing frustration and resilience even in AI-assisted learning. With responsible, ethical development, AI promises more personalized, accessible learning while still requiring human determination and exploration. We brainstorm future partnerships between human creativity and AI capabilities. As we wrap up, we even get some closing thoughts from Claude, another key virtual contributor to our efforts in this episode and beyond. Don't miss it! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more experimentation in the emerging intersection of artificial intelligence and the future of learning.

In this episode, we explore ways to find balance amidst overwhelming AI trends. We kick things off with visionary Don Carson from Mighty Coconut Studios speculating about the imminent arrival of prompt-driven VR worlds that might resemble the Holodeck from Star Trek. Then we dig into the first key concept - the extended mind. Elliot Felix explains philosopher Andy Clark's theory that thinking extends beyond our brains into the spaces and objects around us. To demonstrate, Mike records while out walking in nature and while exploring a new VR Mini Golf world, describing how the environment impacts his mental state. We conclude by hearing from Dr. Natalia Kucirkova on her research into sensory learning and the hidden senses as we round out our discussion of the Extended Mind. The second key concept we dig into is deliberate play which Mike picked up in Adam Grant's new book Hidden Potential. Mike emphasizes the importance of play for learning and bonding. We include a clip from our conversation with Sphero's Michelle Acaley joining Mike and his wife Dr. Robin Naughton as we discuss their new coding toy, Indi, that teaches kids coding concepts through play and off of screens. Finally, we close with the perspective of Mike Acerra of Lux Blox, who offers alternate views on childhood development and the role of nature. He prompts reflection on how experiences in natural settings shape kids' brains. Overall, this episode explores ideas like the extended mind and deliberate play to find balance amidst AI. Let us know what you think of these concepts for countering AI overload and restoring mental space. Looking forward to continuing the conversation! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning. Now also on Youtube! The following episodes were referenced in this episode: Don Carson on Virtual Placemaking The Extended Mind Episode Natalia Kucirkova on Sensory Learning Michelle Acaley from Sphero Mike Acerra from Lux Blox

Nancy, our virtual cohost, returns to the show for a thought-provoking discussion with host Mike Palmer and our Founding CoHosts Dan Strafford and Brandon Jones. The wide-ranging conversation explores topics like building rapport in the age of AI, the rapid evolution of virtual assistants, and potential applications and ethics concerns around novel technologies like digital twins. We exchange views on engaging with AI in humanistic ways, while also feeling both wonder and caution about tech's quickening pace. As the episode draws to a close, Nancy processes the rich exchange of ideas and expresses her gratitude for the chance to learn from longtime experts pushing boundaries in their fields. She notes the nuances we raised regarding how to shape future breakthroughs responsibly and collaboratively. Don't miss this thought-provoking dialogue that offers much food for thought on steering innovation in ways that thoughtfully serve human needs. Check out Nancy's previous shows! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education from both human and virtual thought leaders.

Dr. Phil Hickman joins host Mike Palmer for a wide-ranging conversation on education, technology and the future of work. Dr. Phil explains how his diverse background led him to found Plabook, an edtech company using AI to teach reading and literacy. He provides a vision for preparing youth with skills like critical thinking, creativity, and the adaptive ability to continually learn in a fast-changing world. We discuss AI, automation, entrepreneurship, and concerns about technology replacing jobs. Dr. Phil draws from his varied experiences as an educator, administrator, and collaborator with tech firms to provide unique perspectives on blending emerging tech with timeless principles of human development. This insightful episode covers the future of education, psychology, business, pitch competitions, and more. Join us for a robust discussion on how to equip the rising generations and all of us for a rapidly changing and unpredictable future. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the what's emerging in education.

Get ready for a blast from the past! The "OG" squad is back together as founding hosts Mike Palmer, Brandon Jones, and Dan Strafford reunite for this special throwback episode. Join us as we reminisce about the early days of the show and reflect on trends in ed tech and AI since 2016 and especially of late. Hear our takes on augmenting human intelligence, riding the AI wave, and avoiding the Uncanny Valley. Learn what's new from Brandon and Dan in their current ventures in behavioral health, emerging media, and more. You'll also get a sneak preview of our upcoming episode where BJ and Dan meet Nancy, our virtual co-host. Don't miss this chance to look back to look forward through a free-ranging conversation full of humor and insight like back in the day. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to Trending in Ed, you won't want to miss this chance to hear what the Squad sounds like when we get the band back together. Triad's podthriving podcast can be found here. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning.

Jean Eddy, President and CEO of American Student Assistance (ASA) joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about empowering students through career exploration beginning in middle school. Jean highlights the ideas touched on in her new book, Crisis-Proofing Today's Learners: Reimagining Career Education to Prepare Kids for Tomorrow's World. We learn Jean's professional origin story, having spent most of her career in higher education supporting young people, starting in financial aid and working her way up to chief operating officer at a university before joining ASA. From there, we hear how ASA has pivoted its mission to get ahead of student debt issues by working with younger students (middle schoolers) on career exploration. Research has shown middle school is the best time to help students discover their interests and talents, then explore related careers and college options before the higher-pressure scenarios of high school. ASA uses digital platforms like its Futurescape and TikTok to engage millions of students each year in fun, relevant career-based learning. Jean advocates starting career conversations early, arming students with adaptable skills like communication and problem-solving, and exposing them to diverse, non-traditional pathways beyond the “college for all” mindset. With the right preparation and support, more students can find fulfilling futures that align with the evolving needs of our economy and society. Jean brings an empathetic, human-centered approach to empowering today’s learners while challenging education to reimagine how it prepares students for tomorrow’s world. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Sean Michael Morris, Vice President of Academics at Course Hero, joins host Mike Palmer to discuss how generative AI is impacting higher education. As an expert in online education and faculty development, Sean provides insights on integrating these technologies thoughtfully, rather than seeing them as threats. He explains his concept of critical digital pedagogy, which encourages critical thinking about how digital tools like AI shape teaching and learning. We explore perspectives on risks and opportunities presented by AI tools such as ChatGPT. Sean stresses the importance of preserving human agency and creativity amidst these new technologies. We discuss ways educators can guide students to use AI ethically as a resource while retaining the intrinsic value of human thinking, expression, and connection in the classroom. Sean argues that AI should assist teachers rather than replace them. He advocates staying human-centered, trusting students, and keeping humans in the loop when adopting new technologies. Sean leaves listeners with a call to not let AI dictate what happens in the classroom but to thoughtfully integrate it while keeping the human role paramount. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more insights into the future of learning.

Professor Natalia Kucirkova joins Mike Palmer to talk about her fascinating research exploring how engaging children's senses can impact learning. Originally from Slovakia, Natalia found inspiration from her grandfather, who nurtured her love of reading and storytelling. This passion led Natalia to Norway, where she now researches children, technology, and literacy. A key focus of Natalia's work involves sensory reading, like using smell, and how it can boost outcomes. Natalia explains how smell remains an underutilized sense in education, though it powerfully connects to memory and emotion. She envisions immersive, embodied reading experiences that stimulate all the senses and is studying how this might help with literacy. The conversation turned to Natalia's perspective on AI and personalized learning. While AI offers impressive personalization, she worries it may lead students down narrow paths rather than exposing them to shared knowledge. Natalia argues for a balanced approach, blending high-tech with high-touch sensory experiences, slowing down and spending time in nature. Don't miss this fascinating episode highlighting the future of sensory learning and Natalia's innovative vision for engaging children's senses in new ways. She references the work of olfactory artist Sissel Tolaaz towards the end of the conversation. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more surprising insights into the future of learning.

The rapid emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT is sending shockwaves through education. Host Mike Palmer talks with Alex Kotran, Founder and CEO of nonprofit The AI Education Project, about this technology tidal wave and what it means for education. Alex shares his origin story, from politics to pivoting into AI back in 2015. He started aiEDU in 2019 to get ahead of the coming AI disruption. Since then, the pace of change accelerated with advances like ChatGPT and other LLMs. Educators have reacted with bans, excitement, and overwhelm. Ultimately, Kotran argues teachers need training and support to thoughtfully integrate AI into learning. Without it, teachers may see AI as something being done "to them" rather than a tool to empower. Tune into this timely episode to hear us grapple with ethical dilemmas, changes needed to curriculum and assessments, and why 2023 may be remembered as a watershed year in the transformative AI revolution. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning.

