Learning Futures: Recent Episodes
Ronald A. Beghetto
What if education systems were doing more and thinking differently about preparing learners to thrive in the future? Join Professor Ronald A. Beghetto of Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College for conversations on improving education and the future of learning. Each episode presents colleagues, researchers, education leaders and other guests who share how they're thinking about and addressing the most pressing challenges in education.
In this special FOLC Fest 2025 episode of the Learning Futures podcast, host Sean Leahy sits down with Michael J. Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College, who delivered the conference’s opening keynote, “From Chaos to Clarity: Innovation Strategies for Leading Through Uncertainty.” Dr. Sorrell recounts his early challenges at Paul Quinn when the institution had only 30 days of cash on hand and highlights the pivotal mindset shifts and empathy-driven leadership decisions that helped transform the college into a model for academic excellence and innovation. He stresses the importance of listening, transparency, and authentic connection with those you serve, while noting that resilience is cultivated by recognizing adversity as an opportunity for growth and solidarity. Drawing from personal experiences—such as pursuing a doctoral degree while working full-time and raising a young family—Dr. Sorrell underscores the necessity of understanding the complex realities students face and shaping institutions to meet their needs. His reflections on humility, empathy, and the vital role of embracing community stories offer profound insights for current and future leaders seeking to navigate turbulent times in education.
FOLC Fest 2025 [Website]
Michael J Sorrell Profile [Paul Quinn College]
Original Show Notes from April 18, 2023
In this episode - Sean and Punya are joined by guest co-host Iveta Silova to talk with prominent futures scholar Keri Facer to discuss Futures education, futures literacy vs futures literacies, futures thinking, and cultivating a 'temporal imagination'.
In our conversation we learn about Keri's own academic and professional journey, and how studying the learning space of children became synonymous with studying the future. We discuss a recent publication from Arathi Sriprakash and Keri Facer on the pedagogic imperative to 'teach the future' in modern schools and the opportunities and challenges exist, and explore the importance of the differences between futures literacy and futures literacies.
Guest Information:
Keri Facer – Professor of Educational and Social Futures at the University of Bristol, Visiting Professor in Education for Sustainable Development at the University of Gothenburg and August T Larsson Guest Professor at SLU, Sweden. Her work focuses specifically on cultivating the ‘temporal imagination’ – the capacity to work critically with ideas of time, rhythm, pasts and futures to open up possibilities for individual and collective agency - in conditions of environmental and technological change.
Iveta Silova – Professor and Associate Dean of Global Engagement at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. She teaches graduate courses in comparative and international education, education policy and evaluation, research design, and post/decolonial approaches to education research.
Links & Resources:
- Learning Futures Collaborative: Education, sustainability, and global futures
- Futurelab, former UK educational research organization
- Futures journal [publisher link]
- Jungk and Muellert’s future workshops [actioncatologue.eu link]
- Futures Literacy [UNESCO link]
- Coldwarchildhoods.org, Iveta’s work on childhood memories
- Chen, K (2010). Asia As Method:Toward Deimperialization. Duke University Press. [publisher link]
- Teach the Future
- World Futures Study Federation
- Sardar, Z. & Sweeney, J. (2015). The Three Tomorrows of Postnormal Times. Futures 75 (2016) 1–13. [article link]
- Turn It Around!, socially engaged art
- Ana Dinerstein’s ‘The Art of Organizing Hope’ [video link]
- Tsing, A., Bubandt, N., Gan, E., & Swanson, H. (2017). Arts of Living on a Damaged Planet. U of Minnesota Press. [publisher link]
- The Ecoversities Network
- Facer, K & Sriprakash, A. (2021). Provincialising Futures Literacy: A caution against codification. Futures, Volume 133, October 2021. [pdf link]
- Punya and Iveta’s past work together: https://punyamishra.com/2022/11/17/speculative-fiction-and-the-future-of-learning/
- Keri Facer (2011) Learning Futures: Education, Technology and Social Change, London: Routledge
- Facer, K (2022) The University and the Social Imagination, CGHE Working Paper
- In this background paper for the UNESCO Futures of Education Commission, I talk about five different ways of doing ‘futures’ in education – and the ethical choices these raise: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000375792.locale=en
- Black Mountains College - https://blackmountainscollege.uk/
- The Ecoversities Network - https://ecoversities.org/
- Book Recommendations:
- Hospicing Modernity https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/675703/hospicing-modernity-by-vanessa-machado-de-oliveira/
- At Work in the Ruins https://www.amazon.com/At-Work-Ruins-Pandemics-Emergencies/dp/164502184X
- Bruce Sterling – (2002). Tomorrow Now, Envisioning the Next Fifty Years. Random House. [Google Books link]
- Keri and Arathi’s article: Provincialising Futures Literacy: A caution against codification
- How Are the Children? - Wake Up Arcade Fire Cover
- Southeast Asia collection of the Turn it Around! Youth Visions of Climate Futures
Original Show Notes
Sean and Punya welcome special guests Dr. Scotty Craig (ASU) and Dr. Ryan Baker (Penn) to discuss rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and what implications it may have for education
Guest Information
Dr. Scotty Craig
Is an associate professor of human systems engineering within The Polytechnic School of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Dr. Craig is a learning engineer and has investigated research areas of emotion and learning, multimedia learning, and intelligent tutoring systems (ITS)in both laboratory and applied classroom settings. Scotty is also a fellow member of our own AI in Education Learning Futures Collaborative here at ASU.
Dr. Ryan Baker
Is a professor of education and computer science at the University of Pennsylvania, and also directs the Penn Center for Learning Analytics.
Dr. Baker researches how students use and learn from educational games, intelligent tutors, and other kinds of educational software. Drawing on the fields of educational data mining, learning analytics, and human–computer interaction, he develops methods for mining the data that come out of the interactions between students and educational software. He then uses this information to improve our understanding of how students respond to educational software, and how these responses influence their learning.
Topics discussed:
- UNESCO publications on Artificial Intelligence in education
- Maturity of AI in Education from both a technical perspective and practical / pedagogical perspective
- Parsing student behaviors in moocs and other environments, including one that caught our eye, what Dr. Baker called “wtf” behaviors
- Calls for future developments of AI to be grounded in a human-centered approach
- Algorithmic bias, challenges, pitfalls and opportunities
- How does a system like ChatGPT from Open AI impact the possible future of online learning and behavior?
- Big picture idea, What are we gaining and losing in seeing ourselves as essentially streams of data?
Resources and Links:
-Chiou, E. K., & Lee, J. D. (2021). Trusting automation: Designing for responsivity and resilience. Human factors, 0018720821100999
-Penn Center for Learning Analytics
-Algorithmic Bias in Education
-U Penn Learning Analytics (Online) Master of Science in Education Degree Program
MS in Human Systems Engineering with a Concentration in Intelligent Systems at ASU
The Intelligent Systems Concentration provides students with a Master of Science in Human Systems Engineering that prepares them with the skills needed to improve our world by creating innovative technology-based systems that integrate into human environments. Our faculty provide a guided experience with training in theory, development, and evaluation. For more information, check out our website or email Dr. Craig
Link: https://poly.engineering.asu.edu/hse/ms/
In this special selects episode we re-listen to Sean and Punya talk about the journey and future developments of extended reality (XR) in education with Dan Beaupre and Tom Schmidt from One Giant Leap, LLC and ROAM respectively. We learn about the backstory and "origin story" from Dan and Tom and how they came together to join forces around their deep passion for education, storytelling, and emerging technologies.
Extended Reality (XR) is a term that encompasses all immersive technologies that merge the physical and virtual worlds, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). It offers a new way of experiencing digital content by combining the real world with digital elements, allowing users to interact with virtual objects in a natural and intuitive way.
Guest Information:
Dan Beaupre -
Dan is the founder and principal of One Giant Leap, LLC which is a production and consulting company that inspires and empowers children of all ages to be planetary stewards. [They] create transformational experiences, memorable events, and new media. We also provide strategic support to organizations who seek to add, refresh, or expand educational programming. / formerly, Vice President, Experiences, in the National Geographic Society's Education division
Tom Schmidt –
Emmy winner for TV. Emmy nominated for VR. Producer for all those mediums / the CEO and Co-Founder of ROAM - ROAMcreates shared experiences for the emerging metaverse that provide understanding, empathy and awareness. And founder of Percolate Digital LLC
Episode Links
- National Geographic GeoBee
- Oculus Rift [video link]
- Dan’s giant maps project
- eCYBERMISSION educational competition
- Grasp, Dan and Tom’s immersive training company
- Powers of Ten film
- The Gailer School [Wikipedia link]
- Flatland book [Project Gutenberg link]
- Midjourney, AI image generator
- Hypercard, Mac software [Wikipedia link]
- Jane Goodall Institute
- Saul Perlmutter, 2011 Nobel Laureate
- Reeducated: Inside Xinjiang’s Secret Detention Camps (360/VR). The New Yorker.
- ASU’s BioSense Network
- Jacob Bronowski’s The Ascent of Man, BBC documentary television series [IMDb link] [British Film Institute link]
- John Dewey, “father of American progressive education” [Britannica link]
- MIX Center at ASU
Guest Links
- Punya’s blog: Aesthetics and science education: Beauty at Work podcast
The AI Revolution Is Already Losing SteamIn this final episode of Season 6, hosts Sean and Rachna discuss new advancements in generative AI, reflecting on its journey and the hype surrounding it. The episode begins with a light-hearted conversation about screen visibility issues and transitions into more serious topics, including the rapid adoption of AI technologies and the varied spectrum of understanding across different environments.
Rachna shares her experiences with AI guidelines developed in collaboration with Northern Arizona University, highlighting the importance of understanding and cautious adoption of AI in K-12 education. Sean emphasizes the concept of "arrival technology," where new innovations like ChatGPT appeared suddenly, challenging traditional adoption curves and readiness.
The hosts express their frustrations with the overhype of GenAI, discussing the unrealistic promises made by tech companies and the potential backlash this could create. They explore Amara's Law, which states that we tend to "overestimate the impact of technology in the short run and underestimate it in the long run", urging listeners to maintain a balanced perspective.
The conversation also covers the ethical implications of GenAI, the importance of maintaining human agency, and the role of leadership in guiding responsible AI adoption. They conclude with a forward-looking discussion about the next school year, expressing excitement for the potential of AI to enhance personal productivity and support educators.
Links:
- AI Guidance for Arizona Schools
- Roy Amara [Amara's Law]
- The AI Revolution Is Already Losing Steam
- Gartner Hype Cycle (general description of model)
In this episode of the Learning Futures Podcast, Sean welcomes special guest Bea Rodriguez-Franson to discuss her recent TED Talk, "Unlocking Indigenous Knowledge: A New Path for Education." The conversation covers Bea's journey in uncovering untold histories, the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into educational systems, and the development of decolonial futures. Bea shares insights from her work with ASU's NextLab, emphasizing the significance of futures thinking and responsible innovation. The episode highlights the role of temporal imagination in shaping long-term, sustainable futures and encourages listeners to co-create these futures by learning from the past.
Links from our conversation:
- Seventh Generation Principle
- Futures Wheel
Unlocking Indigenous knowledge: A new path for education (Link: TED Video)
Bea Rodriguez-Fransen | TED-Ed Educator Talks | February 2024
In this fun student conversation from the ASU FOLC Fest, Omkar, Ram, and Jiya (members of a student VR club) from Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy, led by PhD candidate Frank Liu share the transformative potential of virtual reality in education. Through engaging anecdotes and shared experiences, they discuss how VR technology enables immersive learning experiences beyond traditional classroom constraints, highlighting projects from virtual science experiments to a flight simulator that won a school science fair. The group's journey illustrates not just the technical skills gained but the profound impact of VR on fostering creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of subjects among students. This discussion offers inspiration and practical advice for integrating emerging technologies into learning environments to make education more accessible and engaging for all.
Guest Information
- Frank Liu - PhD in Computer Engineering - Meteor Studio, ASU
- Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy - https://herbergeracademy.asu.edu
In this episode Sean and Jake keep the conversation rolling from the first annual ASU FOLC Fest through highlights from our conversations with Megan Workmon and Medhansh Garg. Throughout this episode we explore insightful discussion on the intersection of technology, education, and creativity.
Key Highlights:
- Insights from the first ever Future of Learning Community Festival held at ASU
- Talking with Megan we learn a lot about her role at ASU and her influence on learning experience design
- We learn about projects blending technology and education, focusing on ethical considerations and the human element in learning
- Importance of balancing technological efficiency with the human touch
- Potential future of interdisciplinary collaborations and emphasis on mental health and wellness in educational settings
- Medhansh shares his experiences on coding, offering a unique perspective of how foundational knowledge intersects with advanced technological tools like ChatGPT. His story is a testament to the impact of technology on personal growth and the crucial balance between embracing innovation and grounding in core principles
- Exploration of using AI as a thought partner in educational contexts.
- Ethical implications of AI in crafting educational materials and the necessity of maintaining a human-centered approach
Guest Information:
- Megan Workmon – Director Learning Experience Design, Enterprise Technology
- Medhansh Garg – Computer Science graduate, Seeking Full-Time Data Analytics, and or Project Management Jobs
Other links:
- ASU Tech Hub: https://lx.asu.edu/techhub
In this third installment of the ASU FOLC Fest Compendium - Sean and Jake turn to the conversations with Scotty Craig, Chelsea Schlesinger, and Karla Murphy on transformative approaches and innovative methods and experiences in integrating technology and student-centered strategies in education.
Some Key Points Discussed:
- Technology in Learning: Scotty elaborates on the role of AI and other digital tools in reshaping educational environments, focusing on their practical use in classrooms to make learning more engaging and effective.
- Interactive Syllabus: Chelsea and Karla detail their method of turning syllabus review into an interactive, engaging process that empowers students and enhances their participation and interest in the course from the outset.
- Faculty Involvement: The discussion underscores the need for more faculty engagement in educational innovation and the importance of fostering a community that values teaching and learning advancements.
Some Insights from the conversations:
- The integration of technology not only enhances learning but also demystifies its use for educators, facilitating a more inclusive educational environment.
- Adopting student-centered approaches in course design and delivery can significantly impact student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Encouraging faculty participation in educational forums can lead to more dynamic and inclusive educational practices.
Our Guests:
- Scotty Craig - Associate Professor of human systems engineering within The Polytechnic School of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.
- Chelsea Schlesinger - Instructor in the School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies
- Karla Murphy - Teaching Professor in the School of Humanities, Arts and Culture Studies
In this episode, Sean and Jake pickup where they left off exploring more experiences from the first ASU FOLC Fest, featuring interviews from Kenzie Hurst Newton and Mike Stordeur, Dee-Dee Collins-Jones, and Joy Griffin around the use of artificial intelligence in education, the integration of VR into learning environments, and the impactful ways in which these technologies are reshaping educational practices.
This episode highlights the ongoing innovations at ASU, showcasing the university's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and VR into education. The discussions provide valuable insights for educators looking to enhance their teaching methods and for institutions aiming to modernize their educational offerings.
This episode featured 3 segments:
Integration of AI in Teaching and Learning:
- Guests: Kenzie Hurst-Newton and Mike Stordeur from the Learning Experience Design Team discuss their experiences and initiatives at ASU, focusing on making AI tools like ChatGPT and Adobe Firefly accessible and beneficial for faculty and students through workshops and hands-on activities.
Exploring Virtual Reality in Education:
- Guest: Dee-Dee Collins-Jones shares insights into her work with virtual reality, discussing the potential of VR technologies to enhance student engagement and the practical challenges of scaling these experiences in a large university setting.
Adapting Course Design for Students:
- Guests: Joy Griffin highlights the pivotal role of student feedback in reshaping a leadership class, Griffin talks about her methods for making education more relevant and engaging through the integration of technology and alternative resources
Guests:
- Dee-Dee Collins Jones
- Joy Griffin
- Kenzie Hurst Newton
- Michael Stordeur
In this episode, Sean and Jake (producer) talk about the pop-up podcast studio at the first ever ASU FOLC Fest – a learning festival dedicated to the integration of technology in education, and the potential impacts on teaching and student success. Special guests include Danielle McNamara and Retha Hill who are pushing the boundaries of educational practice.
This episode is the first of 5 of our special coverage of the ASU FOLC Fest:
The Future of Learning Community or FOLC Fest was a two-day interactive conference hosted by the Office of the University Provost that brought together folks in teaching, technology and student success at ASU. In its inaugural year, the conference aimed to explore how ASU can realize our Charter commitment of making an ASU education accessible to all students and learners while remaining on the leading edge of technology and academic excellence.
Discussion Points:
- Introduction to the ASU FOLC Fest, its goals, and its significance.
- Reflections on the impact and future of educational technology.
- Interviews with:
- Danielle McNamara, Professor in the Department of Psychology and Executive Director of the Learning Engineering Institute at ASU. Discussion on cognitive and learning sciences, and her role in organizing the ASU FOLC Fest.
- Retha Hill, Professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Executive Director of the New Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab. Insights into how emerging technologies like VR and AR are shaping journalism and education.
Episode Highlights:
- Setup of a pop-up podcast studio at the ASU FOLC Fest.
- The vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic participation from educators, students, and technologists.
- Discussion on how such festivals and conferences can spark new ideas and collaborations in the educational sector.
Looking Ahead: The episode wraps up with thoughts on the future of such educational gatherings and their role in shaping learning environments that are inclusive, engaging, and forward-thinking.
Guest Information:
- Danielle McNamara - Executive Director of the Learning Engineering Institute, a Professor in the Department of Psychology, and Director of the Science of Learning and Educational Technology (SoLET) Lab.
- Retha Hill - Faculty at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University where she is the executive director of the New Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab.
In this episode, Sean talks with our special guests on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education, with a particular focus on fostering equity and access. Sean is joined by Meacie Fairfax from Complete College America, Dr. Linda Garcia of the Center for Community College Student Engagement from The University of Texas at Austin, and Al Anderson, CIO for Salish Kootenai College, share their expert insights and experiences.
Key highlights and takeaways from the episode:
- The Potential of AI in Education: The discussion opens up with the transformative possibilities AI brings to educational support services, including personalized academic advising and targeted assistance for students' basic needs.
- Challenges and Opportunities: Guests explore both the hurdles and the promising aspects of AI integration within educational institutions, highlighting the critical role of AI in democratizing access to learning resources.
- Equity and Inclusion in AI Design: A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to ensuring AI tools are designed and utilized in a way that includes and benefits all students, especially those from historically marginalized communities.
- Real-World Applications and Success Stories: Examples of AI applications in various educational settings are shared, showcasing how technology is making a tangible difference in students' academic journeys.
- Looking Forward: The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on how AI could reshape the educational landscape, emphasizing the need for continued innovation and inclusivity.
Guest Information:
- Meacie Fairfax - Strategy Director for Complete College America (CCA). She leads the work on student support strategies, which includes Active Academic Support, Proactive Advising, 360° Coaching, and Basic Needs.
- Dr. Linda Garcia - Executive Director of the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) at The University of Texas at Austin. https://cccse.org/meet-cccse-team
- AL Anderson - Chief Information Officer for IT Services at Salish Kootenai College - https://www.skc.edu/
This episode takes a retrospective review on 2023 and one of the most transformative technologies of our time - generative AI. Our panel of experts, including Punya Mishra, Sean Leahy, Rachna Mathur, and Kellie Kreiser, explores the impact of AI on various fields and reflects on personal experiences with this transformative technology. From academic conferences to real-life applications and philosophical musings, this discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI, education, and daily life.
What does this all mean - and where is it going?
Key Episode Highlights include:
Introduction to the Panel: A warm welcome to our esteemed guests Punya Mishra, Sean Leahy, Rachna Mathur, and Kellie Kreiser.
The Evolution of AI in Education: The panel debates how AI is becoming a normalized tool in education, shedding light on its rapid integration into lesson planning and its potential to democratize knowledge.
Generational Divide in AI Perception: Discussions pivot to the varying levels of comfort and skepticism towards AI among different generations, noting a split between enthusiasts and skeptics.
AI's Impact Over the Past Year: The conversation moves towards the significant advancements in generative AI in 2023, from AI-generated music to multimodal platforms combining text and imagery.
AI in Family Life: Sean shares how AI has become part of his family's routine, especially with his children, reflecting on the immediacy with which younger generations have adopted and adapted to AI.
Closing Thoughts: The episode concludes with a reflection on the speed of AI’s development and its implications for the future, both in education and beyond.
Shared Links:
- Me|We Exhibit! Graduate students showcase shows AI as a tool for learning, creating | ASU Enterprise Technology
- Andrew Maynard’s Substack - The Future of Being Human - https://futureofbeinghuman.com
- Artificial Intelligence, Responsible Innovation, and the Future of Humanity with Andrew Maynard
Sean is joined by Rachna Mathur to talk about the successful student led event in Generative AI called Me & We in AI: Exploring what generative AI means to us and for us.
In our conversation we talked about the challenges and successes of undertaking an event like this as part of a graduate course experience focused on Education by Design. This project gave students an opportunity to go beyond the theory of design and explore the ins and outs, ups and downs of design by directly living with the experience of designing an interactive experience.
Rachna shared the details on how the aim of the event was focused on developing a hands-on experience to let users experiment with a few generative AI tools to see what these powerful technologies can do. Various stations explore how GenAI may impact aspects of our lives such as creativity, language, and learning.
Special thanks to the CDI 691 Team
Kevin Brown, Jami Carmichael, Theresa Hoover, Rezwana Islam, Kellie Kreiser, J'Shon Lee, Rachna, Mathur, and Lin Yan
Event Website: Me & We in AI Event
Guest Host: Rachna Mathur (ASU Bio)
In this episode of the Learning Futures Podcast, Dr. Siddharth Srivastava, Associate Professor at the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence at Arizona State University discusses the need for responsible development of AI systems that keep users informed of capabilities and limitations. He highlights exciting research on learning generalizable knowledge to make AI more robust and data-efficient. However, dangers arise from overtrusting unproven systems, so regulation and oversight are needed even as innovation continues. By prioritizing users, the current explosion in AI research can drive responsible progress.
Key topics discussed:
-
Dr. Srivastava discusses his background in AI research and the journey that led him to focus on developing safe and reliable AI systems.
-
The recent explosion of interest and adoption of generative AI like ChatGPT took many researchers by surprise, especially the accessibility and breadth of applications people found for these narrow systems.
-
It's important to distinguish narrow AI applications like generative models from general AI. Overuse of the term "AI" can lead to misconceptions.
-
Considerations around safety, bias, and responsible use need to be built into AI systems from the start. Keeping users informed of capabilities and limitations is key.
-
Exciting new research directions include learning generalizable knowledge to make AI systems more robust and data-efficient.
-
Dangers arise from overtrusting unproven AI systems. Regulation and oversight will be needed, but should not stifle innovation.
-
Overall, it's an exciting time in AI research. With a thoughtful, practical approach focused on user needs, AI can be developed responsibly.
Links:
- The Alignment Problem - https://brianchristian.org/the-alignment-problem/
- Siddharth’s Website - http://siddharthsrivastava.net/
- Siddharth’s Research Group AAIR - https://aair-lab.github.io/
- NeurIPS 2023 Workshops - https://neurips.cc/virtual/2023/events/workshop
- Siddharth’s NeurIPS 2023 Workshop - https://neurips.cc/virtual/2023/workshop/66542
In this episode, we delve into the pioneering research led by Dr. Chitta Baral though his laboratory of Cognition and Intelligence at Arizona State University. He discusses the ground-breaking work and innovations emerging from his lab, with a special focus on the intersection of cognition, intelligence, and technology. Dr. Chitta's current research is an ambitious blend of exploring natural language, visual objects, and the intricate dynamics of multi-modal documents, with an eye toward impactful applications in cybersecurity, robotics, and the health sciences.
