In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer chats with Sophie Smith, a recent college graduate who turned a viral TikTok into a thriving ed-tech startup. Sophie shares her journey from scrambling to fill her summer with internships during the pandemic to accidentally attracting hundreds of high schoolers to a leadership program overnight. This surprising turn of events led her to recognize the desperate need for accessible college admissions guidance. Sophie's enterprise now bridges the gap between students and university admissions by linking them with near-peer mentors who are current undergraduates. They discuss the evolving role of AI in education and how her platform maintains a crucial human element in the college preparation process. Sophie emphasizes the importance of starting the college admissions process early and encourages a mindful approach to understanding and navigating the landscape of higher education.

Guest Links:
1. College Contact: https://www.yourcollegecontact.com/
2. Sophie Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-smith273/

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer engages with Justin Reich, an MIT faculty member who critically examines the rapid evolution of AI and its implications in the educational landscape. Reich provides a nuanced perspective, challenging the prevailing excitement around AI's exponential growth and its integration into educational settings. He discusses the historical context of AI development, notably the shift from GPT-3 to GPT-3.5, and raises concerns about the sustainability of improvements in AI technologies given the finite nature of data sources. Reich also explores the classification of technologies as either adoption or arrival technologies, with AI posing unique challenges due to its sudden and pervasive emergence. Throughout the discussion, Reich emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's operational mechanics and advocates for a thoughtful and informed approach to integrating AI in educational practices, highlighting potential risks and the need for a critical assessment of new tools. His insights urge educators to consider both the immediate and long-term effects of AI on teaching and learning dynamics.

Guest Links:

1. Justin Reich's podcast, the Teach Lab Podcast: Teach Lab Podcast
2. Justin Reich's professional group at MIT, the Teaching Systems Lab: Teaching Systems Lab
3. A specific subsection for AI-related content on the Teaching Systems Lab website: TSL MIT AI

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer engages with Monica Burns, a former New York City public school teacher and the voice behind the popular Class Tech Tips blog and podcast. Monica shares her journey from classroom teaching to becoming a pivotal figure in educational technology. She discusses the evolution of her career, sparked by her early adoption of iPads in a one-to-one classroom setting, leading to significant engagements with educators nationwide.

Monica and Seth delve into the concept of using technology mindfully and with intention in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with educational goals rather than letting the allure of new tools dictate the teaching process -- "task before apps."  They explore practical strategies for educators to integrate technology meaningfully, ensuring it enhances learning without overwhelming educational intent. Their conversation also touches on the broader implications of emerging technologies like AI, discussing both the excitement and the cautious skepticism that accompany its integration into educational settings.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to approach technology not just as a tool, but as an ally in crafting engaging and effective educational experiences. Monica provides actionable advice on simplifying the digital landscape for teachers and students, reinforcing the necessity of a foundational understanding of core subjects to fully leverage technological advancements.

Guest Links:
1. Class Tech Tips - https://classtechtips.com/
2. Monica's AI resources - https://classtechtips.com/artificial-intelligence-resources/
3. Easy EdTech podcast - https://classtechtips.com/podcast/
4. Twitter - https://twitter.com/ClassTechTips
5. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer is joined by Danelle Almaraz, Chief Impact Officer for Innovate Ed, who brings over a decade of experience in the field of continuous improvement in education. Together, they explore the universal challenges faced by educators, including the leadership pipeline shortage and the necessity of fostering student empowerment and future readiness amidst rapidly evolving educational demands.

Danelle discusses the importance of defining what "future ready" actually means and insists on a clear focus to help schools adapt and thrive. She emphasizes the role of continuous improvement processes and shared leadership in achieving substantive, sustainable changes in schools. The conversation also covers the strategies for building trust and buy-in among educators, which are critical for implementing successful changes.

Key insights include the need for clarity in goals, the empowerment of teachers through shared decision-making, and the creation of supportive environments that encourage innovative practices and continuous learning. Danelle and Seth discuss practical steps for schools to become future-ready—emphasizing student-centered learning, flexibility in approaches, and the importance of community and collaboration among educators.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on making meaningful and lasting impacts in educational settings, understanding the complexities of system-wide changes, and the importance of aligning with core values and clear objectives to effectively prepare students for the future.


