Chalk and Code

Flexion
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Chalk and Code Podcast is your front-row seat to the minds shaping the future of education technology. Hosted by Flexion, a partner to visionary edtech companies, each episode dives into the realities of scaling purpose-driven products, navigating uncertainty, and building tools that matter.

  1. Connecting Classroom and Workforce: Allie Fuchs’ Journey in Edtech and Career Development

    5일 전

    Connecting Classroom and Workforce: Allie Fuchs’ Journey in Edtech and Career Development

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Jill Foley speaks with Allie Fuchs, Vice President of Product at Pathful, about how technology can bridge the gap between classroom learning and the real world of work. Drawing on her experience as a former physics and algebra teacher and special education administrator in New Orleans, and later as a product leader at companies like Nearpod and Clever. Allie shares how Pathful is building tools that help students explore careers, develop relevant skills, and prepare for life after graduation. Together, they discuss the growing urgency around career readiness, why exposure to real professionals is critical for students, and how Pathful’s platform connects career exploration, work-based learning, and workforce preparation into a single ecosystem for districts. If you’re interested in how schools can help students make more informed career decisions and how edtech can support authentic learning experiences, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to prepare students for the future of work. Key Moments 3:25 "Comprehensive Career Readiness Plan" 07:44 "Pathful: Bridging Industry and Education" 10:26 Realistic Career Insights and Tools 14:34 Thriving Wage Research for Students 16:45 "Career Skills Through Real Experience" 21:56 "Pathful Reporting and Insights" 26:08 AI Enhancing Career Readiness 31:00 Career Readiness Product Strategy 32:22 Early Career Readiness Matters 36:36 AI Career Platform for Houston Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode explores how career readiness technology can help students move beyond abstract career ideas toward practical, informed decision-making. You’ll hear how Pathful is combining career exploration, financial literacy, work-based learning, and real industry connections to give students a clearer view of their future. Allie also shares: Why students need exposure to careers long before graduation How the Lifestyle Calculator helps students understand real financial outcomes The importance of authentic career simulations before internships How schools can use career data to better plan programs and pathways Why equity in career readiness starts with access to real experiences Connect with Allie Fuchs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-fuchs-5a773b65 Pathful: https://www.pathful.com/  Connect with Us Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-incCompany Website: https://flexion.us/ If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    39분
  2. Meaningful life, balance, and wisdom: Gilberto Pinzon on building “thinking schools” with Edu1st

    3월 3일

    Meaningful life, balance, and wisdom: Gilberto Pinzon on building “thinking schools” with Edu1st

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Gilberto Pinzon, CEO and co-founder of Edu1st, to explore what it really means to transform a classroom into a thinking culture. A former surgeon turned education leader, Gilberto shares the story behind the VESS model (Vida, Equilibrio, Sentido, y Sabiduria) and why he and his co-founder, Ana Maria Fernandez, set out to redesign schooling around curiosity, metacognition, character, and purposeful learning. Together, they unpack the shift from memorizing content to building understanding, how teachers evolve from lecturers to learning facilitators, and why cultural transformation in schools requires a multi-year commitment, not a one-time workshop. From the promise and risks of AI in education to the real-world challenges schools face today (teacher shortages, shifting demographics, and rising competition), this conversation offers a grounded look at where learning is headed, and what we must protect as technology accelerates. Key Moments 03:30 Rethinking Education for Balance 08:44 "Curiosity: The Essence of Learning" 10:08 "Fostering Curiosity for Lifelong Learning" 14:11 "Fostering Curiosity-Driven Learning" 18:05 "Understanding Success as a Process" 21:08 "Assessing Progress Through Cultural Forces" 24:23 "Personalized Learning Through Technology" 28:55 "Human Development vs. Technology" 31:34 "Concerns About Rapid Technology Impact" 34:48 Cognitive Decline and Technology Concerns 40:31 Preschool Industry Challenges in Florida 43:39 "AI's Impact and Challenges" 44:57 "Proactive Tech for Civilization's Future"Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode challenges a familiar assumption: that education improves simply by adding more content, more testing, or more tools. You will hear how Edu1st is helping schools build cultures of thinking where students ask better questions, learn how they learn, and develop the character needed to navigate real-life complexity. Gilberto also shares: How VESS reframes education around purpose and balanceWhy curiosity is the engine of lifelong learningWhat “documentation” reveals about student thinking and growthHow AI can support learning and what risks we cannot ignoreWhy the future demands we become “more human,” not less Connect with Gilberto Pinzon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbertopinzonedu1st/ Edu1st: https://edu1stvess.com/  Connect with Us Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-incCompany Website: https://flexion.us/If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    51분
  3. Human-Centered AI in Education: How Coursemojo Empowers Teachers and Students

    2월 24일

    Human-Centered AI in Education: How Coursemojo Empowers Teachers and Students

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Jennilee Bertrand sits down with Jamie Forrest, Co-Founder and CTO of CourseMojo, to explore what it takes to build responsible AI for real classrooms. Jamie shares how his background in AI engineering at Apple (Siri), his early experience teaching in Harlem, and the realities of COVID learning for his own kids shaped a clear philosophy: technology should support people, not the other way around. Together, they unpack CourseMojo’s decision to keep AI mostly “behind the scenes,” how the platform helps students who are afraid to raise their hands get the support they need, and the systems CourseMojo uses to protect student privacy at scale — including never sending personally identifiable information to third-party AI models. Key Moments 04:39 "Discovering Vellum in 2025" 09:27 "Technology Serving People, Not Vice Versa" 11:19 "AI Enhances, Not Replaces Teaching" 16:47 "LLMs in Education: Challenges Persist" 19:36 Interactive Teaching Worksheets Software 22:51 "Empowering 'I Don't Know'" 26:04 Enhancing Real-Time Teacher Insights 30:11 Student Data Privacy Commitment 32:39 "Ensuring AI Compliance with Laws" 36:14 LLMs Enhancing Education Analysis 38:13 "Using AI Intentionally for Good" Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode gets specific about what “responsible AI” looks like in practice — not as a slogan, but as product choices teachers can feel. You’ll hear how CourseMojo: Keeps teachers at the center by designing AI to support real classroom routinesHelps students build confidence without public embarrassmentUses AI to surface actionable insights (grouping, discussion prompts, struggle spots)Treats privacy as a core engineering principle, not an afterthoughtStays realistic about hallucinations, misuse, and the need for AI literacy Connect with Jamie Forrest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieforrest/ Website: https://www.coursemojo.com/  Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc Company Website: https://flexion.us/  If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk & Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    40분
  4. Supporting teachers first: Joe Cotter to build Teaching Channel & rethinking professional learning

    2월 10일

    Supporting teachers first: Joe Cotter to build Teaching Channel & rethinking professional learning

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis, sits down with Joe Cotter, Founder in Residence at Teaching Channel, to explore what it really takes to support teachers in a changing education landscape. A former middle school social studies teacher, Joe shares how his frustration with traditional continuing education led to the creation of Learners Edge, which grew into the largest direct-to-teacher continuing education company in the United States. Joe unpacks the early days of building teacher-centered learning experiences before online learning became mainstream, and why practical application, energy, and relevance matter more than tests and papers. He also shares how the organization evolved through acquisitions into a broader ecosystem now known as K12 Coalition, with the Teaching Channel at the center of teacher development, coaching, and video-based learning. If you're curious about what teachers actually need from professional learning, how education companies can build strong culture while scaling, and how AI will shape teaching without replacing the human connection at its core, this conversation is a must-listen. Key Moments 03:09 Building an Education Powerhouse 09:28 "Understanding Teachers and Their Needs" 13:57 "Meeting Teachers' Evolving Needs" 18:33 Hiring Challenges and Leadership Lessons 20:28 "Building Trust and Leadership" 24:46 "Pivoting and Supporting Transition" 28:14 "Staffing, Vision, and Responsibility" 29:37 Empathy in Leadership Decisions 35:57 Igniting Passion for Teaching 38:34 Alternative Certification for Teachers 41:48 "AI Instructors: Passion vs. Human Touch" 45:06 "Teaching: From Expert to Facilitator" Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode is a grounded, founder-level look at what teacher support should actually mean—especially in a time when teacher retention is one of the biggest challenges in education. You’ll hear how Joe Cotter built professional learning around classroom realities, and why the future of edtech depends on strengthening the human systems that keep great teachers in the profession. Joe also shares: Why professional learning works best when it’s practical, applied, and classroom-readyHow mission and culture shape hiring, growth, and long-term impactWhy teachers are facilitators and coaches now, not just “information deliverers”How AI can support learning without replacing the human heart of teaching Connect with Joe Cotter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-cotter-5b309714/Website: https://www.teachingchannel.com/  Connect with Us Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-incCompany Website: https://flexion.us/ If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    51분
  5. How Hands-On Learning at NCLab Achieves Nearly 100 Percent Program Completion

    2월 3일

    How Hands-On Learning at NCLab Achieves Nearly 100 Percent Program Completion

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Jennilee Bertrand sits down with Leonard Lafrance, President and CEO of NCLab, a Nevada-based company rethinking online vocational education for data analysts, Python programmers, and automation technicians. At a time when most online courses struggle with single-digit completion rates, NCLab stands out with nearly 100% learner completion and graduates who are genuinely job-ready. Leonard shares how his background in software and entrepreneurship revealed a critical gap between credentials and real skills, and why traditional lecture-based learning often fails learners. At NCLab, he champions a radically different approach grounded in learning by doing real-time feedback, and gamified progression that builds confidence one skill at a time. If you’re curious about why most online learning doesn’t stick, how vocational education can close the workforce readiness gap, and what it truly means to prepare people for work in a rapidly changing economy, this conversation is a must-listen. Key Moments 02:51 Principles behind long-term learner motivation 05:33 "Active Learning Over Passive Consumption" 07:36 "Challenges of Online Learning" 12:52 "AI-Assisted Problem-Solving Approach" 14:19 "Scalable Online Training Empowering Women" 19:59 "Gamified Learning and Engagement" 21:10 "Transformative Learning System Petitioned" 24:04 "Employment Readiness Assessment Tool" Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode challenges long-held assumptions about online learning and workforce preparation. You’ll hear how Leonard Lafrance has built a model that prioritizes skill mastery over seat time, and why confidence, feedback, and perseverance matter more than lectures or credentials alone. Leonard also shares: Why completion rates skyrocket when learning feels like problem-solving, not studyingHow gamification and real-time feedback change learner mindsetWhat employers actually look for beyond resumes and degreesWhy vocational education is becoming central to the future of work Connect with Leonard Lafrance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonard-lafrance-710349b5 Website: https://nclab.com Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc Company Website: https://flexion.us/  If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    26분
  6. Building Safer Virtual Worlds for K–12, and the Future of Online School with Topia’s CTO

    2월 3일

    Building Safer Virtual Worlds for K–12, and the Future of Online School with Topia’s CTO

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Christopher Psiaki, Chief Technology Officer of Topia Interactive, to explore how spatial media and real-time communication can make online learning feel more human Topia is a cloud-based spatial media platform where participants move through persistent, customizable worlds, and connect through proximity-based audio and video. Christopher shares how his background in software development and game-inspired world-building shaped Topia’s technical direction, and why human connection remains central to the platform’s design. The conversation covers what makes spatial communication different from traditional video calls, how Topia supports virtual classrooms and large-group instruction, and how K–12 safety, moderation, and access controls are built into district and partner implementations. Christopher also discusses the emerging creator economy for educators, the importance of scalable infrastructure, and the real questions edtech teams must solve as AI becomes part of learning environments. Key Moments 01:10 Christopher’s path into software and startups 05:46 Real-time spatial communication, explained 07:57 Broadcasting, screen sharing, and running large sessions 10:57 Designing for K–12 safety, privacy, and moderation 13:41 What implementation looks like with virtual schooling partners 15:39 SchoolSpace for districts, and how it differs 18:05 LMS integrations, LTI 1.3, and chaperone mode 21:06 Engagement without building an attention economy 24:29 Unexpected student behaviors, and what they reveal 27:59 Belonging, social connection, and student motivation 32:09 Teacher-created worlds and sharing at scale 36:16 Challenges ahead, cost, scale, and AI 41:03 AI-driven historical NPCs, guardrails, and multiplayer context 44:36 What edtech should talk more about, human connection Why You’ll Love This Episode This conversation is a grounded look at what it takes to build virtual learning spaces that feel natural, engaging, and safe. If you’re thinking about community, student motivation, synchronous learning, or what AI could look like inside interactive environments, this episode offers a practical view from the technical leadership side. Connect with Christopher Psiaki LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-psiaki-41275b15 Website: https://topia.io/ Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc Company Website: https://flexion.us/  If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    48분
  7. Happiness economics and emerging tech, Kiera Peltz on building access at scale