The conversation explores the concept of Human-AI teaming, discussing the potential benefits and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into our daily work and decision-making processes. Dr. Baral also shares his expert perspective on the explosive growth of Generative AI in the field. He offers a nuanced view, weighing in on whether this trend signifies a genuine paradigm shift or if it's part of a hype cycle with merely short-term advancements.
Further into the discussion, we explore the cultural shift among students and professionals as they adapt to the latest Generative AI tools. Dr. Baral reflects on how these tools are reshaping teaching methodologies and the approach to student projects.
Guest Information
- Chitta Baral, PhD ASU Biography
- Dr. Baral's Online CV with publication links
- Cognition & Intelligence Lab @ Arizona State University
In the spirit of Halloween - Sean (with the help of producer extraordinaire Jake) pull together a fun compendium of short stories from some of our colleagues and listeners for a special “spooky” episode of the Learning Futures Podcast.
The Challenge: Create an original short story (about, with, or through) Generative AI, in the spirit of emerging technologies, AI, the future of humanity etc. in the spirit of Halloween. These can be any genre, they can be spooky, funny, creepy, suspenseful, thought provoking, thoughtful, or any combination of the lot. Have fun with this idea. It could be created in any way, and with as much or as little assitwnace from GenAI tools as the author wished. It needed to stay short, 500 words or less or less than 5 minutes of record time.
Learning Futures Podcast: Sc(AI)ry Stories: A Compendium
- Cauldron Collaboration: by Charla Griffy-Brown, Replica AI called Kira, and prompt engineer James Fields [Narrated by Eleven Labs]
- The Experiment: by Danah Henriksen, using Bing AI (set to creative mode) [Narrated by Eleven Labs]
- The Assistant: by Jacob Snider, using Claude2, and voice narration by Eleven Labs
- An Echo in the Code: by Sean Leahy, using ChatGPT and narrated by Eleven Labs
- Lost in Recognition: by Kellie Kreiser, using ChatGPT and cloned AI voice
- Vikram or Vetal: by Punya Mishra, using ChatGPT and Bing AI.
Alternative cover art: (if your podcast player supports it) was created in MidJourney with the prompt: "spooky halloween illustration with pumpkins and ghosts, robots and other technology"
In this episode, we explore the multifaceted journey of cognitive scientist Ken Koedinger. With a diverse academic background encompassing degrees in computer science, mathematics, and psychology, Ken's unique trajectory converged at the intersection of technical expertise and an intrinsic understanding of human learning. This fusion of disciplines drew him into the realms of cognitive psychology and educational technology research.
Within this intricate landscape, cognitive models emerge as powerful tools, endeavoring to illuminate the implicit cognitive processes and foundational knowledge that underpin human expertise and learning. Ken employs a combination of think-aloud protocols and insightful analysis of learner data to meticulously dissect the mental components and conditional knowledge that come into play when tackling complex tasks, such as mathematics and science problem-solving.
Intelligent tutoring systems stand as the ultimate manifestation of this synergy between cognitive models and education. These systems seamlessly incorporate cognitive models to deliver adaptive instruction and feedback to learners as they navigate through learning activities. With the cognitive model acting as a vigilant sentinel, it keenly observes student actions, discerning the evolving mastery of essential knowledge components.
At the helm of Carnegie Mellon University's LearnLab, Ken Koedinger spearheads a pioneering initiative committed to embedding research within the educational landscape to enhance learning outcomes. LearnLab serves as a dynamic hub, equipping educators with indispensable tools, robust data infrastructure, and comprehensive training in the realm of learning engineering.
In the ever-evolving realm of education, the advent of groundbreaking AI capabilities, such as chatbots, presents a new frontier. These technologies offer valuable support in designing interactive learning activities. However, they do not operate in isolation; they require meticulous human oversight and quality control. While students may be tempted to employ AI for shortcuts, Ken emphasizes the potential limitations of such tactics, which may inadvertently restrict their own learning.
Overall, Koedinger underscores that the integration of these new AI technologies is not a disruptive revolution but rather a thoughtful evolution. This transformation hinges upon a judicious alignment with educational goals and assessments, ushering in a promising era where technology and pedagogy harmonize to elevate teaching and learning to new heights.
Guest Information & Links:
See Ken's Full Bio - https://hcii.cmu.edu/people/ken-koedinger
LearnLab website: https://learnlab.org
Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/
Cognitive Tutor Authoring Tools: https://github.com/CMUCTAT/CTAT/wiki
Open Learning Initiative: https://oli.cmu.edu
Tutors+ project: tutors.plus
Gorilla Science Project: https://gorillalogic.com/gorilla-labs/
ASU Digital Maker Studio [Podcast Studio]: https://lx.asu.edu/digitalmakerstudio
In this episode, host Dr. Sean Leahy engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. Katina Michael. Dr. Michael's unique journey, transitioning from the telecommunications industry to academia and technology/society research, sets the stage for a thought-provoking discussion.
The conversation delves into a wide spectrum of emergent technologies, beginning with an exploration of the metaverse. Dr. Michael offers insights into its definition and current progress, while also pondering its future implications. A significant focus is directed towards the convergence of digital and biological technologies, particularly in the context of implantable tech. The episode also delves into crucial considerations regarding age-appropriate design and the ethical usage of these groundbreaking technologies.
One of the central themes of the conversation revolves around the potential impacts of AI, specifically generative AI, on education. Dr. Michael underscores the importance of thoughtful, collaborative design and emphasizes the need to consider social embeddedness when developing new technologies. Her advocacy for a human-centered approach, which prioritizes consulting end users and empowering human agency, shines through the discussion.
While recognizing the buzz and excitement surrounding these innovations, Dr. Michael encourages a balanced perspective of measured optimism. She urges listeners to think critically about how best to harness these tools for the benefit of society, making this episode a compelling exploration of the evolving technological landscape.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Katina's ASU Bio: https://search.asu.edu/profile/3298186
Katina's TED Talks: Brain Implants: Hype or Hope and Microchipping People
The Medium is the Massage by Marshall McLuhan
Notebook LLM by Google
Dive into Season 6 with host Dr. Sean Leahy as we navigate the dynamic, fast-paced, and rapidly changing technological landscape, delving deep into its transformative impact on society and education. This season promises enriching dialogues with international thought leaders operating at the crucial intersection of technology, cognition, and society.
This Selects episode was originally published on July 12, 2022.
--- Original Show Notes ---
Hosts Clarin Collins and Sean Leahy talk with Leigh Wolf and Audrey Watters about the futures of educational technology, how we have come into an era where technologies are present in almost all classrooms and how that has changed teaching and learning in significant ways. Our guests chat about how we could create a more humanistic approach to existing and emerging EdTech, and how EdTech can become a roadblock for teachers. Our panelist help us unpack what EdTech really means, and define it in a broader sense than a “computerized” or “digital” tool only. They invite us to think critically about what EdTech could be in the future and how to help it become more equitable and accessible.
About our guests:
- Audrey Watters | Blog | Hack Education
- Audrey's new book: Teaching Machines - The History of Personalized Learning available via MIT Press
- Dr. Leigh Wolf | ASU Bio
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. The Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar, with technical production provided by Jacob Snider.
This Selects episode was originally published on June 21, 2022
--- Original Show Notes ---
Clarin Collins, Sean Leahy, Robin Lake, and Brent Maddin come together to discuss the current landscape of challenges facing public education. The worldwide pandemic opened many eyes to the current struggles teachers face and encouraged many institutions to change their education models, one such example being the NEXT Education Workforce. Through discussion we are guided along the possibilities of where public education can lead, as well as the current challenges that many school districts are facing.
In this episode you can learn about the work that is being done through the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College and the Next Education Workforce, as well as the Center on Reinventing Public Education.
(3:15) - Brent Maddin talks about his role and explains the mission and work of the NEXT Education workforce.
(5:38) - Robin talks about the Center on Reinventing Public Education and how the Center became affiliated with ASU and MLFTC
(8:54) - The panel explores the new opportunities stemming from the partnership between MLFTC & CRPE.
(15:25) - We discuss the seriousness of the current challenges facing the public education system
(21:32) - We discuss how the pandemic affected school districts’ attitude towards working with the NEXT Education workforce?
(27:00) - The panel discusses the optimistic opportunities for positive change in the education structure
(32:50) - Futures projection - we get Brent and Robin’s take on where they see public education going in the next 30 years
(37:40) - We ask the question “How would someone from 30 years in the past react to our current education situation?”
(41:35) - Pushing the boundaries - we ask our guests “Where do you see public education going in the next 100 years?”
(48:00) - We get some great ideas on resources and other elements of our guests work at NEW and CRPE (links below in the show notes)
About our Guests:
- Brent Maddin | Next Education Workforce | @bmaddin
- Robin Lake | Center on Reinventing Public Education | @RbnLake
- CRPE’s Pandemic Learning Report
- Pandemic Pods & Crisis Learning
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. The Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar, with technical production provided by Jacob Snider.
This Selects episode was originally published on March 28, 2023.
--- Original Show Notes: ---
In this episode Punya and Sean discuss some of the highlights captured in a recent interview with Senior Research Fellow from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education Dr. Chris Dede and talk about AI and education.
Guest Information:
Dr. Chris Dede
Chris Dede is a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education (GSE) who has worked with AI since the 1970s. A former Timothy E. Wirth Professor of Learning Technologies at Harvard GSE, Dede is a Co-Principal Investigator of the NSF-funded National Artificial Intelligence Institute in Adult Learning and Online Education (AI-ALOE).
- More information on Dr. Chris Dede - visit his Wikipedia page.
- National AI Institute for Adult Learning and Online Education - https://aialoe.org
- Twitter @chrs_dede
- Silver Lining for Learning - https://silverliningforlearning.org
Dr. Melissa Warr
Melissa Warr, a graduate of ASU’s Learning, Literacies, and Technologies PhD program, is an Assistant Professor of Learning Technology and Education Design at New Mexico State University.
Links from the conversation:
- Learning Futures Collaborative: Future of AI in Education & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Chiang, Ted. (2023, February). ChatGPT Is a Blurry JPEG of the Web. The New Yorker.
- Hofstadter, Douglas R. (1979). Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid. Basic Books. [openlibrary.org link]
- Weizenbaum, Joseph. (1966). ELIZA—a computer program for the study of natural language communication between man and machine. Communications of the ACM, 9(1), 36-45. [pdf link]
- Dreyfus, Hubert (1972). What Computers Can’t Do. New York: MIT Press. [archive.org link]
- Chinese room argument: Searle, John (1980). Minds, Brains, and Programs. The Behavioral and Brain Sciences. [Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy link]
- Quandary Game
- Cicero, Facebook’s A.I. “Diplomacy” game
- DALL-E 2, AI art platform
- Dieterle, E., Dede, C. & Walker, M. The cyclical ethical effects of using artificial intelligence in education. AI & Soc (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-022-01497-w
- Ashok Goel’s AI “Jill Watson”, Georgia Tech University [TEDx Talk link]
- Mursion, workforce immersive learning
- Ethan Mollick’s substack, professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
The Learning Futures Podcast is jointly produced by Enterprise Technology and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
Drs. Clarin Collins and Sean Leahy have a very engaging conversation with Dr. Ruth Wylie, Dr. Danah Henriksen, and Maricel Lawrence about Futures Thinking. Each panelist discusses how they engage in different types of futures thinking and give tips for others to become engaged in this work. They also discuss how topics such as creativity, play, and wellness integrate with futures thinking.
--- Original Show Notes ---
Clarin Collins, Sean Leahy, Ruth Wylie, Danah Henriksen, and Maricel Lawrence discuss Futures Thinking and how that may look throughout our working spaces and how it affects the decisions we make regarding education. Our guests engage in a round table discussion on how we might look at our futures, the different categories of futures that exist and many more interesting points.
