Episodes

  • Bridging Early Literacy, Brain Research, and AI Innovation with Dr. Ola Ozernov-Palchik

    Bridging Early Literacy, Brain Research, and AI Innovation with Dr. Ola Ozernov-Palchik
    Jan 16 2026
    On this episode of Trending in Ed with Mike Palmer, unlock the secrets of the reading brain and the future of educational technology in this deep dive with Dr. Ola Ozernov-Palchik. A researcher at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education and Human Development and MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Dr. Ola sits at the cutting edge of cognitive neuroscience and the science of reading. 🧠 We explore why 70% of students in the U.S. are not reading proficiently and how early identification of dyslexia—starting as early as kindergarten—can change the trajectory of a child’s life. We also explore the "last infinite mile" of education: the gap between groundbreaking research and actual classroom practice. The devil is in the details. Dr. Ola shares her journey from evaluating reading curricula to using fMRI and machine learning to predict learning difficulties. We also tackle the massive shift toward AI-driven tutoring and the evidence-based AI movement. Are we rushing into a multi-billion dollar tech bandwagon without proof of what actually works? Ola makes a compelling case for why we must demand rigorous evidence before putting new tools in the hands of students. Learn more about her work launching a Research-Based Accelerator here.📚 Whether you are a parent, educator, or an EdTech founder, this conversation is a must-listen to understand how we can leverage learning science, research, and emerging technology to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss out on a conversation like this one. 🔔 Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Dr. Ola Ozernov-Palchik 1:11 - Journey from Philosophy to Reading Research 2:22 - Looking "Under the Hood": Transitioning to Neuroscience 3:33 - How the Brain Learns to Read and the Reality of Neuroplasticity 4:42 - Pivoting to Online Research and Global Scalability 6:45 - The Power of Peer Tutoring and Data-Driven Support 8:33 - The Science of Reading and the Implementation Gap 10:46 - Early Identification: Screening for Dyslexia in Kindergarten 13:59 - Breaking Down Phonological Awareness vs. Comprehension 19:11 - Explicit Instruction: Why Reading Isn't a Natural Process 22:25 - Debunking Myths: Strength-Based Approaches vs. Literacy Support 27:32 - AI as the New Frontier: Promise and Pitfalls 31:30 - Building Speech-to-Speech Avatars for Early Learners 35:34 - The Evidence Crisis in Educational Technology 39:35 - BU’s Evidence-Based AI for Learning Initiative 44:12 - The Future of Literacy and Policy Guardrails 46:31 - Final Thoughts: Advocating for Science in Education
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    46 mins
  • Launching LEGO Education's Hands-On AI and CS Product with Dr. Andrew Sliwinski

    Launching LEGO Education's Hands-On AI and CS Product with Dr. Andrew Sliwinski
    Jan 15 2026
    In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer welcomes Andrew Sliwinski, Global Head of Product Experience for LEGO Education, on the day of a major product launch. Together, they explore the intersection of physical play and artificial intelligence, revealing how LEGO is redefining AI literacy for the next generation. Andrew shares his winding career path from tutoring in Detroit to directing Scratch at MIT and serving on the board of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The conversation dives into LEGO Education’s new Computer Science and AI curriculum, a hands-on, privacy-first platform designed for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. 🧱 They discuss moving beyond screen-based learning to collaborative, physical experiences—like building a dancing robot owl to understand machine learning. Andrew explains why we should stop teaching kids to just tread water with AI tools and start helping them understand the "black box" through first principles like data, probability, and bias. 🤖 Whether you are an educator or a parent, this episode offers a unique look at how "learning through play" prepares children to be the architects of the future. 🎓 Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction: A Big Day for LEGO Education 1:15 - Andrew’s Journey: From Detroit Classrooms to MIT Scratch 2:55 - The Legacy of Mindstorms and the Genesis of AI at LEGO 4:45 - Launching the New K-8 Computer Science & AI Curriculum 6:10 - Learning Through Play: Only the Best is Good Enough 9:15 - Shifting AI Literacy from "Use" to "Understanding" 11:40 - Collaboration vs. "Maze Solvers": The Power of Hands-On Teams 14:30 - Children as Role Models: Learning from the Next Generation 17:30 - Vocational vs. Defensive Perspectives on AI Education 22:15 - Passing the "Substitute Teacher Test" 24:00 - Dancing Owls & Machine Learning: Cool Things You Can Build 25:50 - Screen-Free Tech: Starting AI Concepts in Kindergarten 29:20 - Solving the Privacy Puzzle: Local Data & No Accounts 36:30 - Durable Skills: Data, Statistics, and Probability 39:30 - Closing Thoughts: Handing Kids a Screwdriver for the Black Box Stay ahead of the curve in education! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode of Trending in Ed. 🔔
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    41 mins
  • The State of Workforce Development in 2026 with Paul Fain

