The TechEd Podcast

What does it really take to get started with artificial intelligence in a small or mid-sized company right here in the U.S.? In Part 2 of this two-part series, Matt Kirchner continues breaking down A Manufacturer’s Guide to AI Tech — exploring the final 7 technologies reshaping how organizations operate, automate, and make decisions. From autonomous mobile robots and smart drones to AI-powered industrial robots, next-gen metrology, and smart materials, Matt explains how these tools are already being used across industries. He also connects these innovations to larger questions about the workforce, education, and the future of human capability in an AI-driven economy. Listen to learn: Including…the final 7 technologies from A Manufacturer’s Guide to AI Tech. FULL SHOW NOTES (plus links & resources): https://techedpodcast.com/appliedai Want to see all the videos and data? We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

What does it really take to get started with artificial intelligence in a small or mid-sized company right here in the U.S.? We're breaking it down in this two-part series. In part 1, Matt Kirchner shares lessons from his recent trip overseas and what he learned visiting 26 advanced tech companies in six days. From open-source innovation and mandatory AI education to the work ethic driving global competition, Matt explains why the time to act on AI is now, and how American business leaders can take practical steps to stay ahead. He connects global insights to the realities of U.S. manufacturing and education, explores what it means to see before others see in the age of AI, and outlines the first practical technologies every organization should understand, from AI agents and MCP servers to embedded smart technology and digital twins. In this episode: Including...the first 5 technologies from A Manufacturer’s Guide To AI Tech. FULL SHOW NOTES (plus links & resources): https://techedpodcast.com/appliedai Want to see all the videos and data? Watch this episode on YouTube. We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Rural America is on the brink of an economic transformation. With more than $1 trillion in advanced manufacturing investments (and nearly two-thirds of that flowing into rural regions) this moment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize local economies, strengthen school-industry partnerships, and empower students with career pathways in advanced manufacturing. Matt Kirchner sits down with Duwain Pinder, Partner at McKinsey & Company and a leader of the McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility to explore the institute’s new report: Manufacturing in rural America: A plan for K–12–industry partnerships This conversation examines the gap between the career-connected learning students want access to, and the opportunities afforded them in rural districts. Matt and Duwain discuss how manufacturers and school districts can work together to close this gap and prepare the next generation for the influx of jobs coming to rural America. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Rural America is the new frontier for advanced manufacturing. McKinsey’s analysis found that 63 % of $1 trillion in announced U.S. manufacturing investments are being built within 15 miles of rural communities. Pinder explains that these projects will define America’s manufacturing future and bring high-quality jobs to places that have long been left behind. 2. The skills gap solution isn’t either-or...students need basic academic and technical skills. McKinsey’s research shows that foundational reading and math scores are eroding across the U.S., especially in rural communities, even as demand grows for advanced manufacturing talent. Duwain and Matt agree that employers shouldn’t accept this trade-off. Students must graduate ready to read, calculate, and communicate and understand robotics, PLCs, and other manufacturing tech, which requires schools and employers to work together on both fronts. 3. Using existing successful models (not always reinventing the wheel) will help rural K-12 accelerate and scale career-connected learning. Nearly 8 in 10 rural students want apprenticeships and hands-on learning, yet only 3 in 10 can access them, a gap that represents a massive opportunity. Evidence-based models like youth apprenticeships, dual-enrollment, and early-college high schools already exist. If districts embrace these, plus partner with employers and workforce associations, they can create career-connected learning more quickly. Visit the show notes page for more We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