(6:40)- What is Futures Thinking (FT)? What do we mean when we say that?
(14:19)- Maricel´s choice of ASU´s PhD program, why did she choose it? Imagining new universities.
(20:17)- Defining the different possible ¨futures¨.
(25:00)- Categorizing the different kinds of futures.
(26:46) & (50:58) -How to get people thinking about Futures Thinking. How to create a ¨Futures Mindset¨?
(33:07)- Futures Thinking as a method to spark creativity in people.
(41:29)- What is the role of Futures Thinking in the education system?
(53:28)- Uncertainty and its relation to Futures Thinking.
You can learn more about our guest´s work by visiting the following links: Ruth Wylie, Danah Henriksen, and Maricel Lawrence.
If you are in the DC area, you can checkout the Smithsonian exhibit mentioned by Ruth: Smithsonian Institute Futures exhibition.
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar.
This re-released episode features the full audio recording and notes from the original broadcast: July 26, 2022. We (Jake) hopes you'll enjoy revisiting this ever timely topic for the Futures of Learning!
--- Original Show Notes ---
Hosts Clarin Collins and Sean Leahy talk with Jill Koyama and Daniel Liou about the continuing disparities that are present in education. Starting out on a global level, our guests react to the UNESCO report on reimagining the future of education, talking about the importance of recognizing and building curriculums that represent the diversity of the current student and teacher population. They invite us to think about a more humanistic approach to teaching and learning and to reimagine what schools will look like in the future.
You can learn more about our guest´s work by visiting the following links:Jill Koyama, and Daniel Liou. Daniel’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/liou_daniel
- UNESCO Report
- GLSEN LGBT+ organization
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar.
In this short bonus episode Sean talks with Learning Futures producer Jacob Snider about Jake's summer take-over of the show. Jake shares a little preview of the episodes he will re-release over the next few weeks as the rest of the podcast team gears up for Season 6.
In this episode - Punya and Sean talk around a great interview with ASU's own Kyle Jensen, who is the director of the writing center. This episode explores the impact of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) on creativity and the writing process, along with many other topics such as attention economy, consolidation of information, considerations around regulation, to name a few...
Guest Information
Kyle Jensen
Kyle is the director of Writing Programs and a professor in the Department of English's writing, rhetorics, and literacies program at ASU. He has conducted research on modern rhetorical theory and education and is the author of "Reimagining Process: Online Writing Archives and The Future of Writing Studies" (2014), and co-edited "Abducting Writing Studies" (2017) and "The War of Words" (2018).
Not featured in audio - but credit to the source interview with Kyle from:
Danah Henriksen
Danah is an associate professor at ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College whose work focuses on creativity, design thinking, and technology, as well as the relationship between creativity and mindfulness.
Lauren Woo
Lauren is a doctoral student in the Learning, Literacies and Technologies program in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Her research blends teacher education, online teaching and learning, emerging technologies, and creativity.
Episode Links
- OpenAI
- What are generative AI tools and how are they being used at ASU?
- TechTrends Journal
- I’m a Student. You Have No Idea How Much We’re Using ChatGPT.
- AI21 Labs
- Wordtune
- The Ezra Klein Show [Apple Podcast]
- AI 'godfather' Geoffrey Hinton warns of dangers as he quits Google
- What’s ahead for Bard: More global, more visual, more integrated
- EU Regulatory framework proposal on artificial intelligence [link]
In this episode - Sean is joined by guest host Dr. Steven Weiner to lead a panel discussion around the challenges in changing the educational system and barriers to implementing change. The panel examines the reasons why high school is particularly difficult to change and explores potential solutions for overcoming these barriers. In this episode Steven and team highlight ongoing projects at Arizona State University that support educational systems change and proposes ways for researchers to better communicate their findings to policymakers and educators.
Guest Information:
Steven Weiner
Steven Weiner is a research analyst at the Center on Reinventing Public Education, where he brings an interdisciplinary lens to understanding transformative change within educational systems.
Ruth Wylie
Ruth Wylie is the assistant director of the Center for Science and the Imagination and an associate research professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
Lauren Katzman
Executive Director of Urban Collaborative Center, and Associate Research Professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University
Janice Mak
Janice is a clinical assistant professor, focused on the intersection of computer science education, policy, and systems changein the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University
Meg Astudillo
Meg is the Graduate Service Assistant for the Center on Reinventing Public Education
Links & Information:
- Learning Future Collaborative: Designing the new American high school
- Learning Futures Podcast Episode 5, season 5: Designing the new American High School [listen on Simplecast - Apple Podcasts - Spotify]
- Reading Recovery program
- The reading wars: Kim, J. S (2008). Research and the reading wars. In: Hess FM When Research Matters: How Scholarship Influences Education Policy. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press.. pp. 89-111. [link to pdf]
- Action research: Clark, J. S; Porath, S; Thiele, J; and Jobe, M (2020). Action Research. New Prairie Press, Kansas State University Libraries. [link to pdf]
- ASU’s EDD program
- Bolman and Deal’s four-frame model
- Participatory approach
- IEPs, individualized education programs
- RTI & MTSS, Response to Intervention & Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
- Universal design for learning
- Zero Reject [link to Wikipedia]
- Manifestation Determination Reviews [link to AZ DOE policy]
- Section 504, civil rights legislation
- Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
- Schools of Opportunity, from the National Education Policy Center
- Lauren’s book: Effective Inclusive Schools
- Learning Labs in Wisconsin
- CRPE report (2022): The State of the American Student
- CRPE report (2014): Policy Barriers to School Improvement: What’s Real and What’s Imagined
In this Bonus episode Sean talks with special guest and friend of the show Stephanie Pierotti (Director of ShapingEDU at ASU) about the upcoming FREE Virtual event - ShapingEDU Mini Summit: AI x Higher Ed, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love AI Tools that will be held on May 11, 2023.
This is a Free Event - you can sign up or learn more by visiting ShapingEDU.asu.edu
Event Description:
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to create more impactful, individualized learning journeys that maximize learning experiences at every step, and streamline educator’s workload. With the wildly fast-paced introduction of new AI tools, we’re forced to process a new array of challenges and opportunities almost daily.
How might we reduce the fear and anxiety surrounding AI by utilizing AI tools that empower educators to create more impactful, personalized learner opportunities, while also equipping students for career success?
Our popular action-packed Mini Summit event format allows us to explore a wide array of aspects of hot topics from diverse viewpoints in a four hour window. This mix of lightning presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions and a Serious Play activity keeps the engaging content and inspirational ideas flowing for the full four hours.
Links:
- ShapingEDU - to learn more, stay connected with the community
- Event Registration - did we mention it was FREE?
In this episode Sean and Punya sit in studio and talk about the recent interview Punya and Danah had with Ethan Mollick for their Tech Trends series in which they talk with Ethan on a wide range of topics covering creativity, games, entrepreneurship and his journey to being one of the most visible scholars openly experimenting with AI in his teaching in higher education.
About our Guests:
Ethan Mollick
Ethan Mollick is an associate professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he studies and teaches innovation and entrepreneurship. He leads the Wharton Interactive - an effort to democratize education using games and simulations.
Danah Henriksen
Danah Henriksen is an associate professor at ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College whose work focuses on creativity, design thinking, and technology, as well as the relationship between creativity and mindfulness.
Links and Information:
- Learning Futures Podcast episode 8: Extended Reality with Dan Beaupre and Tom Schmidt [listen on SimpleCast - Apple Podcasts - Spotify]
- DALL-E 2, AI art platform
- ChatGPT, AI chatbot
- Midjourney, AI image generator
- TechTrends journal [publisher link]
- Warr, M., Mishra, P., Henriksen, D. et al (2023). A Chat about GPT3 (and Other Forms of Alien Intelligence) with Chris Dede. TechTrends.
- Ethan Mollick’s substack
- The Breakthrough Game, the game Ethan Mollick co-designed with award winning game designer Justin Gary
- Richardson, C., & Mishra, P., (2017). Learning Environments that Support Student Creativity: Developing the SCALE. Thinking Skills and Creativity. [link to summary pdf from Punya’s website]
- The Teaching Game and BlueSky Ventures Game on Wharton Interaction
- Gertler, P., & Chioda, L. (2017, April 12). Impact of Youth Entrepreneurship Education in Uganda. Innovations for Poverty Action.
- The Turing Test [Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy link]
- God of the gaps theological perspective [Wikipedia link]
- GPT-3, a language prediction model [link to list of models]
- Bing AI, from Microsoft
- Noy, S & Zhang, W (2023-working paper). Experimental Evidence on the Productivity Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence. MIT. [link to pdf]
- Canvas, web-based learning management system
- Real Genius movie [IMDb link]
- Punya’s blog: ChatGPT3 is a *** artist
- Mollick, E. & Mollick, L. (2022). New Modes of Learning Enabled by AI Chatbots: Three Methods and Assignments. SSRN. [link to summary article]
- WebSTAR, web server application for the classic Mac OS [Wikipedia link]
- The Spencer Foundation, foundation providing grants for research in education
In this episode Sean and Punya talk about the journey and future developments of extended reality (XR) in education with Dan Beaupre and Tom Schmidt from One Giant Leap, LLC and ROAM respectively. We learn about the backstory and "origin story" from Dan and Tom and how they came together to join forces around their deep passion for education, storytelling, and emerging technologies.
Extended Reality (XR) is a term that encompasses all immersive technologies that merge the physical and virtual worlds, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). It offers a new way of experiencing digital content by combining the real world with digital elements, allowing users to interact with virtual objects in a natural and intuitive way.
Guest Information:
Dan Beaupre -
Dan is the founder and principal of One Giant Leap, LLC which is a production and consulting company that inspires and empowers children of all ages to be planetary stewards. [They] create transformational experiences, memorable events, and new media. We also provide strategic support to organizations who seek to add, refresh, or expand educational programming. / formerly, Vice President, Experiences, in the National Geographic Society's Education division
Tom Schmidt –
Emmy winner for TV. Emmy nominated for VR. Producer for all those mediums / the CEO and Co-Founder of ROAM - ROAM creates shared experiences for the emerging metaverse that provide understanding, empathy and awareness. And founder of Percolate Digital LLC
Episode Links
- National Geographic GeoBee
- Oculus Rift [video link]
- Dan’s giant maps project
- eCYBERMISSION educational competition
- Grasp, Dan and Tom’s immersive training company
- Powers of Ten film
- The Gailer School [Wikipedia link]
- Flatland book [Project Gutenberg link]
- Midjourney, AI image generator
- Hypercard, Mac software [Wikipedia link]
- Jane Goodall Institute
- Saul Perlmutter, 2011 Nobel Laureate
- Reeducated: Inside Xinjiang’s Secret Detention Camps (360/VR). The New Yorker.
- ASU’s BioSense Network
- Jacob Bronowski’s The Ascent of Man, BBC documentary television series [IMDb link] [British Film Institute link]
- John Dewey, “father of American progressive education” [Britannica link]
- MIX Center at ASU
Guest Links
- Punya’s blog: Aesthetics and science education: Beauty at Work podcast
In this episode - Sean and Punya are joined by guest co-host Iveta Silova to talk with prominent futures scholar Keri Facer to discuss Futures education, futures literacy vs futures literacies, futures thinking, and cultivating a 'temporal imagination'.
In our conversation we learn about Keri's own academic and professional journey, and how studying the learning space of children became synonymous with studying the future. We discuss a recent publication from Arathi Sriprakash and Keri Facer on the pedagogic imperative to 'teach the future' in modern schools and the opportunities and challenges exist, and explore the importance of the differences between futures literacy and futures literacies.