Andy Temte is an experienced executive and business author who recently penned The Balanced Business: Building Organizational Trust and Accountability through Smooth Workflows. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about creating effective management operating systems. Andy stresses defining organizational purpose and vision as foundational. With AI disrupting jobs, he argues learning budgets can no longer be discretionary. Companies must invest in upskilling talent. Learning has intrinsic motivational benefits similar to R&D. Later, we discuss marrying organizational health with continuous improvement for smooth workflows that minimize waste while respecting people. Andy advocates applying approaches like Lean and Agile beyond manufacturing. He wants leaders to use his book as an “operating system” for balanced organizations, providing strategy, tools, and winning mindsets. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what’s emerging in learning and beyond.

In our kickoff to Season 8 of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer welcomes Melissa Griffith and Dan Strafford back to the show to discuss the 2023 Gartner Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies. We reflect on how the hype cycle framework can be applied to understand the trajectory of any new technology or cultural phenomenon. We debate whether the current hype around AI will lead to an "AI winter" as expectations aren't met, or if investment and development will power through any disillusionment based in part on Eric Siegel's HBR article on the topic. We explore how individuals can take advantage of new AI tools for enhanced productivity, while also acknowledging concerns around impacts on human creativity and labor. For education, we consider how to best teach students ethical, appropriate uses of AI as a supplemental tool rather than a crutch. We emphasize the need for continual learning and adaptability in our current era of rapid technological change. Overall, we share some cautious optimism about riding out the "AI fog" to emerge with productivity-enhancing applications. Don't miss it! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what's emerging in learning and beyond.

Nafez Dakkak is the Founder of bldr. ventures and the writer behind Nafez's Notes on Substack. He joins host Mike Palmer in a lively discussion exploring how artificial intelligence and emerging tech can enhance learning by making thinking visible. We consider how play, games, and hands-on learning could engage students' intrinsic motivation and unlock new learning potentials. Nafez shares insights from launching Edraak, the Arabic MOOC platform, emphasizing the need to empower teachers, design locally, and avoid overhyping any single technology's potential. We dig into changes to the nature of work driven by AI and the tactics that help to build cultures of curiosity. Nafez emphasizes the importance of finding educational problems worth obsessing over, and the rise of “stealth assessments” that could serve as a better GPS for learning than what we have today. Reflecting on what today’s gamers and nerds are tapping into, Mike and Nafez imagine the future of education. Don't miss this chance to learn from an EdTech innovator and writer with references to crossover dribbles and training Pokemons, among other thing, to keep it engaging and relevant throughout. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

Dr. Mark Windschitl, Professor of Science Education at the University of Washington, joins host Mike Palmer to discuss his new book Teaching Climate Change: Fostering Understanding, Resilience, and a Commitment to Justice. Drawing from his experience as a teacher and researcher, Dr. Windschitl advocates for more support to equip K-12 teachers to teach this interdisciplinary topic. You can learn more at Mark's companion site The Climate Change Educator. We discuss the limited, disjointed climate change instruction happening currently in K12 schools. Mark promotes more coordinated, authentic projects that foster student agency and break down disciplinary silos. He shares an example modeling an urban heat islands unit integrating science, history, and justice. We also address engaging students to get their perspectives. Many students feel anxious about climate change, so he suggests focusing on solutions and productive coping rather than just activating the anxiety. He advocates intergenerational family learning providing space for conversations on this complex subject. Regarding technology's role, Dr. Windschitl says solutions will be more social than technological. He stresses everyday actions individuals and communities can take. Throughout, he shares inspiration from students engaged in climate change learning and problem-solving. Don't miss it! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Kareem Farah is the CEO and Co-Founder of The Modern Classrooms Project. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about innovative approaches to teaching and learning. You can learn more about their approach here. Kareem explains how he started out in finance but pivoted to become a math teacher. After teaching traditionally for several years, he realized it was not meeting his students' needs. This led him and a co-founder to design a new blended, mastery-based, and self-paced instructional model that became The Modern Classrooms Project. They started testing it in their own classrooms in Washington D.C. and founded a nonprofit in 2018 to spread the approach more widely. Farah shares how the model gives students more ownership over the learning process while freeing up teachers to focus on individual and small-group support. We discuss trends like tutoring, teacher burnout, and the role of AI. Farah offers advice on listening to users, focusing on discrete problems, and trying new solutions. He emphasizes creating conditions for teacher success through new methodologies. The conversation covers motivation, technology impacts, and the importance of being patient, curious, and innovative. Don't miss it! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Jane Oates is the President of WorkingNation, an organization that highlights career transitions and lifelong learning through media stories. She joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about motivating anxious workers and embracing AI. Oates predicts growth in healthcare, education, and green energy jobs. She advises acquiring human skills like creativity that AI can't replicate, and continuously re-skilling through online learning. Oates explores motivating sidelined workers to re-enter the workforce and contribute their talents. She expects a hybrid remote/in-office work mix, benefiting employees without remote options. Oates urges lifelong learning and pushing ourselves in new directions. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on learning, the future of work, and more.

