The TechEd Podcast

John Deere is on a mission to develop the next generation of STEM and manufacturing talent - not just for themselves, but to support businesses and entire communities surrounding their plants across the United States.

Recently, John Deere conducted a study to understand the major gaps in their workforce pipeline and what they must do to ensure they'll have the future workforce to keep up with demand. We sat down with David Ottavianelli, Director of Workforce and Community Outreach, to discover what that study revealed, and how the company has launched initiatives in response.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How John Deere addresses workforce shortages through data-driven strategies
• The proven program that's inspiring high school & college students toward manufacturing careers
• The importance of community-based registered apprenticeship programs
• How to tap into nontraditional sources to find & train your manufacturing workforce
• Why our military veterans make for great manufacturing employees, and how employers can leverage these unique strengths

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The IGNITE program is an effective crash course in manufacturing: John Deere has supported IGNITE programs, which introduce high school and college students to careers in advanced manufacturing through hands-on learning and skill development. By exposing students to technologies like hydraulics, electronics, and CNC programming early on, the program inspires them to pursue careers in STEM fields and addresses future workforce needs.
2. Community-based apprenticeship programs make it easy for students to transition into careers: John Deere’s registered apprenticeship programs, in partnership with local high schools and community colleges, are successfully attracting and training the next generation of manufacturing talent. These programs provide hands-on experience and structured career pathways, making it easier for students to transition into the workforce.
3. Veterans bring valuable skills to manufacturing roles: Military veterans possess technical expertise and strong leadership qualities that make them ideal candidates for manufacturing jobs. John Deere’s involvement in the DoD SkillBridge Program supports veterans in their transition to civilian careers, offering mentorship and training that leverages their unique strengths for the benefit of the company and the industry.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about John Deere, visit: deere.com

See press coverage of the Quad Cities signing day events:

• https://quadcitieschamber.com/news/blog/signing-day/

View the Iowa High School Registered Apprenticeship Playbook

Learn more about the DOD SkillBridge program

Learn more about the IGNITE program

More resources & links on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/davido/

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Join us on a journey through history, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream!

The Allen-Bradley brand is a household name in manufacturing, but the origin story of the brand, along with its lasting legacy, is a true story of the American Dream. From humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in automation, this episode dives into the innovative minds of Lynde and Harry Bradley over 100 years ago and the impact their work has today.

Join us as we sit down with Rick Graber, President and CEO of the Bradley Foundation, and former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic. Rick shares his incredible career journey, his experiences in international diplomacy, and the values that continue to drive his work in philanthropy.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The inspirational rise of Allen-Bradley from a small startup to a global leader
• The pivotal moments and challenges that shaped the company's success
• The philanthropic efforts of the Bradley Foundation that support education and American values
• Personal stories and reflections from Rick Graber’s tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic
• The enduring values and principles that define the American Dream

Quotable Moments:

"The American dream is not a guarantee of success, but the opportunity to succeed beyond your wildest dreams."

"We don't realize in this country how much people look to the United States for leadership, how they look to the United States for what to do."

"We need a strong civil society with volunteer organizations solving problems."​

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The story of Allen-Bradley is a great example of the American Dream: Lynde and Harry faced significant challenges, yet their commitment to pushing boundaries led to revolutionary advancements in the automation industry. Their journey from near-failure to global success highlights the importance of resilience and innovation.
2. Strategic philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting education and empowering communities: Through targeted funding and support, the Bradley Foundation has created lasting opportunities for individuals to access quality education and improve their lives. Rick Graber discusses how the foundation's initiatives, like support for St. Marcus School and Running Rebels, have made a tangible impact in Milwaukee and beyond.
3. Americans have access to unique opportunities thanks to the nation's core values: Rick draws on his vast experience in international diplomacy and government to discuss how America's foundational values create vast opportunities for its citizens.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, visit: www.bradleyfdn.org

Connect with The Bradley Foundation:

LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/graber/

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Does generative AI belong in the classroom? How will it impact the student experience?

