Silver Lining for Learning

Celebrating 250 Episodes: Hosts Reflect with Chris Dede, Curt Bonk. Lydia Cao, Yong Zhao, & Punya Mishra  Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org 

Raaghav Pandya, a professor and director at the Innervate Makerspace, blends contemplative practices with STEM education. Talya Stein, Senior Program Manager at NYC FIRST, specializes in creating makerspaces to empower NYC students in STEM. They discuss how contemplation fosters innovative learning through hands-on projects and design challenges. Raaghav shares insights on the balance between open-ended creativity and structured guidance in teaching, while Talya emphasizes the transformative power of making in engaging students beyond traditional methods.

The twenty-first century is filled with exciting learning pathways leading to innovations in degrees and novel credentialing opportunities. One such innovation is the micro-credential. A micro-credential is a record of the skills or learning outcomes that one has acquired. Typically, the skills and competencies can be assessed and validated in a clear and transparent way by a trusted provider. Along the way, these skills might complement or contribute to other micro-credentials. Micro-credentials are also a flexible, accessible, and cost-effective way for individuals to keep up with the constantly changing demands of the workplace. Adult learners who lack time or sufficient funds for formal residential degree programs find micro-credentials highly attractive and beneficial for their life goals and ambitions as well as the practical realities of maintaining one's employment in a fast-changing job market.  Ironically, the notion of the micro-credential breaths new life into the term lifelong learning. Other terms for micro-credential include nano degree, digital badge, open badge, mini degree, and certificate. In this episode of Silver Lining for Learning, we will hear from leaders in Mauritius about what has been taking place in their country in terms of micro-credentials. Recent government reports from Mauritius describe a national framework from regarding micro-credential for both Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Higher Education (HE). For those wanting to learn more, some references are offered below. Note, in the coming months, we will likely have a follow-up to this episode or two on micro-credential in other parts of Africa. Exciting! Stay tuned.National Credit Value and Transfer System and Micro Credentials Framework in Mauritius, Professor (Dr) Romeela Mohee, CSK, April 11, 2005; Available: https://inq.gov.ao/pt/programas/ppt-3_mauritius_ncvts-and-mc_hec_prof-r-mohee.pdfMicro-credentials in Mauritius: towards a national framework for TVET and higher education (2025). Michaela Martin and Mairéad Nic Giolla Mhichíl, UNESCOhttps://www.iiep.unesco.org/en/publication/micro-credentials-mauritius-towards-national-framework-tvet-and-higher-education; Available: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000392521Micro-credentials in Mauritius (2024, June 18). Dr Ramesh RamdassProf Romeela Mohee, the Higher Education Commissioner of Mauritius Prof Romeela Mohee is currently the Higher Education Commissioner of Mauritius, whereby she is responsible for regulating all public and private universities, as well as funding of public universities in Mauritius. She is driving transformative projects at national level, and the Technology-Enabled Learning Project for public universities. Recently she had led the development of AI guidelines for Higher Education and AI capacity building for academics in Mauritius. Prof Romeela Mohee holds an engineering degree in Energy and Environment from a Grande Ecole d’Ingenieurs, the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon, France, (under a French Scholarship) and a PhD from the University of Mauritius. She has been decorated by the Mauritian government in 2014 as the Commander of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean and decorated by the French government as ‘Officier dans l’Ordre National du Merite in 2016. Prof. Mohee has 36 years of academic experience as a Professor and Head of Department in the field of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, as well as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering from 2009 to 2012. She has also held the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Mauritius, the national university regrouping 10,000 students from 2013 to 2016. She was also the National Research Chair in Solid Waste Management at the Mauritius Research Council.Prof Mohee is an experienced Education Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the development of higher education models and policies. She has worked at the Commonwealth of Learning from 2017 to 2020 as an Education Specialist and has assisted many Commonwealth member states in their development of higher education policies and strategies. She expertly guided governments and institutions on e-learning for sustainable development, quality assurance and employability. She has published over 200 international research and conference papers, edited 8 books, 4 book chapters, and has supervised to date more than 50 undergraduate and 30 masters and doctoral students in the field of energy and environmental engineering. Scopus ID: 19934178700 and h-index: 29. Professor Mohee has received a number of awards and recognitions including the winner of the African Union best woman scientist award for Science Technology and Innovation in 2009. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and a Fellow of the Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (FMAST), Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers UK (F IChemE) and she is among others an Associate member of the International Association of Universities (IAU). She is also a Member of the Steering Committee for the Research Management Programme in Africa (ReMPro Africa).Dr. WJ Green, Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Higher EducationDr Green is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Higher Education, an organisation mandated to conduct research on higher education, monitor trends in higher education, provide advice to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, and the apex organization for quality assurance of higher education in South Africa. He was previously the Chief-Director: Teaching, Learning and Research Development in the South African Department of Higher Education and Training. Dr Green has worked in a range of education settings, having served as a high school teacher, as a teacher education college lecturer, and as lecturer and senior lecturer at university level. He holds a Bachelor of Science, Higher Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Education Honours, Master of Education, all from the University of Natal/KwaZulu-Natal he earned his PhD from the University of Stellenbosch.Kirti Menon, Programme Director for the University of JohannesburgAssociate Professor Kirti Menon is the Programme Director for the University of Johannesburg - Department of Higher Education Future Professors Programme Phase 2. She is the Project Lead for UJ on the EU funded project the Potential of Microcredentials in Southern Africa. Until 2024 she was the Senior Director of the Division for Teaching Excellence at the University of Johannesburg. She has served on several national task teams, and her research focus is higher education with a focus on access, exclusion and redress. She is a Research Associate affiliated with the UJ Faculty of Education. She is widely published in the field of higher education, curriculum transformation, social exclusion and access. More recently, publications include a focus curriculum transformation commissioned by the CHE based on institutional audit reports.Kirti Menon: Google Scholar Profile; https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZePBm3sAAAAJ&hl=enResearch Profile available at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kirti-Menon Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org 

Episode 247 | Finding "Talent Together" for Free Teacher Training in MichiganWe need teachers. Despite the rumors of AI replacing teachers, in 2025, the country and the entire world is in need of teachers . And we need a society concerned for and supportive of education. In Michigan, there is one solution called Talent Together. Is it a success? Well, it is currently the largest registered apprentice program for teacher certification in the country. Listen or watch Episode #247 of Silver Lining for Learning and find out more.  During this episode, we will hear from Dr. Sarena Shivers who is the CEO and Excecutive Director of the program. Dr. Shivers will describe how Talent Together helps Michiganders become certified teachers. Amazingly, candidates receive their education FREE while earning an income. Importantly, it offers flexible pathways that center on each candidates needs. For more information, see Talent Together:  https://mitalenttogether.org/team. See Talent TogetherDr. Sarena Shivers- Talent Together CEO/Executive DirectorDr. Sarena Shivers is currently the CEO/Executive Director of Michigan’s Talent Together, the nation’s largest registered apprentice program for teacher certification in the country and the largest grow-your-own program in Midwest. With over three decades of experience in education – including over 20 years as an administrator. Dr. Shivers has a profound background of serving children, families and educators. Her career has spanned roles as a teacher, principal, program director, assistant superintendent and superintendent. In 2018, Dr. Shivers was recognized as a nominee for Michigan’s Superintendent of the Year. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Executive Director of Professional learning for the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA), where she supported and fostered professional growth for superintendents and education leaders statewide.In addition to her storied career as a school leader, Dr. Shivers has also earned national recognition, including serving a four-year term on the Board of Directors for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASDC). Known for her compassionate, adaptive, and resilient approach Sarena has made a tremendous impact on the education landscape here in the state of Michigan. In 2022, Dr. Shivers founded The Elijah Shivers JPS Foundation of Hope, a non-profit focused on research, awareness and patient advocacy for a rare disease, juvenile polyposis syndrome that her son was diagnosed with in 2012. In 2025, Dr. Shivers also launched her own leadership pipeline program—Midwest School Leaders of Color Network. Sarena is focused on leaving a legacy of BIPOC principals, central office administrators and superintendents in Michigan and 5 surrounding Midwest states.Dr. Shivers stays close to teaching, learning and leadership and remained on faculty at Eastern, Concordia and Madonna Universities working with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level education candidates. On a personal level, Sarena is a writer and enjoys writing poetry and short stories. Dr. Shivers for years has worked across business, ministry and the healthcare sector and trains in ministry, public speaking, and public safety. She is active in the community through various board appointments, organizations, volunteerism and social justice/equity activism. Education at every level and in every way has and will always be her purpose and passion!Amy Peterson-Talent Together Regional Program Director.Amy Peterson Bio. Ever since childhood, I’ve had a passion for teaching. After graduating from Central Michigan University, I spent 27 years at Collins Elementary in Houghton Lake, Michigan, serving as a preschool teacher/director, first grade teacher, and elementary/middle school principal. I then became Superintendent/Principal of Mackinac Island Public School, where I worked to expand opportunities and build strong connections with stakeholders. Now as Regional Program Director for Talent Together in Northern Michigan, I’m committed to supporting educators, fostering collaboration, and helping students and staff succeed. I live in Thompson in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where my husband and I enjoy visits from our three adult children at our cabin on Lake Michigan.Chelsea Burke- Talent Together Educator Development SpecialistChelsea Burke is an Educator Development Specialist with Talent Together, supporting teachers across Northern Michigan, primarily in the Upper Peninsula. She earned her undergraduate degree in K–12 Special Education from Northern Michigan University, a master’s degree in special education with a focus in Autism from Oakland University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Northern Michigan University. Before her current role, Chelsea spent over a decade as a special education teacher and served as a behavior and autism consultant. Over the last decade she has worked as a contingent instructor at Northern Michigan University, supporting future special educators. She lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her two daughters and enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors whenever possible.Ken Taylor- Talent Together Teacher Graduate Ken Taylor Bio. My path to the classroom has been anything but traditional—but every step led me closer to where I was meant to be. I began with a degree in Theatre & Entertainment Arts from Northern Michigan University, followed by careers in law enforcement, funeral service, and over a decade as a school resource officer at the Hannahville Indian Community. With an inspiration to make an even greater impact in children’s lives I applied and was accepted as a Talent Together Resident Apprentice for the 2024-2025 school year.  I have since graduated from Talent Together and am now teaching my own 4th grade classroom at Menominee Elementary School in Menominee, Michigan. Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org 

Hosts reflect with Yong Zhao, Curt Bonk and Punya Mishra Silver Lining for Learning is an ongoing conversation on the future of learning with educators and education leaders from across the globe. Hosted by Chris Dede, Curt Bonk, Lydia Cao, Punya Mishra & Yong Zhao, these conversations began under the “dark cloud” of the COVID19 crisis and continue today. We see these conversations as space to discuss the creation of equitable, humanistic and sustainable learning ecosystems that meet the needs of all learners. These conversations are hosted every Saturday and are archived on https://silverliningforlearning.org Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org 

Michael Jacobsen, an Economics and Business Innovation teacher, Sam Franzway, an early-career English and Humanities educator and comedian, and Shayanne Lim, a Year 11 student, delve into their transformative experiences at a summer camp in Beijing. They discuss how students explored AI's role in personalized learning, moving beyond traditional methods. Insightful reflections on curriculum reform emphasize creativity and collaboration while uncovering intrinsic motivations. The conversation reveals how embracing AI can redefine education and foster human interdependence.

