Voices of Innovation

ASU Enterprise Technology

Voices of Innovation invites big thinkers with bold ideas to talk about the influence of technology in today's society. The series is hosted by Lev Gonick, chief information officer at Arizona State University.

  1. Apr 23

    Deirdre Quarnstrom: Make learning addictive

    What can video games teach us about the future of education—and AI? In this episode of Voices of Innovation, Lev Gonick sits down with Deirdre Quarnstrom, Vice President of Education at Microsoft, for a fascinating conversation recorded at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit.From her unconventional journey from Xbox to education leadership, Deirdre shares how game design principles are transforming how students learn—and how those same lessons are shaping the future of AI in the classroom. In this episode, you’ll discover: • How Minecraft became a global tool for learning and creativity in classrooms • Why “productive struggle” and engagement are key to student success • How game-based learning builds skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and persistence • The parallels between early skepticism of gaming in education and today’s AI adoption • Why starting small is critical when implementing AI in education • What an AI-powered future could look like for educators and students Deirdre also shares her perspective on where we are in the AI hype cycle—and why the focus should shift from technology to real educational outcomes. Voices of Innovation is a podcast series featuring bold thinkers exploring the impact of technology on society and the future of education. This episode was recorded at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit. Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of technology, learning, and innovation.#AIinEducation #GameBasedLearning #EdTech #MinecraftEducation #HigherEducation #ASUGSV #VoicesOfInnovation

    18 min

  2. Apr 23

    Mark Milliron: Avoid educational malpractice

    How are universities rethinking education in the age of AI? In this episode of Voices of Innovation, Mark Milliron, President of National University and proud Sun Devil, joins host Lev Gonick to explore innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and leadership in a rapidly changing landscape.From practical AI frameworks to whole-human education, this conversation highlights how institutions can evolve to better serve today’s learners. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How National University’s Raise 5 framework is guiding faculty use of AI • What the “Anders” model means for whole-human education • How universities can adapt to meet the needs of modern students • Why innovation in higher education requires both strategy and empathy Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of technology, leadership, and the future of education.#HigherEducation #AIinEducation #EdInnovation #Leadership #VoicesOfInnovation

    21 min

  3. Apr 23

    Bridget Burns: This is bigger than tech

    What does it take to build an AI-ready university? In this episode of Voices of Innovation, Lev Gonick sits down with Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, to explore how higher education leaders are navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape.Drawing from conversations with institutional leaders across the country, Bridget shares what she’s hearing on the frontlines—and what it really takes to scale innovation in today’s environment. In this episode, you’ll discover: • What higher ed leaders are saying about AI right now • How institutions can effectively scale innovation with AI • The key traits of an AI-ready university • Why collaboration is critical in times of transformation Voices of Innovation is a podcast series featuring bold thinkers exploring the impact of technology on society. All episodes in Drop 3 were recorded at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit. Subscribe for more conversations on the future of education and technology.#HigherEducation #AIinEducation #Innovation #EdLeaders #ASUGSV #VoicesOfInnovation

    19 min

  4. Apr 23

    Eloy Oakley: Community colleges respond to the AI era

    Change is coming to higher education—are we ready for it? In this episode of Voices of Innovation, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President of the College Futures Foundation and host of The Rant Podcast, joins Lev Gonick for a timely conversation on the evolving higher education landscape.Together, they explore what the future holds for community colleges and why strong leadership is more critical than ever in navigating disruption. In this episode, you’ll hear: • How the higher education marketplace is shifting • The future role of community colleges • Why leadership is key during times of transformation • The growing impact of AI in community college systems Want more from Lev? Check out The Rant Podcast for deeper insights on topics like “Agentic AI and the Student Experience.” Subscribe for more conversations on innovation, technology, and the future of education.

    13 min

  5. Apr 23

    Rick Shangraw: Education without borders

    How is technology shaping the future of global education? This week on Voices of Innovation, Cintana CEO Rick Shangraw joins host Lev Gonick for a conversation recorded at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit. From helping launch the summit to leading a global education network, Rick shares a unique perspective on where education and technology are headed. In this episode, Rick discusses: • His role in the origins of the ASU+GSV Summit • The story behind Cintana and its global mission • Where technology fits into today’s education ecosystem • What the future of global education could look like Voices of Innovation brings together leaders and innovators shaping the future of technology and education. Subscribe for new conversations on innovation, leadership, and the future of learning.#GlobalEducation #EdTech #AIinEducation #Innovation #ASUGSV #VoicesOfInnovation

    15 min

  6. Apr 23

    Amanda Bickerstaff: The AI education gap

    In this episode of Voices of Innovation, ASU’s Lev Gornick sits down with Amanda Bickerstaff, Founder & CEO of AI for Education, to unpack the reality of AI adoption in schools. From her early days as a high school teacher in the Bronx to leading one of the largest AI education coalitions in the U.S., Amanda shares why AI isn’t just a technology shift—it’s a leadership and systems challenge. Despite the hype, schools are struggling with fragmentation, fear, and uncertainty. So what’s the path forward? In this conversation: Why AI literacy is now a must-have skill for students and teachersThe biggest barriers to AI adoption in K–12 educationWhy AI is a leadership problem—not just an IT projectHow a grassroots movement is reaching thousands of school districtsA practical framework for safe, ethical, and effective AI useAmanda also breaks down her team’s approach to scaling AI literacy—from free tools and prompt libraries to building a national roadmap for AI in education. If you care about the future of learning, this is a must-watch.

    20 min

  7. Apr 15

    Michael Moe: AI is electricity for education

    What happens when AI meets education — and why does it feel like we’re only at the beginning?In this episode of Voices of Innovation, ASU CIO Lev Gonick sits down with GSV Founder and CEO Michael Moe to explore the future of learning, the rise of AI, and why education is at a major inflection point.From the evolution of edtech to the explosive potential of AI, Michael shares why today’s moment is the start of a transformation that could redefine how the world learns. They dive into global opportunities, shifting perceptions of higher education, and what it will take for leaders to rethink the system from the ground up. Key topics include: Why AI is like “electricity” for educationThe shift from EdTech to AI-powered learningDeclining trust in traditional higher educationGlobal opportunities shaping the future of learningWhy courage is the most important leadership trait right nowWhether you’re an educator, innovator, or just curious about the future, this conversation challenges how we think about learning, access, and opportunity in an AI-driven world.

    20 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Brad Wolverton: AI in education and media

    AI is transforming education – and that transformation is creeping into adjacent industries. Brad Wolverton discusses the urgency and the adaptability of journalism in a world driven by AI, particularly when covering AI in higher education. Back in the editor’s seat, Wolverton covers the biggest stories on higher education, including political, technological, and economic coverage. “But what we really need to do is also meet this, the needs of the audience,” Wolverton said. “Not just because, as you say, we're facing all this upheaval around political disruption, economic disruption on campuses, all kinds of challenges there. But, there's also the challenges of, ‘How do you meet people in the media at a moment like this?’” Editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education, Brad Wolverton covers the biggest stories shaping colleges and universities. Wolverton, an award winning journalist and media leader, has led editorial teams for various tech-industry giants, such as Hubspot Media. His career includes bylines in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Week, USA Today, and more. For Wolverton, AI is the biggest thing changing the landscape of education, but that’s not all AI is reaching for. This episode was filmed at the Agentic AI and the Student Experience Summit in Tempe, hosted by ASU Enterprise Technology.

    13 min
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About

Voices of Innovation invites big thinkers with bold ideas to talk about the influence of technology in today's society. The series is hosted by Lev Gonick, chief information officer at Arizona State University.

Information

  • Creator
    ASU Enterprise Technology
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ASU Enterprise Technology
  • Show Website
    Voices of Innovation

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