Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

Roger Spitz is the Author of the new book Disrupt with Impact. He's also the President of Techistential and the Chairman of Disruptive Futures Institute. This is a bonus episode from when Mike first interviewed him about The Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption which he coauthored. We look forward to having Roger back on to talk about his new book, Disrupt with Impact, soon.We begin by hearing Roger's origins in investment banking and M&A before shifting to his focus to futures thinking and the Disruptive Futures Institute. In a wide-ranging conversation that explores concepts and frameworks from the Guide, we learn what it takes to excel in a world of continuous disruption. We explore what we can learn from antifragility, Zen Buddhism, and existential philosophy to equip ourselves with the tools and mindsets essential to thriving in the new state of play. We hear how agency is key to navigating emerging complexity. We touch on the importance of humor, dig into the case study of Israel, and conclude with Roger's takes on the role of education in the emerging zeitgeist. It's a provocative exploration of the transformative work coming out of the Disruptive Futures Institute. Don't miss it!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 enlightening conversation, Dr. Howard Gardner, a Harvard education professor and pioneer of the multiple intelligences theory, shares his journey through developmental psychology. He discusses the critical importance of ethics in education and the implications of AI on our lives. Gardner emphasizes mentorship and the community's role in education while exploring self-actualization amidst modern challenges like mental health and social media's influence. His insights encourage a blend of humanism and creativity in the evolving educational landscape.

 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.

Marcio Sequeira, the Founder and CEO of MOLA, shares his journey from frustration with abstract engineering classes to creating innovative physical model kits for teaching structural concepts. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on, visual learning in architecture, particularly in K-12 education. The conversation covers the integration of emerging technologies like BIM and VR in architecture, alongside addressing environmental concerns. Marcio's insights underscore the balance between artistic vision and functionality, inspiring aspiring architects with tales of persistence and long-term commitment.

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.