Guest Information:
Keri Facer – Professor of Educational and Social Futures at the University of Bristol, Visiting Professor in Education for Sustainable Development at the University of Gothenburg and August T Larsson Guest Professor at SLU, Sweden. Her work focuses specifically on cultivating the ‘temporal imagination’ – the capacity to work critically with ideas of time, rhythm, pasts and futures to open up possibilities for individual and collective agency - in conditions of environmental and technological change.
Iveta Silova – Professor and Associate Dean of Global Engagement at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. She teaches graduate courses in comparative and international education, education policy and evaluation, research design, and post/decolonial approaches to education research.
Links & Resources:
- Learning Futures Collaborative: Education, sustainability, and global futures
- Futurelab, former UK educational research organization
- Futures journal [publisher link]
- Jungk and Muellert’s future workshops [actioncatologue.eu link]
- Futures Literacy [UNESCO link]
- Coldwarchildhoods.org, Iveta’s work on childhood memories
- Chen, K (2010). Asia As Method:Toward Deimperialization. Duke University Press. [publisher link]
- Teach the Future
- World Futures Study Federation
- Sardar, Z. & Sweeney, J. (2015). The Three Tomorrows of Postnormal Times. Futures 75 (2016) 1–13. [article link]
- Turn It Around!, socially engaged art
- Ana Dinerstein’s ‘The Art of Organizing Hope’ [video link]
- Tsing, A., Bubandt, N., Gan, E., & Swanson, H. (2017). Arts of Living on a Damaged Planet. U of Minnesota Press. [publisher link]
- The Ecoversities Network
- Facer, K & Sriprakash, A. (2021). Provincialising Futures Literacy: A caution against codification. Futures, Volume 133, October 2021. [pdf link]
- Punya and Iveta’s past work together: https://punyamishra.com/2022/11/17/speculative-fiction-and-the-future-of-learning/
- Keri Facer (2011) Learning Futures: Education, Technology and Social Change, London: Routledge
- Facer, K (2022) The University and the Social Imagination, CGHE Working Paper
- In this background paper for the UNESCO Futures of Education Commission, I talk about five different ways of doing ‘futures’ in education – and the ethical choices these raise: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000375792.locale=en
- Black Mountains College - https://blackmountainscollege.uk/
- The Ecoversities Network - https://ecoversities.org/
- Book Recommendations:
- Hospicing Modernity https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/675703/hospicing-modernity-by-vanessa-machado-de-oliveira/
- At Work in the Ruins https://www.amazon.com/At-Work-Ruins-Pandemics-Emergencies/dp/164502184X
- Bruce Sterling – (2002). Tomorrow Now, Envisioning the Next Fifty Years. Random House. [Google Books link]
- Keri and Arathi’s article: Provincialising Futures Literacy: A caution against codification
- How Are the Children? - Wake Up Arcade Fire Cover
- Southeast Asia collection of the Turn it Around! Youth Visions of Climate Futures
In this episode, Sean and Punya talk with colleagues who are working toward ways educators, learners, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers can address the learning and teaching of refugees/(im)migrants?
LEARN LFC Description:
In this project, we will bring together refugees, educators, and researchers with those in global and community organizations to 1.) identify key areas of needed research on the education of refugee/(im)migrants and to 2.) develop intentional and inclusive collectives to both conduct research and to use research findings to build necessary supports for refugee/(im)migrant communities in Arizona, the United States (US), and globally. We situate refugee/(im)migrants and teachers as both learners and educators, who deserve support not only from organizations,but also from academic institutions.
Guest Information:
Shyla Dogan
Shyla, a graduate of ASU’s Educational Leadership and Policy Ph.D. program, is an Assistant Professor of Education Studies at ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College (MLFTC).
Nasir Ahmad Kaihan
Nasir is a Ph.D. student at MLFTC.
Adnan Turan
Adnan is a Ph.D. student at MLFTC.
Links & More Information:
- Learning Futures Collaborative: Learning and Educating Across Refugee/(Im)migrant Networks (LEARN)
- 1951 Refugee Convention
- Punya’s blog post: Things we hold on to (in a shifting world)
- International Organization of Migration (IOM)
- Silver Linings for Learning (Feb 2023). Episode 140, Bans Don’t Work in an Open World: Afghan Women Find Educational Opportunities in Bangladesh
- President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
- Hamid, Mohsin (2017). Exit West. Penguin Random House [publisher link]
LFC: Designing the new American High School
This LFC is aimed to bring together scholars, practitioners, and students from across the ASU community to formulate a research agenda and a new ASU initiative to imagine how high schools across America can be retooled, reimagined, and redesigned to create equitable opportunities for all U.S. students, especially those from historically marginalized communities, to be prepared for a boundless future in a rapidly changing economy.
In this episode we investigate the work from this LFC trying to answer why schools need to be reimagined, and explore what new models for high school can look like.
About our guests:
Chelsea Waite – Chelsea is a Principal and senior researcher at the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) at ASU. She also co-leads the Canopy project, a collaborative effort to find and document innovative K-12 environments.
Elizabeth (Betsy) Fowler – Betsy is the Deputy Head of Schools at ASU Preparatory Academy, where she has worked since 2012. She also serves as Executive Director of Special Projects, working to build effective K-12 learning models.
Erin Whalen – Erin is the Executive Director and School Principal of Da Vinci RISE High, a part of Da Vinci Schools in Los Angeles, California.
Nate McClennen – Nate is the Vice-President of Strategy and Innovation at Getting Smart, an organization committed to supporting the future of teaching, leading, and learning. He is also the co-author of the book The Power of Place.
Links and Things to check out:
The Canopy Project - https://canopyschools.transcendeducation.org/
Center on Reinventing Public Education - https://crpe.org/
ASU Preparatory Academy - https://asuprep.asu.edu/
Getting Smart- https://www.gettingsmart.com/
Learning Future Collaborative: Designing the new American high school
Empathy interviews: Nelsestuen, K. A. R. I., & Smith, J. U. L. I. E. (2020). Empathy interviews. The Learning Professional, 41(5), 59-59. [pdf link]
Ender, Kenneth. (2019, July). We Need a 'Communiversity' Model of Public Education. Insidehighered.com
Carnegie units, from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
Competency-based learning: From Formative Assessment to Tracking Student Mastery: The Road to Competency-Based Instruction, from GettingSmart.com
EssayGenius, AI essay writing tool
Jal Mehda’s work on authentic learning: Anderson, Jill (2019, May). Harvard EdCast: In Search of Deeper Learning. Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Khan World School at ASU Prep
In this episode Punya and Sean discuss some of the highlights captured in a recent interview with Senior Research Fellow from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education Dr. Chris Dede and talk about AI and education.
Guest Information:
Dr. Chris Dede
Chris Dede is a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education (GSE) who has worked with AI since the 1970s. A former Timothy E. Wirth Professor of Learning Technologies at Harvard GSE, Dede is a Co-Principal Investigator of the NSF-funded National Artificial Intelligence Institute in Adult Learning and Online Education (AI-ALOE).
- More information on Dr. Chris Dede - visit his Wikipedia page.
- National AI Institute for Adult Learning and Online Education - https://aialoe.org
- Twitter @chrs_dede
- Silver Lining for Learning - https://silverliningforlearning.org
Dr. Melissa Warr
Melissa Warr, a graduate of ASU’s Learning, Literacies, and Technologies PhD program, is an Assistant Professor of Learning Technology and Education Design at New Mexico State University.
Links from the conversation:
- Learning Futures Collaborative: Future of AI in Education & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Chiang, Ted. (2023, February). ChatGPT Is a Blurry JPEG of the Web. The New Yorker.
- Hofstadter, Douglas R. (1979). Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid. Basic Books. [openlibrary.org link]
- Weizenbaum, Joseph. (1966). ELIZA—a computer program for the study of natural language communication between man and machine. Communications of the ACM, 9(1), 36-45. [pdf link]
- Dreyfus, Hubert (1972). What Computers Can’t Do. New York: MIT Press. [archive.org link]
- Chinese room argument: Searle, John (1980). Minds, Brains, and Programs. The Behavioral and Brain Sciences. [Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy link]
- Quandary Game
- Cicero, Facebook’s A.I. “Diplomacy” game
- DALL-E 2, AI art platform
- Dieterle, E., Dede, C. & Walker, M. The cyclical ethical effects of using artificial intelligence in education. AI & Soc (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-022-01497-w
- Ashok Goel’s AI “Jill Watson”, Georgia Tech University [TEDx Talk link]
- Mursion, workforce immersive learning
- Ethan Mollick’s substack, professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
The Learning Futures Podcast is jointly produced by Enterprise Technology and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
Sean and Punya talk with Steven Zuiker and Ed Finn about the importance of imagination and futures thinking in K12 learning environment. We explore the core research question of their Learning Futures Collaborative: How can we prepare youth to think critically about and take agency for their futures?
In this episode we explore the ongoing work through the Imagination and Futures Thinking for K12 Learning Futures Collaborative, where Ed and Steve discuss the core issues of why does every school teach history but hardly any have courses on the future? They discuss their aims in this project to establish a working group around futures thinking and foresight in K-12 education with an aim of building community and developing an interdisciplinary program of research.
Guest Information
Dr. Ed Finn
Ed Finn is the founding director of the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University, where he is an associate professor with a joint appointment in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and the School of Arts, Media and Engineering. He also serves as the academic director of Future Tense, a partnership between ASU, New America and Slate Magazine and a co-director of Emerge, an annual festival of art, ideas and the future.
Dr. Steven Zuiker
Steve Zuiker is an associate professor of the learning sciences in the division of educational innovation and leadership. His research is broadly based on the notion that ideas are only as important as what we can do with them.
Additional Links
- Center for Science and the Imagination (ASU) https://csi.asu.edu/
- Imagination and Futures Thinking for K12 Learning Futures Collaborative (ASU)
The Learning Futures Podcast is jointly produced by Enterprise Technology and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
Sean and Rachna talk about the "Cambrian explosion" of generative AI with Ganesh Padmanabhan, CEO & Founder of Autonomize Inc. and the potential challenges and opportunities from this rapidly evolving technological change.
As we frame our conversation - we talk about the contemporary implications of some of the latest advancements in generative AI using Neil Postman's 1998 talk titled: “Five things we need to know about technological change” In a long and windy way, our conversation hot on the following 5 topics...
- Trade offs (good or bad) are presented by technological change
- Distribution is uneven
- Empowering the "adjacent possible"
- Ecological change of new technology disruptions and innovations
- The dangers to a society or system when new and emergent technologies become mythic
About our Guests
Ganesh Padmanabhan
Ganesh is the CEO & founder of Autonomize, Inc, a software company focussed on applying AI to power healthcare outcomes. He is an accomplished business executive, entrepreneur and investor, with deep expertise in data and artificial intelligence (AI) related businesses.
- https://www.storiesinai.com
- https://autonomize.ai
Rachna Mathur
Rachna is an Artist, an Engineer, a Teacher, a Tinkerer, a Researcher, a Dreamer... a Lifelong Learner. She loves discussing STEM and demonstrating Kathak dance to kids, adults, and other teachers! Rachna is the CEO/ Founder of STEMology Club and currently pursuing a doctorate in education with a focus on K-6 STEM.
- https://www.stemology.club/
Additional Links
- Neil Postman (1998) 5 Things to Know about Technological Change
- Terminator Paradox, Teaching parents to raise kids for the AI future | Jair Ribeiro | Stories in AI
The Learning Futures Podcast is jointly produced by Enterprise Technology and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
Sean and Punya welcome special guests Dr. Scotty Craig (ASU) and Dr. Ryan Baker (Penn) to discuss rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and what implications it may have for education
Guest Information
Dr. Scotty Craig
Is an associate professor of human systems engineering within The Polytechnic School of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Dr. Craig is a learning engineer and has investigated research areas of emotion and learning, multimedia learning, and intelligent tutoring systems (ITS)in both laboratory and applied classroom settings. Scotty is also a fellow member of our own AI in Education Learning Futures Collaborative here at ASU.
