Getting Smart Podcast Catching Up: Grey Goo, News Deserts, and Our Predictions for 2026
Jan 16, 2026
Hosts dive into the future of education, exploring the rise of AI in classrooms and the public's desire for regulation. They discuss the decline of local newspapers and propose student-run media as a solution to combat news deserts. Predictions for 2026 cover everything from increased cell phone bans in schools to the potential emergence of AI celebrities. The conversation emphasizes fostering creativity and critical thinking in education while highlighting the importance of community and peer support. Join for a mix of insightful forecasts and lighthearted banter!
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Connection As A Core Education Goal
- Education should prioritize connection to foster belonging and better outcomes.
- Nate McClennen frames 2026 goals around building human connection in learning environments.
Chattanooga Uses Empty Classrooms For Childcare
- Mason praises Reasons to Be Cheerful and cites Chattanooga daycare-in-school example.
- He highlights 12 micro child care centers converting empty classrooms to meet local needs.
Peer Mentors Cut Student ER Visits
- Great Falls Public Schools trained 200 peer mentors reducing ER mental-health visits.
- Mason Pashia reports a 95% drop in sixth-grade ER mental-health reports after peer support.