What does it take to reimagine school from the inside out?ASU Prep Academy is an innovative, tuition-free public charter school network, serving students from Pre-K to grade 12. They also partner with other innovative schools to serve students across the US and around the world.In this episode of Silver Lining for Learning, we explore how ASU Preparatory Academy is designing innovative new school models that center student agency, hybrid learning, and real-world relevance. From microschools and flexible high schools to project-based learning across all grade levels and immersive tech experiences, ASU Prep is redefining what learning can look like. Its mission is to prepare students for college, careers, and life by combining rigorous academics with innovative learning models. Through options that include in-person campuses, hybrid programs, and ASU Prep Digital, students can personalize their educational experience and, in many cases, begin earning university credit while still in high school. With a strong emphasis on access, innovation, and preparing students for the future, ASU Prep Academy provides opportunities for learners across Arizona and beyond.These efforts are powered by the unique opportunity of being embedded within Arizona State University, one of the most innovative universities in the world—providing access to cutting-edge resources, partnerships, and a culture of experimentation that helps turn visionary school design into reality. Our latest models include a partnership with famous economist and author of Freakonomics, Steve Levitt, to create The Levitt Lab at ASU Tempe, Khan World School with Sal Khan of Khan Academy, and embedding real-world learning on ASU campuses and beyond through our Digital+ programs.Our guests, Megan Hanley, Executive Director of School Design, and Rachna Mathur, Senior STEM Strategist and AI researcher, share how their work blends personalized learning, emerging technologies like generative AI and VR, and bold pedagogical design.More about our guests below the videohttps://youtu.be/EWmBuwpByFwAbout our guests:Megan Hanley, Executive Director of School Design @ ASU PrepMegan Hanley is the Executive Director of School Design at ASU Prep. In this role, Megan helps to lead the innovation teams at ASU Prep including the Professional Development and Learning Initiatives, new school models including Khan World School and The Levitt Lab, college and career awareness, and STEM related projects. Megan has 16 years of experience in the field of education in Washington DC and Arizona, covering Pre-K–12th grade, having worked as a teacher, family advocate, program manager, educational and admissions coordinator, and as an Assistant Principal.Originally from Tempe, Arizona, Megan attended George Washington University where she received her Bachelor’s in Arts and George Mason University where she received her Master’s in Education.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-hanley-238261a/The Levitt Lab: https://asuprep.asu.edu/tempe-levitt-lab/Khan World School: https://asuprep.asu.edu/khan-world-school/Dr. Rachna Mathur, Sr. STEM Strategist @ ASU PrepRachna Mathur is a STEM educator, computer engineer, and Kathak dancer with over two decades of experience bridging industry and education. A former software architect at Intel, she now serves as the STEM Strategist at ASU Preparatory Academy and founder of STEMology Club, championing K–12 initiatives in AI, robotics, and emerging tech. Rachna holds an Ed.D. from Arizona State University, where her research focused on AI literacy and ethical adoption of GenAI in schools.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachnamathur/Personal: https://www.rachnamathur.com/ Upcoming Event: https://tinyurl.com/microspark-2025 Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org 

Transforming Education with AI in India with Dr. Vinnie Jauhari, Ms. Swati Ganguly and Ms. Meenakshi UberoiIndia stands at the cusp of a transformative era in education, fueled by the integration of AI and digital technologies across its vast and diverse school ecosystem. With trailblazing leaders like Dr Vinnie Jauhari, Director Education at Microsoft Elevate, Swati Ganguly, CEO and Founder of Juana Technologies, and Meenakshi Uberoi, CEO and Founder of De Pedagogics, driving the movement, schools are embracing innovative tools that personalize learning, bridge educational divides, and empower both educators and students. From adaptive learning platforms and AI-powered assessments to immersive digital classrooms, these advancements are fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration while making education more inclusive and accessible. Indian educators are leveraging digital content, real-time analytics, and cloud-based solutions to create engaging learning experiences that cater to students’ unique needs, regardless of their geography or background.This transformation, however, is more than just the adoption of new tools—it signifies a cultural shift towards lifelong learning and digital citizenship. AI-driven insights are enabling teachers to identify learning gaps early, offer targeted interventions, and