The TechEd Podcast

Deep Springs College has been disrupting the traditional model of higher education for over 100 years. Located on a remote cattle ranch in Deep Springs Valley, California, the college focuses on student-led, hands-on learning to prepare individuals for a life of leadership and service to their communities.

Students attend Deep Springs College for two years, and each cohort holds about 13 of the more driven, independent and intelligent students from across the country who defer their offers to attend universities like Harvard or Yale and elect to start their post-secondary journey at Deep Springs.

Dr. Sue Darlington, President of Deep Springs College, shared insights into one of the most unique models for higher learning we've ever had on the podcast.

In this episode, we dive in to the college's three pillars, which all tie back to the idea that the students truly take ownership of their learning journey during their two years. See all the details in our 3 Big Takeaways.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode: (3 pillars of Deep Springs College)

Academics: The faculty and course offerings are selected by a committee of students - this ensures the students are invested in the topics for the semester. Courses are rigorous, (often) seminar-style and lead to excellent classes that raise questions and thought-provoking discussions among both students and faculty.

1. Labor: Students are required to work at least 20 hours of manual labor on the ranch each week. Led by a faculty mentor, the students learn skills, teamwork and discipline working on the ranch, with the animals, in the kitchen, and around the facilities.
2. Self-Governance: Students at Deep Springs College take responsibility for many aspects of the college - from choosing faculty, to picking the curriculum, to selecting the next class of student applicants. This model helps students become well-rounded individuals who are equipped to go out and lead and serve their communities the rest of their lives.

Resources

To learn more about Deep Springs College: www.deepsprings.edu

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View episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/deepspringscollege/

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Digital Transformation is everywhere - and Rockwell Automation is right at the center of it.

Andrew Ellis is Vice President of Rockwell's Global Portfolio Engineering division, responsible for the ecosystem of solutions developed by Rockwell Automation, their acquired brands, and their many partners across the globe. He has firsthand insight into how the digital industrial world is evolving, and along with it, the way customers seek solutions and the kinds of skills required by the digital workforce.

We sat down with Andrew for a live broadcast at Rockwell Automation Fair 2022 in Chicago to discuss emerging technologies like....

• Emulate 3D digital twin software for modeling and commissioning
• Robotics integration
• FactoryTalk
• SaaS in industrial automation
• Software in the cloud and at the edge
• Partnerships with companies like PLEX, Microsoft, and others

While new technology is exciting, it also requires a whole new set of skills, a new way of educating learners, and a new way of building relationships with customers. These are 3 key insights about the digital workforce you'll glean from our conversation with Andrew:

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Digital transformation turns discrete technologies into a fully-integrated ecosystem of hardware, software, data and people: Smart manufacturing builds on traditional automation, adding things like intelligence at the edge, software in the cloud, industrial SaaS, mobile-ready data and human-machine collaboration. Andrew shares how Rockwell and their partner network are developing and deploying this ecosystem-focused approach to industrial applications.
2. The digital workforce needs foundational skills coupled with a STEM approach to learning: In an environment of ever-evolving technology, how do schools adequately prepare students for the workforce? Andrew argues that today's STEM-centric approach to education is the solution: students should learn basic fundamentals (like math & physics), be exposed to modern technology, and most importantly understand the applied purpose of technology (what problem does it solve?) and how people will interact with it in the industrial workforce.
3. Upcoming generations of the digital workforce want purposeful, people-centric careers: What do today's students want out of their future career? Purpose, an opportunity to be challenged, and a place to grow - these have been the key factors for many years. But now, the next generation raised on technology also seek careers where technology and people collaborate symbiotically, a culture that aligns with their personal values, and a company that has a sustainable, responsible presence in the global economy.

Resources
To learn more about Rockwell Automation: rockwellautomation.com

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View episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/andrewellis/

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The Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing Moving from Evolution to Revolution (HAMMER) Engineering Research Center at the Ohio State University is developing next-gen processes and systems for what the future of manufacturing will look like.

A $26 million grant from the National Science Foundation is enabling Ohio State and its partner network to carry out research and education around hybrid autonomous manufacturing.

Glenn Daehn, a professor of metallurgical engineering, is Director of the HAMMER Engineering Research Center and joins us to talk about the hybridization of manufacturing processes, how we move from automation to autonomy, the role of creativity and art in STEM, and so much more!

