Learning Counsel Report Podcast LeiLani Cauthen | Author, Futurist, CEO Learning Counsel News & Knowstory

LeiLani discusses how the future is already here – education is, irretrievably, already in an intelligent network matrix but still has much to do to fit comfortably in it. Mike Witzman, Senior Director of Solutions Engineering of Cisco’s U.S. Public Sector team talks about the trend of “form following function”: with LeiLani and the three levels of schooling being part of a new matrix of learning. Witzman includes many comments about the technical side of advancing schools up from devices in the hands of all students, through campus and classroom readiness, and up to the network mesh matrix that intelligently provides access and interchange of teaching, learning and resources across the internet.

A conundrum of schools wanting to personalize and customize learning, to tailor it around individuals is juxtaposed against a lack of logistics and strategy in this discussion with Matt Yeager, Assistant Superintendent of Technology from Garland Independent School District in the Dallas, Texas area with 52,000 students.  Yeager introduces his theory of leadership and answers questions about what he means by tailored learning, missing logistics and his work in connectivity for schools and students. He provides additional valuable insights in strategic planning and how schools need to understand how technology will help them change structure and gain long-held desires to provide what learners and parents really want. 

What could happen when all the artificial intelligences converge?  That’s just part of this conversation between Serena Saks-Mandel, the Global CTO for Education at Microsoft, and LeiLani Cauthen. Starting of with introducing her not-associated-with-Microsoft new book, “Empowered: Frame your Narrative, Own your Power” available now on Amazon. Like in all things from Serena, the stories have high energy and resonance for anyone – a powerful light and lesson is shown in this book to take away from its many mini-stories. In this podcast, after LeiLani brings up Serena’s new book, the conversation naturally turns to the need for educators to see the future is first and foremost going to be a balancing act of becoming more resolutely human, a time of perfecting our human-ness.  Four other future-leaning predictions are made in a jumble you need to listen closely to discern – plus seven types of AI including machine learning, generative, recommendations engine, voice, vision, embedded (IOT) and spatial-temporal. Hear what Serena and LeiLani have to say happens when it all comes together.

Maybe math learning could be better if it was in sync with the current generation’s culture – that of Generation Alpha.  LeiLani interviews Brandon Smith, the Lead Mathematician and Product Director at MIND Education about how learning-by-doing is a key part of a new cultural address for math learning. While Brandon gives specific examples of what can be done, the discussion also turns to equity in learning and development.  Brandon also gives key specific points of what the math learning itself needs to involve – an education in math education!

Culture of security?
Listen in on this unique conversation with Helen Patton, the Cyber Security Strategic Advisor from Cisco.  The discussion of security in schools is not just about digital citizenship, passwords, and the like, but about leadership.
Cyber security in schools is not just a “job for the IT people,” but a sense of morality in individual behavior of all parties because schools are intermingled in many ways with the digital world and not just brick and mortar buildings at every level of their operations. This podcast has lots of information about the types of threats and interesting stories relating to the human side of security.

Listen in on this rousing conversation about the Alpha Generation which is defined as people born 2010-2024 – the current crop of students in K12 schools. Research has shown they prefer the screen to humans, and although older generations find that terrible, it’s a fact that still has a profound impact on how they can be effectively taught and what they expect. Ramifications for technology and teaching are discussed between the host, LeiLani Cauthen and Mary Schlegelmilch, Education Advocate from Cisco who has been an early childhood educator, a middle school science teacher, a district curriculum facilitator, an elementary school principal, and has served as the eLearning Supervisor in charge of online, blended, and distance education for Omaha Public Schools. Multiple aspects of the Alpha Gen are enumerated with comments and observations made by both speakers.