Dr. Ryan Baker
Is a professor of education and computer science at the University of Pennsylvania, and also directs the Penn Center for Learning Analytics.
Dr. Baker researches how students use and learn from educational games, intelligent tutors, and other kinds of educational software. Drawing on the fields of educational data mining, learning analytics, and human–computer interaction, he develops methods for mining the data that come out of the interactions between students and educational software. He then uses this information to improve our understanding of how students respond to educational software, and how these responses influence their learning.
Topics discussed:
- UNESCO publications on Artificial Intelligence in education
- Maturity of AI in Education from both a technical perspective and practical / pedagogical perspective
- Parsing student behaviors in moocs and other environments, including one that caught our eye, what Dr. Baker called “wtf” behaviors
- Calls for future developments of AI to be grounded in a human-centered approach
- Algorithmic bias, challenges, pitfalls and opportunities
- How does a system like ChatGPT from Open AI impact the possible future of online learning and behavior?
- Big picture idea, What are we gaining and losing in seeing ourselves as essentially streams of data?
Resources and Links:
-Chiou, E. K., & Lee, J. D. (2021). Trusting automation: Designing for responsivity and resilience. Human factors, 0018720821100999
-Penn Center for Learning Analytics
-Algorithmic Bias in Education
-U Penn Learning Analytics (Online) Master of Science in Education Degree Program
MS in Human Systems Engineering with a Concentration in Intelligent Systems at ASU
The Intelligent Systems Concentration provides students with a Master of Science in Human Systems Engineering that prepares them with the skills needed to improve our world by creating innovative technology-based systems that integrate into human environments. Our faculty provide a guided experience with training in theory, development, and evaluation. For more information, check out our website or email Dr. Craig
Link: https://poly.engineering.asu.edu/hse/ms/
The Learning Futures Podcast is jointly produced by Enterprise Technology and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
We're back! Season 5 kicks off with a short introduction from co-hosts Sean Leahy and Punya Mishra on what Season 5 has in store. Punya and Sean discuss the newly formed Learning Futures Collaborative, and why they are so important to the futures of learning, and how they frame the arch of Season 5 – as a catalyst for getting involved with futures in your own contexts.
Hosts & Guests:
– Dr. Sean M. Leahy ASU Bio @seanthenerd
– Dr. Punya Mishra ASU Bio @punyamishra
Links and Resources:
– Learning Futures Website: https://learningfutures.education.asu.edu/
– Learning Futures Collaboratives
The Learning Futures Podcast is jointly produced by Enterprise Technology and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
In this bonus episode Dr. Sean Leahy talks about the importance of educating for sustainable futures, discussing the opportunities and challenges. Dr. Leahy explores the urgency created by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the need to prepare for the uncertainty by engaging in futures thinking and other futures methodologies.
In this episode Dr. Leahy discusses:
- Elements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and what set it apart from the previous three.
- Disruptions and global mega trends
- Three pressing Challenges of FIR - building upon the work of Klaus Shwab (Shaping the Future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution)
- Preparing for Uncertainty
- Futures Studies
- Futures Thinking
- Working towards UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals
The Learning Futures Podcast is jointly produced by Enterprise Technology and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
Hosts Clarin Collins and Sean Leahy talk with Jill Koyama and Daniel Liou about the continuing disparities that are present in education. Starting out on a global level, our guests react to the UNESCO report on reimagining the future of education, talking about the importance of recognizing and building curriculums that represent the diversity of the current student and teacher population. They invite us to think about a more humanistic approach to teaching and learning and to reimagine what schools will look like in the future.
You can learn more about our guest´s work by visiting the following links:Jill Koyama, and Daniel Liou. Daniel’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/liou_daniel
- UNESCO Report
- GLSEN LGBT+ organization
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar.
Iveta Silova leads a roundtable conversation with international doctoral scholars Prince Kwarase, Esther Pretti, and Shagun Singha about the most recent UNESCO education report. The report outlines goals intended to create a new social contract for education, fueling the discussion on whether these goals are sufficient for our new post-pandemic world. In thinking towards the future, the guests discuss what topics they anticipate being in the next UNESCO report on education and how it could be approached.
Link to UNESCO report Reimagining our futures together: a new social contract for education
More Responses to UNESCO’s Report
(6:52) - Discussion on whether or not the ideas proposed in the UNESCO report are realistic or not enough.
(13:32) - Details on the backgrounds of the guests and how they relate to the report.
(24:20) -The last couple of years have been very challenging for everyone, how has that impacted your perspectives as new academics?
(35:53) - By 2050 these new academics are on-track to write the next UNESCO report; therefore, what would be the themes and how would it be approached?
(40:36) - Closing comments
About our guests:
- Iveta Silova | ASU Bio
- Prince Kwarase
- Esther Pretti
- Shagun Singha
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. The Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar, with technical production provided by Jacob Snider.
Hosts Clarin Collins and Sean Leahy talk with Leigh Wolf and Audrey Watters about the futures of educational technology, how we have come into an era where technologies are present in almost all classrooms and how that has changed teaching and learning in significant ways. Our guests chat about how we could create a more humanistic approach to existing and emerging EdTech, and how EdTech can become a roadblock for teachers. Our panelist help us unpack what EdTech really means, and define it in a broader sense than a “computerized” or “digital” tool only. They invite us to think critically about what EdTech could be in the future and how to help it become more equitable and accessible.
About our guests:
- Audrey Watters | Blog | Hack Education
- Audrey's new book: Teaching Machines - The History of Personalized Learning available via MIT Press
- Dr. Leigh Wolf | ASU Bio
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. The Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar, with technical production provided by Jacob Snider.
Ben Scragg from eFuse joins host Sean Leahy to talk about the ins and outs of ESports - and the connection to education and learning. Ben and Sean explore some of the emergent ways in which Esports are becoming more mainstream and what opportunities that might hold for future generations of educators and young people.
- History and background of startup company eFuse
- Building a role around education and learning in an esports company
- State of eSports and online gaming
- Gaming leading to educational opportunities
- Role of eSports on literacies in educational systems
- Academic and scholarship opportunities
- Statistics of eSports and growth market
- eSports market revenue worldwide (2019 to 2024)
- How young people can find eSport teams and sponsorships
- Leading eSports games worldwide ($$$ 2021)
- Possible, preferable, and plausible futures of eSports
- eSport audience will pass 500M in 2022
About our Guests:
- Dr. Ben Scragg - Director of Education & Learning for eFuse
- eFuse - https://efuse.gg
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. The Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar, with technical production provided by Jacob Snider.
Tammy Reithmann and Erika Flores join our hosts Drs. Clarin Collins and Sean Leahy to discuss the state of preparing educators in Arizona and how the pandemic has provided new opportunities and challenges. Although an undisputed tragedy, COVID-19 had some unlikely positive effects on the education system, such as bringing teachers together as a team and demonstrating the resilience of their students. As the state of the world slowly returns to a new “normal”, the discussion turns to how we can retain and build off of these positive changes to bring educators across Arizona (and by extension the others) together into a better system.
(3:22) -Tammy & Erika explain their roles with the teacher candidates and school districts of AZ.
(5:13) - Were there any bright spots that we learned from the pandemic’s effect on education?
(7:54) - Have any of the pandemic-related changes been retained as we adjust back to normal?
(10:08) - How do you keep teacher candidates inspired/do they need to be inspired to begin with?
(15:00) - During the pandemic, families had to become more involved with their children’s education – is that trend being sustained?
(16:24) - What can we do to make the environment around educators and teacher candidates better?
(20:49) - What are some of the challenges or opportunities in creating this next generation of educators?
(23:50) - What are the perceived and received reactions towards approaching teaching as a team effort?
(30:11) - How does a rural education district prepare for uncertainty vs. how does an urban district prepare?
(37:48) - How do we address the gap between the rural and non-rural communities to prevent it from getting wider?
(41:23) - What does the desired picture of education look like 30 years into the future?
(43:57) - Guests’ plugs and websites
About our guests:
- Tammy Reithmann
- Erika Flores
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. The Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar, with technical production provided by Jacob Snider.
Clarin Collins, Sean Leahy, Robin Lake, and Brent Maddin come together to discuss the current landscape of challenges facing public education. The worldwide pandemic opened many eyes to the current struggles teachers face and encouraged many institutions to change their education models, one such example being the NEXT Education Workforce. Through discussion we are guided along the possibilities of where public education can lead, as well as the current challenges that many school districts are facing.
In this episode you can learn about the work that is being done through the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College and the Next Education Workforce, as well as the Center on Reinventing Public Education.
(3:15) - Brent Maddin talks about his role and explains the mission and work of the NEXT Education workforce.
(5:38) - Robin talks about the Center on Reinventing Public Education and how the Center became affiliated with ASU and MLFTC
(8:54) - The panel explores the new opportunities stemming from the partnership between MLFTC & CRPE.
(15:25) - We discuss the seriousness of the current challenges facing the public education system
(21:32) - We discuss how the pandemic affected school districts’ attitude towards working with the NEXT Education workforce?
(27:00) - The panel discusses the optimistic opportunities for positive change in the education structure
(32:50) - Futures projection - we get Brent and Robin’s take on where they see public education going in the next 30 years
(37:40) - We ask the question “How would someone from 30 years in the past react to our current education situation?”
(41:35) - Pushing the boundaries - we ask our guests “Where do you see public education going in the next 100 years?”
(48:00) - We get some great ideas on resources and other elements of our guests work at NEW and CRPE (links below in the show notes)
About our Guests:
- Brent Maddin | Next Education Workforce | @bmaddin
- Robin Lake | Center on Reinventing Public Education | @RbnLake
- CRPE’s Pandemic Learning Report
- Pandemic Pods & Crisis Learning
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. The Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar, with technical production provided by Jacob Snider.
Clarin Collins, Sean Leahy, Ruth Wylie, Danah Henriksen, and Maricel Lawrence discuss Futures Thinking and how that may look throughout our working spaces and how it affects the decisions we make regarding education. Our guests engage in a round table discussion on how we might look at our futures, the different categories of futures that exist and many more interesting points.
(6:40)- What is Futures Thinking (FT)? What do we mean when we say that?
(14:19)- Maricel´s choice of ASU´s PhD program, why did she choose it? Imagining new universities.
(20:17)- Defining the different possible ¨futures¨.
(25:00)- Categorizing the different kinds of futures.
(26:46) & (50:58) -How to get people thinking about Futures Thinking. How to create a ¨Futures Mindset¨?
(33:07)- Futures Thinking as a method to spark creativity in people.
(41:29)- What is the role of Futures Thinking in the education system?
(53:28)- Uncertainty and its relation to Futures Thinking.
You can learn more about our guest´s work by visiting the following links: Ruth Wylie, Danah Henriksen, and Maricel Lawrence.
If you are in the DC area, you can checkout the Smithsonian exhibit mentioned by Ruth: Smithsonian Institute Futures exhibition.
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar.
This bonus episode is all about the ShapingEDU Global Virtual Summer Camp - that invites changemakers from around the world to convene for an experimental fusion of hands-on learning, storytelling, tech hacks and the good kind of shenanigans!
Sean, Stephanie, and Ruben chat about the origins of the ShapingEDU community and the history that brought about this innovative and forward focused organization.
We explore this new virtual free event in detail and encourage people to sign up or access the resources after the fact, if you are not able to attend, or learn about this event after it has taken place. To learn more about this event (and to participate if you read this prior to June 21-23, 2022) Check out the event site: ShapingEDU Global Virtual Summer Camp.
Ruben gives us a sneak peek into his keynote address where he explores the power of using Science Fiction as a metaphor to critically explore new and emergent technologies.
Some useful links from this episode…
- ShapingEDU Global Virtual Summer Camp
- ShapingEDU (main site)
- ShapingEDU 5 Calls to Action
- Serious Play Studio
Learn more about our guests:
- Dr. Ruben Puentedura: http://hippasus.com | @rubenrp
- ShapingEDU LinkedIn
- ShapingEDU YouTube Channel
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins, with technical production provided by Jacob Snider.
