Join us for a recap of SXSW EDU 2025! Host Mike Palmer shares his takeaways from the conference, including highlights from the panel discussion he hosted on the podcast stage. Catch highlights from interviews with Dr. Jenny Nash from LEGO Education, Dana Stephenson from Riipen, and Lindsay Whorton from The Holdsworth Center, as Mike shares his experiences attending the conference with his wife and 6-year-old son. Palmer discusses the importance of hands-on learning with Nash and Stephenson and gets into the role of AI in education and transformations in the workforce with Stephenson and Whorton. Subscribe to the feed so you don't miss upcoming episodes including our amazing panel session with Mike Yates, Jenn Stredler, and Julia Shatilo, and Mike's interviews in upcoming episodes with Jenny, Lindsay, and Dana and more. Key takeaways: The importance of hands-on learning and engagement in education: Palmer discusses the importance of hands-on learning and engagement in education with Nash and Stephenson. Hands-on learning allows students to be more engaged and have a deeper understanding of the material.   The need for flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing world: Palmer emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. He discusses how this is important for both parents and educators.   The power of tiny experiments and small wins in achieving goals: Palmer talks about the power of tiny experiments and small wins in achieving goals. He provides examples of how this can be applied to both personal and professional goals.   The role of AI in education and the workforce: Palmer discusses the role of AI in education and the workforce with Stephenson. He talks about how AI can be used to personalize learning and provide students with more relevant experiences.   The importance of connecting research to startup activity and venture activity: Palmer emphasizes the importance of connecting research to startup activity and venture activity. He talks about how this can help to bring new ideas and products to market faster.   Subscribe to Trending in Ed where you get your pods and on Youtube to keep up with the accelerating pace of change in education.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and South by Southwest EDU Overview00:29 March Madness of Learning Trends Panel02:25 Family Adventures at South by Southwest EDU03:30 Workforce Development and Future of Work05:07 Reflections on Past South by Southwest EDU Experiences08:01 Live Podcast Session Highlights11:03 Lego Education and Hands-On Learning14:48 STEM and Maker Kits at the Expo Hall18:31 Keynote Highlights and Tiny Experiments21:11 Interviews with Educational Leaders28:00 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Conferences

Jarian Kerekes, President of the Equitable Foundation, joins Mike Palmer on Trending in Education to share his personal and professional journey, highlighting the transformative power of education and the importance of finding one's passion. From his challenging upbringing in rural Virginia to his impactful work at the Equitable Foundation, Kerekes' story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to opening up higher education pathways for underserved students. Here's the link to NCAN also discussed in the episode.   Kerekes discusses the Equitable Foundation's multifaceted approach to education, encompassing college and career readiness for students, support for K-12 educators, and initiatives aimed at fostering vibrant and healthy communities. He delves into the foundation's scholarship program, which has helped over 7,300 scholars access post-secondary education, with a particular focus on BIPOC and first-generation students. Throughout the episode, Kerekes provides valuable insights into the challenges facing education today, including rising costs, the need for better support systems, and the importance of social capital and networking in bridging students into successful careers.   Key takeaways: Education is transformative: Kerekes emphasizes the power of education to change lives and create economic and social mobility, particularly for underserved students.   Finding your passion is key: Kerekes encourages students to find their "why" and pursue their passions to unlock their full potential.   Giving back is essential: Kerekes highlights the importance of community engagement and using one's voice and resources to make a difference.   Subscribe to Trending in Education to stay informed and inspired by insightful conversations with leaders like Jarian Kerekes who are shaping the future of education.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:29 Jarian's Origin Story02:09 Career Journey and Impact of Education02:50 Equitable Foundation's Mission and Focus04:58 Philanthropy and Community Engagement06:07 Scholarship Programs and Higher Education07:09 Challenges and Support in Higher Education10:17 Volunteerism and Finding Your Why12:36 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion14:44 Supporting First-Generation and Low-Income Students22:59 Career Advice and Professional Development29:09 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysSource for Equitable’s distinction as the #1 provider of K-12 403(b) plans for 10 consecutive years: LIMAR, Not-for-Profit Survey, Q2 2024 results, based on 403(b) plan participants and contributions. Survey results include plans issued by Equitable Financial and Equitable America. Equitable is the brand name of the retirement and protection subsidiaries of Equitable Holdings, Inc., including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial), Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (Equitable America), an AZ stock company with an administrative office in Charlotte, NC, issuers of insurance and annuity products and Equitable Distributors, LLC.GE-7696551.1(03/25)(exp. 03/29)

