The EdisonOS Podcast

In this conversation, Jeff Eisenberg discusses the transition to digital testing for the SAT and ACT, sharing insights on the changes in format, the importance of the Desmos calculator, and how these changes impact students and test prep businesses. He emphasizes the need for students to adapt to new question types and the significance of reading comprehension skills.

In this conversation, Mike discusses the upcoming changes to the ACT, emphasizing that while the test will remain fundamentally the same, there will be enhancements aimed at improving accessibility and the overall test-taking experience. Key changes include a shorter exam format, optional science section, and adjustments to reading comprehension passages.

In this conversation, Nikki Porcaro discusses the transition to digital testing for the SAT and ACT, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of digital formats, the challenges faced during the rollout, and the implications for test preparation businesses. She emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies for digital tests, the role of technology and AI in test prep, and the current trends in student performance and scoring. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape between the SAT and ACT, and how students and parents navigate their testing options.

In this conversation, Lisa Poliak shares her journey in founding Inner Genius Prep, a company dedicated to helping students excel in college admissions through personalized coaching. She discusses her unique approach to connecting with teenagers, the importance of interview coaching, and the lessons learned from her business mistakes.

In this conversation, Debbie Cavalier discusses the evolution of online music education at Berklee Online, highlighting its pioneering role in the field since 2001. She explains the diverse target audience, including hobbyists and professional musicians, and the structured yet flexible course offerings designed for adult learners. The discussion covers the integration of technology, including AI, in enhancing the learning experience and the importance of instructor feedback.

In this conversation, Tina Wiles discusses the transition of the ACT to a digital format, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with this change. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the new testing strategies, the impact of shorter tests, and the significance of digital tools in enhancing student performance.

In this conversation, Rob Pollak shares his journey into the education sector, detailing his transition from a solo tutor to leading a team at Polak Tutors. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on tutoring methods, the importance of building a referral network with college counselors, and the balance between in-person and online tutoring.

In this conversation, Sarfraz shares his unexpected journey into the education sector, detailing how he transitioned from various entrepreneurial ventures to founding Aristotle Prep. He discusses the evolution of his tutoring company, the introduction of new standardized tests like GRE and SAT, and the challenges faced in scaling the business.

In this conversation, Jennifer Post Drager shares her journey from a career in arts management to becoming a coach in standardized test preparation and admissions consulting. She discusses how cultural influences affect exam preparation.

In this conversation, Heather Olson shares her extensive journey in education, highlighting her experiences from teaching in various educational settings to her current role in online teaching and learning. She discusses the concept of open access colleges, the importance of technology in education, and the need for humanizing online learning.