EdSurge Podcast

Elyse Monahan, a former CTE educator and current National Product Sales Specialist at Pearson, dives into the dynamic world of Career and Technical Education. She discusses how CTE programs are shifting to better align with workforce needs, emphasizing real-world skills. Monahan also highlights the growing importance of financial literacy and its integration into education, plus the economic benefits of investing in local education. Throughout, she inspires a passion for lifelong learning, encouraging educators and students alike to embrace continuous growth.

IdeaSpark Episode 0 by EdSurge Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Jean-Marie Laskus, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the creator of "Cement City," shares her insights on the closure of the only school in Donora, Pennsylvania. She highlights how education shapes community identity and the potential revival through a community college initiative. The stories woven into her podcast reveal the deep emotional connections locals have to the vacant school, showcasing resilience in the face of decline. The episode touches on powerful themes of loss, hope, and the importance of documenting small-town narratives.

Trisha Bertram Gallant, Director of the Academic Integrity Office at UC San Diego and co-author of "The Opposite of Cheating," delves into the complexities of student cheating in the AI era. She discusses the importance of understanding students' motivations behind cheating and how this can inform teaching practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to adapt assessment methods to prioritize creativity and engagement. Trisha also highlights the evolving role of academic integrity amidst new technologies, calling for collaboration and open dialogue between students and educators.

Susan Gonzalez, founder of the nonprofit AI and You and member of President Biden's National AI Advisory Committee, teams up with Leo Lowe, a professor at the University of New Mexico focused on AI literacy. They discuss the crucial need for AI literacy in education, comparing it to foundational skills like reading. The duo examines ethical implications of AI, the challenges faced by library professionals, and how AI can enhance writing processes. They also emphasize initiatives to close knowledge gaps in underrepresented communities, advocating for curiosity and adaptation in the face of AI advancements.

We found the theme song for the EdSurge Podcast on a free music library years ago, after spending hours clicking around searching for the right sound. The music turns out to have an unusual origin story, as we learned when we tracked down the artist this week for a conversation about the intersection of music, creativity and teaching.

Tim Lum, a transfer student in his 30s from a two-year college to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, shares his enlightening cultural adjustment journey. He discovers that transfer students often bring higher motivation and engagement than their straight-from-high-school peers. Benjamin Selznick, an associate professor, highlights the need for better support systems and the unique perspectives of these students. They explore how recent challenges, like the pandemic, reshape student experiences and the importance of integrating AI in education for fostering engaged learners.

Lynn Rogoff, a seasoned producer and director of historical stories, and Jared Tenbrink, a doctoral student focused on preserving indigenous culture, discuss the innovative use of AI chatbots for historical education. They explore the potential of chatting with AI versions of figures like Sacagawea while addressing concerns about authenticity and critical thinking. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging with primary sources rather than relying solely on AI. They also celebrate the successful representation of Native perspectives in the arts, paving the way for future storytelling.

Emily Tate Sullivan, a senior reporter at EdSurge focusing on early childhood and K-12 education, discusses the booming trend of smartwatches for kids. She delves into the implications of these devices on child development and family dynamics, addressing safety concerns versus the desire for connectivity. The conversation highlights parental anxieties over technology's impact, balancing monitoring with children's independence, and the challenges faced by families in a digital age. Sullivan shares insights from her in-depth research, revealing the complexities surrounding this modern parenting dilemma.

Terrence Sejnowski, a biology professor at UC San Diego and a pioneer in AI language models, dives into the intriguing parallels between AI chatbots and the human brain. He discusses how AI reveals our limited understanding of human cognition and emphasizes the role of sleep in learning and memory. Their potential in education is highlighted, along with the challenges posed by traditional assessments. Sejnowski also navigates the complexities of human-AI interactions and the importance of creating effective regulations as these technologies evolve.