Join us for a dynamic live recording from the Podcast Stage at SXSW EDU 2025! We're diving into the hottest trends shaping the future of education with a panel of experts. Mike Palmer, host of Trending in Ed and Founder of Palmer Media, leads a lively discussion with Mike Yates from Teach for America's Reinvention Lab, who shares his insights on AI and social media. Jenn Stredler, Managing Director of Common Group, brings her expertise on the intersection of education, workforce, and talent. Julia Shatilo, Programming Director for SXSW EDU, offers a unique perspective on the trends driving innovation in education based on what's submitted and chosen for the conference.  

We explore a wide range of topics, including the growing importance of micro schools, the impact of new media on learning, the evolving landscape of Career and Technical Education (CTE), and the double-edged sword of AI in the talent marketplace. We also tackle critical questions about ethical AI use, the reimagining of higher education, and the essential role of relational intelligence in a tech-driven world.  

Key Takeaways:

Reasons for Listening:

Don't miss out on this engaging and informative discussion! Subscribe to Trending in Ed to keep up with everything happening in the rapidly changing world of education.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Event Overview

01:45 Meet the Panelists

02:18 Mike Yates on AI and Education

03:11 Jenn Stredler on Workforce and Education

04:24 Julia Shatilo on South by Southwest EDU

07:20 Panel Discussion on Trends

27:37 AI and Relational Intelligence

27:52 Howard Gardner on Mentorship vs. Influencers

28:58 Model Flexibility and Adaptive Intelligence

30:51 Social Capital and Workforce Trends

33:43 AI's Role in Human Connection

40:14 Gen Z and Apprenticeships

54:28 Future Predictions and AI Skepticism

58:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us for a special episode of Trending in Education recorded live from the LEGO Education Curiosity Park at SXSW EDU.  

We’re diving deep into the world of playful learning and the rollout of LEGO Education Science with Dr. Jenny Nash, Head of Impact Education at LEGO. In this fun and insightful conversation, we explore the latest from LEGO Education with a special appearance from host Mike Palmer's six-year-old son, Matthew, who joins in the fun, building and creating with LEGOs as we chat! You'll hear from Mike's wife and occasional Co-Host, Dr. Robin Naughton, who weighs in as a Librarian and Information Scientist at Queens College where she's thinking about Teacher Training and Maker Spaces.

Note: there's a bit of the conference buzz in the background, but that's part of the magic – capturing the excitement of learning and discovery in action.  

Dr. Nash, a true legend in the field, shares her expertise on problem-based learning and science education while describing LEGO's innovative approaches to K-12 education. We discuss the importance of hands-on learning and how LEGO Education is bringing engagement back into the classroom. We also delve into the findings of LEGO's State of Classroom Engagement Report, highlighting the critical role of engagement and confidence in student learning.

Key Takeaways:

Whether you're an educator, parent, or just a lover of LEGOs, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the power of play in education.  

Don't Miss:

Subscribe to Trending in Education to stay on top of the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of learning!  

A special thanks to Dr. Robin Naughton and Matthew Palmer for joining the conversation, and of course, to Dr. Jenny Nash for sharing her expertise and passion for LEGO Education.  

Until next time, keep exploring, keep playing, and keep learning!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:11 Meet Dr. Jenny Nash from LEGO Education

00:51 Playful Learning with LEGO

02:02 Hands-On Learning and Engagement

04:03 LEGO Education Science

09:28 Collaborative Learning with LEGO

11:37 Teacher Workshops and Professional Development

12:04 Classroom Ready Resources for Teachers

13:18 Balancing Play and Structure in Learning

14:58 Extending LEGO Education to Higher Grades

15:43 Hands-On Learning in Teacher Training

18:40 Collaborative Learning and Its Importance

20:35 LEGO Education Science and Competitions

22:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

23:14 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Join us for a recap of SXSW EDU 2025! Host Mike Palmer shares his takeaways from the conference, including highlights from the panel discussion he hosted on the podcast stage. Catch highlights from interviews with Dr. Jenny Nash from LEGO Education, Dana Stephenson from Riipen, and Lindsay Whorton from The Holdsworth Center, as Mike shares his experiences attending the conference with his wife and 6-year-old son. Palmer discusses the importance of hands-on learning with Nash and Stephenson and gets into the role of AI in education and transformations in the workforce with Stephenson and Whorton.

Subscribe to the feed so you don't miss upcoming episodes including our amazing panel session with Mike Yates, Jenn Stredler, and Julia Shatilo, and Mike's interviews in upcoming episodes with Jenny, Lindsay, and Dana and more.

Key takeaways:

Subscribe to Trending in Ed where you get your pods and on Youtube to keep up with the accelerating pace of change in education.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and South by Southwest EDU Overview

00:29 March Madness of Learning Trends Panel

02:25 Family Adventures at South by Southwest EDU

03:30 Workforce Development and Future of Work

05:07 Reflections on Past South by Southwest EDU Experiences

08:01 Live Podcast Session Highlights

11:03 Lego Education and Hands-On Learning

14:48 STEM and Maker Kits at the Expo Hall

18:31 Keynote Highlights and Tiny Experiments

21:11 Interviews with Educational Leaders

28:00 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Conferences

Jarian Kerekes, President of the Equitable Foundation, joins Mike Palmer on Trending in Education to share his personal and professional journey, highlighting the transformative power of education and the importance of finding one's passion. From his challenging upbringing in rural Virginia to his impactful work at the Equitable Foundation, Kerekes' story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to opening up higher education pathways for underserved students. Here's the link to NCAN also discussed in the episode.  

Kerekes discusses the Equitable Foundation's multifaceted approach to education, encompassing college and career readiness for students, support for K-12 educators, and initiatives aimed at fostering vibrant and healthy communities. He delves into the foundation's scholarship program, which has helped over 7,300 scholars access post-secondary education, with a particular focus on BIPOC and first-generation students. Throughout the episode, Kerekes provides valuable insights into the challenges facing education today, including rising costs, the need for better support systems, and the importance of social capital and networking in bridging students into successful careers.  

Key takeaways:

Subscribe to Trending in Education to stay informed and inspired by insightful conversations with leaders like Jarian Kerekes who are shaping the future of education.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Jarian's Origin Story

02:09 Career Journey and Impact of Education

02:50 Equitable Foundation's Mission and Focus

04:58 Philanthropy and Community Engagement

06:07 Scholarship Programs and Higher Education

07:09 Challenges and Support in Higher Education

10:17 Volunteerism and Finding Your Why

12:36 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

14:44 Supporting First-Generation and Low-Income Students

22:59 Career Advice and Professional Development

29:09 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Source for Equitable’s distinction as the #1 provider of K-12 403(b) plans for 10 consecutive years: LIMRA, Not-for-Profit Survey, Q2 2024 results, based on 403(b) plan participants and contributions. Survey results include plans issued by Equitable Financial and Equitable America. Equitable is the brand name of the retirement and protection subsidiaries of Equitable Holdings, Inc., including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial), Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (Equitable America), an AZ stock company with an administrative office in Charlotte, NC, issuers of insurance and annuity products and Equitable Distributors, LLC.

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In today's episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Amy Lomellini, the Director of Accessibility for Anthology. Lomellini shares her personal journey and how it led her to become a passionate advocate for accessibility in educational technology.  

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the intersection of assistive technology, artificial intelligence, and universal design for learning (UDL). Lomellini discusses the transformative potential of AI in empowering individuals with disabilities and emphasizes the importance of keeping humans in control of these technologies.  

This episode is a must-listen for educators, instructional designers, and anyone interested in creating inclusive learning experiences. Lomellini's expertise and personal experiences offer a unique perspective on the future of education and the role of technology in fostering accessibility for all.  

Key Takeaways

Subscribe and Share

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Trending in Education for more thought-provoking conversations on the latest trends in educational technology. Don't forget to share this episode with your colleagues and friends who are passionate about creating inclusive learning environments.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Amy's Origin Story

01:55 Career Journey and Challenges

03:38 Role at Anthology and Accessibility Initiatives

05:52 AI and Assistive Technology

08:45 Ethical Considerations and Human Control

16:41 Universal Design for Learning

19:13 Future of Accessibility and Career Advice

20:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Kenneth Carter, a clinical psychologist and professor, returns to Trending in Education to discuss his work as the founder of Emory University's Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement. Carter and host Mike Palmer explore the challenges and opportunities of translating academic knowledge into accessible and engaging content for the public.  