In today's episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Amy Lomellini, the Director of Accessibility for Anthology. Lomellini shares her personal journey and how it led her to become a passionate advocate for accessibility in educational technology.   Listeners will gain valuable insights into the intersection of assistive technology, artificial intelligence, and universal design for learning (UDL). Lomellini discusses the transformative potential of AI in empowering individuals with disabilities and emphasizes the importance of keeping humans in control of these technologies.   This episode is a must-listen for educators, instructional designers, and anyone interested in creating inclusive learning experiences. Lomellini's expertise and personal experiences offer a unique perspective on the future of education and the role of technology in fostering accessibility for all.   Key Takeaways AI has the potential to revolutionize accessibility in education, but it's crucial to maintain human oversight and ensure ethical implementation.   Universal design for learning (UDL) benefits everyone, not just individuals with disabilities.   Accessibility storytelling can foster empathy and understanding, leading to more inclusive learning environments.   The future of ed tech depends on incorporating the voices and experiences of individuals with disabilities in the design and development process.   Subscribe and ShareIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Trending in Education for more thought-provoking conversations on the latest trends in educational technology. Don't forget to share this episode with your colleagues and friends who are passionate about creating inclusive learning environments. Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:42 Amy's Origin Story01:55 Career Journey and Challenges03:38 Role at Anthology and Accessibility Initiatives05:52 AI and Assistive Technology08:45 Ethical Considerations and Human Control16:41 Universal Design for Learning19:13 Future of Accessibility and Career Advice20:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Kenneth Carter, a clinical psychologist and professor, returns to Trending in Education to discuss his work as the founder of Emory University's Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement. Carter and host Mike Palmer explore the challenges and opportunities of translating academic knowledge into accessible and engaging content for the public.   Key takeaways: The Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement at Emory University aims to bridge the gap between academia and the public by helping scholars communicate their research in clear and accessible ways.   The Center hosts events such as the Ideas Festival Emory and the Public Scholarship Academy, which provide scholars with training in media, podcasting, and storytelling.   Carter emphasizes the importance of listening, empathy, and understanding the audience's needs in effective public scholarship.   Why you should listen:This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of public scholarship and the role of academics in making knowledge accessible to wider audiences. Carter's expertise in psychology and his passion for public engagement offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of communicating complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner.   Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts!Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:21 Reintroducing Dr. Kenneth Carter00:43 Public Scholarship and Engagement02:11 The Center's First Year and Signature Events04:11 The Role of Media in Public Engagement09:44 Public Scholarship Academy12:29 Psychology Insights and Public Discourse18:52 Future of Public Scholarship20:59 Conclusion and Takeaways