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. The Executive Producer is Dr. Sean Leahy, the show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar, with technical production provided by Jacob Snider.
Join Dr. Sean Leahy for this bonus episode of the Learning Futures podcast to discuss the BioSense Network, a newly funded research project aimed at establishing a community of learners exploring biotechnology with a computational microscope.
Sean interviews his colleagues about this innovative research grant in collaboration with the Arizona State University School of Molecular Sciences, the ASU Biodesign Institute, and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at ASU.
Panel members:
- Host: Dr. Sean Leahy - twitter: @seanthenerd
- Dr. Abhishek Singharoy - twitter: @abhisekhsingha1
- Dr. Punya Mishra - twitter: @punyamishra
- Cassandra Kellaris
Details (in case you want to jump right to the action):
(04:30) - Sean and team discuss what BioSense actually is…
(05:25) - bridging textbook biotechnology with reality - what does this mean?
(11:45) - combination of the biotechnology team and education, crucial to creating this new approach to biotechnology education.
(18:35) - a network of educators, how will this work change the landscape of STEM education and STEM workforce development etc.?
(27:10) - use of high-powered computing to create zero-cost technology access to educators and students
(30:10) - conversation around the four identified “tangible” goals / outcomes of the project, namely: communicate, promote, inspire, and enhance…
(32:50) - educational modules for educators, what is entailed in the development and implementation of these modules? How this process differs from a traditional learning approach?
This project has been made possible by funding from the Department of Defense STEM program @DoDstem.
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar.
Ronald Beghetto has a conversation with Sarah Stein Greenberg about how important it is to shift students’ mindsets from one based on a structured idea of what school and learning is, to one that is open, creative, iterative, adaptive, and able to improvise as they keep learning. Stein Greenberg also talks about her book “Creative Acts for Curious People,” which she wrote with the goal of bringing skills and methods used at the d school to a much wider audience. Stein Greenberg sees this book as a handbook for people to realize the creative power they already possess, emphasizing that everyone is and can be creative. Stein Greenberg imagines a future where people are able to unleash their creative abilities to the fullest with an education system that supports that pathway.
You can learn more about Sarah Stein Greenberg’s work by visiting the Stanford d.school, you can follow her on twitter @steingreenberg. For more information on Sarah’s book: Creative Acts for Curious People
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Ronald Beghetto and Kaleb Rashad have a meaningful conversation about how school tends to strip people away from their identities and cultural backgrounds, and how important it is for schools to highlight and celebrate identities rather than diminish them. Rashad poses the question of how we can we design learning in such a way that it does not divorce you from who you are, your culture, race, and identity? Rashad also believes in the power of listening to young people, and using their questions to learn with them in a democratic process. Rashad imagines a future where learning is more community and love centered, that leads towards more just societies and gives people back the power of making decisions on what they want to learn.
You can learn more about Dr. Kaleb Rashad’s work by following these links: Center for Love and Justice and you can also follow Dr. Rashad on Twitter @kalebrashad
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Ronald Beghetto and Amanda Tachine talk about Tachine’s journey growing up in a Navajo community and how that inspired her to work to affirm native presence in school settings. Tachine mentions how native people’s ideologies have been excluded consistently in the creation of what we now call school and how there needs to be a change in the ways that native people are represented, to sustain indigenous presence in schools. Tachine imagines a future where education is love-centered, and where exclusion has no place, especially for all the native people who deserve to have their culture respected and honored.
You can learn more about Dr. Amanda Tachine’s work by following these links:
Lumina Foundation podcast episode, ASU profile, you can also follow her on twitter: @atachine
Be sure to keep an eye out for her new book, tentatively titled Native Presence and Sovereignty in College.
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The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Ronald Beghetto and Marquis Taylor from Coaching 4 Change have a conversation about the power of college students serving as mentors to the K12 students and how Taylor sees this model as a tool, and a means to build a talent pipeline in schools. Taylor explains that college students enhance what the teacher is already doing well, but the collaboration allows teachers to think differently about how to best serve and support the needs of each student. Taylor imagines a future where school districts begin using mentoring as a tool to recruit and create amazing talent.
You can learn more about Marquis Taylor’s work by visiting:
https://www.c4cinc.org/ @Coaching4Change
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Ronald Beghetto and Amanda Burke discuss the importance of listening to a community’s perspective on current issues, and how that can really transform the work being done to solve said issues. Burke speaks of her experiences listening to Arizonians’ opinions on matters of education, and notices the similarities on what they believe are key issues--such as moving education towards a learner-centered approach and creating personalized learning for children. Burke imagines a future where we aim to nurture and support the development of whole human beings who can thrive in all areas, and are equipped to pursue their passions.
You can learn more about Dr. Amanda Burke’s work with the Center for the Future of Arizona by following these links:
www.arizonafuture.org, https://www.facebook.com/azfuture/, and about House Bill 2862 here: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/55leg/1R/bills/HB2862P.pdf
To see the latest news from the Center for the Future of Arizona follow them on Twitter - @arizonafuture
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Ronald Beghetto and Abhi Nangia have a conversation about how Nangia’s nonprofit Better World Ed is changing people’s perspectives on what it is like when we see or meet someone, who has a very different life than us, for the first time. Better World creates wordless videos that showcase a person’s life story, which guide students into questioning and being curious about the world and the people around them. Nangia hopes that these stories will change the hearts and minds of people from a very young age by experiencing different cultures and dismantling biased judgement. Nangia imagines a future where kids become teachers for adults, helping us grow a community with high levels of compassion and understanding for others.
You can learn more about Abhi Nangia’s work by following these links:
https://betterworlded.org/. You can email Abhi at: abhi@betterworlded.org
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Ronald Beghetto talks with Lindy Elkins-Tanton about how her different work and life experiences made her realize the importance of knowing how to work in teams, and to create ones that foster equality instead of competition. She mentions how bringing the idea of teams into the classroom, where every voice and perspective is listened to, removes competition. This not only allows students to engage with uncertainty, but ultimately develops stronger outcomes, products, and solutions. Elkins-Tanton imagines a future where learning is more active (rather than what she calls “learned helplessness”) and based around the team’s plurality of perspectives, and views this learning process as a way to help solve challenges within our communities.
You can learn more about Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton and her work by accessing her directory page at ASU, and also through the Beagle Learning webpage, https://interplanetary.asu.edu/ and https://opencitizenproject.org. Lastly, Student-led inquiry online: Here's how we do it
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Ronald Beghetto talks with Susan Santone about two pressing issues that the world is currently facing: environmental issues and social justice, and how those can be remedied through education. Santone shares how she pushes for students to learn more about these issues within the various courses she teaches, including how they can play a role in changing discourses. Santone mentions the necessity of bridging these issues and creating spaces that help people understand their roots, and realize we have more core beliefs in common than we often think. She imagines a future where schools become a true community where mindset shifts are possible, and everyone is involved in creating solutions for these problems.
You can learn more about Susan Santone by checking out Susan's webpage. You can also follow Susan on instagram: santonesusan and on Twitter: @SusanSantone
Email: susan@susansantone.com
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Ronald Beghetto talks with Kwaku Aning about the different issues that education is currently facing because of the pandemic, such as access to technology devices and the internet. Aning tells us how technologies have become increasingly important for students inside the classroom especially during COVID times, and he talks about his work helping teachers bridge what they are doing online with what is happening in the classroom. Aning imagines a future where equity and access are not an issue for students around the world, and also one where creating curriculums that combine subjects like politics and art, become a commonality.
You can learn more about Kwaku Aning on Linked In or Twitter: @kwaku1
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Dr. Ronald Beghetto is joined by Jill Vialet and Amanda von Moos of Substantial Classrooms to discuss the opportunity that exists (and is necessary) to rethink substitute teaching. Von Moos and Vialet invite listeners to reimagine substitute teaching, providing ideas about the impact that these individuals can have on school climate, students’ lives, and more. Substitute teachers are present for roughly 10% of a student’s education, and by recognizing substitutes for their professionalism and varied areas of expertise, the school community benefits.
You can learn more about Jill and Amanda’s work by visiting substancialclassrooms.org website for resources and tools, or check out their new book: Substantial Classrooms: Redesigning the Substitute Teaching Experience. You can also follow Jill on Twitter @jillvialet, or explore more of their work @Playworks
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
This Bonus episode hosted by Dr. Sean Leahy explores the creative project Turn it Around - Flashcards for Education Futures with the innovative team from ASU including Dr. Iveta Silova, Adriene Jenik, Belen Sanchez, and Saiarchana Darira.
From the projects website https://www.turnitaroundcards.org/
“Calling Young Artists, Thinkers, and Leaders - We invite you to reimagine our approach to education, our relationship with nature and our connection to the living world during this time of crisis. Help us design a deck of flashcards that show how ecological justice can be achieved.”
Turn it Around - Flashcards for Education Futures will be introduced to policymakers at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and the launch of UNESCO’s Future of Education report.
For more information and to get involved please visit the project website: https://www.turnitaroundcards.org/
Twitter: @TIAflashcards
Instagram: artistsliteraciesinstitute
Facebook: artistsliteraciesinstitute
TikTok: turnitaroundcards
Special thanks to our guests:
(Guest host) Dr. Sean Leahy - @seanthenerd
Dr. Iveta Silova - @IvetaSilova
Adriene Jenik
Belen Sanchez
Saiarchana Darira
To learn more about this, and other related projects and work, please visit
Learning Futures from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
Ronald Beghetto and Joel Westheimer have a conversation about what we currently value as a society and how those values are showing up in how we approach teaching and learning. Westheimer mentions how schooling focuses too much on standardized testing and explains that these tests do not tell us what is going on in a school. He further discusses that standards cannot always be achieved the same way by all students, and asks that we see the value in difference and uncertainty. Westheimer invites us to question how we want to live in society, explaining that the pandemic has kind of held the mirror up to our real values, which are qualities of life that are not easily measured. Creativity and humanity require differences that are not standardized. Westheimer imagines a future where schools are more social, humane places, where teachers are offered the best possible conditions to do their job, and students receive quality experiences that create a meaningful life.
You can learn more about Dr. Joel Westheimer’s work by following this link: Joel Westheimer. You can also follow him on twitter: @joelwestheimer
Ronald Beghetto discusses play and technology, as well as creativity with Elisabeth McClure and Stuart MacAlpine from LEGO Foundation. McClure and MacAlpine explain how learning through play includes cognitive and social emotional learning, and that learning experiences which include play lead to deeper learning for everyone; from babies and toddlers through adulthood. McClure and MacAlpine imagine a future where children and adults feel empowered to make and produce technology rather than just users of technology, with the agency to solve the problems in meaningful ways, to create a sustainable and more humane future.
You can learn more about Drs. Elisabeth McClure and Stuart MacAlpine’s work by following these links: LEGO Foundation Twitter, LEGO foundation, Playlist resources from Lego Foundation; Read an interview and publication featuring Ron who serves as a creativity advisor for the LEGO foundation.
Dr. Ronald Beghetto talks with Yutaka Tamura about his non-profit organization nXu and the work they do towards helping students and educators engage in purpose based learning experiences. Tamura reflects on his personal struggles towards finding his true purpose and how that led him in the direction of creating a research based methodology that helps students along their own journey, training and coaching educators on purpose development. Tamura imagines a future where students and teachers work together to foster a sense of belonging and purpose, which is something that expands beyond the classroom. He also invites educators and parents to take time and engage with children in conversations about their feelings and dreams, and help them make the direct connections between those and their current learning experiences, so students feel more connected and invested in their educational experiences.
You can learn more about Yutaka Tamura and his work by accessing his LinkedIn page, the nXu website , and Transcend education.