When the founder of the world’s largest furniture manufacturer partners with one of the nation’s most innovative technical colleges, you get one of the most unique learning centers in the world. This week, host Matt Kirchner is joined by the visionaries behind the landmark Wanek Center of Innovation at Western Technical College: Ron Wanek, Founder of Ashley Furniture Industries, Dr. Josh Gamer, Associate Vice President of Workforce Partnerships and Innovation, and Dr. Roger Stanford, President of Western Technical College. The conversation is a masterclass in industry partnerships, future-forward educational technology, and building a true pipeline from K-12 education to technical colleges to a four-year degree. This episode is a must-listen for any educator, employer, or policymaker committed to a skills-based, adaptable future workforce. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. U.S. education must refocus on technical skills to compete globally. Ron Wanek warns that the U.S. is falling behind countries like Germany and China because it has deprioritized technical education in favor of liberal arts. His partnership with Western is designed to reverse that trend through STEM and workforce training. 2. The Wanek Center is a national model for Industry 4.0 integration in education. The facility includes 39 networked robots, a live IoT data infrastructure, and the first educational Digital Twin of its kind. The Digital Twin allows students to simulate manufacturing process changes in a virtual environment before applying them to the physical robotic cells. Students and employers alike now use the space to prototype real-world innovations. 3. Western has built a full pipeline from middle school to a 4-year Automation Leadership degree. Through dual credit programs, high school students in the district now earn thousands of Western Technical College credits annually. A full-time K-12 liaison connects schools and employers, supporting everything from field trips to FIRST Robotics. Dr. Roger Stanford also signed 13 new transfer agreements with UW-Stout—including a direct 61-credit transfer into the new Automation Leadership bachelor’s degree, which stacks seamlessly from credentials like SACA into advanced career pathways. Resources in this Episode: Learn more about the Wanek Center of Innovation: westerntc.edu/WanekCenter We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Haven’t been to a technical college in the last 3 years? The transformation is striking, and it’s only a glimpse of the reinvention higher education faces in the next decade. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner talks with Layla Merrifield, President of the Wisconsin Technical College System, about why the future of higher education depends on bold innovation. Merrifield doesn’t mince words: credit loss should be a thing of the past, neurodivergent inclusion is an imperative, and U.S. colleges can no longer “rest on our laurels” as global competition accelerates. From the arrival of Workforce Pell, to personalized student success plans, to stackable credentials, Merrifield argues that technical and community colleges must evolve—or risk irrelevance. Her perspective offers educators and employers alike a roadmap for building systems that are more inclusive, more responsive, and more essential than ever. Listen to learn: all3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Higher education must pivot quickly to stay relevant. Layla pointed to campuses closing outdated programs while adding new ones, the arrival of Workforce Pell expanding aid to short-term credentials, and the dramatic transformation of technical college facilities—“if you haven’t been on a campus in three years, you’d be shocked at how different it looks.” Together, these shifts show that technical colleges are reinventing themselves faster than most people realize . 2. Credit loss should be a thing of the past. Merrifield highlighted UW–Stout’s automation leadership degree, where students can use industry certifications to transfer 88 of 120 credits toward a bachelor’s. She also emphasized dual credit programs, transferring entire programs, and credit for work experience as essential tools to eliminate wasted time and money. 3. Universal design for learning makes inclusion the default. Layla explained that universal design for learning ensures learning is accessible to all from the start rather than relying on retrofitted accommodations. With 20–25% of learners falling into neurodivergent categories, she argued that education must be designed with multiple pathways for receiving and demonstrating knowledge—whether that’s reading, video, hands-on practice, or other modes. In her words, “Why not design our learning so that it is accessible to everyone right from the start? Resources in this Episode: Learn more about the Wisconsin Technical College System: www.wtcsystem.edu We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

What happens when K-12, higher education, manufacturing, and a startup tech company sit around the same table to talk about AI? This episode brings that rare collaboration to life. Recorded live at TitletownTech—the venture studio founded by Microsoft and the Green Bay Packers—this panel features four leaders from distinctly different sectors, all navigating how AI is changing their world. From fault anomaly detection in industrial equipment to generative AI in K-12 classrooms, this episode is a crash course in what applied AI really looks like on the ground. Panelists include: Mike BeighleyDr. Kate BurnsRick RoeskeAlex TyinkModerated by Matt Kirchner, Host of The TechEd Podcast Through stories of innovation, disruption, and surprising lessons, these leaders share how they’re preparing students, supporting workers, and strengthening their communities with artificial intelligence. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. AI is expanding what’s possible in education by unlocking more personalized, student-centered learning. In both K-12 and higher ed, AI is giving educators the tools to meet students where they are—academically, emotionally, and logistically. From adaptive math instruction to AI-driven student support systems, the future of learning is more flexible, scalable, and responsive. 2. Manufacturing is using AI not just to fix machines, but to build better relationships. Rick Roeske shares how BW Converting uses AI to detect fault anomalies, preserve expert knowledge, and improve customer support—often solving problems before clients even notice. It’s not just about performance; it’s about trust. 3. For startups, AI partnerships can unlock capabilities far beyond their headcount. Alex Tyink explains how Fork Farms built a proprietary AI farm management system with help from the Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab—accessing high-level expertise and infrastructure that most early-stage companies could never afford to build in-house. More on the episode page! We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Building tomorrow’s workforce starts with more than just technical skills—it requires access, mentorship, and leaders willing to invest in students long before they enter the job market. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Mary Ellen Stanek, Co-Founder and CIO Emeritus of Baird Asset Management, shares how one of the nation’s most respected investment firms thinks about talent, education, and inclusion. She reflects on being the first woman to chair a major civic leadership group, the creation of the award that now bears her name for advancing diversity in corporate governance, and how internships are shaping the next generation of professionals. Mary Ellen also unpacks how AI is changing finance while elevating the need for human judgment, and why Baird invests millions into education initiatives that expand opportunity—programs like Cristo Rey’s work-study model, All-In Milwaukee’s 90% college graduation rate, Aug Prep’s innovative K-12 approach, and major scholarship funds at Marquette. For educators, employers, and community leaders, this conversation is a roadmap for how business and education can work together to prepare students for meaningful careers and stronger communities anywhere. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Internships are one of the most effective ways to build a talent pipeline. Baird received over 32,000 applications for internships this year and hired just 1%, bringing in 300 students across the firm. About 40% of those rising seniors secure full-time roles, proving the long-term workforce impact of investing in student opportunities. 2. Inclusion in leadership transforms organizations and opens doors for others. Mary Ellen began her career as one of the only women in the room, later becoming the first woman to chair the Greater Milwaukee Committee. Today, Baird counts nearly 100 female managing directors, and the Mary Ellen Stanek Award continues to honor leaders driving diversity in corporate governance. 3. Education investments create measurable results for students and communities. All-In Milwaukee reports a 90% six-year college graduation rate, with 84% of scholars leaving school debt-free and 91% employed or in graduate programs. Similar investments in Cristo Rey, Aug Prep, and Marquette scholarships demonstrate how targeted support leads to stronger career pathways and local economic growth. Resources: Mary Ellen StanekInternships at BairdCristo Rey Jesuit High SchoolSt. Augustine Preparatory AcademyAll-in MilwaukeeBoys aWe want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Distributed manufacturing allows goods to be produced closer to where they’re needed — but enabling that future requires a complete rethink of infrastructure, systems, and workforce development. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey joins host Matt Kirchner for a deep dive into Engineering the Future of Distributed Manufacturing — the new national report from the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA). Charles, a former professor and recently retired Senior Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, brings decades of experience in defense, systems engineering, and academia to this conversation. Together, they break down ERVA’s five priority areas for enabling distributed manufacturing: modular and reconfigurable infrastructure, digital design tools, edge-to-cloud data systems, workforce education, and new performance metrics. Charles also shares how these priorities came from input across industry, academia, and government — and how they’ll guide research, funding, and education in the years ahead. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Distributed manufacturing is a modular approach to resilient, tech-enabled production. Charles defines distributed manufacturing as a system where production assets can be easily moved, reconfigured, and localized closer to the point of need. He describes how smaller, agile, and digitally connected systems—like reconfigurable machines and regional testbeds—enable manufacturing to respond to disruptions, like the ones exposed during COVID-19. 