Dr. Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation, joins Mike Palmer on Trending in Education to discuss the crucial intersection of technology, education, and equity. The conversation explores the persistent lack of diversity in the tech industry and the urgent need to prepare students for the AI-driven future. Dr. Scott emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, ethical considerations, and creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem that benefits everyone. This episode offers valuable insights for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the transformative power of technology and its impact on society. We reference the WEF Future of Jobs Report and the Kapor's Guide to Responsible AI.Key Takeaways: The tech industry is not representative of the population. This lack of diversity limits innovation and economic opportunity. AI is rapidly changing the job market. The fastest-growing jobs and skills are related to AI, big data, and cybersecurity. Critical thinking and ethical considerations are essential in AI development and use. Students need to be prepared to analyze and evaluate AI technologies. Diversity in tech is crucial for creating AI solutions that benefit everyone. A broader understanding of AI will be beneficial across various fields. Educators have a vital role to play in preparing students for the age of AI. They need to foster critical thinking, curiosity, and a passion for learning. Why You Should Listen:Dr. Allison Scott provides a compelling vision for the future of tech education. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in the development and use of AI. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of work, education, and technology.Subscribe to Trending in Education to stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the field.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:43 Dr. Allison Scott's Origin Story01:07 Understanding Inequality in Education02:55 The Kapor Foundation's Mission03:36 The Leaky Tech Pipeline Framework05:40 Responsible AI and Diversity06:52 Preparing the Next Generation for AI10:38 Critical Thinking and AI Education11:25 Future of Work and Skills13:56 Encouraging Innovation and Problem Solving22:04 Philanthropy and Nonprofits in Tech23:19 Conclusion and Takeaways

Steve Shapiro, the co-founder and CEO of Finetune and SVP of AI in assessment for Prometric, joins us to discuss the transformative potential of AI in education and assessment. Shapiro emphasizes that we are still in the nascent stages of AI adoption and that there is vast untapped potential for this technology to revolutionize how we design, deliver, and assess learning experiences.   Key Takeaways: AI is poised to revolutionize education and assessment, but we are still in the early stages of understanding its full potential.   The development of large language models (LLMs) has opened up exciting new possibilities for adaptive learning and personalized assessment.   The integration of AI in education requires a human-centered approach, with educators and learners working in tandem with AI tools.   The future of work will demand adaptability and a willingness to embrace lifelong learning, as AI continues to reshape industries and job roles.   Why You Should Listen:This episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI in education, offering a balanced perspective on both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Shapiro's expertise and experience in the field make for a compelling and informative discussion that will be of interest to educators, technologists, and anyone interested in the future of learning.   Subscribe today and stay informed on the latest trends in education and technology!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Special AI Edition01:09 Steve Shapiro's Origin Story02:58 The Birth and Evolution of FineTune05:13 AI's Role in Assessment09:54 Prometric Acquisition and High-Stakes Exams15:56 The DeepSeek Kerfuffle and AI Market Dynamics20:52 Future of AI in Education and Assessment29:07 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Future of Work33:40 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

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, engaging, and customized to each student's needs.   Community-based design brings together students, parents, educators, and community members to create a shared vision for education.   Schools should be learning engines that constantly evolve to meet the changing needs of students and society.   Subscribe to Trending in Education to hear more insightful conversations like this one with Jenee.

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 intelligence (RQ) is a critical skill that is becoming increasingly important in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. RQ is developed through early childhood experiences, particularly through interactions with parents and caregivers. Parents can foster RQ in their children by being present and engaged with them, and by providing opportunities for unstructured play. RQ is not just important for early childhood development, but for success throughout life. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts! Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

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 importance in providing accessible and job-relevant education.   Equipping Students for the Future: Learn about the essential skills and knowledge that students need to thrive in an ever-changing job market, highlighting the value of a liberal arts education and the development of durable skills.   Subscribe and Stay Informed:Don't miss out on future episodes of Trending in Education, where we bring you more surprising and insightful conversations with leaders and innovators in the field of education. Subscribe now to stay ahead of the curve.

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. K-12, higher education, and the workforce need to collaborate to ensure students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.   The future of education is hopeful. Despite the challenges, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of education.   Call to Action: Educators: Explore ways to integrate AI education into your classroom. Parents: Talk to your children about AI and its impact on their lives. Policymakers: Support policies that promote ethical AI development and use in education. Everyone: Stay informed about the latest developments in AI and its implications for education. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts to support the show and keep up with amazing conversations like this one. Check out video versions of episodes on Youtube and Spotify.