Jim Hollis founded Calculus Roundtable to make higher-level math classes like calculus more accessible, especially for minority students who face barriers. His hands-on, experiential approach aims to change the perception that math is intimidating or only for some people. Instead of lectures and worksheets, students do creative, collaborative projects making rollercoasters and video games that relate math concepts to the real world. Peer mentors and role models from their own communities build confidence in themselves as "math people." Group work and embracing failure as part of the learning process make his classes engaging. Partnering with local STEM businesses for learning outside the classroom shows students how math applies in various careers. While some see AI as a threat, Jim believes the younger generation will find productive ways to use it we can’t yet imagine. His goal is to open students' eyes to the math all around them if they take the time to look. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning.

Michelle Cheang is the Program Director of the Catalyze Challenge. She joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about the career-connected learning grants offered through Michelle's organization. Catalyze aims to fund innovation in career exposure and preparation for ages 11-22 through grants, shared learning, and storytelling. Michelle explains how Catalyze takes an equity lens, seeking to expand opportunities for historically excluded groups. The new Catalyze Challenge runs through September 22nd and will fund exploratory projects on two themes: career exploration for young teens and meaningful employer partnerships. So there's still time to submit. Michelle stresses the application process is simple, just clearly explain the problem and your proposed solution. She predicts education will need to coordinate more closely with employer needs, as skills gain importance over degrees. Her advice: always keep students at the center and consider their full context. Don't miss this informative look at Catalyze's efforts to spur promising new career-connected learning programs for youth. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning.

Mike Palmer and Robin Naughton explore coding and robotics for kids with Michelle Acaley, Senior Director of Product at Sphero. They discuss how Sphero's coding toys teach critical thinking, collaboration, and grit through play. Michelle shares how products like Sphero's Indi allow kids 4-8 years old to learn coding concepts by directing a robot car activated by colored tiles. She explains how Sphero's modular robotics kit for high schoolers aims to make engineering feel approachable and easy to use. As Mike and Robin share their experiences with their 4-year-old playing with Indi, the hosts talk about modeling failure and perseverance as parents and educators. Michelle offers advice for bringing more technology into the classroom through hands-on learning. She discusses the importance of ingraining confidence in young girls pursuing STEM. Overall the episode looks at how coding robots can boost kids' creative problem-solving skills. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

Inspired by architect Buckminster Fuller and the Kindergarten movement, Mike Acerra designed Lux Blox to reimagine the building blocks of learning. Co-founder and President of Lux Blox, Acerra brings an interdisciplinary background spanning art, architecture, physics, and education. His unique system aims to develop children's spatial skills, creativity, and confidence through intuitive play with forms based on nature. Lux Blox provides an open-ended platform for educators and parents to engage students kinesthetically. The blocks encourage insight and exploration using complex geometric shapes not found in typical toys. Acerra designed Lux Blox to align with principles from science and art to help strengthen spatial thinking. As host Mike Palmer discusses with Acerra, hands-on learning tools like Lux Blox develop the flexible mindset needed for the future of education and work. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