2. The workforce of the future needs digital fluency—and systems thinking. Students must be prepared not only to operate new technologies, but to understand how those technologies interact within broader systems. Charles highlights the importance of human-machine teaming, digital twins, and cyber-physical testbeds, and calls for education that helps learners “fall in love with the rigor” of complex technical work. 3. America’s manufacturing strategy must include small and mid-sized firms. Charles points out that most manufacturers in the U.S. are small to mid-sized, yet lack access to advanced infrastructure and scalable tools. He argues that national strategies must focus on democratizing technology—making AI, automation, and data systems affordable and available to all levels of the manufacturing sector. Resources in this Episode: Engineering the Future of Distributed ManufacturingERVAFollow Charles on LinkedInVisit the episode page for more! We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Workforce systems are often fragmented—built around short-term funding, disconnected programs, and a lack of coordination between industry, education, and community. But a different model is taking shape - one that’s not only working in practice, but has the potential to scale across states and regions. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Lindsay Blumer, President & CEO of WRTP | BIG STEP, to explore how her organization is building a future-ready, industry-led, and worker-centered workforce ecosystem. Backed by a $10 million grant, Lindsay and her team are launching the Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition Initiative (APCI)—a five-year effort to expand apprenticeship pathways into emerging industries, strengthen regional partnerships, and create a scalable blueprint for workforce development in both urban and rural communities. From infrastructure and manufacturing to healthcare and IT, this episode explores how WRTP is aligning training, policy, and industry needs to meet the challenges of today’s labor market—and what other states can learn from it. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. A scalable workforce model starts with alignment, not duplication. WRTP | BIG STEP acts as a “workforce intermediary,” connecting education, labor, employers, and community organizations to create coordinated talent pipelines across regions. Their funding model blends federal, state, philanthropic, and employer-based sources—like the cents-per-hour contribution from union contractors—to sustain long-term collaboration and flexibility. 2. Modern apprenticeships go far beyond the trades. Lindsay explains that apprenticeships now exist in fields like healthcare, IT, agriculture, marketing, and education, expanding far beyond traditional construction roles. She points out that 55% of new jobs in the next decade won’t require a college degree—making earn-and-learn models more relevant than ever. 3. If you want to replicate success, start by listening. WRTP’s statewide initiative begins with asset mapping and community conversations, not pre-built solutions—because what works in one region may not work in another. Lindsay emphasizes that local lived experience must inform system design, and that conveners should be flexible enough to lead, support, or step back depending on the context. Resources in this Episode: wrtp.orgOther resources: $10 million grant programWe want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

What happens when a world-class mathematician meets ’80s college radio, Bill Gates’ bookshelf, and a host with an algebra redemption arc? A surprisingly funny, fast-moving conversation. Dr. Jordan Ellenberg—John D. MacArthur Professor of Mathematics at UW–Madison and author of How Not to Be Wrong—swaps stories about The Housemartins, consulting on NUMB3RS (yes, one of his lines aired), and competing at the International Mathematical Olympiad. There’s a lot of laughter—and a fresh way to see math as culture, craft, and curiosity. But we also get practical about math education. We discuss the love/hate split students have for math and what it implies for curriculum design; a century of “new” methods (and if anything is truly new); how media tropes (Good Will Hunting, Hidden Figures, A Beautiful Mind) shape student identity in math; soccer-drills vs scrimmage as a frame for algebra practice and “honest” applications; grades as feedback vs record; AI shifting what counts as computation vs math; why benchmarks miss the point and the risk of lowering writing standards with LLMs; and a preview of Jordan’s pro-uncertainty thesis. Listen to Learn: We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

If you still picture farming as dusty tractors and endless manual labor, think again. Today’s agriculture runs on GPS-guided equipment, drones, real-time soil sensors, and data systems that look more like Wall Street trading floors than old barns. In this episode, lifelong farmer and innovator Dick Pavelski and Andy Diercks of the Food + Farm Exploration Center pull back the curtain on precision agriculture—the technology, data, and processes that are transforming how we grow and deliver food. We break down the technologies making precision agriculture possible, from variable rate irrigation to “see and spray” weed control, and how data is being used to make decisions at the square-meter level. We also examine how these shifts are influencing agricultural careers, the skills now in demand, and why public understanding of modern farming is critical. Plus, discover the Food + Farm Exploration Center and its role in showing students, families, and policymakers what modern farming really involves. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Modern agriculture is driven by technology and precision. GPS-guided equipment, variable rate irrigation, and “see and spray” weed control have replaced much of the manual labor and guesswork of past decades. These tools work together to improve yields, reduce inputs, and create a more sustainable and efficient farming process. 