Mike Palmer speaks with Rekha Magon, co-founder and head of education at Boundless Life, who joins from Bali to discuss her innovative approach to global education. We explore how Rekha's background in mindfulness and her experience homeschooling her children led her to create a network of micro-schools across beautiful locations including Portugal, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and Spain.Rekha shares how Boundless Life provides a turnkey solution for families wanting to slow travel the world, combining furnished apartments, co-working spaces, and Montessori-inspired education with Finnish pedagogical methods. We discuss how the pandemic created the perfect conditions for reimagining education, leading many families to seek alternatives that blend travel, community, and experiential learning.The conversation delves into how Boundless Life's educational model emphasizes real-world problem-solving, cultural immersion, and mixed-age learning environments. Rekha explains how these experiences help develop crucial soft skills like adaptability and communication that will serve children well in an uncertain future.Key takeaways: Mixed-age classrooms foster natural leadership and collaboration while reducing unhealthy competition among peers Slow travel and cultural immersion help children develop essential soft skills like adaptability and communication that AI cannot replicate Parents can nurture their children's natural love of learning by thinking outside traditional educational models, whether traveling or staying local We conclude with advice for parents and educators about nurturing children's natural love of learning, whether through travel or finding creative alternatives closer to home.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer sits down with Josh Wright, Executive Vice President of Growth, Education and Government for Lightcast, to discuss the future of work and workforce demographic shifts. We dive deep into Lightcast's report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage." Josh shares insights on the demographic drought facing the workforce, including accelerated baby boomer retirements, declining birth rates, and decreasing labor force participation.We explore the potential impacts of these trends on various industries and regions, as well as possible solutions such as automation, immigration, and improved career navigation. The conversation highlights the crucial role of community colleges and local workforce development initiatives in addressing these challenges.Key takeaways: The US is facing a significant workforce shortage due to demographic shifts, with impacts varying by industry and region. Local, data-driven approaches to workforce development and education are essential for addressing these challenges. There's a growing need for skills-based hiring and more agile, adaptable training programs to prepare workers for the changing job market. Don't miss out on more insightful conversations like this one – Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the HolonIQ Back to School Summit in New York City, we catch up with Sara Leoni, CEO & Founder of Ziplines Education, for a candid hallway conversation. Sara shares her journey from Division I softball player to EdTech entrepreneur, discussing how her athletic background shaped her leadership style and business acumen.We dive into Ziplines Education's mission to accelerate careers by partnering with higher education institutions to deliver industry-focused certificates. Sara explains how they're addressing the skills gap for adult learners, particularly in Middle America, by offering programs in digital marketing, business analytics, project management, and more.The conversation touches on the rapidly evolving landscape of tech-enabled careers and the increasing importance of continuous learning. We explore how Ziplines is integrating generative AI into their curriculum and why they've launched a course on AI prompting.Key takeaways: Ziplines Education focuses on partnering with public institutions to serve the underrepresented middle-American market. The half-life of skills is shortening, necessitating ongoing education and upskilling. Understanding the unique needs of the education market is crucial for EdTech entrepreneurs. Join us for this insightful discussion on the future of work, the importance of industry-recognized credentials, and how Ziplines Education is helping adult learners navigate the rapidly changing job market. Subscribe where you pod. Spread the word.

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Jane Oates, senior policy advisor at Working Nation, for her third (fridge-magnet-earning) appearance on the show. Jane and Mike dive deep into workforce development, education, and the role of technology in shaping the future of work. We discuss Working Nation's "Breaking Barriers" series, the challenges of implementing new technologies in education and workforce development, and strategies for encouraging employee upskilling and AI literacy.Key takeaways: Employers should provide time and opportunities for employees to explore and learn new technologies, including AI, in the workplace. Diversity in all forms, including diversity of thought and experience, is crucial for innovation and problem-solving in the workforce. Short-term credentials and stackable certificates can provide accessible pathways for career advancement, especially for those who may not pursue traditional college degrees. Don't forget to subscribe to Trending in Education to ensure you don't miss out on more insightful conversations like this one with Jane Oates and other leaders in the education and workforce development space.

Mike Palmer welcomes Marcio Sequeira, founder and CEO of MOLA, to discuss structural engineering education and the future of architecture.Marcio shares his background and how his interest in architecture and structures was influenced by his parents' careers in steel construction and physics. He explains how he developed MOLA, a physical model kit that uses springs and magnets to teach structural concepts, out of frustration with abstract structural engineering classes in university.We explore the importance of hands-on, visual learning in architectural education and how MOLA helps students develop intuition about building behavior. Marcio discusses MOLA's use in university settings, including at MIT for teaching structural dynamics.The conversation touches on the balance between artistic vision and functionality in architecture, using examples like Gaudi's work in Barcelona. We discuss the challenges of teaching architectural concepts earlier in K-12 education and the potential for tools like MOLA to spark interest in the field.Marcio shares insights on emerging trends in architecture, including the increasing use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in Brazil. We also explore the impact of climate change and environmental concerns on architectural design.The episode concludes with Marcio's advice for aspiring architects and educators, emphasizing the value of persistence and long-term vision. He shares that MOLA took 20 years from concept to a successful company, highlighting the importance of dedication in pursuing one's goals.Key takeaways: Hands-on, visual learning tools like MOLA can significantly enhance structural engineering education. Integrating architectural concepts earlier in K-12 education could help spark interest in the field. Persistence and long-term vision are crucial for success in both education and entrepreneurship. Subscribe to Trending in Education to make sure you never miss a great conversation like this one! Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure and former mechanical engineer, discusses his unique journey into education technology. He highlights the shift towards flexible education pathways that recognize diverse skills over traditional degrees. Daly delves into the promise of AI in reducing administrative burdens while emphasizing the necessity of human interaction. He also shares insights on how technology is reshaping workforce readiness and the importance of personalized learning experiences. Finally, he offers valuable career advice drawn from his extensive experience in the tech industry.

