Forward Thinking Experts

Sher Downing, PhD

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BUSINESS
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Forward Thinking Experts Podcast

Welcome to Forward Thinking Experts, a podcast bringing guests together to share their expertise and advice on navigating business and education in a technology-driven world. From entrepreneurs to vendors, higher education to corporate leaders, we’ll uncover their perspectives regarding the latest trends and technologies impacting your career or business. Got a question? Forward Thinking Experts answer!

26 AUG

053 Empowering Youth to Solve Global Challenges with Prashant Raizada

In this insightful episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast, we sit down with Prashant Raizada, the visionary behind Lumi—a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to empowering young people to tackle the world's most pressing global issues. Lumi equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world, disrupted by advancements in AI and other technologies. Prashant shares his journey as an entrepreneur in the education sector, detailing the challenges and setbacks he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of shifting educational focus from traditional assessments to skill development, particularly in building both technical and durable skills through project-based learning. Lumi's innovative platform offers quests and challenges that encourage students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills. It also partners with organizations to solve real-world talent, innovation, and impact challenges. Prashant discusses the crucial role of AI education, stressing the importance of teaching young people about both its risks and benefits to prepare them for an uncertain future. This episode is packed with valuable insights on how education systems need to evolve to create more equitable and inclusive learning environments, and how Lumi is leading the charge in making this a reality. Key Discussion Points: Empowering Youth: How Lumi is enabling young people to engage with global problems and develop essential life skills. The Future of Education: The shift from assessment-based education to skills-based learning and the role of project-based learning. AI and Education: The importance of educating young people about AI, its potential, and its risks. Real-World Application: How Lumi partners with organizations to help them address challenges related to talent, innovation, and impact. Conscious Consumerism: Encouraging young people to make informed choices on issues like climate change and energy transition. Prashant asks, "What if every young person in the world could take part in solving the most important problems they see around them? Lumi is shifting the dial from assessment to skills in education." Be sure to listen to this inspiring episode to learn more about how Lumi is shaping the future of education and empowering the next generation of global problem-solvers! Learn more and connect with Prashant here: https://lumi.network https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashant-raizada/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumi-network/ https://www.youtube.com/@luminetwork https://www.facebook.com/NetworkLumi/ https://www.instagram.com/lumi.network/?hl=en https://x.com/networklumi?lang=en Keywords: #LUMI #edtech #education #skills #AI #entrepreneurship #projectbasedlearning #assessment #durable skills #technicalskills #datadriventhinking #criticalthinking #problemsolving #innovation

56 min
29 JUL

052 Mastering Sales and Email Deliverability with Namit Jindal

Thanks for tuning into this educational interview with Namit Jindal on the EdTech Speaks podcast! Namit, founder of Deliverability Ninja, discusses the importance of effective sales strategies and email deliverability for startups and small businesses. He emphasizes the need to focus on sales from the beginning and highlights the impact of email deliverability on open rates and replies. Namit explains the process of working with his company, which includes optimizing email deliverability, crafting compelling offers, and scraping email lists. Here are a few takeaways from this episode: Sales should be a priority from the beginning for startups and small businesses. Email deliverability plays a crucial role in open rates and replies. Crafting compelling offers and targeting the right audience are key to successful sales. Concise and targeted emails are more effective than lengthy ones. Understanding the capacity to handle sales meetings is important for sustainable growth. Entrepreneurs should prioritize revenue generation and adapt their offers based on customer feedback. Namit says, "Sales should be a priority from the beginning...crafting compelling offers and targeting the right audience." While wrapping up, he also emphasizes the importance of concise and targeted emails, as well as the need to understand the capacity of the business to handle sales meetings. Jindal concludes by encouraging entrepreneurs to prioritize revenue generation and to adapt their offers based on customer feedback. Learn more and connect with Namit here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenamitj/ https://www.youtube.com/@deliverabilityninja www.deliverabilityninja.com **Receive a 20% Discount when you mention the podcast**

34 min
24 JUN

051 Revolutionizing Reading with Stephanie Barber of Reading.com

Thanks for joining us during this episode of the EdTech Speaks podcast as we dive into the innovative world of Reading.com with Stephanie Barber and her play-based learning app. The app is designed as a co-play activity, with scripted lessons and interactive books. It is personalized for each child, and the program is structured and cumulative. The app also includes 60 decodable books that are introduced parallel to the lessons. The books hide the pictures until the child reads the text, encouraging them to use their decoding skills. The app is aimed at children aged 3 to 8. Discover how this groundbreaking app is changing the way parents and educators teach children to read, blending interactive technology with effective learning strategies. Stephanie shares insights on the app’s development, the importance of personalized learning, and her unique journey into the EdTech industry. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on empowering young readers and bridging educational gaps with cutting-edge digital tools. When talking about the app, Stephanie says, "Reading.com is a way to reach a lot of people and make a big impact in providing high-quality education to the masses." Learn more and connect with Stephanie here: https://www.instagram.com/_readingcom/ https://www.facebook.com/readingcom https://www.tiktok.com/@_readingcom https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRELS3nDj7Pxvw9PSc9aeuA #onlinelearning #elearningtools #readingjourney #reading #learnerengagement #highered #edtech #education #technology #leadership #readingeducation #learningapps #literacy #earlylearning #digitaleducation

34 min
27 MAY

050 Increasing Access to Education through E-Learning with Annette Levesque

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Annette Levesque, a pioneer in the e-learning space and author of "E-Learning Goal: The Ultimate Guide for Leaders." Annette shares her extensive experience in virtual education, emphasizing the importance of a human-centric approach to online learning. She discusses the need to enhance access to education and tailor learning experiences to meet diverse learner needs. Annette provides insights into the challenges of selecting and implementing e-learning tools, the impact of software upgrades on productivity, and the crucial role of effective communication and planning during these transitions. This conversation explores the significance of technology in education and the necessity of strategic planning and human engagement in online learning. Annette also addresses the limitations of AI in course development and the vital importance of human interaction and customization in fostering learner engagement. Takeaways and key topics: Increasing Access to Education: E-learning should focus on making education accessible to more people and offering varied learning experiences. Importance of Needs Assessments and Feedback: Conducting needs assessments and gathering user feedback are essential steps in selecting and implementing e-learning tools. Managing Software Upgrades: Software upgrades can affect productivity and require effective communication and planning. Human-Centric Design: Designing and delivering online learning experiences should be centered around human needs and interactions. Leadership in E-Learning: Leaders must ask the right questions and develop strategic plans for implementing technology in education. AI's Role in Education: While AI can assist in brainstorming and idea generation, it cannot replace the human element in course development and customization. Fostering Learner Engagement: Successful online learning hinges on human interaction and nurturing to foster engagement. Balancing Technology and Human Connection: Technology should enhance learning without replacing the personal touch and human connection vital to education. Annette said, "E-learning was never intended to replace classroom learning. Human interaction and nurturing are essential for fostering learner engagement in online education." Tune in to this episode for valuable insights and practical advice on enhancing online education and training systems from a true pioneer in the field. Learn more and connect with Annette here: https://annettelevesque.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettelevesquehttps://twitter.com/annettelevesqu_https://www.youtube.com/@AnnetteLevesque.educationhttps://www.facebook.com/annettelevesque.educationhttps://www.instagram.com/annettelevesque.educationhttps://www.tiktok.com/@annette.levesquehttps://www.threads.net/@annettelevesque.education #onlinelearning #elearningtools #strategicplanning #AI #learnerengagement #highered #edtech #education #technology #leadership

55 min
29 APR

049 Terawatt Offers Affordable HR with Francie Jain

Welcome back to the EdTech Speaks podcast where this episode dives into Terawatt, a groundbreaking B2B marketplace reshaping the coaching landscape by making it more affordable and accessible through group coaching. Francie Jain introduces us to this concept of recruiting and vetting expert coaches, then offering services to multiple individuals, allowing costs to be shared among them. This approach fosters cultural adaptation and change within organizations while covering a wide range of coaching topics from leadership and feedback to negotiation and speaking skills. The emphasis on customization ensures relevance and effectiveness in training. We explore the crucial role of effective communication in teams and organizations, underscoring how coaching can enhance understanding and goal achievement. Francie says, "The more you understand about yourself and the more that you're able to connect with other people, great things happen." Join us as we unravel the journey of creating a marketplace for coaching services, empowering individuals in navigating career transitions and realizing their full potential. Learn more and connect with Francie here: https://terawatt.co/https://www.linkedin.com/company/terawattgroups/https://www.instagram.com/terawattgroups/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2GkgkYtJT1AdULC6To03A

49 min
25 MAR

048 Training Transformation: Making Learning Stick with Chris Fenning

Have you heard the term, "make it stick?" Join me for an interesting conversation as I interview Chris Fenning on the EdTech Speaks podcast. Chris discusses his book '39 Ways to Make Training Stick' and the importance of making training memorable and effective. Chris makes it easier for us to communicate at work, helping experts talk to non-experts, teams talk to executives, and much more. Chris's practical methods are used in organizations like Google and NATO, and have appeared in the Harvard Business Review. He is also the author of multiple award-winning books on communication and training that have been translated into 15 languages. In the interview, he shares his background in communication and training, as well as the inspiration behind writing the book. Chris emphasizes the need for practical, how-to guides that provide actionable steps for trainers and educators. He also highlights the challenge of training retention and the forgetting curve, and how organizations can support behavior change. He focuses on the importance of making training stick and providing ongoing support for learners. Chris emphasized the need for practical and applicable training methods that can be used in any industry or culture. He also discussed the power of gamification in learning and highlighted the success of Duolingo as an example. Chris shared various low-cost or no-cost methods for reinforcing training, such as email tip series, quiz series, and challenges. He emphasized the role of companies in providing support and reinforcement for training to ensure its effectiveness. Here are some key takeaways: Training often doesn't stick, and there is a need for effective methods to make it memorable and impactful. Practical, how-to guides are valuable resources for trainers and educators, providing actionable steps and examples. The forgetting curve shows that a significant amount of training is forgotten within a short period of time. Businesses now have access to affordable training through online platforms, but the challenge remains in making the training stick. Organizations have a duty to support behavior change and provide tools for managers to help their teams. Different delivery methods, such as live events, online follow-ups, and self-paced activities, can be used to reinforce training. Making training timeless and adaptable to different situations is crucial for long-term effectiveness. The book '39 Ways to Make Training Stick' provides practical methods and examples to help trainers and educators improve training retention. Practical and applicable training methods are essential for making training stick. Gamification can be a powerful tool for engaging learners and reinforcing learning. Low-cost or no-cost methods, such as email tip series and quiz series, can be used to provide ongoing support and reinforcement for training. Companies need to recognize the importance of supporting employees after training to ensure the long-term value of training. Learn more and connect with Chris here: www.chrisfenning.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fenning/ https://twitter.com/CMFenning

50 min
26 FEB

047 Unpacking the Evolution of Instructional Design with Jeremy Hopper

In this week's episode of the EdTech Speaks podcast, Dr. Sher Downing interviews one of our own team members, Jeremy Hopper, Senior Director of Learning Solutions at Downing EdTech. Throughout the conversation, Jeremy shares about his journey in the field of instructional design and its evolution over the years, as the challenges arose from moving to virtual content and the importance of the user experience in online courses. Jeremy shares his experience working in both higher education and the private sector, highlighting the different roles and responsibilities of instructional designers in different contexts. Discussions lead to the transition and impact of the pandemic on the shift to hybrid learning and the use of technology in instructional design. They conclude with a discussion on the future of learning experience and the importance of continuous learning and intentional design. Takeaways: Instructional design has evolved over the years and now encompasses various roles and responsibilities, including instructional development, training, writing, and technology integration. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to online and hybrid learning, highlighting the value and benefits of online education. Instructional designers need to stay updated with emerging trends and technologies, such as AI, AR/VR, adaptive learning, and media development, to create engaging and effective learning experiences. The future of learning experience lies in personalization, cultural relevance, and catering to different learner preferences and needs. Visual design, interactive content, and microlearning are key elements in creating engaging and consumable learning experiences. Curiosity, continuous learning, and intentional design are essential for instructional designers to stay innovative and deliver high-quality educational content. On the topic of Instructional Design evolution, Jeremy says, "A lot of businesses can just take what they have now and put it up online and sell it, but that doesn't mean people are going to engage with it or resonate with it. Instructional designers are having to transition to learning experience designers. So in the past, it was very much instructional design. It's just taking the instructions, designing them, putting them up. You're just designing the educational process. Now we're designing the educational experience where we want students to really engage with the material. We want the material to resonate with them. We want to shape how they're experiencing everything." Learn more and connect with Jeremy here: Jeremy Hopper, Sr Director of Learning Solutions Downing EdTech Consulting https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-hopper-989b2194/ https://jeremymhopper.wixsite.com/designportfolio https://www.downingedtechconsulting.com/

28 min
2 JAN

046 Revolutionizing Education Marketing with Xenia Muether

Welcome to the EdTech Speaks podcast where today's guest, Xenia Muether, shares her journey as the founder of Pink Orange, an agency with a mission to revolutionize education marketing. Xenia is the Founder, CEO and Startup mentor who focuses on targeted and customized strategies for clients. Xenia, a digital native, draws from her extensive experience in the education marketing space, having collaborated with over 100 countries across 6 continents. Tune in to discover how Xenia and her London-based, globally remote team create culturally aware and innovative education marketing campaigns, helping companies establish a strong global presence. Learn why Xenia is passionate about helping educational institutions find their unique voice in the marketplace and use it to their advantage. During our interview, she discusses the shift towards a conscious, values-based approach in the industry. Her recommendation is to automate everything you can. Xenia cleverly says, "Resilience is key! There have been plenty of times in my entrepreneurial journey when I was really close to giving up. Building a business is hard but if it's something you love doing, it's worth pushing through those hard times." Learn more and connect with Xenia here: www.pink-orange.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/xenia-muether-education-marketing-agency-consulting-advertising-edtech/ Ad account audit: https://pink-orange.co.uk/ad-account-audit 30-minute ThinkTank session: https://www.pink-orange.co.uk/office-hours Resources page: https://www.pink-orange.co.uk/resources Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

42 min

Welcome to Forward Thinking Experts, a podcast bringing guests together to share their expertise and advice on navigating business and education in a technology-driven world. From entrepreneurs to vendors, higher education to corporate leaders, we’ll uncover their perspectives regarding the latest trends and technologies impacting your career or business. Got a question? Forward Thinking Experts answer!

Creator

Sher Downing, PhD
Years Active

2020 - 2024
Episodes

55
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Sher Downing, PhD
Show Website

Forward Thinking Experts