In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer talks with Deb Mallin, the founder and CEO of Mighty Doodle Inc., about the power of AI in transforming literacy education. Deb’s journey into education was inspired by her own experiences as a mother and educator, driving her to create Mighty Doodle, an AI-based literacy tutoring system. Mighty Doodle uses a series of engaging mini-games to help children develop essential reading, writing, and spelling skills.  

Mike and Deb discuss the importance of addressing the literacy gap, the “science of reading,” and how AI can be used responsibly and effectively to support diverse, including neurodiverse, learners. We also explore the balance between compassionate teaching and the relentless pursuit of literacy for all children.  

Key Takeaways:

Why You Don't Want to Miss This:

To hear more insightful conversations like this, subscribe to Trending in Education on your favorite podcast platform. Join the conversation and be part of the community shaping the future of learning.

In this episode of Trending in Education, we sit down with Dacia Toll, Co-CEO of Coursemojo, to explore the intersection of education reform and AI's transformative potential in K12 settings.

Dacia shares her 26-year journey in education, from her early days as a teacher and principal in New Haven, Connecticut, to her pivotal role in scaling Achievement First, a network of 41 schools. Dacia discusses the challenges of addressing student needs and teacher support after the disruptions of Covid-19, and how Coursemojo empowers teachers with an AI-powered assistant that integrates with high-quality curriculum materials (HQIM) to drive student success.

Key Takeaways:

Why you can't miss this episode:

Join us to hear Dacia's vision for the future of AI in education and its potential to transform teaching and learning, offering valuable insights for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education.

In this captivating episode of Trending in Ed, we reconnect with the dynamic filmmaking duo, Jaye and Adam Fenderson of Three Frame Media, to explore their latest impactful project: The Class.  

Stepping back into the world of education after their acclaimed film Unlikely (here's the link to their prior appearance talking about it in 2019), the Fendersons' new docuseries, now airing on PBS, intimately chronicles the journey of six East Bay students and their dedicated advisor, Mr. Cam, during the unprecedented challenges of the 2020-2021 school year.  

Delving beyond the headlines, The Class offers a poignant look at the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of students navigating their path to higher education amidst a global pandemic.  

Through the series, we witness the profound impact of a supportive mentor, the power of community, and the enduring importance of empathy and grace in education.  

Key Takeaways:

Why You Don't Want to Miss This Episode:

In a time when education faces unprecedented challenges and the need for connection and support is paramount, this episode of Trending in Ed offers a refreshing and deeply human perspective.

Whether you're an educator, a student, a parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of education, this conversation with Jaye and Adam Fenderson will leave you inspired, moved, and ready to champion the CAMs (counselors, advisors, mentors) in your own community.  

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the power of mentorship, the importance of empathy, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more amazing conversations like this one.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:25 Meet the Filmmakers: Jaye and Adam Fenderson

00:43 The Journey in Education Documentaries

00:59 The Class: A New Documentary Series

04:53 Challenges and Inspirations During the Pandemic

09:28 The Unexpected Path to PBS

10:51 Reflecting on the Impact of COVID-19

14:24 The Importance of Grace and Empathy

16:08 Challenges of Filming During the Pandemic

17:13 Introducing the Series and Its Characters

18:08 The Power of Storytelling in Building Empathy

19:37 The Impact of College Advisors

23:21 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Emily Coleman, co-founder and CEO of HAI Analytics Inc, about the intersection of data science and higher education.

Emily shares her journey from a PhD in Psychology and Statistics to founding HAI Analytics, highlighting her passion for using data to drive decision-making in higher education. They discuss the importance of predictive analytics, the challenges and opportunities for data implementation in higher education, and the skills needed for success in data science.  

Key Takeaways:

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Episode:

This conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the role of data in shaping the future of higher education. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or data enthusiast, Emily’s expertise offers a unique perspective on how institutions can harness the power of data to improve student outcomes, optimize resources, and navigate the evolving landscape of education.

Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes Dana Bryson, Senior Vice President of Social Impact at Study.com, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of education, technology, and social impact. This follows almost exactly a year from Dana's first appearance on Trending in Ed with Paul Gollash from ETS. 

Dana shares her inspiring origin story, from her upbringing with activist parents who had the first legal interracial marriage in Virginia, to her work in public policy, beginning at the Kennedy School and even working with Jerry Brown when he was the Mayor of Oakland. The through line for all of this is Dana's passion for creating change. Then we connect this to her role driving Study.com's mission to provide affordable access to education through the initiatives she leads to address key issues in education today.  

Key Takeaways:

Why You Shouldn't Miss This Episode:

This episode offers a unique blend of personal insights and professional expertise, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in education today. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or simply passionate about social impact, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to make a difference.

Subscribe to Trending in Ed so you never miss conversations like this one. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Video versions now on Youtube and Spotify.

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