    The State of Workforce Development in 2026 with Paul Fain
    Jan 13 2026
    Paul Fain, the founder of Work Shift and author of The Job newsletter, returns to Trending in Education for a look at the state of workforce development in 2026. He describes a challenging environment for early-career professionals where emerging technologies are driving significant shifts in hiring and job stability. While four-year degree holders often dominate the media discourse, Paul emphasizes the critical need to report on non-degree workers, particularly those in clerical and administrative roles who face high risks from automation. The episode also explores the rise of "Generation Tool Belt", characterized by a growing interest in skilled trades as young people seek paths that feel more insulated from the knowledge-economy's disruption. This surge in interest has led to waiting lists for community college trade programs, highlighting the importance of reinvesting in this often-overlooked localized infrastructure. In healthcare, the discussion focuses on the frontline workforce, such as certified nursing assistants, and the systemic challenges involved in providing these workers with clear career pathing and opportunities for growth. Looking forward into the 2026 midterm cycle, the conversation touches on high-stakes experiments like Bloomberg Philanthropies' healthcare high schools and the potential expansion of federal Pell Grants to cover short-term credentials. We also examine how massive federal investments in defense and infrastructure might be leveraged to expand job training across the country. Ultimately, we hit on the dignity of work as a rare point of bipartisan priority and the potential to reframe job training as essential infrastructure for economic development. Don't miss this deep dive into shifts in workforce development with the journalist with his finger on the pulse in the transformations in the sector. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Paul Fain and the origin of Work Shift. 03:30 - Education and the workforce as a high-profile issue for policymakers. 07:45 - The reporting gap for non-degree workers and non-college paths. 11:30 - Generation Tool Belt: Resurgence of interest in skilled trades. 16:00 - Evaluating the real impact of AI on the current labor market. 21:50 - Community colleges as the localized front lines of retraining. 28:40 - The frontline healthcare crisis and the role of certified nursing assistants. 34:45 - Bloomberg’s healthcare high schools and private sector innovation. 39:20 - 2026 Outlook: Short-term Pell grants and apprenticeship funding. 44:00 - Reframing job training as economic infrastructure and the dignity of work
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    47 mins
  • Trending in Ed LIVE | Career Exploration in the Age of AI

    Trending in Ed LIVE | Career Exploration in the Age of AI
    Jan 8 2026
    How do we prepare Gen Z for a workforce being reshaped by Artificial Intelligence? Recorded live from the National Youth Apprenticeship Summit in Alexandria, Virginia, this episode explores the "Wild West" of the modern innovation economy and the vital role of youth apprenticeships in building future-ready career pathways. This special episode is made possible by our sponsors: CareerWise, a leader in high-quality modern youth apprenticeship systems, and PAYA (Partnership for the Advancement of Youth Apprenticeship), a collaborative initiative assisting partners in developing robust apprenticeship programs across the U.S.. Host Mike Palmer is joined by three experts to discuss the intersection of emerging technology, educational equity, and early career development: Shalin Jyotishi, Managing Director of the Future of Work and Innovation Economy Initiative at New America, explains how technology drives long-term economic growth and why strengthening the link between tech-based growth and economic security is essential. Gina Worthy, owner of Worthey Solutions International, provides deep insights into Gen Z—the "AI native" generation—and their unique needs for purpose-driven work and multi-generational interaction. Steve Jurch, lead of the Center for Policy and Practice at the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), highlights community colleges as an "innovation engine" that can rapidly respond to local industry needs and the AI revolution. Key Takeaways: AI Native vs. AI Fluent: Understanding how Gen Z's lifelong relationship with technology shifts their expectations of employers. The Experience Gap: How AI is changing entry-level work and why work-based learning is more critical than ever to bridge the gap between education and employment. Community Colleges as Catalysts: Why these institutions are becoming the primary choice for workforce development and short-term credentials in the innovation economy. The Future of Youth Apprenticeships: Exploring how these programs combine high school dual enrollment with structured apprenticeship to provide early career awareness and skill development. As we enter the AI "wild west," youth apprenticeships offer a vital bridge to purposeful, innovation-driven careers. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 4:00 Gen Z & Purpose 8:00 Innovation Economy 14:00 Community College Role 35:00 Audience Q&A
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    53 mins
  • Adapting to AI in Higher Education with Dr. C. Edward Watson | Teaching with AI

    Adapting to AI in Higher Education with Dr. C. Edward Watson | Teaching with AI
    Jan 6 2026
    In this episode, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Dr. Eddie Watson to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in higher education. Following the release of the second edition of his book, Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning, Eddie shares insights from working with nearly 200 campus teams on transitioning from AI-resistant assignments to AI-integrated pedagogy. Here's the link to Eddie's first appearance. Key Takeaways: Beyond Academic Integrity: While cheating remains a concern, the conversation is shifting toward AI literacy as an essential learning outcome to prepare students for an AI-integrated workforce. The "Calculus" of Cheating: In high-stakes environments, students often feel a competitive disadvantage if they don't use AI. Pedagogical Transparency: If faculty ban AI for specific assignments, they must explain the "why" (e.g., building foundational skills) to encourage student compliance Backward Design: Eddie advocates for starting with the desired learning outcome and engineering assignments and instruction from there. Learning to Write vs. Writing to Learn: AI’s role should differ based on whether the goal is mastering writing mechanics or using writing to process course content. Durable Skills: While technical skills like prompt engineering may change quickly, mindsets like metacognition and critical thinking remain essential. "Ground Truth" Bots: Using tools like NotebookLM or Small Language Models (SLMs) allows students to interrogate specific, vetted data sets like OER textbooks. Efficiency vs Engagement: The episode concludes with a look at the "Efficiency vs. Engagement" binary. While institutions may use AI to automate grading and increase class sizes, the real opportunity lies in reinvesting saved time into "signature pedagogies"—mentoring and fostering a sense of student belonging, which are the greatest predictors of student success. Quotes: "The one who does the work is the one who does the learning. How do we make sure our students are doing the work, because that's where the learning occurs?" — Eddie Watson Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome Back 00:55 - The Innovation Cycle: Second Edition of "Teaching with AI" 01:41 - Eddie Watson’s Background & Role at AAC&U 03:32 - The Shift: From Academic Integrity to the World of Work 05:10 - Complexity of Academic Integrity & Student Pressures 07:42 - Evolving Assessment Strategies & Motivation to Cheat 10:55 - Backward Design: Aligning AI with Learning Outcomes 12:54 - Writing to Learn vs. Learning to Write 14:43 - Agentic AI & Modernizing Assessments 18:50 - Creating "AI-Resistant" vs. AI-Transparent Assignments 24:43 - Developing a Meta AI Literacy Model 28:00 - Durable Skills: Metacognition & Managing AI 33:50 - Custom Chatbots, SLMs, and Ground Truths 46:40 - The Future: Efficiency vs. Engagement 49:00 - The Human Element: Mentorship & Student Belonging 51:00 - Closing Remarks Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an insight-filled conversation like this one.
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    53 mins
  • Reimagining Teaching, Learning, and Talent with Sunanna Chand ED of the Reinvention Lab at TFA

    Reimagining Teaching, Learning, and Talent with Sunanna Chand ED of the Reinvention Lab at TFA
    Dec 19 2025
    In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Sunanna Chand, Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America (TFA). As the leader of TFA’s future-of-learning R&D engine, Chand is tasked with a formidable challenge: bridging the gap between a 19th-century education system and the demands of the 21st-century world. The conversation explores the Lab’s "Radical Departures" framework, a mental model designed to shift the paradigm of how we define the why, what, where, and how of learning. Chand challenges the false dichotomy between academic rigor and student engagement, arguing for a "both/and" approach that prioritizes community achievement over individualized test scores. From exploring "credit flexibility" policies that allow students to learn outside school walls to reimagining the role of the educator in an AI-driven landscape, Chand offers a hopeful vision for a profession rooted in human connection and the "care economy". Key Takeaways Moving Beyond the "Banking Theory": Why the traditional model of a teacher delivering information to passive students is insufficient for a world where information is ubiquitous. Reimagining Chronic Absenteeism: How "present to learning by being absent from school" models allow students to gain graduation credit for interests pursued in their communities. The AI-Proof Profession: Why teaching remains a "smart bet" for the next generation, as neurobiological learning depends on human belonging and relational intelligence. The Educator as Orchestrator: A vision for the future where educators manage ecosystems of human support and AI agents rather than just delivering a curriculum. Why You Should Listen: If you are concerned about the current state of teacher burnout and student disengagement, this episode provides more than just a critique; it offers a roadmap for structural change. Sunanna Chand explains how the Reinvention Lab uses research and development to find the "future educator" and why the most valuable skills in an automated world—judgment, ethics, and care—are precisely those honed in the classroom. It is a deep dive into how we can use technology to reinvent rather than merely optimize an outdated system. Subscribe to ⁠Trending in Education⁠ wherever you get your podcasts to stay ahead of the curve on the future of learning. Time Stamps 00:00 - Intro and Sunanna’s background in Cleveland and Pittsburgh 05:45 - The Mission of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America 07:55 - Radical Departures: Redefining the "Why" and "What" of learning 12:45 - Credit Flexibility: Learning outside the four walls of the classroom 15:35 - Breaking the false dichotomy of rigor vs. relevance 19:40 - The "With Whom": Reimagining the role of the educator in the age of AI 24:30 - Why teaching is a smart career bet for Gen Z 27:45 - Combatting burnout through human connection and "Ignite" tutoring 31:45 - Closing thoughts: Building an ecosystem of reinvention
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    33 mins
  • Skills, AI, and the Transformation of Education with Josh Jones, CEO of QuantHub