ensure holistic development. Meanwhile, initiatives led by organizations such as Microsoft Elevate, Juana Technologies, and De Pedagogics are equipping teachers with the skills and confidence needed to navigate this digital landscape, fostering a mindset of innovation and adaptability. As India continues to invest in digital infrastructure and upskilling, the promise of AI in education lies not just in boosting academic outcomes, but also in preparing the next generation to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy, making the dream of an empowered, future-ready India a tangible reality. The podcast focuses on how partnership between Microsoft and Training partners alongside Education leaders and teachers enabled creation of light house institutions. It also focuses on what it took hundreds of schools to make that transformative leap and get global recognition for their work. The podcast shares insights into some unique partnerships with State and National Boards of Education in India and scale interventions for skilling and teachers have been initiated.More below the videohttps://youtu.be/gE2J-uwyg7EReadings and Resources:Explore MS Learn for assets for skilling of Educators and students- Training | Microsoft Learn. This has free access to over 4500 modules on various areas such as AI, Security, Data Sciences, Cloud courses, pedagogical innovation for teachers. Create a profile and join for free and start a great skilling journey with Microsoft Learn.Explore MS Elevate to explore offerings for supporting skilling and education initiatives in Schools Elevating Communities | Microsoft ElevateExplore the AI for Education Resources on the link AI for education | Microsoft LearnInnovate with Teaching Pedagogy. The link to Educator Center on  MS Learn is here https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/educator-center/programs/msle/overviewDevelop Applied AI Skilling through Hands on Labs here Microsoft Applied Skills | Microsoft LearnWhat does MS report say on leveraging AI in Education. Read more 2025 AI in Education: A Microsoft Special ReportLink to Shikshana Intervention on AI in Govt Schools Bing VideosLearning Accelerators in Education- Do the complete pathway for free at the link here Learning Accelerators for educators - Training | Microsoft Learn. It helps with increasing reading fluency with Reading Coach, Maths Skills with Maths Progress, confident presentations with Speaker Progress, Search Coach, AnalyticsAI for Educators- AI for educators - Training | Microsoft LearnEpisode GuestsDr. Vinnie Jauhari – Director Education, Microsoft Elevate, Microsoft CorporationDr. Vinnie Jauhari is a distinguished leader in education transformation at Microsoft India, where she spearheads strategic initiatives with the Ministry of Education, universities, and education boards. With a Ph.D. from IIT Delhi and a Postdoctoral Fellowship from United Nations University, Tokyo, she brings deep expertise in  Education technology, evangelism and AI-led innovation.Her work has impacted millions of educators and students across India, notably through large-scale skilling programs such as the Andhra Pradesh initiative, which certified nearly 100,000 students in AI, Data Science, and Cloud technologies. She has co-developed curricula in AI, Coding, and Data Science with national boards like CBSE and IB, earning recognition from India’s Minister of Education in 2023.Vinnie has cultivated vibrant educator communities, including the Microsoft Expert Educator network and Showcase Schools, driving national and global acclaim. A prolific academic, she has authored 13 books and published over 100 research papers. Her contributions have earned her multiple global awards, she was recently invited to speak at Harvard University’s AI Conference in March 2025. She won the Education Trailblazer award in August 2025 by InkWomen x Second Act for her contributions to the realm of Education.She has launched International Journals such as Journal of Services Research and Journal of Technology Management for Growing Economies and has led several global conferences in the realm of Services Management in partnership with international universities such as Oxford Brookes University, UK; Virginia Tech University, USA, Penn State University. She has edited several editions of International Journals like Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.Her work in Education at Microsoft had significant impact on  Education ecosystem in India leading to skilling of teachers in School and Higher Education, skill initiatives in School and Higher Education and adoption of AI curriculum in School Boards and Universities.Swati Ganguly – Director & Co-Founder – Juana Technologies Pvt Ltd.Swati Ganguly is the Director and Co-Founder of Juana Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and a pioneering force in India’s EdTech landscape. With over 27 years of experience spanning academic leadership, curriculum innovation, inclusive education, and large-scale teacher training, she has positioned herself at the forefront of digital transformation in K–12 education. Under her visionary leadership, Juana Technologies