The TechEd Podcast

Esports (short for electronic sports) is a fast-growing, multi-billion dollar worldwide phenomenon...and the opportunities for our students through esports are astounding.

In this episode, we're talking with former California Teacher of the Year Alan Sitomer, who's now the Founder and CEO of Mastery Coding - an organization that's helping turn gamers into makers.

We're taking a deep dive into the world of esports - what esports is all about, how schools are launching teams and even offering scholarships, and the career opportunities in STEM fields that are available inside the world of professional gaming. With a unique academic approach to esports, schools can help their students find community, get great at gaming, and inspire them toward computer science and coding.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Esports is a worldwide phenomenon that will become just as engrained in school culture as football and basketball is today: If your school hasn't embraced esports, you're missing out. K-12 districts, colleges and universities worldwide have official teams; professional leagues draw millions of viewers globally; and the benefit for your students is limitless. Alan gives us the scoop on the benefits of esports for schools, which include the opportunity to win competitions, SEL benefits for students, the equity component, and the STEM implications.
2. Gaming is the gateway to computer science: Computer science drives every company in this digital world, and because of this there's an immense need for students with STEM skills entering the workforce. If schools are looking for a way to get more students engaged in computer science, esports is the answer. By launching an esports program, you're meeting them where they are, engaging them in what they love doing, but also (if you follow an academic methodology) giving them a chance to "look under the hood" and learn about game design, coding, programming and so much more.
3. Academic Esports is the key to turning gamers into makers: While esports alone has many benefits for students, it's also a ripe opportunity for education to engage, inspire and equip gamers with industry-recognized credentials, skills-based programming and credible pathway to emerging and growing careers in STEM. Alan shares his organization's methodology of academic esports - a way to take your students' love of gaming and turn it into academic programming that leads to real computer science skills and certifications.

Tips for Getting Started

Want to start an esports program? Here are some initial steps:

1. Get buy-in from administration, coaches/instructors, parents and students
2. Decide your goals for your esports team - some options include winning competitions, academic value, and social-emotional learning value
3. Choose which tools are you going to use to achieve that goal. Hint: Mastery Coding can help with all of them! See resources below to learn more.

Resources

To learn more about Mastery Coding's esports programming, league and resources, visit: masterycoding.com

Connect with Mastery Coding on social media:

YouTube  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

To see more on the world of esports, check out all the resources and news on ESPN: espn.com/esports

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

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Johnson Controls is on a mission to make buildings smarter and to transform the environments in which we live, work, learn and play.

In this episode, we're talking with Marc Vandiepenbeeck, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of North American Building Solutions at Johnson Controls. It's a fascinating discussion about the digitization of building controls, smart buildings, smart supply chains, and how digitization is impacting every aspect of the business, including finance.

Get ready to take notes. Because we're not just talking about emerging technologies - but how to know when and where to invest in digital solutions, how to focus on value-add for the customer, how to carry these strategies along your entire supply chain, and the value of risk taking in innovation.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The ultimate goal of digitization is to make a better product for the end user: Like every sector, building controls are being transformed by digitization. But without a clear focus, organizations will be lost in the noise of all the digital technologies and solutions they could invest in. Marc reminds us that digitization (in building solutions) enables JCI to bring multiple systems and products together in one connected smart building, making it easier for the building owner to control their smart solutions.
2. The two biggest drivers of technology in finance: Big Data and RPAs: Big Data enables JCI to bring all their disparate data into one dataset, analyze it and make better business decisions, especially around supply chain and market intelligence. RPAs (robotic process automation) automate many of the low-skill activities in the finance team, enabling humans to do value-added tasks that give them a more fulfilling work experience.
3. A crucial key to success in 2022 is getting smart about your supply chain: We discuss how to use technologies like Big Data to understand your entire supply chain, forecast future demand, and feed those insights all the way back up the value chain. This is especially crucial in sectors like building controls and construction where an organization is managing multiple supply chains at once. Find out why we might be moving away from just-in-time manufacturing and toward a system of smart connected supply chains.

Resources
To learn more about Johnson Controls, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/

Connect with Johnson Controls on social media:

YouTube  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

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

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"It's fulfilling to be manufacturing the products that people want to get work done, as we say. Our people take pride in the products we produce. It's meaningful work...The Briggs & Stratton brand is a legendary brand....The company is thriving and embracing new technologies and processes. Our team members are going to have a tremendous amount of growth and development opportunities. And let's face it, everybody likes being part of a winning team."
-Steve Andrews, President & Chief Executive Officer of Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton is an iconic brand known for its power and energy solutions. With a 114-year history, the company has manufactured products we all recognize in our homes and businesses. In 2020, Steve Andrews took on the role of President & CEO at Briggs & Stratton, ushering in a new era with a commitment to win.

In this episode, we discuss the formula for a winning business, which includes focusing on the right products and markets, building a strong culture, and fostering innovation.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Have a sharp focus on the right things: In the last few years, Andrews has led the company to some major strategic decisions that will set up the organization for long-term future success. His advice? Have a sharp focus on what creates value for the organization and what does not. Steve goes on to share how this sharp focus has impacted Briggs & Stratton's culture, leadership, products and solutions.
2. Build a culture with a commitment to win: How do you build a culture that drives success across every unit and department within a large organization? Andrews discusses Briggs & Stratton's eight commitment to win values and how these become a litmus test for every decision the company makes.
3. Those who work in advanced manufacturing get to create the brands they love: We hear this from many guests on the podcast: there are countless exciting career opportunities in advanced manufacturing today. In this episode, Andrews reminds us that the skilled workforce is in a unique position to get to be a part of building the very products and brands they love - whether that's power solutions, engines, turf and consumer products or job site products.

Resources:

To learn more about Briggs & Stratton, visit: briggsandstratton.com

Follow Briggs & Stratton on social media:

YouTube  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

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

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"Today's modern manufacturing, it's not your father or mother, grandfather or grandmother's factories...Industry, 4.0 and the development of all of these technologies that are increasing automation, efficiency, productivity and our manufacturing plants, these create highly skilled job offer opportunities that generally pay very high wages with very strong benefits." - Jeff Oravitz, Seal for Life Industries

Jeff Oravitz is a highly-successful manufacturing leader with decades of experience in business ownership, manufacturing technology and economic trends. We tap into his insights into current and future economic trends in manufacturing.

Before we share the 3 Big Takeaways from this episode, you're in for a treat as we dive into the world of coatings - the segment of manufacturing you probably didn't know about, but it plays a role in nearly every product you use on a daily basis. Students & teachers, this is a great primer on an high-impact industry that could be a great career option for tech ed students.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The one thing business leaders should do if they want to expand their company: With decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions, Jeff tells us the key to successful growth is focus. Find out how to remain focused on your niche to optimize growth.
2. macro-economic trends in manufacturing in 2022: What are we seeing in the manufacturing industry in 2022, and what can we expect over the next 6-12 months? Supply chain issues, re-shoring of manufacturing, labor market challenges and inflation are all discussed.
3. 3 things we need to invest in for the future success of manufacturing: STEM education, research & development, and private and public financing in manufacturing. Learn why these are the 3 topics around which public policy could have a major impact for manufacturing.

Resources:

To learn more about 100Kin10, visit: sealforlife.com

Follow the 100Kin10 on social media:

YouTube |  LinkedIn

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

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100Kin10 has taken up the bold goal of ending the STEM teacher shortage in the U.S. What started as a call to action from President Obama in 2011 has become a vast national network of educators, employers and nonprofits who are collaborating, innovating and sharing the resources that prepared over 100,000 STEM teachers in the last 10 years.

In 2011, President Obama made a call for the U.S. to prepare 100,000 excellent STEM teaches in 10 years. At the time, the word "STEM" was not yet the common term it is today. The U.S. was behind globally in STEM programming and education. This presidential call was an important goal that would have long-term ripple effects in both education and the future workforce.

After hearing the call, Talia Milgrom-Elcott took up President Obama's challenge. She launched 100Kin10, a national nonprofit dedicated to creating a network of collaborators and resources that would enable 100,000 STEM teachers to be trained by 2021. In the end, they surpassed their goal with over 108,000 STEM teachers prepared to inspire the next generation of students in STEM education.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Collaboration is crucial to achieve big goals: Talia recognized early on that no single person or organization could reach this goal on their own. 100Kin10 made it their work to inspire and mobilize hundreds of organizations to take up this mission, own their role in it and help make it a reality.
2. When tackling any multi-faceted problem, prioritize the issues that have the most leverage: Through their nationwide research, the organization found that there are hundreds of challenges that have created this chronic STEM teacher shortage. To achieve the 100Kin10 goal, the partners would have to focus on solving the biggest issues that would have the greatest impact.
3. Don't reinvent the wheel; and let the experts in the room do the problem-solving: For each of these STEM teacher shortage issues, there was most likely a solution that had been developed somewhere in the world. The initiative created a national, common space for all those teachers and resources to be connected to each other, share ideas and take successful strategies back to their own districts. Whether it was sharing resources that already worked or putting people together to create solutions that were then spread across the network, 100Kin10 let the experts in the room do what they do best.

