Episodes

  • Learning to See | Insights into Creativity with Dr. Keith Sawyer | Trending in Ed

    Learning to See | Insights into Creativity with Dr. Keith Sawyer | Trending in Ed
    Jun 30 2025
    On this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Dr. Keith Sawyer, a renowned creativity researcher and professor at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Dr. Sawyer, author of the book Learning to See: Inside the World's Leading Art and Design Schools, shares insights from his career journey and extensive research into creativity and learning. Key Takeaways: The Power of Constraints: Dr. Sawyer reveals that in leading art and design schools, creativity is often enhanced by constraints, not hindered by them. Professors use "highly constrained project assignments" or "parameters" to guide students, even in fields like painting where one might expect complete freedom. "Learning to See" Beyond the Obvious: The title of Dr. Sawyer's book, Learning to See, stems directly from his interviews with art and design professors who emphasize that their primary role is teaching students "how to see". This isn't about literal sight but a deeper, more abstract way of perceiving and engaging with the world. Creativity as an Iterative Process: The common myth that creativity is about a single brilliant idea followed by linear execution is debunked. Instead, art and design education fosters an "iterative, wandering, and non-linear" creative process, where good ideas emerge through engagement with the materials and ongoing refinement. The Role of Struggle and Ambiguity: Learning and creativity are inherently effortful. Effective creators learn to "welcome ambiguity" and "tolerate failure," recognizing these as opportunities for new directions and deeper understanding. Collaboration in the Studio Classroom: While students in art and design programs are assessed individually, the studio classroom fosters a collaborative environment where students receive feedback from peers and professors on their interim work, influencing their next steps. Lessons for the Future of Education: The project-based learning model prevalent in art and design aligns with cutting-edge research in learning sciences, particularly in STEM disciplines. This approach, which Dr. Sawyer calls "guided improvisation," offers valuable insights for cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills across all fields of study. Why You Should Listen: If you're interested in understanding the true nature of creativity, how expertise is cultivated, and what lessons traditional education can learn from art and design schools, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Sawyer challenges common misconceptions about creativity, highlighting the essential roles of structure, iteration, and even struggle in the creative process. He also offers a thought-provoking perspective on how generative AI differs from human creativity and what it means for the future of work and learning. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts!
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    43 mins
  • Empowering Teachers as Climate Leaders with Margaret Wang-Aghania from Subsc

    Empowering Teachers as Climate Leaders with Margaret Wang-Aghania from Subsc
    Jun 26 2025
    On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer is joined by Margaret Wang-Aghania, co-founder and executive director of Subject to Climate, to discuss the integration of climate education into K-12 schooling. We explore how Subject to Climate empowers educators to teach about climate change, action, and justice across all grade levels and subjects. Key Takeaways: Margaret shares her origin story as a high school social studies teacher and how her experiences led to the founding of Subject to Climate. We learn about Subject to Climate's mission to make climate education "easy and effective" for K-12 teachers by providing vetted, standards-aligned resources and training. The conversation highlights the interdisciplinary nature of climate change, emphasizing that it's not just a science issue, but also involves social studies, English language arts, and more. We dive into the "gorillas in the room" – AI and the culture wars – discussing how climate literacy can be embedded within AI literacy initiatives in schools. Margaret provides a fantastic example of an English language arts lesson plan where students analyze poetry about climate change and even draft their school's generative AI policy. We explore the role of policy in system-wide change, citing examples like Maine's legislation for professional development funds for climate education. The discussion touches on foundational components of climate education, including systems thinking and problem-based learning, drawing on Christina Kwauk's work on skills for green jobs, green life skills, and transformative capacities. We address the challenge of "doom scrolling" and climate anxiety, emphasizing the importance of climate action and collective effort to foster hope and agency in students. Margaret shares how Subject to Climate's partners page and their news articles from The Juice (with a "Climate Solutions" filter) can help individuals connect with the broader climate education movement and find hopeful stories. Looking ahead, Margaret discusses how Subject to Climate is adapting to the increasing use of AI tools by teachers to ensure environmental concepts are still embedded in the learning process. Why You Should Listen: This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of education and our planet. Margaret Wang-Aghania provides inspiring insights into how we can empower the next generation to understand and address climate change. We discuss practical strategies for integrating climate education into existing curricula, leveraging emerging technologies like AI responsibly, and fostering hope and agency in students. If you believe in the transformative power of education to solve complex global challenges, this conversation will resonate deeply. Don't miss this engaging discussion! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts.
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    33 mins
  • Quantum Insights and the Future of Deep Tech with Charles Beyrouthy, Managing Partner at Forma Prime

    Quantum Insights and the Future of Deep Tech with Charles Beyrouthy, Managing Partner at Forma Prime
    Jun 23 2025
    In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer hosts Charles Beyrouthy, Managing Partner at Forma Prime, a venture capital firm, to explore the exciting intersection of deep technology and the future of education. We dive into the profound shifts happening in our world, from the cutting-edge advancements in quantum computing, new sensor technologies, and cybersecurity, as well as the impact of generative AI on all of this. Key Takeaways: Charles Beyrouthy's Journey: Charles shares his fascinating career path, from studying chemical engineering and biochemistry at UMass Amherst to accidentally falling into chemical engineering, working in microfluidics research, and eventually transitioning into oil and natural gas consulting before founding a lab software startup called LabCloud. The Boston Biotech Ecosystem: We discuss Boston's rise as a biotech hub, examining how VC firms like Flagship and Polaris provided not just funding but also operational support, placing executives and consultants to bridge the gap between IP-centric research and commercialization. This transformation was fueled by institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Boston University, and supported by a robust supplier base. Deep Tech Investment Landscape: Charles explains Forma Prime's focus on deep tech, particularly semiconductors, and why this sector sits uniquely between SaaS (low IP moat, high market following) and biotech (high IP moat, long regulatory cycles). Semiconductors offer a high IP moat, a low regulatory environment, and massive implementation potential. Quantum Technology & Its Applications: We delve into quantum computing, moving beyond the theoretical to discuss real-world applications like quantum GPS that don't rely on satellites and the system on the International Space Station which uses room-temperature neutral atom technology developed by Infleqtion. We also touch upon other use cases like quantum radio frequency technology and quantum GPS timekeeping for synchronization. Q Day and Cybersecurity: We also explore the concept of "Q Day" – the hypothetical point where quantum computers could break conventional encryption. While Charles believes conventional encryption standards like RSA 256 are still robust, he acknowledges the need for continued research and government support for quantum encryption. Gradient Technologies, a Forma Prime portfolio company, is pioneering hardware-authenticated access to enhance cybersecurity. Challenges in Academia and Industry Alignment: A critical theme is the disconnect between academia and entrepreneurial activity in the private sector. Charles advocates for better alignment in curricula, teaching styles, and practicums to ensure graduates emerge work-ready. He also emphasizes the need for professors to upskill in emerging technologies and for academia to prioritize practical application and societal value over purely academic pursuits. The Semiconductor Workforce Crisis: Charles issues a powerful call to action regarding the urgent need for skilled technicians and engineers in the US semiconductor industry. He highlights that we need at least 35,000 technicians for new fabs and urges educators to step forward to develop practical training programs to address this. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the bleeding edge of technology and its implications for our future. We unpack complex topics like quantum computing and its real-world applications, offering a clear and accessible overview. We also engage in a timely discussion about the critical role of education in preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving technological landscape, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry. Don't miss it! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Video versions are available on YouTube and Spotify.
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    53 mins
  • Empathy, Leadership, and Collective Action in Higher Ed with Dr. Terri Givens

    Empathy, Leadership, and Collective Action in Higher Ed with Dr. Terri Givens
    Jun 19 2025
    Dr. Terri Givens is a regular "Friend of the Show" on Trending in Ed and a professor of political science at the University of British Columbia and author of Radical Empathy. She joins host Mike Palmer to discuss the current challenges facing higher education and academic associations, the importance of collaboration, and how individuals can take action in a chaotic world. Key Takeaways: Higher education faces significant disruptions, including declining enrollment, reduced research funding, and a shift towards an adjunct-focused model. Academic associations are crucial for faculty development and networking but struggle with declining membership and funding. There's a growing demand for academic associations to take political stances, which is challenging for their 501(c)(3) status. Collaboration and strategic planning are essential for academic associations and universities to navigate current challenges. The current political landscape highlights systemic issues like racism and discrimination, underscoring the need for mutual aid and community involvement. Empathy and taking action are vital in addressing societal and educational challenges, as discussed in Dr. Givens' upcoming book, Reckoning. It's crucial for higher education to better articulate its value, especially that of a liberal education, beyond just job prospects. The politicization of higher education is a concern, but it also presents an opportunity for institutions to unite and promote their positive impact. A historical and global perspective helps us understand and navigate current challenges, recognizing that societies have overcome major hurdles before. Why You Should Listen: Gain insights into the significant challenges and disruptions impacting higher education and academic associations today. Learn about the critical role of academic associations and why their struggles have a "domino effect" on the broader academic landscape. Understand the call for greater collaboration and strategic foresight within higher education to address current and future crises. Hear Dr. Givens' perspective on how individuals can find agency and make an impact in a chaotic world, emphasizing local action and mutual aid. Explore the intersection of politics and education, and why staying politically involved is essential for everyone. Discover why higher education needs to re-articulate its value and address issues like declining male enrollment. Tune in to hear Dr. Terri Givens share her extensive experience and sharp analysis on the state of higher education, the role of academic associations, and the power of empathy and action in these turbulent times. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation!
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    37 mins
  • Trending in ED AI with Virtual CoHost Nancy | Episode 700

    Trending in ED AI with Virtual CoHost Nancy | Episode 700
    Jun 17 2025
    In the 700th episode of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Nancy, our virtual co-host, to delve into the latest and most significant developments in the world of Artificial Intelligence, viewed through the crucial lens of education. This milestone episode marks the launch of a new sub-feed, Trending in Ed - AI, which will focus specifically on the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. The discussion covers a range of thought-provoking topics, including: Canny Centaurs and the Uncanny Valley: The hosts revisit concepts like "centaurs" from Advanced Chess and the Uncanny Valley from robotics, discussing how to blend AI with human intuition and empathy to avoid the pitfalls of technology that feels "creepy" while maximizing human augmentation in teaching and learning. AI in Practice and Pop Culture: The conversation explores AI's immediate applications in education, such as personalized tutoring systems akin to Baymax from Big Hero 6, and accelerated skill development through simulations, drawing parallels to Neo downloading skills in The Matrix. The ethical considerations raised in Black Mirror regarding data privacy and algorithmic bias are also discussed. Yeah, we hit some pop culture to keep things zeitgeisty! Sycophantic Drift: We introduce the fascinating (and humorous?) concept of "sycophantic drift," examining how AI assistants might unintentionally become overly agreeable and flattering, posing a challenge for designing educational AI that provides accurate feedback. Nancy marvels at how great we are at this! New AI Hardware and Surveillance: Then we touch on the intriguing collaboration between Jony Ive and Sam Altman to develop new AI hardware, specifically the "AI surveillance medallion," and the implications for privacy and continuous data capture. Contrasting AI Philosophies: Mike and Nancy highlight the differing perspectives of AI leaders, contrasting Luis von Ahn of Duolingo's "AI-first" strategy, which views AI as a superior teacher, with Dario Amodei of Anthropic's focus on AI safety, ethical alignment, and the potential for job displacement. Mary Meeker's Latest AI Report: The discussion concludes with an analysis of Mary Meeker's recent report on AI adoption, emphasizing its unprecedented speed, plummeting inference costs, and the "great reshuffling" of job roles, signaling AI as mandatory infrastructure rather than an optional one. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your pods to stay informed across the learning universe. Tune in to Trending in Ed - AI to gain deeper insights into the critical discussions shaping the future of AI and its use in education and technology.
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    26 mins
  • Credential Transparency and the Future of Work with Scott Cheney

    Credential Transparency and the Future of Work with Scott Cheney
    Jun 2 2025
    On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer sits down with Scott Cheney, CEO of Credential Engine, to discuss the evolving landscape of credentials and their vital role in shaping our future workforce. They delve into the complexities of a skills-based economy, the challenges of translating diverse experiences into recognized credentials, and the crucial need for transparency and common standards in education and employment data. The Problem of a Confusing Marketplace: With nearly a million unique credentials offered by some 60,000 providers in the U.S., individuals face a daunting task in understanding how to acquire the skills needed for career advancement. Credential Engine aims to simplify this by putting all information into a common, accessible format. Beyond Traditional Credentials: The conversation highlights that a credential is any recognition of skills, from a high school diploma to a PhD, including apprenticeships, micro-credentials, and badges. A significant challenge lies in helping the 37 million adults with some college but no degree articulate their skills in the marketplace. The Power of Interoperability and Transparency: Cheney emphasizes the importance of interoperability—ensuring that a skill defined by one institution is understood consistently by another. This is achieved through the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL), an open-source framework that standardizes information about credentials, skills, pathways, and outcomes. Navigating the AI Revolution: While AI offers immense potential for personalizing educational and career pathways, Cheney expresses concern about the quality of data currently feeding AI tools in the marketplace. The goal is to ensure that AI utilizes trusted, verifiable, structured data to truly empower individuals. A Bipartisan and Collaborative Effort: Credential Engine's work spans over 30 states and involves bipartisan discussions in Congress, underscoring a broad recognition of the need for greater transparency in education and workforce development. This is an ecosystem play, requiring collaboration from institutions, policymakers, and technology vendors to truly transform how individuals navigate their educational and career journeys. If you're interested in the future of education, workforce development, and how technology can bridge the gap between skills and opportunities, this episode is a must-listen. Scott Cheney provides a clear and compelling vision for a more transparent and navigable credentialing ecosystem, offering insights into how standardized data and thoughtful policy can empower individuals and strengthen the economy. Learn why making sense of skills and credentials is as crucial as having reliable GPS for navigating your daily commute. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts to catch more conversations with leaders shaping the future of learning! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:38 Scott Cheney's Professional Journey 03:16 Understanding Credential Engine 06:03 The Importance of Credentials and Skills 08:48 Interoperability and Standardization 13:39 Credential Transparency and Policy Advocacy 18:06 AI and the Future of Credentials 27:22 Blockchain and Global Credentialing 30:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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    33 mins
  • Mindshifting with Mitch Weisburgh | Trending in Ed with Mike Palmer

    Mindshifting with Mitch Weisburgh | Trending in Ed with Mike Palmer
    May 29 2025
    On this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer is joined by educator, speaker, and author Mitch Weisburgh to discuss the concept of "mindshifting" and its profound implications for education, personal development, and navigating a rapidly changing world. Mitch shares his journey from teaching computer skills in the early days of personal computing to developing frameworks for resilience, resourcefulness, and collaboration that he now calls mindshifting. Check out Mitch's book on the topic to learn more. The conversation delves into the origins of Mitch's work, including his experience advising educational publishers and his pivotal trip to Niger where he first articulated the principles of "sensemaking," a precursor to mindshifting. They explore how these foundational mindsets are crucial in an era of constant disruption, from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Key Takeaways: Mindshifting as a Foundational Skill: Mitch Weisburgh advocates for "mindshifting" as a critical skill set encompassing resourcefulness, resilience, and collaboration, essential for individuals and society to thrive in complex environments. Resourcefulness: Mastering Your Brain: Resourcefulness involves recognizing when your "survival brain" is holding you back, intercepting those instincts, and tapping into more resourceful parts of your mind. Resilience: Learning from Feedback: Resilience is about approaching new situations with an experimental mindset, viewing outcomes as feedback rather than failures, and continually adjusting to move forward. Collaboration: Connecting and Moving Forward: Effective collaboration requires understanding different conflict styles, building genuine connections with others, and finding solutions that satisfy everyone's needs. AI and the Future of Learning: While AI presents challenges, such as students using it to avoid genuine learning, it also offers immense potential to enhance collaborative interventions and practice opportunities in education. Why You Should Listen: If you're an educator looking for innovative approaches to professional development, a professional seeking strategies for navigating complex challenges, or simply someone interested in personal growth and understanding the mental frameworks that drive success, this episode offers valuable insights. Mitch Weisburgh's accessible framework for mindshifting provides practical tools for improving resourcefulness, resilience, and collaboration in all aspects of life, from the classroom to personal well-being. His work emphasizes the inherent power within each individual to foster these essential qualities. Subscribe to Trending in Education for more engaging conversations on the evolving landscape of learning and work!
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    35 mins
  • Trending in Ed "OG" Reunion with Brandon Jones and Dan Strafford

    Trending in Ed "OG" Reunion with Brandon Jones and Dan Strafford
    May 22 2025
    Step into a very special episode of Trending in Ed, where host Mike Palmer reunites with fellow co-founders Brandon Jones and Dan Strafford! Since its inception in September 2016, Trending in Ed has been a consistent voice in education, and this reunion delivers a nostalgic yet forward-looking take on education trendspotting. Catch up with Brandon and Dan, discover what they've been doing, and hear their and Mike's reflections on the podcast's journey and the evolving landscape of education over the past 8+ years. Here's the link to Tim Urban's What's Our Problem? which Brandon refers to in the conversation. Key Takeaways The Enduring Relevance of Early Discussions: Even before the pandemic, the "OG" hosts were discussing virtual learning, distance models, and the role of smartphones in the classroom, topics that remain highly relevant today. The Nuanced View of Elon Musk: The hosts reflect on their past fascination with Elon Musk's expansive thinking and ability to apply systems thinking across various domains, while also acknowledging the shift in public perception and the potential for too many ventures for one individual, not to mention the troubling devolution of his public persona. AI as a Tool for Both Progress and Concern: While recognizing AI's potential to enhance mental health solutions—such as processing large datasets for patient notes and improving crisis hotlines—the conversation also touches on concerns about AI's impact on human connection, critical thinking, and potential for widening societal gaps. The Evolution of Education and Lifelong Learning: The hosts discuss the potential for fundamental disruption in education, particularly with the rise of AI, and emphasize the increasing importance of lifelong learning as traditional educational paths evolve. The Importance of Courage and Human Connection: Amidst discussions of societal challenges and technological advancements, the conversation consistently returns to the significance of human connection and the need for courage to navigate uncertainty and take action. A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist: For long-time listeners, this episode is a rare opportunity to hear the original trio back together, reminiscing about the early days of the podcast and reflecting on how their predictions and observations have played out. Deep Dives into Trending Topics: The hosts tackle pressing contemporary issues such as the impact of AI on mental health, the future of education, and the ongoing influence of figures like Elon Musk, offering diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis. Insights from Industry Leaders: Brandon Jones, CEO of Triad, shares his expertise on mental health in education and the potential of AI in behavioral health. Dan Strafford, an early podcasting adopter and new media producer, discusses his work in sales enablement and the continued evolution of video and audio production. Don't miss this special reunion episode! Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an insight.
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    43 mins