Drs. Ronald Beghetto and David Garcia have a conversation about the disconnect between research and policy that Garcia has observed throughout his career in politics and academia. Garcia explains how politicians are often novices in many of the issues they will have to tackle during their time in office, and how researchers can help by providing the practical issues and information necessary to make the best decisions. Garcia imagines a future where academics and politicians work together, combining research and practical application, to achieve meaningful change.
You can learn more about Dr. David Garcia and his work by accessing her directory page at ASU.
Ronald Beghetto talks with Elyse Burden about Real World Scholars and how she co-created an organization that focuses on giving students the opportunity to become real entrepreneurs and create Ecommerce businesses. Burden explains how entrepreneurship can be used to bring any passion to life, makie students excited about the learning process, and allow both teachers and students to move beyond the usual confines of a classroom. Burden tells listeners how important it is to disrupt the assumptions that currently exist regarding who gets to be an entrepreneur, what they look like, and what they can do. She imagines a future where students and stakeholders are seen as equal partners in the creation of educational journeys.
You can learn more about Elyse Burden by following these links Linked In, Real World Scholars. You can also follow Elyse on twitter: @LyzBurden
Ronald Beghetto talks with Dr. Sarah Dryden-Peterson about REACH, a program she leads to create and facilitate welcoming and inclusive education to refugees in different parts of the world. She shares how educators can help refugee students make navigational decisions between what exists and what could be, and realize that their malleable histories and identities are what makes them part of communities. Dryden-Peterson explains how refugees, surrounded by uncertainty and disruption, provide an example for us as we emerge from the pandemic.
You can learn more about Dr. Sarah Dryden-Peterson and her work by accessing her directory page at Harvard, and also the REACH webpage.
Ronald Beghetto talks with Ariel Anbar about his work with science teaching and learning, and if done right, how this can empower nonscientists for their whole life in how they access and understand information. They discuss the recent “bad rep” that science has received during the COVID-era, and Anbar explains how the real process of science is an ongoing set of observations and interpretations which leads to continuous tests and iterations, as recommendations improve with greater knowledge. Anbar also mentions his work on creating and using interactive digital technologies, which immerses students in virtual field trips based on what they are learning. He imagines more of this type of interactive digital learning technology in the future which will meet learners where they are, and get them to where they need to go in their science education journey.
You can learn more about Dr. Ariel Anbar and his work by accessing his directory page at Arizona State University. Virtual field trip webpage. Center for Education Through Exploration. You can also follow him on twitter:@ArielAnbar
Ronald Beghetto talks with Laura McBain about how her experience as a middle and high school substitute teacher led her to thinking about design in education. She began thinking about what we could create in education to create more equitable futures--how can students and teachers help design better futures by reshaping education so it’s able to serve more students with distinct needs, as well as connect with the community? McBain mentions the importance of letting go of the idea that as educators we have to constantly predict what their future will look like, and let students take a more active role towards shaping their futures and their current learning experiences. She poses questions for us such as: How can we as educators be of service for the students in our care and develop their own agency? What are students doing now to shape their learning experiences, their communities, and their futures?
You can learn more about Laura McBain by following these links Linked In, d school, K12 Lab. You can also follow Laura on twitter: @laura_mcbain
Ronald Beghetto talks with Adam Carberry about engineering education and the need to develop talent rather than search for talent among students. The goal should be for students to learn from and improve upon prior work, moving away from standards of sameness in both assignments and assessments. Carberry invites teachers to think about how they can guide students towards generating excitement towards this discipline by having them work on something they are passionate about. He has been working in project based learning with teachers from other disciplines to have students create and engage in engineering projects. Carberry imagines a future where creativity is harnessed in this area, grading systems look different in all schools, and where inclusivity is encouraged to leverage and bring different perspectives to future projects.
You can learn more about Dr. Adam Carberry and his work by accessing his directory page at Arizona State University, and the Engineering for us all web page.
Ronald Beghetto talks with Megan Workmon Larsen about how studying psychology and opera led her down a path towards robotics, design, and researching how students view their education journey. Focusing on higher education, Workmon Larsen explains how it is imperative that instructors and institutions allow students to become co-creators of their own learning. When we give students the opportunity to create their own paths, wonderful things happen. The challenge is that we cannot create uncertainty, rather the opportunity and space for spark and joy which leads to creativity. Beghetto and Workmon Larsen discuss how we can unstructure the structures and formal spaces in education, allowing students to explore and create. It is in this space that Workmon Larsen imagines a future in which schools structure education for exploration, joy, and motivational development over time.
You can learn more about Dr. Megan Workmon Larsen and her work by accessing her directory page at Arizona State University.
The Learning Futures Podcast is produced at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. . Executive Producers are Dr. Sean Leahy and Claire Gilbert. The show is produced by Dr. Clarin Collins and Karina Muñoz Baltazar. Audio production provided by Claire Gilbert.
Ronald Beghetto and Justin Reich have a conversation about how to implement education technology in a principled way, which starts with a learning need identified by educators, a shared language around instruction to address the need, and then considerations for how technology might leverage that. Reich’s work at the MIT Learning Lab and research for his new book “Failure to Disrupt,” has shown him that technologies have power to help students reclaim ownership of their learning, but technologies alone cannot do it. Teachers are a critical part of this process, creating new curriculum and implementing technology to enrich the curriculum. Reich imagines a future where technology becomes a catalyst for creating new learning communities that involve students as collaborators with their teachers. He also sees technology becoming more robust to support disruptions in learning, as we are currently experiencing with the pandemic.
You can learn more about Dr. Justin Reich, his work, and book by following these links:
https://cmsw.mit.edu/profile/justin-reich/
https://failuretodisrupt.com/
https://tsl.mit.edu/covid19/
Twitter@bjfr
Ronald Beghetto and Bryan Henderson have a conversation about how the “Brain Candy” technology tool came to life as a result of the experiences Henderson had in his school years, and the lack of interaction in classrooms he witnessed--particularly in science courses. Henderson explains how learning science should include critiques and understanding why things are incorrect, rather than only focusing on what is right. This discourse allows students to practice evidence-based argumentation, which is a more engaging and active learning process compared to only learning about one correct answer.
Henderson also mentions his new project, a platform that can be used to assess communication in the classroom. Whereas most assessments focus on reading and writing, this DiALoG platform can be used to support and measure evidence-based argumentation among students.
You can learn more about Dr. Bryan Henderson and Brain Candy by following these links: https://education.asu.edu/about/people/bryan-henderson
https://www.braincandy.org/
@JBryanHenderson
Ronald Beghetto talks with Jo Boaler about how she believes we are at the tipping point in math education with a data science movement. She explains that the math system is perpetuated from content and curriculum developed in the 1800s that is still present in standards, testing, textbooks, and teaching methods of today. Boaler knows math is a creative vehicle for thinking about the world and problem solving, if we just change the way it is taught. Boaler’s 8 books and youcubed.org contain resources and lessons for teachers, parents and students to help them develop a mathematics mindset.
You can learn more about Dr. Jo Boaler and Youcubed by following these links: https://ed.stanford.edu/faculty/joboaler
https://www.youcubed.org/
You can also find her books here: https://www.youcubed.org/limitless-mind/
https://www.youcubed.org/resource/books/
@joboaler
Ronald Beghetto and Leigh Wolf chat about the way the current pandemic has brought online learning to the forefront of education. While some good has come from this, with regard to creatively designing curriculum, broader understanding that technology alone does not enhance learning experiences, and rethinking standardized testing, there are significant challenges and weaknesses. Wolf talks about the need to implement open communities for parents and teachers that enhance their online practices and reduce the fear and pressure on teachers of having to know and do everything.
You can learn more about Dr. Leigh Wolf by following her on Twitter @gravesle, or by checking out her website https://www.leighgraveswolf.com/ or MLFTC directory page at Arizona State University.
Ronald Beghetto and Punya Mishra talk about transforming education, and what teaching and learning could and should be. Mishra explains that design can take the existing binaries of learning modalities, between research and practice, and silos among disciplines, and blend and mix them up to optimize learning experiences. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has created opportunities for designing new ways of learning, but also highlights the challenges and inequities in our society and education systems. Mishra talks about his experience with local classroom design, working with teachers to create transformational learning experiences for their students, and more recently, his interest in working at the level of creating systems and culture in order to do this design work at a larger scale. He also gives the example of President Michael Crow--designing and building a new culture at Arizona State University, making ASU known for research and innovation.
You can learn more about Dr. Punya Mishra here, on his website, www.punyamishra.com, or on Twitter: @punyamishra
Ronald Beghetto chats with Brent Maddin about how teaching has become increasingly difficult for the new generations. Maddin introduces the Next Education Workforce initiative at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, and how the one teacher, one classroom model is not sustainable. Distributed expertise and combining teams of educators with groups of students leverages strengths of adults, and maximizes learning opportunities for students. He also discusses how important it is to prepare novice teachers to generate better environments that encourage them to stay in the profession, as well as implementing student engagement and allowing them to become “captains of their own learning ship.”
You can learn more about Dr.Brent Maddin and Next Education Workforce by accessing his directory page at Arizona State University. You can also check out the Next Education Workforce podcast, hosted by Dr. Maddin himself.
Ronald Beghetto and Katherine Rodela speak about equity and justice in school leadership, especially focusing on Rodela's work with minority families who are primarily Latinx. She guides us through her work with these communities, including how much she has learned about giving voices to those who do not have them, especially when it comes to school leadership and decision making. In looking to the future of education leadership, Rodela envisions a more holistic approach which recognizes how student health and education are entwined, and that it is necessary to acknowledge both in order to create authentic spaces where every student feels welcome and represented.
You can learn more about Dr. Katherine Rodela and her work by accessing her directory page at Washington State University or following her on Twitter @KatherineRodela
Ronald Beghetto talks with Mildred Boveda about her educational journey, coming from an immigrant family who had few formal educational opportunities in the Dominican Republic, compared to Boveda’s ethnically diverse education experience in Miami with many teachers who believed in and encouraged her. Boveda discusses how she noticed the higher her educational attainment, the whiter the learning spaces became. She became drawn to education, wanting to support minoritized and marginalized students.
Early on in her career as a special educator, Boveda reflected on how students are often labeled and categorized based on ability, and she wondered how this socialized departmentalizing impacted how teachers understand and reflect on their own sociocultural identities and the role this plays in their teaching. Boveda believes pre-service teachers should feel comfortable and prepared to talk about their own sociocultural identity, and as such, her research focuses on understanding and measuring intersectional competencies.
You can learn more about Dr. Mildred Boveda and her work by accessing her directory page at Arizona State University and by following her on Twitter: @MildredBoveda
Ronald Beghetto talks with Emma K. Adam about her research on sleep and stress focused mostly on adolescents. She explains how the different stressors we are faced with daily affect our bodies and how those stressors can vary depending on race and gender. She also discusses trends over time, and the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent stress. Dr. Adam addresses important questions such as: What are major stressors for adolescents? What role does sleep play in stress biology? What are some effective ways to decrease adolescent stress?
You can learn more about Dr. Emma K. Adam and her work by accessing her directory page at
Northwestern University
You can also follow her on twitter:
@EmmaKAdam
Ronald Beghetto and David Berliner have a conversation about the constant disrespect teachers have suffered in US public schools, the enormous social challenges they are up against, the low pay, and how they have still risen above the challenges to make a difference, even in the current pandemic. Recently, it appears communities are appropriately recognizing the value and significance of teachers, and the efforts they are going to in order to connect with children during this uncertain time. Berliner shares how teachers are pillars of their communities that should be seen as such. Berliner discusses how community building is one of the most important issues we should be focusing on in order to solve the overwhelming issues schools face.
You can learn more about Dr. David Berliner and his work by visiting his directory page at Arizona State University
What if education systems were doing more and thinking differently about preparing learners to thrive in the future? Join Professor Ronald A. Beghetto of Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College for conversations on improving education and the future of learning. Each episode presents colleagues, researchers, education leaders and other guests who share how they're thinking about and addressing the most pressing challenges in education. Season 1 coming soon!