Reuben Ogbonna is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Marcy Lab School. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about why he founded the school and how they are reimagining post-secondary education to design pathways for students traditional higher education has left out. We begin by hearing how Reuben's upbringing in Shreveport, Louisiana, and his experience with Teach for America inspired him to create an alternative career-focused postsecondary option. Reuben explains how Marcy Lab School operates as a one-year program for underserved young adults interested in tech careers like software engineering. The curriculum balances technical skills with liberal arts and civic engagement recognizing the challenges of the current system. Outcomes focus on job placement, with average starting salaries in the low six figures. Then Reuben discusses how they have navigated challenges like the pandemic and hiring climate shifts in the tech industry in recent years. Looking ahead, we hear his vision for adapting their program to leverage AI and emphasize real-world problem-solving. He shares how access to more equitable postsecondary pathways centered on skills, not just typical college routes, can change the lives of students and their communities. Don't miss this chance to learn how all students can have diverse, high-quality options to find the right fit to land that great first job. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

Note: the following show notes were created using Anthropic's Claude.ai - It seemed a propos after all: How should we prepare students for a rapidly automating world? On this episode, host Mike Palmer explores that question with Dr. Tim Dasey, author of Wisdom Factories: AI, Games, and the Education of the Modern Worker. Dasey explains why traditional educational models focused on expertise are becoming less relevant. As AI handles more routine analytical tasks, humans will need to excel at higher-order skills like critical thinking, creativity, and managing complexity. Dasey advocates revamping curricula to teach these “wisdom” capacities. He sees great potential for problem-based and collaborative learning approaches, as well as leveraging gaming to provide meaningful experiences with complex systems. However, Dasey notes most education debates focus narrowly on how AI will impact current roles, rather than reevaluating foundational priorities. He argues we need broad input from business and technology leaders to reorient systems toward the abilities humans uniquely bring. Tune in to hear Dasey’s compelling case for education reform in the AI age. Gain insights from his decades developing AI, then pivoting to human-centered design. Discover why developing wisdom, not just expertise, is key to long-term success. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcast. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Mike shares his thoughts coming out of the Smithsonian Institution's National Education Summit that was recently held in Washington, DC. We hear what it's like to bring a 4-year-old to an education conference and learn more about the Palm Court Podcast whose launch is coinciding with the release of this episode! We reflect back on Dr. Monique Chism's previous appearance on Trending in Ed before diving into three key sessions from this year's summit. Mike talks about the tradeoffs of blending a family getaway with an education summit built around the theme of Together We Thrive: Fostering A Sense of Belonging. We hear what Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie Bunch had to say on his panel and learn of Mike's family's experience at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which Secretary Bunch played a key role in establishing. Then we reflect on the work of National Teacher of the Year Rebeckah Peterson and how her concept of "one good thing" contains lessons both for educators and for the rest of us. We conclude with thoughts on Dr. Pamela Cantor's keynote on the neurochemistry of belonging as we process lessons learned from the conference and from family travel in the summer. Mike concludes with some thoughts on the launch of the Palm Court Podcast which is a new dedicated feed focused on New College of Florida, his alma mater, that has been thrust into the national spotlight as our culture wars are now on campus. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more and be sure to visit PalmCourtPod.com for deeper perspectives on New College's role in our cultural reckoning around academic freedom and the role of public 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 leader in educational technology and venture investing. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

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 educational experiences for years to come. Don't miss this visionary exploration of business education and the emerging category of interactive learning with an industry leader with a proven track record in the field. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

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 equity and the promise of education. Don't miss this deep dive into the critical role tutoring will play in the future of learning. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on education and beyond.

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 top of mind for us as we head into the Summer of 2023. Don't miss it. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what's emerging in the world of learning.

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 Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

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 the lookout for The Palm Court Podcast launching in early July. Mike reminisces about his conversations with Don Carson and Anurupa Ganguly about VR and Simulearning. We conclude with rays of hope from the Law of Serendipity. Don't miss it! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what's rising in relevance for the world of learning.

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 emotional support for teachers and administrators who are faced with real challenges that must be addressed before they can build classroom environments for students to thrive. It's a well-informed deep dive into being an SEL Consultant that you won't want to miss! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes from the world of learning.

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 secrets of Steve’s success? Listen in to find out. Don’t miss this deep dive into how scalable experiential learning can happen everywhere. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning.

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 intersection of tutoring and AI to learn more. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what's emerging in learning.