Guest Links:
1. Innovate Ed - https://innovateed.com/
2. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz/

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

On this week's Make It Mindful, hosts Seth Fleischauer and Lauren Pinto welcome guest Forest Bronzan, co-founder and CEO of Digital Detox. The episode delves into the complex relationship between technology use and our lives. Bronzan shares insights from his work, particularly focusing on achieving a mindful balance between our digital interactions and core values, what it is to be present, and strategies for overcoming technology addiction. The dialogue is enriched by findings from Student Dora, a survey aimed at gauging the digital wellness of students, revealing how schools grapple with digital wellness and the imperative of fostering mindful technology use to positively augment our lives.

The episode navigates the polarized perspectives surrounding technology, underscoring the scarcity of a balanced stance, and categorizing parents based on their approach to technology and its regulation. It probes the expectations placed on educational institutions to develop digital citizenship, emphasizing the collective responsibility of schools and parents.  Additionally, the conversation acknowledges the importance of self-awareness of digital habits and the ramifications of ignoring the reality of technological impact. Bronzan and the hosts also contemplate the positive facets of technology and social media, advocating for afacilitated approach to children's engagement with digital platforms. Concluding on a lighter note, the dialogue veers into personal preferences in emojis and how Bronzan maintains a minimal digital presence, primarily through LinkedIn, underscoring the overarching theme of mindful and intentional technology use.

Guest Links:
1. Digital Detox: https://www.digitaldetox.com/
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forestbronzan/

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

Liz Gallo, the founder and CEO of Why Maker, joins host Seth Fleischauer to discuss the potential to revolutionize education through the lens of design thinking. Liz outlines her vision of making education more relevant and impactful by teaching students critical problem-solving skills and fostering empathy, all while preparing them for the complexities of the modern world (including navigating the implications of AI). She details Why Maker's ambitious goal to train one million educators over the next decade, emphasizing the potential to transform classroom environments into hubs of innovation and real-world relevance. Liz's insights on integrating design thinking into various content areas beyond STEM, and the balance between direct instruction and project-based learning, highlight the adaptability and breadth of this approach.

The episode delves deeper into the practical application of design thinking in education, underscoring the significance of process over product and the importance of nurturing empathetic thinkers. Liz shares how Why Maker's professional development initiatives aim to empower teachers by making them feel supported, valued, and equipped to bring about change in their teaching methodologies. This approach not only enriches the curriculum but also enhances students' readiness to tackle real-life challenges with creativity and empathy. Seth and Liz provide educators with a compelling blueprint for embedding design thinking in their classrooms, thereby paving the way for a future where education is closely aligned with the evolving demands of society and the workforce.

Guest links:
Liz Gallo
Why Maker - http://www.whymaker.co/
An Educator's Guide to Design Thinking (Liz's Book): https://a.co/d/dFCkJ2g

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode, Seth and Lauren interview Jordan Lewis, a Partner Development Specialist at MyBlueprint, a student success and career education company. They discuss the concept of competency-based education and how it is changing the traditional education model. Jordan explains the importance of digital portfolios in showcasing student growth and reflection. They also explore the connection between career and technical education and digital portfolios, highlighting the role of communication in implementing these practices. The episode emphasizes the need for student-centered learning and preparing students for the future.

Takeaways

• Competency-based education focuses on personalized learning and mastery of skills.
• Digital portfolios provide a platform for students to showcase their learning and reflect on their growth.
• Communication is key in implementing new practices and involving stakeholders in education.
• Career and technical education and character education are interconnected and essential for preparing students for the future.

Guest Links:
1. myBlueprint - https://myblueprint.ca/
2. SpacesEDU - https://spacesedu.com/en/
3. Growth Over Grades Podcast - https://youtu.be/V0_VB54rnTg?si=VyFTwrV6Umkx_UxE
4. Jordan's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-lewis-spacesedu/

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

Link for creating student portfolios: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPp_pIbFsTU. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhTrcr3sk7k,
 

In this episode, Seth and Lauren interview Harben Porter and KK Neimann from World Savvy, an education nonprofit focused on embedding global competence into teaching and learning. They discuss the concept of global competence and the importance of mindset shift in education. The guests explain how global competence is not just about geographic knowledge, but also about the skills and dispositions needed to navigate a diverse and interconnected world. They emphasize the need for a shift in teaching  approach, moving away from a focus on content and compliance towards student-centered, project-based learning. The guests also address challenges and pushback in implementing this approach and provide advice for teachers in traditional systems. They highlight the importance of humility and curiosity in fostering a mindset for lifelong learning. Overall, the conversation explores the transformative potential of global competence in preparing students for a complex and ever-changing world.