What's next for 100Kin10?

10 years have gone by and 100Kin10 have surpassed their goal, but the STEM teacher shortage isn't ended. Recently, they've been listening to the stories of young people who have been most excluded from STEM learning. This has laid the groundwork for their next big goal: to prepare and retain 150,000 teaches in the next 10 years. To learn more: https://pathto100k.org/looking-ahead

Resources:
To learn more about 100Kin10, visit: https://100kin10.org/about

To see how 100Kin10 achieved their goal visit: https://pathto100k.org

Follow the 100Kin10 on social media:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  YouTube  |  LinkedIn

View this episode on our website: https://techedpodcast.com/100kin10/

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"If we're going to accelerate implementation and see those results in the near term and the long term...I think it takes visionary leadership and acceptance of being able to take some risks, be bold, be daring. Understand that sometimes if you take on a new initiative, or a new venture, it may not be as wildly successful as you could have imagined...But at the end of the day, it might be the thing that is the game changer for your company, for your community, for your region, here in Michigan." - Ryan Hundt

Michigan Works! Association is the workforce development engine for the state of Michigan. With 16 regional workforce agencies and 99 physical locations across the state, Michigan Works! is providing the resources to get Michiganders into high-wage, high-demand careers and driving massive economic growth for the state.

Chief Executive Officer Ryan Hundt joins us for this episode to discuss all things workforce development. States across the U.S. should take notes on the model and strategies Michigan Works! has implemented that are unique, successful and will drive long-term impact in the state.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The Michigan Works! model enables a comprehensive, cohesive workforce development strategy statewide: The Michigan Works! Association is truly unique in its structure. By having a centralized entity with regional agencies spread across the state, the association is able develop strategies that are cohesive statewide. It also enables Michigan Works! to have a strong voice to advocate for its members at the state and national levels.
2. The model also enables the unique needs of each region to be met: Michigan is a diverse state - every region has different industries and workforce and economic development needs. The 16 regional agencies are able to address those unique local needs, meeting employers and individuals in their own towns with the resources they need.
3. Workforce development is about far more than employment: Solving the workforce shortage and getting people back to work is a complex, multi-faceted issue. It's about more than just skills and training; it includes issues like transportation, childcare, population decline, housing, and much more. Michigan Works! Association is a great example for how a workforce development organization should address all these components.

Resources:

Learn more about the Michigan Works! Association: michiganworks.org

Helpful resources: michiganworks.org/useful-links

Follow the Michigan Works! Association on social media:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  YouTube  |  LinkedIn

View this episode's web page: https://techedpodcast.com/michiganworks/

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"We're in this new world: a disruptive world, a technologically-driven world...individuals at all walks of life need to understand technology and have those technical and digital skill sets. They need to be entrepreneurs and innovators. And they have to have a global perspective...So the idea is to reach 100 million learners over the next 10 years." -Sanjeev Khagram

Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management has set an unprecedented goal: to reach 100 million global learners by 2030 by offering free online programming for global and digital skillsets.

Quick Facts about the 100 Million Learners Initiative

• There are three levels of programming for learners:
  • Bootcamp (50 hours): For learners with any level of education
  • Intermediate Program (5 courses; 135 hours each): For learners with high school and/or undergraduate education
  • Advanced program (5 courses; 135 hours each): For learners with undergraduate or graduate education
• The courses will be available in 40 languages
• All content is delivered and available online
• All courses are available at no cost to the learner!