    1월 13일

    Happiness economics and emerging tech, Kiera Peltz on building access at scale

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Jill Foley sits down with Kiera Peltz, Founder and CEO of The Coding School, to explore how happiness economics, equity, and emerging technology education are deeply connected. Kiera shares her journey from studying happiness at Brown to launching The Coding School from her college dorm room at 19, driven by a belief that access to technical skills is foundational to agency and wellbeing. She reflects on global perspectives gained in China, early validation from school leaders, and the urgency she felt to rethink how and when students are introduced to computer science. Throughout the conversation, Kiera unpacks what equity looks like in practice, from high-touch retention strategies to designing programs that work for students learning on mobile devices. She also shares how bold experimentation led to scaling quantum computing and AI education, partnerships with IBM, and earning a $3M Department of Defense grant. The episode closes with a forward-looking view of why depth, not just awareness, is essential in preparing students for a rapidly evolving future. Key Moments 01:08 What happiness economics is and why it matters 04:29 Education, skill-building, and control over one’s future 06:13 Global perspectives and the urgency to act early 09:16 Early validation from a school principal 10:11 The Coding School’s access-focused program model 13:38 Equity at scale, funding, and retention through human connection 19:06 Dropout patterns and shifting from in-person to online learning 24:27 Introducing quantum computing and pushing past skepticism 26:57 Scaling during the pandemic with IBM 30:32 Turning outcomes into a $3M Department of Defense grant 32:17 Designing for mobile learners and listening with humility 37:35 What’s next for The Coding School and emerging tech education 42:58 Why tech literacy matters for every future path 44:57 “It’s not on the students, it’s on us.” Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode reframes emerging technology education as a human-centered endeavor. Kiera makes a compelling case that rigorous STEM learning can and should be accessible to every student, and that retention, personalization, and humility are essential parts of equity. Kiera also shares: Why STEM fluency is a pathway to happiness and agencyHow retention can be an equity strategyWhat it takes to teach complex topics like quantum computing at scaleWhy “intro-only” exposure to AI and emerging tech isn’t enoughConnect with Kiera Peltz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kierapeltzThe Coding School : https://blog.the-cs.org/Connect with Us Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-incCompany Website: https://flexion.us/If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    45분
  8. AI, Adaptive Testing, and the Future of Assessment with Dr. Nathan Thompson

    1월 6일

    AI, Adaptive Testing, and the Future of Assessment with Dr. Nathan Thompson

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Dr. Nathan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Assessment Systems Corporation, to explore how assessment science is evolving in an era shaped by AI, adaptive testing, and increasing demands for integrity and personalization. Dr. Thompson explains what psychometrics really is, why it underpins high-quality assessment, and how computerized adaptive testing works in practice. The conversation dives into how AI is changing item development, test security, and cheating detection, and why human expertise is still essential even as automation advances. With more than two decades in the assessment industry, Dr. Thompson shares how Assessment Systems Corporation helps organizations modernize testing, from certification and licensure to large-scale educational and workforce assessments. Key Moments01:03 Meet Nathan Thompson and the work of ASC02:36 What psychometrics is, and why it matters04:14 Computerized adaptive testing explained06:17 What score changes really mean, and why “small gains” can mislead08:10 Assessment literacy, and interpreting results responsibly11:08 What ASC does, and what “full service” assessment support looks like32:16 Cheating, new item types, and test forensics34:37 Detecting disengagement and response-time effort41:17 Micro-credentials, digital badges, and the future of skills validation44:26 What’s next for assessment over the next 5–10 years46:34 Why personalization is coming back in a big way48:01 How to connect with Nathan Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a clear look at what’s behind modern assessments, and why the future of testing will depend on both smarter technology and stronger guardrails. If you’re building learning products, designing credentials, or relying on test data to make decisions, Nathan’s perspective helps connect psychometrics, adaptive testing, and AI into a practical, real-world view of where assessment is headed. Connect with Nathan ThompsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanthompsonascWebsite: https://assess.com/ Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc Company Website: https://flexion.us/  If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    49분
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Chalk and Code Podcast is your front-row seat to the minds shaping the future of education technology. Hosted by Flexion, a partner to visionary edtech companies, each episode dives into the realities of scaling purpose-driven products, navigating uncertainty, and building tools that matter.

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  • 제작진
    Flexion
  • 방송 연도
    2025년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    24
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © 2026 Flexion
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    Chalk and Code