    Skills, AI, and the Transformation of Education with Josh Jones, CEO of QuantHub
    Dec 16 2025
    Host Mike Palmer interviews Joshua Jones, CEO and Founder of QuantHub, an AI company focused on education and skills development. Jones, who previously co-founded the data science consulting firm StrategyWise, explains that QuantHub originated as an internal tool before spinning out to focus on delivering micro-learning chunks that target individual learners' specific needs. Jones offers sharp insights into the AI revolution: he argues that the focus has shifted from data science to tech literacy, including AI literacy, and understanding the "art of the possible." He emphasizes that successful AI implementation requires human factors and change management, noting that smart models will fail without proper "boots in the ground" support. Delving into the accelerating pace of change, Jones cites World Economic Forum data showing that critical thinking and creativity are increasing in importance for employers, while foundational skills like reading, writing, and math are decreasing. This suggests that understanding why you're using a tool is more critical than knowing the tool itself. The report also indicates that the structural job churn rate has jumped from an estimated 1% to about 4.5% per year, making continuous learning a necessity. Jones also tracks emerging technologies like quantum computing and robotics, predicting a significant market impact from 3D environment technologies around 2028. Here are the slides Josh references during the episode. Key Takeaways: - Skills Evolution: Critical thinking and tech literacy (including AI literacy) are becoming more valuable than specific technology skills as tools constantly change. - AI Implementation: Successful AI integration requires human support and change management; smart models can fail if people feeding them data don't understand the value of the technology. - Pace of Change: The speed of change in industry is quickening. The structural job churn rate has jumped from about 1% to about 4.5% per year, making continuous learning a necessity to keep up. - Learning Progression: Foundational data skills should be introduced in middle school, creating a path that extends through K-12, higher education, and professional development. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an insightful conversation like this one. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Josh Jones, CEO of QuantHub 07:54 - Leading QuantHub through Disruption and the Importance of Human Factors 16:40 - World Economic Forum: Shifting Importance of Skills 27:48 - Emerging Technologies: Quantum Computing and Robotics 38:00 - Closing Thoughts: The Compounding Effect of Continuous Learning
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    41 mins
  • Understanding Critical AI in K12 Classroms with Stephanie Smith Budhai and Marie K. Heath

    Understanding Critical AI in K12 Classroms with Stephanie Smith Budhai and Marie K. Heath
    Dec 12 2025
    AI permeates K-12 education, but the rush to adopt new tools often bypasses critical questions about equity, bias, and human connection. On this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Stephanie Smith Budhai and Marie K. Heath, co-authors of the new book Critical AI in K-12 Classrooms: A Practical Guide for Cultivating Justice and Joy. Together, they dismantle the "myth of inevitability" surrounding EdTech and explore how educators can reclaim agency in the face of rapid technological change with AI. From the historical resistance of Sojourner Truth to the concept of the classroom as a "Home Place," the conversation offers a refreshing, techno-skeptical framework that prioritizes student flourishing over big tech's framing. Key Takeaways: - Reframing the Narrative: Why "Justice and Joy" must remain central to education, ensuring schools are spaces of affirmation rather than just sites of data extraction. - The "Home Place" Concept: How bell hooks’ notion of a "Home Place" helps teachers create safe harbors where students can critically interrogate harmful AI outputs and resist standardized bias. - Sojourner Truth as Metaphor: A look at how Sojourner Truth co-opted and subverted the cartes de visites photography of her day to fund abolition—and how modern students and educators can similarly "sell the shadow to support the substance". - Pedagogies of Resistance: An overview of culturally sustaining, fugitive, and abolitionist pedagogies that equip teachers to challenge oppressive structures within AI and educational technology. - The Four Ps of Action: Practical steps for moving forward through Personal, Professional, Pedagogical, and Participatory action. Why You Should Listen: This conversation moves beyond the basic "how-to" of generative AI tools. Instead, it tackles the moral and ethical dimensions of bringing powerful, often biased technologies into the classroom. If you are an educator, administrator, or parent looking for a way to navigate the AI hype with your values intact, this episode provides the historical context and practical strategies needed to foster true digital agency. Like, Share, and Follow wherever you get your podcasts to stay ahead of the curve on the future of learning. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more. Time Stamps: [00:00] Intro: Criticality in the Age of AI [01:58] Stephanie’s Origin Story: From Nursing to EdTech [04:58] Marie’s Origin Story: Reluctant Teacher to Critical Scholar [09:25] Writing the Book: Centering Justice in Tech [11:20] Why Justice and Joy Matter [16:00] Bell Hooks and the Classroom as "Home Place" [20:30] Confronting AI Bias: The "High School Boy" Example [23:00] Sojourner Truth and Co-opting Biased Tech [29:00] The Myth of Inevitability: Do We Have to Use AI? [33:00] Culturally Sustaining, Fugitive, and Abolitionist Pedagogies [41:40] The 4 Ps: Taking Action Towards Just AI [44:00] Conclusion
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    45 mins