For full course descriptions or to begin diving into the courses yourself, visit 100millionlearners.org.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The traditional higher education model is being disrupted, and ASU is leading the charge to innovate: By setting this enormous goal to reach 100 million learners, by making education free to individuals, and by making that education extremely accessible through online availability in 40 different languages, the Thunderbird School of Global Management is really showing what higher education of the future can look like. It's why ASU is ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation.
2. "The global is digital, and the digital is global": In 2022, you can't be a global company, worker or citizen without digital technologies. And Industry 4.0 is only increasing this phenomenon. The 100 million learners initiative will give individuals across the globe the digital skillsets they need to succeed in an interconnected, digital, global economy.
3. You can access these courses today: Whether you're still in high school or have been in the workforce for decades, lifelong learning is paramount. Why not take advantage of free online courses from a top management school, at your own pace, and earn new skills and digital badges? Click the link below to get started today.

Resources:

Get access to the free courses and start your lifelong learning journey today! 100millionlearners.org

Thunderbird School of Global Management: https://thunderbird.asu.edu

Arizona State University: https://www.asu.edu

Visit episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/100millionlearners/

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"It's history that was just visible and palpable on the screen for us in 4k...as soon as we saw the the data coming up from the seabed, it was just pure exhilaration." - Tim Jacob

We have a thrilling two-part series for you covering the Endurance22 Expedition to Antarctica...the hunt for the lost shipwreck of Ernest Shackleton.

Our guest is Tim Jacob, Director of the Traveler Program at Reach the World, who was on board the S.A. Agulhas II as it searched for the wreck and shared this experience live with students across the globe.

1. The story of the Endurance is legendary: From the dangerous undertakings of Antarctic exploration in 1915, to being ice-locked and stranded, to the struggle for survival, Ernest Shackleton and his crew remain legends today. Tim retells the adventure in a way that makes you feel like you're there.
2. Modern technology is no match for an unchanged, harsh environment: The ships and communication technology of the S.A. Agulhas II are exponentially more advanced than the Endurance, yet the dangers of the Weddell Sea are nearly identical today as they were in 1915. Modern exploration technology enables great feats of scientific discovery, but there is still great risk involved.
3. The Endurance22 mission is perhaps the greatest historical discovery of 2022: After unsuccessful voyages to find the wreck of the Endurance, the 2022 expedition's success marks a historic and scientific feat over 100 years in the making. This may be the greatest discovery of 2022.

Educators: Dig into these resources so your students can relive the expedition!

Reach the World's Endurance22 resource site: https://explore.reachtheworld.org

Reach the World: https://www.reachtheworld.org

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/endurance22-expedition/

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We're back for part 2 of our discussion with a panel of thought leaders from iconic manufacturing brands to discuss how Industry 4.0 is transforming their operations, how the workforce is evolving, and how training and certifications can bridge the skills gap.

Catch up on part 1 here: https://techedpodcast.com/manufacturing-leadership-panel/

This week is all about Industry 4.0 Education & Training Efforts with leaders from:

• Sargento Foods
• Ashley Furniture
• SC Johnson
• Rockwell Automation
• Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA)

1. Bridging the skills gap requires a collaborative industry-education effort: Developing the next generation of skilled talent for Industry 4.0 is going to take education and employers working on large, collaborative projects together to ensure students have the right skills and exposure to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing.
2. The incumbent workforce needs to be reskilled: As companies invest in more automation and smart technology, incumbent workers will need to be rapidly reskilled to work with this technology. The formula for success? In-house training + technical college partnerships + SACA certifications.
3. SACA certifications create a common language for Industry 4.0 standards: The efforts of education and employers are wasted if they aren't aligned. SACA standards are that "Rosetta Stone", the common language that can align what education teaches with what industry needs.

The Smart Automation Certification Alliance

SACA is a nonprofit organization that develops and deploys third-party credentials for advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 skills - both knowlege-based and hands-on.

What makes them unique? These credentials are designed, built and validated by industrial employers. Employers from this week's episode all took place in technical work groups that determined SACA standards.

SACA certifications are stackable, transferrable and can be utilized in education and industry. To learn more visit https://www.saca.org.

Manufacturing Panel:

• Anne Troka - Community Engagement Manager, Sargento Foods
• Anthony Ebio - Dierctor of Industry 4.0 Learning, Ashley Furniture
• Ken Evans - Associate Maintenance Manager, SC Johnson
• Michael Cook - Director of Global Academic Partnerships, Rockwell Automation
• Jim Wall - Executive Director of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance

More Resources

Webinar video: https://youtu.be/6QucCDjxhMg

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/manufacturing-leadership-panel-part2/

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