Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

In this enlightening episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer is joined by Dr. Mark Milliron, the President of National University, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of higher education. Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit to the unique needs of non-traditional students and the impact of AI, Mark shares invaluable insights on the future of learning.  

Key Takeaways:

The Changing Face of Higher Ed: Discover why the traditional image of a college student is outdated and how institutions like National University are catering to "Anders" – the parents, employees, caregivers, and service members who make up the majority of today's student population.  

Value-Rich Education: Learn about the importance of providing a return on investment for students through "value-rich education" that focuses on being credential-rich, connection-rich, and experience-rich.

Navigating the Higher Ed Maze: Gain clarity on the diverse pathways in higher education and how to help students find the options that best suit their needs, including partnerships with community colleges and innovative funding models.  

AI's Role in Education: Explore the potential of AI in higher education and the importance of finding a balance between hype and skepticism to thoughtfully integrate new technologies for the benefit of students and faculty.  

The Power of Possibility: Embrace a "Possibilist" mindset to uncover the opportunities for positive change in education and leverage tools, technology, policies, and practices to create a brighter future for learners.  

Why You Should Listen:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of education. Whether you're an educator, administrator, policymaker, or simply interested in the evolving world of learning, Dr. Milliron's expertise and insights will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to embrace the possibilities of 21st-century education.

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00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:32 Perspectives on the ASU+GSV Conference

02:15 Mark Milliron's Background

04:02 National University's Mission and Focus

05:11 Innovative Education Models

09:19 Value-Rich Education

11:30 Project-Based Learning with Riipen

12:06 Perception of Higher Education12:52 Navigating Educational Pathways

14:09 The Importance of Durable Skills

17:03 AI's Role in Higher Education

20:36 Final Thoughts and Possibilities

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Alvin Crawford, CEO of EdVice K12 and a seasoned expert in the field of education and technology. Alvin takes us on a journey through his career, from the early days of the internet, working with major players like Digitas and Ogilvy, to his pivotal role in the growth of Schoolnet, and his current work as a consultant with Edvice K12.  

Alvin dives into the critical topic of adolescent literacy and highlights innovative solutions like World Book ClassMate, which leverages AI to personalize learning and boost student engagement. He also shares valuable insights on navigating the complexities of ed tech entrepreneurship, the importance of trusted resources in the age of disinformation, and the future of AI in education.  

Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit, this episode offers a blend of experience, expertise, and forward-thinking perspectives on the ever-evolving world of education.  

Key Takeaways:

Why You Should Listen:

Whether you're an educator seeking innovative tools, an entrepreneur developing ed tech solutions, or simply curious about the future of education, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Alvin Crawford's expertise and real-world experience make this a compelling and informative listen.

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Join Mike Palmer live from the ASU+GSV conference in San Diego for an illuminating conversation with Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera. In this dynamic episode, Marni shares her inspiring origin story, from her early days at UCSB during the dawn of web browsers to her time as Provost of Western Governors University to her pivotal role today at Coursera, shaping the future of online education.  

We dive deep into the evolving landscape of EdTech, discussing Coursera's impressive growth to 168 million users worldwide and its strategic partnerships with industry giants like Google, Meta, and IBM, as well as top universities. We tackle the complex relationship between AI and content development, the importance of accessible education through Coursera Coach and translations, and the ever-changing demands of the job market.  

Marni’s insights will make you feel like you’re right there with Mike and her, experiencing the energy of ASU+GSV, charting the forefront of educational innovation.

Key Takeaways:

The transformative power of AI in personalizing learning experiences and addressing access challenges.  

The importance of durable skills and AI literacy in preparing learners for the future of work.  

The need for optimism and proactive engagement with AI to shape a positive future for education.  

Why You Should Listen:

If you're passionate about the future of education, the role of technology, or the power of accessible learning, this episode is a must-listen. Marni Baker Stein's expertise and Mike Palmer's engaging interview style provide invaluable insights into the trends shaping eLearning, EdTech, MOOCs, and higher education. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how Coursera is leading the charge in this dynamic era.

Don't miss out on this timely discussion! Subscribe to Trending in Ed, leave a comment, and share this episode with your network to keep the conversation going.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:39 Marni's Origin Story

01:35 Pioneering Online Education

02:57 Joining Coursera and Future of Learning

05:39 Impact of Generative AI on Content Development

09:02 Global Access and Translation Initiatives

12:22 Coursera Coach and Personalized Learning

14:31 Emotional Relationships with AI Agents

15:19 AI-Driven Personalized Learning

16:00 Preparing for Future Workplaces

16:26 Socratic Dialogue and Pedagogical Approaches

18:34 Emerging Skills and Career Trajectories

21:14 Durable Skills and Human Intelligence

24:06 AI in Education: From K-12 to Higher Ed

26:33 Optimism for the Future of AI

26:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Nate Eklund, founder and CEO of Vital Network, about the critical issues of teacher and administrative burnout in the U.S. Nate shares his journey from a high school teacher to an expert in education workforce development, driven by a passion for creating sustainable and engaging work environments in schools. We also touch on Nate's groundbreaking work: How Was Your Day at School: Improving Dialog About Teacher Job Satisfaction.  

The conversation delves into the core of the problem: the lack of focus on retention within the education sector. Nate highlights the often-overlooked importance of the educators' daily working experience and the necessity of addressing issues such as time management, voice and decision-making, and support.  

Key Takeaways:

The significance of designing school environments that prioritize teacher well-being.  

The impact of administrative turnover on school culture and stability.  

Strategies for fostering teacher engagement and retention through recognizing teacher voice and promoting a healthy work environment.

A discussion around compensation, highlighting that while better pay is necessary, it is not the sole solution to retaining teachers.  

Reasons Why You Should Listen:

This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, parents, and anyone invested in the health of the education system. Gain valuable insights into actionable strategies to combat burnout, foster positive school cultures, and ultimately improve the educational experience for both teachers and students.  

To ensure you never miss an insightful discussion, subscribe to Trending in Education on your favorite podcast platform. Video episodes now live on Youtube and Spotify.

In this enlightening episode of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer engages in a dynamic conversation with Edson Barton, co-founder and CEO of YouScience, diving deep into the transformative power of career education and aptitude assessment. Edson shares his own compelling origin story, reflecting on how his early struggles in school ignited a passion for revolutionizing the way we approach education and career guidance.  

The discussion explores the shortcomings of traditional career guidance methods, emphasizing the significance of understanding an individual's innate aptitudes rather than relying solely on interest and personality tests. Edson and Mike tackle critical issues such as integrating career-connected learning into education systems, addressing the skills gap in the workforce, and the nuanced role of aptitude assessments in fostering inclusion and equity. Here's a link to the 2025 State of the Future Workforce Report cited in the episode.  

Key Takeaways:

The limitations of interest and personality tests in providing effective career guidance.  

The importance of identifying and nurturing individual aptitudes for career success.  

Strategies for integrating career-connected learning into education from an early age.  

The widening skills gap in the labor market and the need for better alignment between education and workforce demands.  

The significance of providing effective guidance and mentorship to students.  

Why You Don't Want to Miss This:

This episode offers invaluable insights for educators, administrators, parents, and anyone invested in shaping the future of education and workforce development. By challenging conventional approaches and advocating for a more holistic understanding of individual capabilities, Edson Barton provides a compelling roadmap for empowering learners and building a stronger, more adaptable workforce.  

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking discussion! Subscribe to Trending in Ed to stay at the forefront of the latest trends and innovations in education.

Is it "absenteeism" or is there a "new absenteeism?" Join us as we dive into groundbreaking research from Teach for America's Reinvention Lab featuring Colleen Keating Crawford and Izzy Fitzgerald, who are at the forefront of exploring the evolving landscape of student engagement. Here's the link to Colleen's previous appearance on Trending in Ed where we talk about the Lab's Crossing the Canyon research.  

We tackle the pressing question: Why haven't post-COVID attendance rates rebounded? Colleen, Izzy, and Mike Palmer challenge the traditional view of absenteeism and introduce a fresh perspective that focuses on who is learning rather than simply who is present.  

Discover the Five Profiles of Engagement: Engaged, Systemically Blocked, Real Life Learners, Checked Out, and In Crisis. Learn why it’s crucial to understand these nuances to effectively support today's students.  

Key Takeaways:

Why You Should Listen:

Whether you're an educator, parent, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of education, this episode offers vital insights and actionable strategies to address the new absenteeism and foster a more engaging and relevant learning environment for all students.  

Subscribe wherever you get your pods. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

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.