Better yet, how can educators leverage generative AI in instructional design and curriculum-building?

Our guest, Dr. Dwayne Wood, shares his unique insights on how AI is revolutionizing instructional design and enhancing learning experiences. From the importance of maintaining the human element in AI-driven education to practical tips on integrating AI tools effectively, Dwayne provides a comprehensive look at the future of teaching. Join us as we explore the synergy between AI and human creativity, the challenges and opportunities in modern classrooms, and how educators can harness AI to empower students and create more engaging learning environments.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How AI is transforming instructional design and the learning experience
• The importance of keeping the human element in AI-driven education
• Practical tips for effectively integrating AI tools in the classroom
• The challenges and opportunities that AI brings to modern education
• How educators can use AI to create more engaging and personalized learning environments

Quotable Moments:

"If I’m not including AI use within the coursework itself, I'm doing a disservice to the student because they're going to go out and have a job interview, and one of the questions they're going to be asked is tell us your experience with generative AI. And they're not going to have it."

"Think of it as you're forming a team with AI. You are offsetting some of your weaknesses with some of its strengths, but it also has weaknesses that you offset as the human in the loop."

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. AI tools can revolutionize instructional design by making learning more adaptable and student-centered: With AI, educators can tailor their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students. This is how we can achieve truly personalized learning. Without tools like AI, educators won't have the bandwidth to create custom learning plans for every student, every lesson, every day. With AI, we can get closer to achieving personalized learning.
2. Effective integration of AI in classrooms requires educators to be proactive in learning and adapting to new technologies: Educators must stay informed about the latest AI developments and how these tools can be applied to their teaching practices. Continuous professional development and a willingness to experiment with AI tools are crucial for maximizing the benefits of AI in education. Dwayne's advice? Just do it.
3. The integration of AI in education must preserve the human element to be truly effective: Every day, AI becomes a better instructional design tool. But we must retain the human-in-the-loop. Maintaining a balance between AI and human interaction ensures that education remains a deeply personal and engaging experience.

More notes & resources on the show page: https://techedpodcast.com/wood/

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In this exciting episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Shane Farritor, an innovator at the intersection of space exploration and medical technology. Discover how cutting-edge surgical robots are revolutionizing abdominal surgery, and paving the way for high-tech medical assistance in space.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How a space-enthused innovator found a niche in surgical robots
• How robots are being used in surgery today, and why Virtual Incision's small robots are making a big impact in the medical field
• The incredible story of a surgical robot sent to space, and how surgeons on earth performed simulated surgery on the space station
• What robots can mean for the future of telesurgery

Whether you're an educator in STEM, an employer in the med-tech sector, or simply fascinated by the convergence of space technology and medical innovation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and forward-thinking discussions. Join us as we navigate the final frontier of surgical robotics and envision the future of healthcare.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Small robots are revolutionizing surgery: Surgical robots have been around for decades, but Virtual Incision's miniature robots open a new door to boundless applications, like the ability to send these robots into space. They enable surgeons on earth to aid those in space - you can imagine the implications this could have for long-duration space missions and potential future extraterrestrial exploration.
2. Students can drive innovation in engineering: Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships at NASA, allow students to gain hands-on experience and develop new skills that are difficult to convey in a classroom. Shane Farritor discusses the importance of engineering students to get hands-on experiences prior to graduation and how his graduate and undergraduate students have worked on Virtual Incision's projects.
3. Telesurgery will make a major positive impact on the future of medicine: The advancement of telesurgery is paving the way for remote medical procedures, expanding access to expert surgical care. This innovation has the potential to overcome geographical barriers and provide life-saving treatments to underserved populations.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• To learn more about Virtual Incision, visit: virtualincision.com
• Virtual Incision in the news
• Shane Farritor's University of Nebraska-Lincoln page

More on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/farritor/

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Artificial intelligence is changing our entire world, and that includes the classroom. Some are quick adopters while others are banning the technology in class. Most are trying to figure out AI's place in the classroom - how to embrace it in an ethical, safe way that enhances the student experience and improves learning outcomes.

But there are some things that education is getting totally wrong about artificial intelligence. No matter what your stance on AI in the classroom is, this episode will shed light on the most common misconceptions and how to rethink AI.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How AI's influence extends far beyond what you might expect
• The 5 misconceptions about AI that are misleading education's AI strategy
• What your students probably think AI is (and why they're wrong)
• Why trying to ban AI from classrooms is a big mistake
• How to manage the potential risks associated with AI
• How embracing AI could revolutionize educational outcomes and future-proof students' skills

Quotable Moments:

"We are fighting a losing battle trying to ban the use of generative AI in the classroom. Instead, we should innovate our approach to education in the age of artificial intelligence."

"We don't need to understand AI in order to use AI. Sometimes the fact that we don't understand it completely is the reason that some people are afraid of it."

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. AI in education requires a new approach: The traditional focus on rote memorization is becoming less relevant as AI provides easy access to information. Instead, schools should emphasize critical thinking, hands-on assessments, and project-based learning to ensure genuine student understanding and engagement. AI can enhance these learning approaches.
2. Banning AI in classrooms is ineffective: Some schools are banning AI altogether. Even if this is a temporary approach while the school decides its position on AI in the classroom, efforts to completely exclude AI tools like ChatGPT from educational settings are likely to fail. Instead, find ways to integrate AI in a way that enhances learning experiences while maintaining academic integrity. Why? Because this is exactly how the workforce is using artificial intelligence.
3. Proactive risk management is essential: We're pro-artificial intelligence, but that doesn't mean it comes without risks. Schools have to consider data privacy, student privacy, ethics, cheating and the potential loss of human connection. Educators should focus on mitigating these risks by fostering digital literacy and maintaining robust privacy standards .

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Article: You probably know 611 people. Here's how we know.
• Article: The Smartest Way to Use AI at Work
• Article: Computer-Science Majors Graduate Into a World of Fewer Opportunities

More notes + resources on the show page: https://techedpodcast.com/aimisconceptions/

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Dr. Tabby Rabenberg, Principal at Bismarck Public Schools, discusses the critical role of self-efficacy and hands-on experiences in empowering girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Drawing from her extensive experience in education, Tabby shares valuable insights into the importance of building confidence and providing diverse opportunities for young students, especially girls, from elementary school through high school.

Through innovative programs and a holistic approach to education, Tabby and her team at Bismarck Public Schools are inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders and preparing them for success in a rapidly evolving world.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The correlation between self-efficacy and interest in STEM fields, especially math and science
• The impact of hands-on experiences on students' confidence and career choices
• Strategies for fostering a growth mindset and building self-confidence in young girls
• The importance of early exposure to STEM opportunities in elementary and middle school - and why starting career exposure in high school is too late
• Innovative approaches to STEM education and career pathways at Bismarck Public Schools

Quotable Moments:

"There is definitely a high statistical significance between the correlation of confidence and interest. And I think what we need to do to encourage that is to offer those [hands-on, career-relevant STEM] classes to all students so that then they can take a look and say, 'oh, yeah, that's something I had no idea was interested in.'"

"We need to start taking a look at those career-ready practices in every class, even from the time that they're in elementary."

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment is essential for promoting girls' participation and success in STEM: Establishing a culture of diversity and inclusion in STEM education involves breaking down barriers and challenging gender biases. Middle school girls should be able to meet female engineers and scientists, be taught by both male and female STEM teachers, and have access to role models that can help them see themselves in a STEM career.
2. Self-efficacy plays a critical role in shaping girls' perceptions of their abilities and career aspirations in STEM: When girls believe they're capable of succeeding in STEM subjects, they have greater confidence and are more likely to want to take those classes. By promoting a belief in their own capabilities and providing positive role models, educators can empower girls to embrace challenges, persist in their endeavors, and thrive in STEM-related fields.
3. Early exposure and hands-on experiences are essential for empowering girls (and all kids!) in STEM: Schools can't start career prep in high school - it's too late! Instead, elementary school should introduce career awareness, middle school should include career exposure, and high school can move on to career readiness. Learn how BPS is starting career exposure early on with fun, engaging and massively-successful summer camps.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about Bismarck Public Schools, visit: www.bismarckschools.org

More notes + resources on the show page: https://techedpodcast.com/tabby/

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Our guest is one of education's greatest disruptors, Mike Beighley, Superintendent of Whitehall School District. Known nationwide for its groundbreaking approach to teaching Industry 4.0 with the Mobile Skills Lab, Whitehall has been at the forefront of educational innovation for years.

We trace the district's journey in implementing cutting-edge technology programs, from listening to and learning from Ashley Furniture's Industry 4.0 efforts, to launching the Mobile Skills Lab, to the new and eagerly anticipated Emerging Technology Lab. Discover how Whitehall's educators are dedicated to providing personalized learning experiences that ignite students' curiosity and prepare them for a tech-driven future.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the old model of education doesn't serve our students anymore
• How to find & foster the right teachers to lead Industry 4.0 and AI efforts
• How to build partnerships with employers that go beyond financial support
• What the role of drones, self-driving cars, AMRs, industrial robotics, augmented reality, and Industry 4.0 technologies are in a K-12 district

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The old K-12 model doesn't fit this technology-driven, ever-evolving world of today: K-12 leaders must seriously consider if the current system of teaching students is best serving our kids and communities, then make the visionary and courageous decision to implement change.
2. Empower passionate teachers to lead innovative programs: The right teachers to lead Industry 4.0 and AI programs might come from unexpected places - like an elementary math teacher or a computer scientist-turned-educator. Hear how Mike has found instructors who are passionate about leading innovation and entrusted them with the platform and programs to create this next iteration of technical education at Whitehall.
3. Collaboration - not competition - will foster innovation in K-12 education: The old model of education pits districts against each other. The new model requires collaboration between districts, educational service organizations, employers and communities. No single entity can keep up with the pace of change, so keeping our tech ed programs updated will require open dialogue, resource sharing and collective problem-solving.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Learn more about Whitehall School District, visit: whitehallsd.k12.wi.us
• See what the Mobile Skills Lab is all about
  • Grand Opening for Mobile Skills Lab
  • Mobile Skills Lab Debuted at Ashley for the Arts
• Preview the new Emerging Technology Center
• Listen to Todd Wanek's episode on AI

More linkes & resources on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/whitehall/

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From capital budgets to strategic initiatives from federal and state governments, to grants and industry support, educators have countless potential funding opportunities to keep their programs up to date.

Grand Rapids Community College, led by President Dr. Charles Lepper, is putting many of these funding opportunities to work for the benefit of their students. Hear how the college has build a strong partnership with Gentex (among other employers) that has benefitted both parties. Learn how the college is working with the state of Michigan's many workforce initiatives, leveraging funding available through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and others.

From curriculum enhancements to workforce development initiatives, gain insight into how partnerships propel institutions toward greater relevance in today's job market.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The role of partnerships and funding in educational innovation.
• How Grand Rapids Community College tailors programs through industry collaboration.
• Innovative financial strategies for educational outcomes.
• The importance of adapting education to meet industry needs.
• The impact of third-party credentials on workforce readiness.

Quotable Moments:

"Be flexible with your plans. Take everything as an opportunity and learn from it and recognize that your path is not as narrow or forward as you think it is."

"Students like to see what they're doing is relevant and that it matters and that it leads to something."

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Partnerships help colleges stay relevant in this changing world of work: Collaborating with industry giants like Gentex, Grand Rapids Community College tailors its programs to meet industry demands, ensuring students receive relevant training for today's job market. Through initiatives like the Michigan EV Jobs Academy, the college provides specialized training, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry needs.
2. Find funding sources, and use them to your advantage: Michigan's workforce development initiatives, such as the Michigan New Jobs Training Program, exemplify how effective funding allocation enhances educational outcomes, providing students with valuable skills and credentials for career advancement. By leveraging partnerships with other community colleges and aligning with state goals like the Sixty by 30 initiative, GRCC maximizes the impact of funding to benefit students across the state.
3. EV technology is impacting the workforce across all of Michigan: Grand Rapids Community College's focus on Electric Vehicle (EV) training programs underscores the importance of preparing students for emerging industries, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. By offering courses like the Battery Boot Camp and integrating EV curriculum into existing programs, GRCC prepares students for high-demand careers in the automotive and technology sectors.

Resources:

• Learn more about Grand Rapids Community College, visit: www.grcc.edu

More notes & resources on the show page: https://techedpodcast.com/lepper/

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Building a better future for our students is going to take the combined efforts of educators, employers and community leaders. The Greater Milwaukee Committee is on a mission to do just that, bringing together the most influential leaders and organizations in Milwaukee to solve some of the toughest challenges facing the city.

Joel Brennan leads the organization and joined us in the studio to talk about the role of public-private partnerships between educational institutions and businesses to address the evolving needs of the workforce.

The challenges faced by Milwaukee's education system (public, private and charter) are not unique. Communities across the U.S. can learn from the work of the GMC .

In this episode, we address:

• The role of public-private partnerships in improving our education system
• How to build better collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to meet the evolving needs of the workforce
• Innovative approaches to education, including microcredentials and tailored curriculum development
• The imperative of fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability to thrive in the era of AI and technological disruption

Quotable Moments:
"We have a responsibility of what we leave behind, that there's opportunity for [our young people]."

"The biggest issue around where we're going with workforce... is things are changing so dramatically with AI and how that's going to change the workplace, that we have to do what Wayne Gretzky used to talk about, you know, skate to where the puck is going, not where it is right now."

"We need to be preparing people for careers, but ultimately we want them to be deep thinkers, critical thinkers, problem solvers, because there's plenty of those things that are out here that we need to solve."

3 Big Takeaways:

1. Regional collaboration enhances workforce readiness: The Higher Education Regional Alliance in Wisconsin facilitates cross-sector partnerships to align education with industry needs, ensuring graduates are equipped for the job market. 
2. K-12 education faces systemic challenges, but we owe it to students to solve these problems: It's going to take comprehensive reforms and investing in early childhood education to improve outcomes and workforce readiness. By prioritizing equitable access to quality education and fostering innovation in teaching methods, communities can address these challenges and ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed.
3. Public-private partnerships drive education reform: Through initiatives like workforce training programs, communities leverage combined resources to revitalize education systems, bridging gaps between classroom learning and real-world job requirements, ultimately strengthening local economies.

Resources:
Learn more about the Greater Milwaukee Committee

Connect with the Greater Milwaukee Committee:
Facebook  |  YouTube  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/brennan/

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Discovery World isn't just a science museum. It's an iconic Milwaukee destination that inspires generations of learners to discover the wonders of science through hands-on STEM experiences. Through their exhibits, camps, community programs and curriculum offerings, Discovery World is making a major impact on learners and families all across the Milwaukee region, reaching underserved populations and creating extra opportunities for STEM experiences beyond what the classroom can provide.

In this episode, we're talking with CEO Bryan Wunar about the mission of Discovery World and the impact the organization has across the community.

The lessons, insights and initiatives Bryan shares can be replicated across the country:

• Why hands-on, experiential learning can help learners envision new possibilities for their future
• The challenges of accessing quality STEM opportunities for many families in a community like Milwaukee
• The challenges of urban education and how organizations can work together to supplement classroom experiences
• How to give science and STEM teachers in underserved communities access to resources and curriculum to best serve their students
• Why learning has to continue into the home - and how to help families engage in STEM experiences

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Discovery World: discoveryworld.org

More from Discovery World!

• Summer Camps
• Educator Professional Development
• School Access Support (reduced admission rates and transportation reimbursement)
• Field Trip Groups
• At-home Educational Resources

Connect with Discovery World:

YouTube |  LinkedIn  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/wunar/

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