Kicking off our 9th Season of Trending in Education, we're joined by James Rhyu, CEO of Stride, Inc., formerly known as K12. With 25 years experience in the education technology space, Stride offers unique perspectives on the evolving landscape of K-12 education.Rhyu, who started his career in accounting and finance, found his way to education through a personal situation and a fortuitous job offer. Now in his 13th year with the company, he's developed a deep appreciation for the needs of families in education. We discuss how the pandemic has changed perceptions of online learning. While many families struggled during this time, it also opened eyes to new possibilities in education. Rhyu emphasizes the importance of recognizing teachers' efforts during this challenging period.The conversation turns to personalized learning and the role of AI in education. James cautions against rushing to implement AI without careful consideration, especially in K-12 education where error rates could have significant impacts on children's learning.We explore Stride's approach to personalized learning, which includes not just academic content but also addressing students' emotional and physical needs. Rhyu envisions a future where AI can help create individualized learning plans and assist teachers with administrative tasks like lesson planning.The discussion broadens to the concept of treating families as customers in education. James argues for giving families more choices and respecting their understanding of what's best for their children. He draws parallels to other industries that have evolved to be more customer-focused over the past 25 years.Looking ahead, Rhyu sees innovation as key to improving the educational experience. This could involve offering more flexibility in learning formats, integrating technology effectively, and adapting to how students consume information through short-form videos and gaming.We wrap up with Rhyu's advice for listeners, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning in addition to pursuing passion and taking risks. He also calls for depoliticizing education and focusing on what's best for children and families.As we conclude, James reminds us that K-12 education is about the future of our country and our children. He urges us to put aside political differences and concentrate on what truly matters - the kids.Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp perspectives on what's new and emergent in the world of learning.

In this episode of Trending in Education, we sit down with Mike Yates, a senior designer at Teach for America's Reinvention Lab. Mike shares his journey from a student who hated school to becoming an innovative educator and AI enthusiast. We explore his experiences in various educational settings, including juvenile detention centers and experimental schools, and how these shaped his approach to teaching and learning.Mike discusses his current work at Teach for America's Reinvention Lab, where he focuses on leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes. We delve into the potential of generative AI in education and the importance of making these tools accessible to students and educators alike. Mike references the work of Ruha Benjamin as an influence in his understanding of the promise and perils of technology.Throughout the conversation, Yates emphasizes the need for educators to stay connected with youth culture, using platforms like TikTok to understand and engage with students more effectively. We also touch on the risks and opportunities presented by AI in education, including issues of bias and equity.Key takeaways from the episode include: The importance of putting AI tools in the hands of young people to foster creativity and future employability. The need for educators to become media literate and engage with platforms like TikTok to stay relevant to their students. The crucial role of human interaction in education, even as we integrate more AI technology. We conclude with Mike's insightful reminder that the most effective use of AI in education should create more room for meaningful human moments.Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Check out video versions of the podcast on Youtube and Spotify.

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Dr. Joshua R. Eyler, author of Failing Our Future: How Grades Harm Students and What We Can Do About It. We dive deep into the complex world of grading systems and their impact on students' learning and well-being.Dr. Eyler, who directs the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Mississippi, shares his journey from English professor to educational researcher. We explore the historical context of grading, its unintended consequences, and the growing movement for grading reform.Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, including: The psychological impact of grades on students' motivation and mental health How traditional grading systems can reinforce societal inequities Alternative assessment methods, such as standards-based grading and portfolio assessments The challenges of institutional change in education The role of grades in the evolving landscape of work and artificial intelligence Key takeaways: Grades often hinder the natural learning process and can contribute to mental health issues among students. There's a growing movement towards alternative grading systems that prioritize learning over evaluation. Rethinking grading practices could better prepare students for the future of work, which demands creativity and risk-taking. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply interested in the future of education, this episode offers valuable insights into how we might reimagine assessment to better serve learners and society. Subscribe where you get your pods. Video versions now live on Youtube and Spotify.

In this episode of Trending in Education, we dive into the exciting world of immersive learning with Josh Reibel, CEO of Dreamscape Learn. We explore how virtual reality and cinematic storytelling are revolutionizing education, particularly in STEM fields. Josh shares insights on Dreamscape Learn's innovative approach, which combines Hollywood-style narratives with rigorous academic content to create engaging, interactive learning experiences.We discuss the company's origins, its collaboration with Arizona State University, and the impressive results they've seen in student engagement and performance. Josh explains how their VR experiences work, from asynchronous biology labs to synchronous classroom sessions, and how they're addressing scalability challenges.Throughout the conversation, we touch on various topics including: The process of creating immersive learning content The impact of avatar-based interactions on student participation The potential applications of generative AI in their platform The importance of maintaining academic rigor while leveraging entertainment techniques Key takeaways from the episode include: Immersive learning experiences can significantly increase student engagement and success rates, particularly in challenging STEM courses. The combination of Hollywood storytelling techniques and academic content creates a powerful tool for capturing and maintaining student attention. While creating high-quality immersive content is complex, there's growing potential for educators to develop their own experiences using accessible tools. We conclude with Josh's insights on innovation in education technology and his vision for the future of learning spaces as "departure hubs" rather than isolated classrooms.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning.