The MoonshotEdu Show: Recent Episodes
Education Innovation Podcast by Dr. Bernard Bull
In this interview with Nadine Strossen, former president of the ACLU and author of HATE: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship, we discuss the importance of free speech and the role that education institutions can play in preserving it.
In this episode of the show, we continue our exploration of futures in education with eye-opening and thought-provoking insights from David Price, futurist and author of Open: How We'll Work, Live, and Learn in the Future.
We live in an ever-growing age of big data, metrics and analytics. What are the implications for education? Is there a potential dark side to these metrics? If so, what is it and how might we respond. We explore these and related questions with Dr. Jerry Muller, author of The Tyranny of Metrics.
In this interview with Bryan Alexander, we explore the power of scenarios and questions for imagining new and promising futures in education.
In this interview with Karen Myers, we explore the incredible, inspiring, persistent, and incredibly relevant legacy of Fred Rogers.
Lauren Della Bella and Dick Thomas, authors of 9 Billion Schools, join the show to discuss the importance of learning space design, how learning should be as individual as fingerprints, and much more.
What if we could help employers find the qualified candidates while helping job seekers advance their careers? In this interview with Drew Petty of Skillful, we learn about one effort to shift our thinking about such matters to a skill-based (and not just a credential-based) mindset and approach.
In this episode, we learn from Rebecca Winthrop, author of Leapfrogging Inequality: Remaking Education to Help Young People Thrive. Rebecca is Director at the Center for Universal Education and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. She offers an important global perspective on education innovation that has implications for education in all parts of the world.
In this episode, Robin Goldberg, Chief Experience Officer at Minerva, talks about the impact and lessons learned since the start of Minerva's inaugural class in 2014. Robin shares insights about incredible student gains in 21st century skills over a student's first eight months at the school, the truly global experience that students get, and the rich and integrated internship experiences that are paired with a classroom experience built upon what they consider the best of learning science. Among other things, Robin offers a few insights from the 2017 MIT Press book, Building the Intentional University: Minerva and the Future of Higher Education.
In this interview with Stephen Downes, Stephen blends substantive thinking and real-world application of that thinking, giving him a particularly valuable vantage point from which to make sense of the frontiers of education. He the mind behind the OLDaily, a co-creator behind the first connectivist MOOC, and among many other things, a senior researcher at the National Research Council of Canada. In this interview, we explore open education, the current limitations of AI and its potential in the future, education trends to watch, and much more.
John Couch has a long an impressive career that includes being one of early employees at Apple where he served as VP of Software and more recently VP of Education, founder, school leader, and author of the book Rewiring Education. In this interview we touch on pretty much every one of these topics and more, including John sharing the special ingredient that helped Apple flourish and can do the same thing for schools and other organizations.
In this interview with Thomas Frey of the DaVinci Institute, we explore some of the challenges and opportunities with futures studies, how AI will impact the future of education, and why Thomas argues that the largest Internet company of the future will be an education company.
In this episode we talk with with Mark Stevenson, author of We Do Things Differently: The Outsiders Rebooting Our World and An Optimist's Tour of the Future. We explore a myriad of topics related to the future of life in an increasingly networked world to specific futures in education. Underlying it is is the pressing question about what we can do to be co-creators of that future.
In this interview with Megan Cuzzolino we explore the psychology of awe, its implications for science education, and the potential to inform how we approach teaching and learning more broadly.
In this interview with Dr. David Labaree, Professor of Education at Stanford University, we discuss his newest book, The Perfect Mess: The Unlikely Ascendancy of American Higher Education. Dr. Labaree provides some important historical and sociological context, and sage advice for any current or aspiring education reformer, change agent, or educational innovator.
In this interview with Amy McGrath, Chief Operating Officer of ASU Prep Digital, we explore the current state of online and virtual learning, personalized learning, learning models that extend beyond standards, how to find top talent for your innovative organization, and much more.
In this interview with economist Bryan Caplan, we explore his premise that education may be part of the problem when it comes to economic prosperity in society. Among other things, Bryan argues that we should de-fund education and decrease the number of college graduates, all with the goal of increasing economic well-being for more people. Bryan is author of multiple books, including The End of Education, Why the Education System is a Waste of Time and Money.
In this interview with Dr. Tim Renick, Vice Provost and Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success at Georgia State University, we explore a compelling vision and strategy for removing achievement gaps in higher education through predictive analytics and preemptive student success interventions.
In this interview with Dr. David Helfand (astrophysicist, author, professor, former President of Quest University), we discuss his book, A Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age. As the conversation continues, we eventually focus on how to actually teach in ways that help students learn and construct knowledge through the design of intentional but exploratory and student-centered learning.
In this interview with Dr. Stuart Grauer, we learn about the formative influences on his work in education, how he came to found The Grauer School, a compelling vision for creating "pockets of democracy" in our schools, insights from his book, Fearless Teaching, and Stuart's thoughts on the most pressing problems and promising opportunities in contemporary education.
In this continued exploration of "how to start a school" we talk with Jade Rivera, founder of Sunnyside Microschool for twice exceptional students, and author of Micro-Schools: Creating Personalized Learning on a Budget. We explore some of the practical questions about school startups, learn about Jade's inspiring work and story in education, and have a rich discussion about how to share the vision for your school and how to cultivate a community. As Jade explains, "It all comes back to relationships."
In this interview with author and educational innovator, Mara Linaberger, we look at the value of micro schools, how to launch a new school from scratch, and much more.
In this interview with Kara Pecknold at Frog Design, we explore the basics of design thinking, discuss its implications for society and education in particular, look at specific applications, and explore some specific tips and tools for getting started.
In this interview with Ned Johnson, founder of PrepMatters and co-author of The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives, we explore how parents can help kids thrive in life. There are some powerful insights in here for educators and schools as well.
What happens when you take the spirit of match dot com and apply it to helping students find the right college, the right job, the right major, and the needed funding? That is what we explore in this interview. Along the way, this is a great interview to explore the way in which big data might help us address pressing challenges in education. This is also a great interview for those aspiring educational entrepreneurs who want insight on what it takes to be successful.
School is a game, but it is a terrible game. Join us in this interview with Dr. Barry Fishman as we explore how we can change or improve that game for the benefit of learners.
Join us for this interview with Zack Brisson, co-founder of Reboot, as we explore the value of user-centered design in clarifying and solving problems that range from global issues to the challenges of an individual classroom.
John Katzman is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Princeton Review, 2U, and most recently, Noodle Companies. In this episode, John shares his thoughts on the standardized test situation in education, the advertising wars in higher education, he offers a compelling vision for an education marketplace, and he gives some tips for aspiring educational entrepreneurs.
Amid the focus upon test preparation and increased academic time on task, attention to physical activity and movement is sometimes limited or forgotten in schools. In this interview with two experts on the role of movement, physical activity, and learning; we explore this topic from a variety of angles.
In this interview with a co-founder of Filament Games, we learn the story of an instructional designer turned game designer and startup founder, gain insights on the game design process, and get tips on how to get started.
In this episode, we speak with the founding president and a student in the founding class of one of the newest higher education institutions in this world, Wayfinding Academy. Learn about their distinct approach to higher education, one that flips things upside down and starts with student passion and interest.
We are seeing an un-bundling and re-bundling of education, especially in higher education, but also in K-12, professional education, workforce training, and more. In this interview with Hudson Baird of PelotonU, we learn about a promising innovation around student mentoring and community building that is producing impressive results.
From Tron to Lawnmower Man, to the Matrix, visions of stepping into a virtual and digital world has captured our imaginations for years. While both have been around for decades, these technologies are getting increasingly closer to the mainstream. We are now witnessing a growing number of educational applications, and this is just the beginning. In this interview with Steve Aukstakalnis, author and researcher on AR and VR, we explore the promise and possibilities of both for education. Beginning with an introduction to the subject, we then survey what is happening now and get an expert's view into what we can expect to see in the near future.
In this interview with Michael Schrage, research fellow at MIT and author of the Innovator's Hypothesis, we challenge the assumption that good ideas are the best way to innovate in education. Instead, Schrage makes a compelling argument for focusing upon testable hypothesis that we turn into cheap, quick experiments that build a culture of innovation and offer actionable insights for moving forward.
In this interview with the CEO and President of the Indiana CPA Society and a strategic the CPA Center for Excellence, we explore a rich case of how continuing education is being transformed in the connected and digital age. This is a chance to learn from a real-world case of competency-based education in a way that is certain to also influence the future of K-12 and higher education.
People are emotional and imaginative beings. This is not just for children. This is true throughout the lifespan. How is our approach to education informed by this fact? We explore this question and others with Dr. Gillian Judson, one of the directors of the Imaginative Education Research Group and a Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University.
In this episode we explore Promazo, a startup that is meeting needs of students, higher education institutions, and corporations through a unique approach to internships. Their approach helps schools address the persistent problem of knowledge transfer to real world contexts. It helps students get real world experience, graduate with tested experience and a possible job. It also helps companies meet strategic needs and identity new talent. Amid this interview, there are important insights for anyone interested in education in a connected age, whether you are in an elementary school, high school, University, an education company, or in a business setting.
In this interview with Matt Candler, founder of 4.0 Schools, we explore a number of important questions. What is the value of starting small in educational innovation? What is the difference between innovating to and innovating with? What is the role of tests and experiments and how can they lead to more human-centered approaches to education? Finally, where can you find a place where you receive capital, coaching and a community to support your work around educational innovation?
What are open badges? Why do they matter? What challenges and opportunities do they create for democratizing education while increasing access and opportunity? What role do they play in helping us to tell the story of our knowledge, experiences, and accomplishments in a connected age? These are some of the questions that we explored in this interview with Sheryl Grant.
In this episode, we visited with Max Seidman, a game designer at Tiltfactor. Tiltfactor is a serious game research center at Dartmouth University. In this episode we explore how to design games for social impact, the role of design thinking, the importance of measuring impact and results, and more.
In this interview, Kelly Tenkely, founder of Anastasis Academy and the Learning Genome Project, shares about her mission to honor the uniqueness of every learner through a truly personalized learning experience.
In this episode we look at the power of connections among educators in the digital age. In this interview with Tom Whitby (teacher, author, and co-founder of #Edchat), we learn about how to build powerful networks and communities, and we consider the benefits of these digital connections in education.
In this episode, we explore the role of games in learning, specifically the use and design of BreakoutEDU games, which allow you to take the fun and intrigue of the escape room into any classroom.
In this episode, your host, Bernard Bull interviewed author and innovator, Don Wettrick, as they explored taking 20% time and genius hour to the next level in school, shifting away from a culture of earning in education, finding the right balance between foundational studies and passion projects, and much more. Don is author of Pure Genius and Host of the the StartEdUp podcast. Check out the show notes at www.moonshotedu.com for links to his book, podcast, and contact information.
In this episode on relevance in education, Bernard Bull, interviews Dennis Sheeran, author of Instant Relevance: Using Today's Experiences to Teach Tomorrow's Lessons.
Amid all the buzz words, trends, policy debates and the rest in education, what really matters? In this episode, your host, Dr. Bernard Bull, draws from his 2016 book, What Really Matters?: 10 Critical Issues in Contemporary Education, to share what he considers to be among some of the more important issues that we must address today.
What causes people to pursue radical innovations in education? In this episode, Bernard Bull draws from his observations and research to share six of the most common reasons that compel people to take the leap into a more radical innovation in education.
Some people talk about tests, standards, and academic rigor as keys to improving our schools, but in this episode we consider the power and possibility of curiosity and the love of learning.
Three people with degrees in the same field, from the same school, with the same GPA apply for a job. Who gets it? A diploma can only tell you so much, and we explore that in this newest episode, considering the many things that a diploma does not tell you about a person.
Some championed Betsy Devos as the next Secretary of Education while others vehemently opposed her. In this special episode we examine pros and cons of Devos. Yet, now that she is the US Secretary of Education, what next? The episode concludes with a list of suggestions for Devos and how we can participate in co-creating the education system of the future.
Some people are just trying to create faster horses in education but the automobile is coming. For a second metaphor, what does it really mean to lead and innovate outside the box and why is it mission critical in education?
Education is a multi-billion dollar industry today, but being involved in the field of education, whether as an individual, non-profit, or for-profit entity, comes with certain social responsibilities. In this episode, Dr. Bernard Bull argues that there are at least five core areas of responsibility, all focused upon ultimately promoting an educational ecosystem that serves and educates learners as a top priority.
Why do we get bored? Why do we settle for bored? Should we make school boring so we can prepare people for a life of boring work? I don't think so and Bernard Bull explain's why and how we can move beyond boredom in this episode.
Credentials are keys that open doors in life. Without them, people are limited. Yet, there is a more open and human possible future for how we approach credentials as a way of recognizing learning. In this session, we look at the topic of credentials, progressive credentials, open badges, and alternative pathways in learning.
In this episode, Bernard Bull shares 15 ways to identity or predict trends. Then he applies these by sharing 15 educational trends to watch in 2017.
According to a 2014 study, people retain and learn more when they take notes by pen versus keyboard. While some are using this study to ban devices, there is much more to this than meets the eye.
Self-directed learning is a critical skill for life in a connected world. In this episode we examine why it is important, what has changed, and how we might equip people for this changing landscape.
Why is it so important for students to have history class, biology class, and English class? Why does it have to be broken into these distinct disciplines or categories? In this session, we look at that and related questions as we explore the role and limitations of academic disciplines, considering their benefits and limitations as we consider how to re-imagine schools for the contemporary world.
What do meat, milk, bonds, restaurants, and students have in common?Is the letter grade system an outdated educational technology? What are questionable uses of letter grades? Explore these and related questions in episode 3 of the MoonshotEdu Show.
In this second episode, Dr. Bernard Bull shares the 11 must read books for educational entrepreneurs or social entrepreneurs in the education sector. Along the way, he shares about the power of books in his life and a variety of insights gleaned from these and related books.
In episode 1 of the MoonshotEdu Show, Dr. Bernard Bull gives a personal introduction, describes the background and vision for the MoonshotEdu Show, tells the story of the first moonshot and how it can inspire education moonshots today, explains core traits of a compelling moonshot, clarifies what we don't mean by a moonshot, and more.