has pioneered hands-on, AI-integrated learning solutions such as the AI-Plex kits and the NEXO LMS platform, which have been widely adopted across CBSE and state-affiliated schools in India. Swati’s work extends beyond technological innovations. She has been instrumental in enabling real systemic change through her grassroots initiatives. Through Project Nawal, she has brought digital literacy and foundational technology skills to underprivileged children in urban slums, while the Unnati Program empowers LGBTQ+ youth with access to training in emerging technologies, paving the way for equitable employment opportunities.A Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and NABET-certified auditor, Swati has also served as a resource person to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) since 2009, also contributing to the design and delivery of contemporary curricula in AI, coding, and digital pedagogy. With a Post-Graduation in the Comprehensive Management of Children with Learning Disorders, from the Spastic Society of Karnataka, Bangalore, she has also been a Special Educator since 2008.Adding to her role as a Special Educator and an Educationist, she also holds a diploma in Counselling Skills, from Banjara Academy. Her ability to lead and monitor, made her become a Certified Auditor from National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET). In her role as an Auditor, she actively Monitors, Supervises and Audits the organizations who partner with National Accreditation Board for Education and Training, for accreditation.Her partnerships with institutions such as AICTE, NASSCOM Foundation, and SMART Technologies have further amplified her national footprint, particularly in building capacity among educators to adapt to 21st-century classrooms. Swati’s academic grounding—bolstered by a Ph.D. in Education and Social Welfare, and advanced qualifications in special education and counselling—reflects her deeply inclusive approach to learning. Her leadership represents a rare fusion of strategic foresight, empathetic pedagogy, and scalable innovation, making her a powerful advocate for future-ready education that is both transformative and human-centered.Meenakshi Uberoi – CEO, Education Evangelist and Founder, De PedagogicsMeenakshi Uberoi is a passionate education consultant committed to helping schools and educators reimagine teaching and learning through thoughtful pedagogy, purposeful technology integration, and sustained professional development. With over two decades of experience, she is a well-established name in the education industry for providing high quality, innovative and non-traditional approach to teaching-learning. Through high-level consultancy, training services, and student workshops, she along with her team has supported over 600 schools, trained over 200,000 teachers and equipped over 100,000 students with future-ready skills over the few last years and they continue to grow their outreach each year. She has collaborated with hundreds of schools across India to support meaningful shifts in classroom practice and build inclusive, learner-centered environments.As a certified AI-in-Education trainer, Microsoft Educator Fellow, Adobe Express Trainer, and author for Cambridge University Press and Assessment, Meenakshi works at the intersection of pedagogy, content, and emerging technologies. She leads initiatives such as the AI School Program by De Pedagogics, which empowers educators to explore AI with intention, redesign tasks, and create engaging, personalized learning experiences. Her community-driven programs include Tech Talk Tuesday for Teachers, a weekly series on digital pedagogy, and Pedagogy Pods, an open-format talk show where educators share real classroom stories about fostering collaboration, reflection, and innovation in education.Meenakshi’s approach is rooted in digital pedagogy, ethical reasoning, storytelling, and a deep commitment to learner agency. She shares her work and insights on global platforms including DIDAC, TIESS, FICCI ARISE, and others, contributing to international conversations on equity, AI, and innovation in education. Her mission is to support educators in building dynamic, responsive learning ecosystems that meet the needs of today’s diverse learners equipping them to be future-ready.LinkedIn: Meenakshi Uberoi                                                                           Email: meenakshi@depedagogics.com Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org 

Join Keith Sawyer, a leading expert on creativity from UNC Chapel Hill, and Steve DeFrank, an acclaimed artist and educator at the School of Visual Arts, as they explore innovative art education. They discuss how top art schools teach creativity beyond traditional inspiration myths, emphasizing practical methods and the importance of perception. Delve into the synergy of art and improvisation, the balance between tradition and innovation, and how societal labels can shape personal identity in the creative realm.

Hosts reflect with Lydia Cao, Chris Dede, Punya Mishra, Yong Zhao & Curt Bonk Join the conversation at silverliningforlearning.org