EdSurge Podcast

This podcast explores the effects of technology on children, discussing topics such as early childhood development, 'techno-ference' in parent-child interactions, mindful screen use, challenges in middle childhood, legislation and accountability for tech companies, and controlling tech platforms and tools.

Students share their group project horror stories and a teaching expert provides advice on avoiding such scenarios. The podcast discusses challenges in group projects, including poor coordination and unequal contributions. It emphasizes the importance of selecting group members wisely and grading both process and substance. A successful group project with real stakes and impact is highlighted, along with the need for a more positive approach to group projects.

The Moth's education program and spin-off podcast, Grown, share impactful student stories. They challenge the idea that young adults have it all figured out and explore coming-of-age topics like heartbreaks, first kisses, and body image. A childhood self-portrait project prompts a conversation on racial identity and a person's journey towards self-acceptance.

A documentary explores the need for effective reading instruction as a matter of civil rights. The film follows an educator's reluctant participation and hopes for change. It discusses the failure of early reading instruction and the impact of journalist Emily Hanford's research. Activist Karim Weaver advocates for change, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based curricula. The speaker reflects on their journey, highlighting sacrifices made. The chapter also explores the need for improved reading instruction in teacher training programs.

A professor of urban education dug into the history of school reform in Philadelphia, and came away with questions of what motivates large-scale efforts to change schooling.

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the consideration of race in college admissions has sparked a strong push to also end the consideration of enrollment legacy in admissions. Here’s what’s behind the push and a look at other ways colleges are trying to encourage diversity in light of the new ruling.

Scholars have taken to podcasting, interviewing each other about ideas and sharing their favorite areas of knowledge. Even when audiences are small, this new way of spreading information to a broader public is challenging traditional notions of what counts as research, and who gets to be an authority.

As colleges think about diversity on their campuses, they need to consider issues of class as well as race. Because especially among Black students at selective colleges, there are many types of experiences, argues University of Pennsylvania professor Camille Charles.

A group of researchers developed a tool that uses AI to test and improve digital course materials. On this week’s EdSurge Podcast, two of those researchers talk about how their project won first place in a $1 million education XPrize competition, and what it says about how to best use AI in education.

A Drexel University professor has been researching how to make children’s media more inclusive. And lately he’s been putting his ideas into practice as a creative producer of a new animated show on PBS for 3- to 6-year-olds.