Takeaways

• Global competence is about the skills and dispositions needed to navigate a diverse and interconnected world.
• A shift in teaching approach is necessary, moving from content-focused education to student-centered, project-based learning.
• Implementing a mindset shift in the classroom requires teachers to decenter themselves and create relevant learning experiences.
• Maintaining a mindset shift in the face of turnover requires building a collaborative school community and supporting new teachers.
• Teachers can bring about change in traditional systems by advocating for professional learning opportunities and engaging in conversations with school leaders.
• Humility and curiosity are essential to fostering a mindset for lifelong learning and preparing students for a complex world.

Guest links:
https://worldsavvy.org/

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this insightful episode of Make It Mindful, Seth and Lauren delve into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the educational landscape with the expertise of Andrew Easton, a seasoned educator, speaker, author, and consultant. Andrew illuminates the importance of embracing a growth mindset and the necessity for continuous learning amidst the swift advances in technology. He explores the vast possibilities AI offers for personalized learning experiences, highlighting how AI tutors and chatbots can cater to individual student needs by providing a safe space for inquiry and enhanced search capabilities. Andrew also touches on the ethical dimensions of AI integration in education, stressing the enduring value of skills such as empathy, listening, and leadership despite the technological evolution.

The conversation further navigates the various proficiency levels in AI and its application in creating more tailored educational experiences. Andrew's insights on the role of AI in fostering personalized learning underscore the significance of adapting to technological shifts in education methodologies. The episode wraps up with a look at beloved obsolete technologies and directions in which Andrew's work is heading for those interested in further exploration. This episode not only sheds light on the immediate impacts of AI in education, but also prompts a thoughtful reflection on the skills and ethical considerations that will shape the future of learning.

Guest links:
Andrew's Website: andrewdeaston.com, The GoodLife Edu podcast

AI for Education Resources:
Diffit - https://web.diffit.me/
Curipod - https://curipod.com/
Magic School - https://www.magicschool.ai/

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer delves into the dynamic world of media literacy with Julie Smith, a renowned instructor at the School of Communications at Webster University. Their conversation covers a broad spectrum, highlighting the profound impact of media literacy on both children and adults.

Key Points Covered:

• "What is media literacy and why is it important?": Julie Smith illuminates the concept of media literacy, emphasizing its vital role in fostering critical thinking skills. 
• The Role of Educators and Parents: We explore the pivotal responsibility that teachers and parents hold in teaching media literacy, offering  advice on integrating media literacy into various curricula and subjects.
• Navigating Digital Emotions: We delve into the nuances of short form vs. long form education and how platforms like Facebook can elicit strong emotional responses. Julie discusses the importance of curating media consumption and maintaining a mindful approach to our digital interactions.
• Lateral Fact Checking: In an era where misinformation is rampant, Julie stresses the significance of lateral fact checking as a key tool in media literacy. She provides actionable steps for verifying information to help listeners navigate the complexities of the digital information landscape.
• AI's Impact on Media Literacy: A fascinating segment that examines the influence of AI on media literacy. Julie shares her insights on how AI shapes our media consumption and the necessity of staying informed and vigilant in this rapidly evolving field.
• Promoting Well-Being Through Media Literacy: The conversation concludes with a thoughtful discussion of the impact of media literacy on the mental and emotional well-being of both students and teachers.

Don't miss this episode of Make It Mindful as we uncover the intricacies of media literacy and its vital role in our digital age. Join us in learning how to empower ourselves and the younger generation with tools to critically assess and engage with the media landscape.

Guest links:
1. Julie's list of AI tools https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M6w3zlv5suAV16XEXgR86AbWCshU6QbKEE8UH9n7BXc/edit#gid=0
2. Julie's Misinformation Resources https://drive.google.com/file/d/12o0db1MRK5OcJveMkvEkzOc7qMFF5iM0/view
3. Andrew Easton's Good Life Edu Podcast featuring Julie Smith https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-literacy-in-the-era-of-generative-a-i/id1512974122?i=1000635584006
4. Julie Smith's email address: [email protected]

Guiding questions for media literacy:
1. Whose message is it? 
2. Why is the message being put out there? 
3. How does it go about getting the viewer’s attention? 
4. Who benefits/profits?