2. Data is the backbone of today’s farm operations. Farmers track weather, soil conditions, and crop needs in real time—often down to individual square meters—using hundreds of sensors and automated systems. This constant stream of information enables faster decision-making and more targeted resource use than was possible a generation ago. 3. The skills and careers in agriculture are rapidly changing. Large-scale farms now employ specialists in data analysis, equipment maintenance, and automation, while mid-sized operations require workers with diverse technical abilities. The Food + Farm Exploration Center is working to show students, families, and policymakers the realities of these careers and the opportunities they offer. Resources in this Episode: explorefoodandfarm.orgOther resources: Heartland FarmsColoma FarmConnect with the Food + Farm Exploration Center: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

In schools with limited resources, large class sizes, and wide differences in student ability, individualized learning has become a necessity. Artificial intelligence offers powerful tools to help meet those needs, especially in underserved communities. But the way we introduce those tools matters. This week, Matt Kirchner talks with Sam Whitaker, Director of Social Impact at StudyFetch, about how AI can support literacy, comprehension, and real learning outcomes when used with purpose. Sam shares his experience bringing AI education to a rural school in Uganda, where nearly every student had already used AI without formal guidance. The results of a two-hour project surprised everyone and revealed just how much potential exists when students are given the right tools. The conversation covers AI as a literacy tool, how to design platforms that encourage learning rather than shortcutting, and why student-facing AI should preserve creativity, curiosity, and joy. Sam also explains how responsible use of AI can reduce educational inequality rather than reinforce it. This is a hopeful, practical look at how education can evolve—if we build with intention. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Responsible AI use must be taught early to prevent misuse and promote real learning. Sam compares AI to handing over a car without driver’s ed—powerful but dangerous without structure. When AI is used to do the thinking for students, it stifles creativity and long-term retention instead of developing it. 2. AI can help close educational gaps in schools that lack the resources for individualized learning. In many underserved districts, large class sizes make one-on-one instruction nearly impossible. AI tools can adapt to students’ needs in real time, offering personalized learning that would otherwise be out of reach. 3. AI can play a key role in addressing the U.S. literacy crisis. Sam points out that 70% of U.S. inmates read at a fourth-grade level or below, and 85% of juvenile offenders can’t read. Adaptive AI tools are now being developed to assess, support, and gradually improve literacy for students who have been left behind. Resources in this Episode: www.studyfetch.comOther resources: "Experimental Evidence on the Productivity Effects of General Artificial Intelligence""Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task"African Rural University (ARU)UganWe want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

With technical education under pressure to deliver skilled talent faster, Lakeshore College is flipping the model—measuring learning by competency, meeting students where they are (even in high school), and using grants + national advocacy to scale the impact. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner talks with Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore College, about the different methods to rapidly upskill a technical workforce. Like Lakeshore's competency-based education (CBE) approach, which has now been adopted by half the college's programs and earned national attention and a White House conversation on scaling CBE. In addition to CBE, we discuss Rocket Academy’s early manufacturing pathway for high school students, why industry certifications (SACA) matter (because employers say they matter), and how the college has leveraged $32M+ in competitive grants to fund innovation. Carlsen also explains his work on the AACC Board—including the coming impact of Workforce Pell on short-term training. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Competency-based education measures student success by skill mastery, not seat time. Lakeshore’s shift to CBE began with an employer who couldn’t wait 16 weeks for students to complete a course. Today, students demonstrate mastery through real-world assessments, faculty build flexible learning pathways, and program delivery adapts to the individual needs of working adults, veterans, and learners balancing multiple responsibilities. 2. Through innovative partnerships, high school students are graduating with a college degree and workforce-ready credentials. Rocket Academy gives high school students access to a full integrated manufacturing pathway, often leading to a technical diploma before they even receive their high school diploma. The curriculum is designed to fit directly into the school day, removing scheduling barriers and building true college transcripts—not just college “experience.” 3. Grant funding follows big ideas and execution capacity. Lakeshore has secured over $32 million in competitive grants, including major awards from the National Science Foundation. Success comes from proposing bold, high-impact projects with measurable outcomes, and from having the internal systems and cross-functional teams in place to deliver those outcomes on time and at scale. Resources in this Episode: lakeshore.eduPaul Carlsen on LinkedInOther resources: Rocket AcademyWhat is competency-based education (We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

