When we call someones bluff we often say, “Put your money where your mouth is”. Well, when it comes to arts education in pK-12 most governmental agencies just haven’t anted up. There are several arts initiatives and arts have even been added to STEM creating a lot of STEAM. Yet, we all know that in this age of deliver or die education, curricula that are tested get most of the attention in what is taught in our schools. In this month’s Education Table Talk we will discuss the state of Fine and Performing Arts in pK-12 education as the first of several shows addressing If there is no high stakes test, is it still important? What exciting initiatives are underway, where are the opportunities, and how freeing working in an area without high stakes nationwide assessment can be.

Guests at the table:
Susan McGreevy-Nichols, Executive Director/CEO, National Dance Education OrganizationPaul Reynolds, CEO Co-Founder, FableVisionCheri Sterman, Director, Education Crayola

“And the award goes to…” then you hear your product and company name called. Your friends pat you on the back and your competitors look on with envy. You’ve won an award, now what do you do? In this episode of EdTableTalk we will discuss with our industry experts just what you can do to make the most of that award… turn it into sales, reward for the development team, increase the value of your comapny, and much more. We’ll address how much customers value awards and how who gives the award influences that value. We’ll even touch on what you can do to increase the chances of getting an award and how to accept winning and losing with grace… OK maybe that last one, not so much! We look forward to having you join us at The Table for ‘My product received an award… How can I milk it for all its worth?’

Guests at the table:
Jacob Hanson, Managing Partner, Panache!Randy Wilhelm, CEO and Founder, KnovationKevin Hogan, Editorial Director, Tech & Learning

By definition, school is a place for learning… or is it? The average child in the US spends a fair bit of their waking hours at school and does so from the age of 5-6 to 17-18. This sounds like more of a sentence than an opportunity to learn! An yet, much of our culture depends on children being occupied with school during the work day. in this show we will explore with three education industry experts what education looks like when children are not ‘doing time’ but instead have the opportunity to advance at their pace based on their ability to show they have learned what is required of them. What does this mean for your products and how you assess student understanding? How can your organization prepare to take advantages this model creates. Join us at The Table!

 

Guests at the table:
Christi Wright, Curriculum Manager, Florida Virtual SchoolDavid Adams, Chief Academic Officer, EdmentumDoug Stein, Chief Tech Officer, Metacog (and Victory Productions)

The last thing any of us need is another thing to do so why would you pay to join an education industry organization that doesn’t immediately contribute to your bottom line? Our three guests, all industry leaders, will share with us the benefits they have realized from their engagement with industry associations. Find out why you should join, how to get the greatest benefit from your membership, and hear about all the good work these organizations do to drive quality education, provide access to mission critical information, and advancing the role industry plays as a partner to educate all learners.
Guests at the table:
Lillian Kellogg, Vice President, ENAKate Gilligan, VP Business Development, TexthelpIra Wolfman, President / Chief Consultant, POE Communications

Even in the best organization budgeting can be a dark art. In pK-12 schools, however, the magic takes on a special character. Our guests will discuss the dynamics of school purchases at this time of the year. It used to be that educators could play more free and loose with end of the year funds, however, regulations about how funds are allocated and spent and associated planning mean that there is strategy as to how end of the fiscal year funds become available to address items that otherwise fall between the cracks. In this Education Table Talk we will discuss what sorts of products educators and schools are looking for this time of the year and what funds are available to purchase those products.

Guests at the table:
Larry Buchweitz, Director of Sales at MCH Strategic DataJoyce Whitby, National Vice President of Sales, School MessengerEdwin Wargo, CEO & Founder, 3rd Quote

A considerable amount of time has been spent by publishers on developing educational resources that address different learning styles, making sure that the needs of every child is met. Without pointing fingers, the core issue of ensuring that all learners can engage meaningfully with educational resources has been an after thought. Learners with disabilities need to have access to not just text but also images, interactive simulations, and a variety of manipulatives. While Section 508 dictates that all users regardless of their disability must have access to educational assets this seems to be treated as a recommendation and not a requirement. In this show we will explore ways to architect solutions from early in the development process to address the needs of all learners.

Guests at the table:

George Kerscher, Secretary General at  DAISY ConsortiumRobin Seaman, Director of Content at BenetechClayton Lewis, Professor of Computer Science at University of Colorado, Boulder

The US and Canada are two countries divided by much more than a common border. Despite what many in the US believe, Canada is not only a different country, it has very different education policies and traditions. Governance may seem similar to that in the US, however the context and implications can be very different. Understanding these differences and commonalities may make apparent cross border product opportunities or challenge misconceptions that could lead to costly business errors. On this month’s Education Table Talk we will explore the nature of the Canadian education system and some of the unique opportunities and sand traps to help our listeners engage in more informed cross border business.

 

Guests at the table:

Robert Martellacci, Founder and President at Mindshare Learning  Michael Canuel, CEO at LEARNTerri Reid, Learning Services Coordinator at Black Gold Regional Schools

Airs live on December 15th 2015 @ 11amPT / 2pmET!

While many educators use teaching materials they find and adapt there is still an important role for thoughtful evaluation and review of resources, particularly those that will receive the blessing of a governing agency. These reviews can make it easier or considerably more difficult for a product to gain a toe hold and grow share in a very competitive marketplace. Of course, creating a quality product that addresses an educational need is usually a prerequisite. On this show our guests will bring the perspective reflected in their respective review and evaluation processes as they share with listeners what they and the educators they represent look for in a quality educational offering.

Hosted by Bridget Foster

Guests at the table:

Jackie Lain, Founder and President at Learning ListCristina Marks, Associate Director, State Policy & Implementation Support at Achieve Karl Rectanus, Cofounder & CEO at Learn Trials

Open used to be simply the opposite of closed, however, in the digital age that is no longer exactly true. Many people think that when it comes to software and instructional materials, open means free. Well, it is not that simple as there are many ways to define Open. In this show we will explore the business models that involve Open content and the many dimensions of what it means to be Open. We’ll discuss how existing publishers can join the Open movement and the emerging business models around Open.

 

Guests at the table:

Kathy Perkins, Director of PhET Interactive Simulations at University of Colorado BoulderRandy Reina, Working at the crossroads of educational technology, systems interoperabilty, and organizational developmentMarc Oswald, Co-founder and CEO of Open Assessment Technologies (OAT)

Our industry leader guests will explore what constitutes a book, the role of multiple media, challenges managing learning assets, and the impact of addressing the evolving needs of primary and secondary education on the strategy and tactics of being a publisher. This Education Table Talk episode was recorded live at the Franfurt Book Fair. 

Guests at the table:

Udi Chatow, Senior Strategist and Program Director at HPElmar Husmann, Deputy Secretary General at European Learning Industry GroupFrank Thalhofer, Managing Director at Cornelsen Schulverlage