Key takeaways:

Why you should listen:

This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of public scholarship and the role of academics in making knowledge accessible to wider audiences. Carter's expertise in psychology and his passion for public engagement offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of communicating complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner.  

Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts!

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:21 Reintroducing Dr. Kenneth Carter

00:43 Public Scholarship and Engagement

02:11 The Center's First Year and Signature Events

04:11 The Role of Media in Public Engagement

09:44 Public Scholarship Academy

12:29 Psychology Insights and Public Discourse

18:52 Future of Public Scholarship

20:59 Conclusion and Takeaways

Dr. Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation, joins Mike Palmer on Trending in Education to discuss the crucial intersection of technology, education, and equity. The conversation explores the persistent lack of diversity in the tech industry and the urgent need to prepare students for the AI-driven future. Dr. Scott emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, ethical considerations, and creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem that benefits everyone. This episode offers valuable insights for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the transformative power of technology and its impact on society.

We reference the WEF Future of Jobs Report and the Kapor's Guide to Responsible AI.

Key Takeaways:

Why You Should Listen:

Dr. Allison Scott provides a compelling vision for the future of tech education. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in the development and use of AI. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of work, education, and technology.

Subscribe to Trending in Education to stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the field.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:43 Dr. Allison Scott's Origin Story

01:07 Understanding Inequality in Education

02:55 The Kapor Foundation's Mission

03:36 The Leaky Tech Pipeline Framework

05:40 Responsible AI and Diversity

06:52 Preparing the Next Generation for AI

10:38 Critical Thinking and AI Education

11:25 Future of Work and Skills

13:56 Encouraging Innovation and Problem Solving

22:04 Philanthropy and Nonprofits in Tech

23:19 Conclusion and Takeaways

Steve Shapiro, the co-founder and CEO of Finetune and SVP of AI in assessment for Prometric, joins us to discuss the transformative potential of AI in education and assessment. Shapiro emphasizes that we are still in the nascent stages of AI adoption and that there is vast untapped potential for this technology to revolutionize how we design, deliver, and assess learning experiences.  

Key Takeaways:

Why You Should Listen:

This episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI in education, offering a balanced perspective on both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Shapiro's expertise and experience in the field make for a compelling and informative discussion that will be of interest to educators, technologists, and anyone interested in the future of learning.  

Subscribe today and stay informed on the latest trends in education and technology!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Special AI Edition

01:09 Steve Shapiro's Origin Story

02:58 The Birth and Evolution of FineTune

05:13 AI's Role in Assessment

09:54 Prometric Acquisition and High-Stakes Exams

15:56 The DeepSeek Kerfuffle and AI Market Dynamics

20:52 Future of AI in Education and Assessment

29:07 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Future of Work

33:40 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

Jenee Henry Wood, Chief Learning Officer at Transcend and co-author of the book Extraordinary Learning for All: How Communities Design Schools Where Everybody Thrives, joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about community-based design and how to leap ahead past the industrial model of K12 education left over from the 20th century.

Jenee shares her journey into education, which began with a background in international economics and led her to Teach for America to become a teacher and advocate for students' voice and teacher/community empowerment. We discuss the limitations of the traditional "industrial" model of education and explore the concept of community-based design, where schools partner with students, parents, and the wider community to create learning experiences that are relevant, engaging, and empowering.  

Key Takeaways:

Subscribe to Trending in Education to hear more insightful conversations like this one with Jenee.

Isabelle Hau, author of the book, Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Childhood, joins Mike Palmer in a conversation about the importance of relationships in early education and what it means to our understanding of intelligence and human development. Hau highlights the concept of “relational intelligence” or “RQ” and its increasing importance in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. Isabelle is the Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning.

The two discuss the role of parents, and the give and take of "serve-and-return" interactions with early learners in fostering relational intelligence and building synaptic connections early in life. Hau emphasizes the importance of play in early childhood development and offers advice for parents on how to encourage healthy social and emotional growth in their children while avoiding the risks of over-parenting and over-structuring children's lives.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts! Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.