What if audit wasn’t just a watchdog—but a catalyst for innovation, trust, and long-term growth? And what can education learn from it? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with Abim Kolawole, Chief Audit Executive at Northwestern Mutual, to explore how risk management, when done right, becomes a strategic advantage. Abim shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Nigeria and watching Wall Street as a kid, to becoming a lawyer at the SEC, to now leading audit at one of America’s most respected financial institutions. But this episode goes far beyond compliance. It’s about how innovation and integrity can—and must—coexist. Abim breaks down how technology can accelerate outcomes only when deployed safely, how AI is reshaping how organizations detect and act on risk, and why relevance is the new currency for both businesses and educators. Listen to learn: if3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Audit is no longer just about compliance—it’s about enabling innovation. Abim Kolawole views audit as a strategic partner that delivers foresight, insights, and confidence to help a company grow safely. By using data, analytics, and a future-focused mindset, internal audit can help organizations place smarter bets, not just avoid bad ones. 2. Technology only accelerates value when it’s implemented with trust and purpose. At Northwestern Mutual, cloud migration and emerging tech like AI are approached with a “safe by design” mindset that includes cross-functional vetting and intentional guardrails. Abim emphasizes that skipping this step puts long-term client trust—and company relevance—at risk. 3. Education leaders can learn from the client-centric models used in business. Just like Northwestern Mutual redesigned the advisor and client experience using design thinking, educators must reimagine the student and teacher experience before introducing new tools. Critical thinking, not technology alone, is the foundation of a truly transformative education. Resources in this Episode: www.northwesternmutual.comWall StreetFollow Abim on LinkedInConnect with Northwestern Mutual on Social Media: LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Duncan Kane, Senior Vice President at Toshiba America, shares insights from nearly two decades of working at the intersection of industry and education. Drawing from his leadership in STEM outreach, Duncan explains why Toshiba sees early STEM engagement not just as a good cause—but as a strategic investment in the future of innovation and the workforce. One way Toshiba brings this vision to life is through its long-standing partnership with the National Science Teaching Association on ExploraVision, a science competition that challenges K–12 students to design technologies 20 years into the future. But as Duncan explains, the program isn’t really about competition—it’s about creativity, purpose, and helping students see themselves as future innovators. The conversation explores what happens when kids take ownership of real-world problems, the importance of dreaming big (with or without big budgets), and how industry can play a more active role in developing STEM talent. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Students come up with more creative solutions when they haven’t yet learned what’s “impossible.” Duncan explains that younger students are often more willing to dream big because they haven’t developed the cynicism or constraints that come with adulthood. In ExploraVision, fifth graders have proposed ideas like AI-powered glasses that interpret sign language and wearable devices to predict seizures—solutions rooted in bold thinking, not technical limitations. 2. When students choose problems that matter to them, STEM learning becomes personal and powerful. Many teams in ExploraVision choose issues they’ve encountered firsthand, like a relative’s epilepsy or local environmental concerns. That personal connection drives deeper engagement and creativity, whether it’s robotic honeybees to help pollinate crops or fire-resistant materials inspired by mushrooms. 3. Building a future STEM workforce doesn’t require a billion-dollar initiative—it starts locally. Duncan urges companies to start in their own communities, supporting local students and educators in ways that feel personal and authentic. Toshiba’s partnership with NSTA and the success of ExploraVision demonstrate how consistent, community-rooted efforts can scale to national impact—reaching 450,000 students over 33 years. Resources in this Episode: exploravision.orgnsta.orgAdditional resources from this episode ExploraVision Winners:We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

