In this episode of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer catches up with serial entrepreneur Avi Yashchin, the Founder of Subconscious AI, about his professional journey from Wall Street to the cutting edge of AI. Yashchin, who started his career as a high-frequency equity trader, offers us a unique perspective on the 2008 financial crisis and how it sparked his interest in understanding the “why” behind market fluctuations.  

We delve into Yashchin's experience at IBM's Watson education business unit, where he worked on applying AI in education with early language models. We then explore his current venture, Subconscious AI, and its groundbreaking work using language models to replicate experiments in psychology, sociology, and economics.  

We tackle the complexities of AI in education, discussing the importance of thoughtful integration to maximize learning outcomes. We also address the ethical considerations of AI research, including the fascinating responses of LLMs to questions of harm and consent.  

Key Takeaways:

Why You Don't Want to Miss This Episode:

This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of AI's current and potential impact on various fields, including education, research, and even our understanding of social behavior. Whether you're an educator, researcher, or simply curious about the future of AI, this conversation provides valuable insights and raises essential questions about the ethical and practical implications of this rapidly evolving technology.

Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Video episodes are now live on Youtube and Spotify.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:04 Avi Yashchin's Early Career and Wall Street Experience

03:12 Entrepreneurial Journey and Clean Edison

03:33 AI in Education and IBM Watson

05:46 Founding Subconscious AI and Climate Change Experiments

07:01 Using Language Models for Social Experiments

16:06 Ethical Considerations and AI Limitations

22:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Future

In this episode of Trending in Education, we welcome Auditi Chakravarty, CEO of the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), to explore the cutting edge of education R&D. We begin by tracing Auditi's journey from a high school English teacher to a leader in curriculum and assessment development, with stops at Kaplan and the College Board, where she helped shape major programs like AP and the redesigned SAT.  

Now, at the helm of AERDF, Auditi is driving a new approach to R&D in education, one that models itself on advanced research project agencies like DARPA, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration and a focus on breakthrough innovations. We dive into AERDF's four key programs, including the groundbreaking AugmentEd, which explores the role of AI in augmenting teaching and learning. We also discuss EF+Math, Assessment for Good, and Reading Reimagined, each tackling critical challenges in education with a focus on evidence-based solutions.  

Key Takeaways:

Why You Don't Want to Miss This:

This episode offers a unique glimpse into the future of education R&D and the potential for groundbreaking innovations to transform teaching and learning. Whether you're an educator, researcher, policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of education, this conversation with Auditi Chakravarty will leave you inspired and informed.

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

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:57 Auditi's Origin Story

01:17 Journey Through Kaplan and College Board

02:16 The Role and Impact of AP Programs

06:32 Transition to AERDF

07:31 Understanding AERDF's Mission

09:19 Exploring AERDF's Programs

09:45 The Role of AI in Education

16:53 AugmentEd: The Future Classroom

22:40 Other AERDF Programs

29:41 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

We're thrilled to bring you another engaging episode recorded live at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas! Join Trending in Ed host Mike Palmer as he sits down with Lindsay Whorton, President of the Holdsworth Center, to explore innovative approaches to educational leadership, innovation, and the future of K-12.  

Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from college hoops to teaching to leading a cutting-edge organization that's transforming how we develop and support educational leaders. We discuss the critical need to invest in people, move beyond traditional professional development, and reimagine the roles of principals and superintendents.  

Key takeaways include:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about educational leadership, innovation, and creating sustainable change in our schools. We tackle the tough questions and offer actionable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers alike.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on:

Don't miss this engaging conversation! Subscribe to Trending in Education for more thought-provoking discussions on the forces shaping the future of education.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Lindsay Whorton's Origin Story

01:23 International Education Insights

03:11 The Role of Sports in Education

04:21 Leadership Development at Holdsworth

05:23 Challenges in K-12 Education

08:09 Superintendent and Principal Roles

09:36 Future Directions for Holdsworth

12:21 Adapting to Modern Educational Needs

16:52 The Role of Nonprofits in Education

19:28 AI in Education

25:12 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this dynamic episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer connects with Dana Stephenson, co-founder and CEO of Riipen, live from SXSW EDU in Austin. We dive into how Riipen is revolutionizing higher education and the workforce by tackling the critical experience gap head-on. Discover how their innovative platform seamlessly connects students and companies through impactful, skill-specific projects.

Dana shares the compelling origin story behind Riipen, revealing the challenges that he and his business partner witnessed among their peers—the struggle to gain that crucial first work experience. Learn how this inspired the creation of Riipen, a platform that's embedding project-based learning directly into a higher ed curriculum, providing students with invaluable real-world experience, vital professional connections, and essential career clarity.

Why You Can't Miss This Episode:

This episode isn't just informative—it's transformative. You'll walk away with actionable insights and a deeper understanding of how learners, higher ed institutions, and employers benefit from a platform focused on work-based learning.

Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Video episodes available on Spotify and Youtube.

00:00 Welcome to Trending in Education

00:17 Introducing Dana Stephenson and Riipen

01:20 The Origin Story of Riipen

02:26 Challenges and Solutions in Work-Based Learning

05:40 The Role of Higher Education Institutions

13:04 The Skills-Based Revolution and AI

23:48 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

25:42 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of Trending in Education, we explore the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and resilience in education. We speak with Dr. Horacio Sanchez, the founder and CEO of Resiliency, Inc, about his groundbreaking work with K-12 systems.  

We dive into Dr. Sanchez's origin story and learn how his early work as the youngest director of mental health in North Carolina led him to develop a resiliency-based treatment model for at-risk kids. We discuss how increasing protective factors, like positive relationships, can improve brain function and foster resilience, even in those not naturally resilient. We also explore the neuroscience of empathy and how it can be developed in students.  

We also tackle critical issues such as the impact of poverty on brain development and the challenges of teaching in today's environment. We discuss the importance of understanding the neuroscience of bias and how it can be addressed in schools. Finally, we consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI in education, emphasizing the need to use technology to enhance, not replace, cognitive development.  

Key takeaways include:

Tune in to discover how applied neuroscience can transform teaching practices, improve school climate, and empower students to thrive. Don't miss this engaging conversation! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:39 Dr. Horacio Sanchez's Origin Story

01:37 Understanding Resiliency and Protective Factors

02:41 The Impact of Relationships and Neuroscience

04:39 Books and Applied Neuroscience in Education

05:23 The Role of Empathy and Technology

07:46 Poverty's Effect on Brain Development

09:34 Neuroscience of Bias

19:56 Reading and Writing: Neuroscience Insights

26:40 Artificial Intelligence in Education

31:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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