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. What is hybrid autonomous manufacturing? Hybrid is about using all kinds of manufacturing processes, like subtractive manufacturing (removing material), additive manufacturing (adding material), deformation (reshaping material). As part of this project, the center seeks to develop numerically controlled systems for deformation that don't currently exist. Autonomous means those different processes can be used in tandem in a full system, where you don't need a human in the loop. It's moving from manual to automated to autonomous where the process is being sensed and monitored and controlled autonomously - one example Glenn shares would be a robotic blacksmith.
2. Manufacturing for design - not design for manufacturing: Glenn and his team are working to flip the model. Right now, the focus is on design for manufacturability. In the future, we'll have the ideal design we want and AI will enable us to develop the tools and processes to manufacture in the way we need to manufacture to get to that ideal design, and do it efficiently and with high quality.
3. Future-thinking manufacturing relies on creativity and artistry: Just as a skilled blacksmith has the perfect combination of art and skill, future manufacturing processes will require both creativity and engineering. Someday, AI will be sophisticated enough to creatively develop new ways to manufacture for design. To ensure creativity is carried into the future of manufacturing, we need to encourage hands-on learning, give students the chance to build things, and spark their creativity and curiosity in STEM.

Resources

To learn more about the HAMMER Engineering Research Center, visit: https://hammer.osu.edu/

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

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SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. They serve over 331,000 students and instructors annually...that's over 14 million students since its founding in 1965!

You might be familiar with SkillsUSA through their popular state and national competitions. But they're about more than just hard skills: Their mission is all about empowering students to become world-class leaders, workers and American citizens.

In this episode, we're talking with Chelle Travis, the Executive Director of SkillsUSA, about the work this organization is doing to carry out its mission. The episode is all about how we best prepare students to be workers and leaders in today's technology-driven society.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. CTE is STEM, and STEM is CTE: Key features of STEM learning, like math, critical thinking, data analysis, problem-solving, and technology skills are all embedded into the learning outcomes for SkillsUSA's Career and Technical Education programs. Chelle helps us see how these STEM skills are necessary and used in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, culinary arts, hospitality, business, automotive and more.
2. Some skills don't change: Conversations in TechEd often focus on what's new and emerging, but Chelle reminds us that some skills are foundational to our students' education. SkillsUSA has always focused on: the dignity of work, developing the whole person (not just technical skills), pride in innovation and ingenuity, lifelong learning and adaptability, and a commitment to helping others and giving back through service.
3. Industry drives updates to standards, skills and technology: SkillsUSA relies on industry partnerships to guide the development of new standards, competitions and skill areas for students across the country. This is especially true in competitions, where industry determines the standards and judges the competitions.

Resources

To learn more about SkillsUSA: www.skillsusa.org

Connect with SkillsUSA on social media:

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

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What happens when you disrupt K-12 education by applying the private equity model to it?

Darca Schools, led by CEO Dr. Gil Pereg, are doing this very thing in Israel, with momentous beneficial impact on students in rural, peripheral, underperforming and underrepresented communities.

It's unusual to see the crossover between these two worlds: private equity and education. But Darca Schools brings these two together in a groundbreaking network of 45 schools that give vulnerable students from all sectors of society access to a high-quality education that leads to brighter futures and promotes social mobility. In this episode, you'll hear how common PE  practices like due diligence, removing inefficiencies, and setting up the right leadership have enabled Gil and his team to affect change in communities that have traditionally been written off as failure-bound.

Resources

To learn more about Darca Schools, visit: https://www.darca.org

Connect with Darca Schools on social media:

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

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FANUC is the global leader in robotics and CNC controls technology - and we sat down with FANUC America's President & CEO Mike Cicco at IMTS 2022 to dive into the latest trends in automation.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. AI and Digital Twins will have a huge impact on automation in the next few years: Like many industrial OEMs, FANUC is turning to software innovation to enhance its world-leading hardware offerings. Right now, R&D is focused on artificial intelligence and digital twins. AI enables companies to take technically challenging tasks - like bin picking miscellaneous objects or assembling parts with multiple moving pieces - and makes it easier to program a robot to do them. Digital twins enable engineers to build new automation lines and processes and fully test them in a digital environment before implementation.

2. Collaborative robots (like the FANUC CRX) are making industrial automation more accessible for small-to-midsize companies: Collaborative robots (cobots) are built to inherently work side-by-side with humans. But the real benefit, as Cicco shares with us, is how the CRX is designed for simple, lead-through programming. The implication for employers is huge: programming robots and machine tools for complex tasks (including high-mix, low-volume) has never been more accessible. Now, small-to-midsize companies can more easily and rapidly adopt and deploy advanced automation into their facilities.

3. Demand for automation has led FANUC to expand its physical space and training programs: Changes to supply chain, manufacturing moving back to the U.S., and the two points above have led to a rise in demand for automation technology. In response, FANUC has expanded its manufacturing capabilities at its American headquarters in Michigan, along with expansions in Mexico. The new physical space will increase their manufacturing capabilities, but will also increase capacity for training individuals in the workforce around these technologies.

Note for educators: FANUC's education programs have led the market for years (1,500 CERT schools and counting), but with demand for robotics and CNC programming skills on the rise, it's a good time for educators to consider how they can prepare their students for these career opportunities.

Resources

• Employers, to learn more about FANUC America robotics & CNC solutions, visit: https://www.fanucamerica.com/
• Educators, to learn more about FANUC's robotics & CNC education and training solutions, visit: https://www.fanucamerica.com/education
• You can access our first episode with Mike Cicco here: Episode #6: Why Schools Should Teach Industrial Robotics & Automation

Connect with FANUC America on social media:

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

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The CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law by President Biden in August 2022 with huge implications for technological research and advancement in the United States.

The bill will enable universities and companies to perform cutting-edge research and manufacturing around technologies like semiconductors, quantum computing, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence advanced energy, 6G and more. There was huge bipartisan support for this legislation, showing that no matter what side of the political spectrum you're on, we can all recognize the need for the U.S. to invest in technologies that will advance our economy and national security.

U.S. Senator Todd Young, who co-sponsored the bill, joins us on the podcast to break down the CHIPS and Science Act and the implications for the workforce, education and our economy.

3 Pillars of the CHIPS and Science Act

1. Investments in technologies that will be instrumental in national security and future innovation
2. Investments in tech hubs around the country that will help this innovation, bringing together research institutions, entrepreneurs, and tech companies
3. Incentives to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to America

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The CHIPS and Science Act will impact business of all sizes: Entrepreneurs and innovators will receive support around research in those emerging technology areas. Additionally, key semiconductor manufacturers (like Intel, for example) will be incentivized to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. As they do, there will be more work for all the businesses in their supply chain, as well as forward impact in the overall economy.
2. Research and innovation are directly tied to national security efforts: The battlefield of the future will be controlled by artificial intelligence, impacted by the power of quantum computing and secured by advanced cybersecurity measures. The innovation brought about through the CHIPS and Science Act will directly benefit the efforts of our national defense.
3. The CHIPS and Science Act will provide opportunities for breakthrough research in education: This legislation will have an impact on associate-level education all the way through post-doctoral level. There are particularly strong opportunities in PhD funding for those that want to pursue a degree around one of these emerging fields, and support for research projects that will mature and develop these technologies.

Resources

To learn more about the CHIPS and Science Act, visit: science.house.gov/chipsandscienceact

Visit Senator Young's website: www.young.senate.gov/

Connect with Senator Young on social media:

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

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Ken Rusk started his first job as a ditch digger at 15 and turned that into a successful company: Rusk Industries. Decades of skilled labor, entrepreneurship and coaching have led Ken to share all his insights in his book Blue Collar Cash.

Blue collar jobs don't get the credit they deserve, and Ken is on a mission to change that. By pursuing a skilled trade, individuals can build their dream life while working for themselves.

We sat down with Ken to talk about the incredible opportunities available to those who pursue blue collar jobs, and how working with your hands and for yourself can lead to a life of peace, comfort and freedom.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. America is built on blue collar jobs: From the time you step out of bed until the time you get to work, you've already come across the work and products of 1,000 blue collar jobs. The work of skilled tradespeople is critical to our everyday lives, but we don't have enough people entering these fields to replace those retiring. Ken shares some insightful data on the economic impact, wages, and lifestyle of blue collar workers that may surprise you.
2. Blue collar jobs provide comfort, peace and freedom: Comfort, peace, freedom. In life, these are really the things we seek. The popular belief that students must pursue a four-year degree and work in an office to earn enough to live a life of comfort, peace and freedom is just not true. College isn't for everyone, and blue collar careers have the potential to give students more freedom, less debt, and a fulfilling hands-on career that brings the peace they're looking for. Parents, teachers and students will benefit from Ken's message around these three key elements.
3. Draw out the life you want, get specific, and then build a set of goals to get there: Ken has coached thousands of individuals in his life and company, and he's developed a system to help people vision the life they want and then build it. In this episode, you'll learn how to draw your dream life, get specific about the things you're after, and then discover a path that will help you build that life.

Resources

Learn more about Ken: https://www.kenrusk.com/

Love the insights you heard in this episode and want to dig deeper? Get a copy of Blue Collar Cash today: https://www.kenrusk.com/blue-collar-cash/

Build the Life of Your Dreams online course: This course will help you join their ranks by helping you define and build Comfort, Peace, and Freedom in your life. The Path is a great way to identify what you really want out of your life and to develop the skills to go achieve it. Plus, get a free copy of the book when you enroll in the course: https://www.kenrusk.com/the-path/

For every book purchase, Ken Rusk will donate a copy to a student in Junior Achievement to help the next generation discover the benefits of a blue collar career.

Connect with Ken on social media!

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

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Growing up, Don Thomas always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. But the journey to space wasn't an easy one. Through years of hard work, studying, and learning new skills, Don's perseverance landed him his dream job of becoming a NASA Space Shuttle astronaut.

Recorded live at IMTS 2022 in Chicago, we have a fascinating discussion with Dr. Thomas about his journey to becoming an astronaut, his four science missions in space, and what the future of space exploration could look like for students interested in becoming scientists and astronauts themselves.

Learn more about Dr. Thomas and his missions to space: http://ohioastronaut.com/

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Perseverance is key to success: Don's journey to becoming an astronaut wasn't an easy one. While he faced multiple rejected applications from NASA, he kept persevering. By studying the data, building relevant skills and trying again and again, he was finally able to land his dream job. This is a great story and lesson for anyone - especially students!
2. NASA needs experts in all STEM fields to run successful missions: Three of Don's four missions to space were science missions. With a PhD in Materials Science, his expertise was well-suited to run experiments around sustaining life in zero-gravity. But NASA astronauts and control center teams come from a variety of STEM backgrounds - engineers, scientists, mathematicians, computer scientists, technologists, data analysts and so much more. For any student who loves space and dreams of working for NASA one day - finding a relevant STEM field and becoming an expert is a great pathway!
3. The next few decades will see unprecedented space exploration: With the combined efforts of NASA and private space companies, humans will take new strides in space exploration in the coming decades. From building a base on the moon to landing humans on Mars, the sky is the limit. Don shares his thoughts and predictions on what's to come in the future, including the Artemis missions and the incredible opportunity today's kids have to become tomorrow's astronauts.

Resources

To learn more about Dr. Don Thomas, visit his website: ohioastronaut.com

Did you know Don wrote a book about the All-Ohio mission? He shares some interesting anecdotes from the mission in our conversation, and you can read about the entire thing in his book Orbit of Discovery: The All-Ohio Space Shuttle Mission.

Educators: Don spends time sharing his story and expertise with students through a variety of educational events and opportunities. To learn more about engaging Dr. Thomas with your school, visit this page.

Connect with Dr. Thomas on social media!

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Episode web page: techedpodcast.com/donthomas

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In recent years, Career and Technical Education has put an emphasis on industry-recognized certifications (IRCs). These IRCs are proof-of-skills for high school students entering the workforce or post-secondary education. In other words, having an industry-recognized credential should signify to an employer that a student has mastered a set of skills required for the workforce.

But how effective is this strategy?

This was the question University of Texas at Austin Professor Matt Giani set out to answer in this fascinating report. Giani partnered with the Thomas B. Fordham Institute to study the value of IRCs across Texas, and we dig into what he discovered in this episode of the podcast.

This first-of-its-kind study assesses the impact of specific IRCs earned in high school on various employment and postsecondary outcomes for students who do and do not attend college. The findings can help education leaders and policymakers improve CTE and IRC opportunities in order to boost student success in the labor market.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt to discuss the top 6 findings in this report, as well as 4 key takeaways that educators, employers and state policymakers can all learn from.

Download the full report: https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/research/industry-recognized-credentials

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

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