In a world of digital overload, short-form media, and AI-powered personalization, staying focused has never been harder. Today, the average attention span on any screen is just 47 seconds. What's causing this decline in focus, and what should educators do about it? Those are some of the questions we discuss with Dr. Gloria Mark, UC Irvine informatics professor and author of Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity. Dr. Mark explains the psychology behind attention, including the difference between controlled and automatic processing, the role of self-regulation, and how sleep debt, stress and individual cognitive rhythms factor into a student's ability to concentrate. She also points to a growing trend in education: designing classroom content to accommodate short attention spans, which may be unintentionally reinforcing them. The conversation also takes a timely turn into how AI tools—from TikTok’s recommender systems to ChatGPT—are changing the way students interact with information, and what that means for deep learning, retention, and even courage in the classroom. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Short attention spans are not a personal failure—they’re shaped by both individual traits and digital environments. Gloria distinguishes between controlled and automatic attention, noting that much of our behavior—like checking phones or clicking notifications—happens without conscious thought. These automatic habits are reinforced by our environment, particularly digital technologies that train us to switch rapidly and respond to constant stimuli. 2. Classroom strategies that cater to short attention spans may be doing more harm than good. Gloria highlights a trend in education toward breaking lectures into smaller chunks or assigning only short passages instead of full books. While well-intentioned, these adaptations risk further weakening students’ ability to engage in long-form content and develop deep, reflective thinking. 3. AI tools like TikTok and ChatGPT are reshaping how students consume and process information—often at the cost of deeper learning. Platforms driven by recommender algorithms use random reinforcement to keep users engaged, conditioning them for rapid content consumption. In the classroom, reliance on generative AI can create a disconnect between students and the material, undermining “depth of processing” and reducing the cognitive benefits of making mistakes. Resources in this Episode: Dr. Gloria MarkConnect with Dr. Gloria Mark Facebook | We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

What does the Tour de France have to do with STEM education? More than you might think. This week, host Matt Kirchner is joined by Wall Street Journal columnist and cycling expert Jason Gay to unpack the world’s most demanding sporting event: the Tour de France. They break down everything from team tactics to jersey competitions to the breathtaking drama expected in this year’s race—highlighting the fierce rivalry between defending champion Tadej Pogačar and two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard. Along the way, they explore the surprising connections between elite cycling and STEM education, from aerodynamics and power output to mechanical systems, race strategy, and nutrition science. Listen to learn: 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. The Tour de France offers a powerful model for teaching systems thinking. Success on the course depends on how well teams work together—each rider has a role, and strategy unfolds in real time. Educators can use the race to illustrate collaboration, logistics, and decision-making under pressure. 2. Cycling gives students a real-world application of STEM principles. Every stage involves physics, data analysis, mechanical systems, and energy management. From gearing ratios to wattage tracking to aerodynamics, the race mirrors the technical concepts taught in STEM and CTE classrooms. 3. This year’s race highlights how different approaches can lead to success. Pogačar races on instinct and momentum; Vingegaard relies on structure and consistency. Their contrast gives educators a chance to explore how mindset, preparation, and style impact outcomes—even in high-tech, high-performance environments. Resources in this Episode: Tour de FranceConnect with Jason Gay Follow Jason on X | Read Jason's articles in The Wall Street Journal We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Submit your question for Ask Us Anything! Networking can be the best way to land your first (or next) big job, but are you going about it the wrong way? Too often, networking conversations end the same way: the other person says, “I’ll keep an eye out and let you know if I hear of anything that fits.” You nod, thank them… and never hear from them again. So what went wrong—and more importantly, what can you do better? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner breaks down why most job seekers leave networking meetings empty-handed—and how to change that. The difference? It’s not about who you know. It’s about how you approach the conversation in the first place. Matt shares the exact mindset, questions, and preparation that turn a vague “I’m open to anything” into a powerful, productive dialogue that gets results. From clarifying your goals to building a smart list of target companies, this episode is packed with actionable strategies that help job seekers stand out and move forward. Whether you’re entering the workforce or making a career pivot, these insights will help you land the right opportunity—and if you’re someone who supports job seekers, it’s just as valuable for you. Listen to learn: beforeWe want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn