My 1st AI Generated Podcast
Today I wanted to share with you my 1st AI generated podcast.
Why do this? I wanted to see what was possible and if it in anyway will be helpful for me and you in the future.
I used https://notebooklm.google – added my website and details of the last few Education on Fire podcasts and asked it to create a recap show for you.
It produced a 23 minute episode and created it in less than 5 minutes. It has 2 hosts and they discuss insights and takeaways from the last few podcasts.
Let me know what you think. Does it share value and key takeaways? Is the dialogue engaging and are you able/willing to listen to it all?
This like all AI is a tool and I’m not sure how or when I will use it again but as a first experiment I think it does at pretty impressive job!
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AI generated summary.
This episode introduces Mark Taylor’s first AI-generated podcast, showcasing the potential of artificial intelligence in creating engaging educational content. Mark explores how AI can summarize and recap valuable insights from previous episodes, emphasizing the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of learning. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling, emotional intelligence, and innovative teaching methods, featuring various educators and their transformative practices. Listeners are invited to reflect on the content and consider how these new tools can enhance their own learning experiences. Tune in for a fascinating journey through the evolving landscape of education and the role of technology in shaping it.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Notebook lm
- Education on Fire
- Education on Fire podcast
- Discovery Education
- Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy
- Advanced Glazings
Transcript
Hello, my name is Mark Taylor and welcome to the Education on Fire podcast, the place for creative and inspiring learning from around the world.
Mark TaylorListen to teachers, parents and mentors share how they are supporting children to live their best, authentic life and are proving to be a guiding light to us all.
Mark TaylorHello, welcome back to the Education on File podcast.
Mark TaylorToday we have something slightly different.
Mark TaylorI've been playing around with AI and some of the new tools that are out there, and today I've generated my first AI podcast.
Mark TaylorNow, this was generated in Notebook lm and it was a fascinating experiment for me to do.
Mark TaylorI basically fed in the educationonfire.com website.
Mark TaylorI fed in some of the latest recordings and asked it to do like a recap show of what we've been doing over the last few weeks and to see exactly what they were going to come up with.
Mark TaylorNow, to my amazement, they managed to create this sort of 20 something minute episode in less than five minutes.
Mark TaylorNow, is it perfect?
Mark TaylorIt's not exactly accurate in every single thing, but this, I've left it as the raw podcast.
Mark TaylorIt refers to Phil Burr, who was actually Phil Bur.
Mark TaylorSo there's a couple of elements in there which are actually not quite right, but I think the overall sound of it, the overall format, there's some amazing takeaways that come through.
Mark TaylorThey kind of talk around as to people about what they've learned based on what I've given it.
Mark TaylorAnd I think bearing in mind this is a new tool and it's going to be out, you know, and only getting better as we move forward.
Mark TaylorI think it's just an incredible thing and I just wanted to do it as an experiment.
Mark TaylorI wanted you to have the experience of what it, what it's like as an audience person, someone who's listening.
Mark TaylorIs it something you like to listen to?
Mark TaylorWhat do you think of the content?
Mark TaylorHaving listened to previous episodes, do you think it really sort of captures what it is that we've been talking about?
Mark TaylorAnd yeah, it's just an amazing thing, which of course is here to stay.
Mark TaylorSo I think it's never the same as doing it yourself.
Mark TaylorAnd obviously this part of the podcast is just me talking into the microphone and talking directly to you as I always do.
Mark TaylorBut the rest of the podcast is very, very different and I really hope you enjoy it.
Mark TaylorLet me know what you think.
Mark TaylorMarkEducationOnFire.com I'd be fascinated to get your feedback, not in terms of doing this all the time, but as a tool, how well you think it comes across.
Mark TaylorAnd actually maybe as Something which is helpful if you're just wanting to do some kind of recap in some kind of oversight of what it is that some content that maybe you've produced.
Mark TaylorSo let me know.
Mark TaylorThis is my first AI podcast created with Notebook lm.
Speaker BWelcome to our deep dive into the world of education.
Speaker BI'm so excited to share some fascinating stuff with you today.
Speaker BYou shared some really cool sources about how stories and immersive learning can, like, revolutionize education.
Speaker BAnd I'm already, like, geeking out a bit over here.
Speaker BWe've got interviews and articles featuring educators and researchers from Education on Fire and a peek at their website, which is honestly a treasure trove of resources.
Speaker CYeah, it's amazing.
Speaker CThey clearly share our passion for learning, and they've got some interesting perspectives on how to tap into that innate curiosity we all have, for sure.
Speaker BAnd get this, we're going to hear from teachers who swear by the power of storytelling, a scientist who figured out how to get kids hooked on math through games, and even a tech innovator who's making immersive experiences that are, like, straight out of Sci Fi.
Speaker CIt's going to be quite the journey through the past, present, and future of learning.
Speaker BAbsolutely.
Speaker BOkay, so first up, let's talk about the magic of stories.
Speaker BLucinda Sage McGordon, a veteran educator and the host of Education on Fire, shared this quote from cognitive scientist Roger Shank, and it just, like, blew my mind.
Speaker BHe said, humans are not ideally set up to understand logic.
Speaker BThey are ideally set up to understand stories.
Speaker BCrazy, right?
Speaker CIt really makes you rethink learning, doesn't it?
Speaker CWe tend to put logic and reason, like, on a pedestal, but maybe stories speak to something deeper inside of us.
Speaker BTotally.
Speaker BAnd McGordon's background, by the way, is a story in itself.
Speaker BShe has degrees in religious studies, theater, a speech.
Speaker BShe's like a living, breathing example of how stories connect different worlds.
Speaker CExactly.
Speaker CAnd you can see how her diverse background shaped her teaching.
Speaker CShe wasn't just, like, lecturing.
Speaker CShe was using theater techniques to engage students, especially those learning English as a second language.
Speaker CImagine her classroom students talking, brainstorming, acting out scenes.
Speaker CIt sounds so dynamic.
Speaker BAnd that's where things get even more interesting.
Speaker BMcCordon is a huge advocate for teaching emotional intelligence through stories.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker CYou mentioned in your notes how much you value soft skills, and I totally agree.
Speaker CIn a world that's often obsessed with technical skills, people forget about emotional intelligence.
Speaker CBeing able to understand and manage our own emotions, empathize with others, and handle social situations.
Speaker CYou know, those are essential for success in all parts of life.
Speaker BAnd she even shared this amazing story.
Speaker BAn organization that was hiring for a space project.
Speaker BThey needed scientists, obviously, but they also brought in artists.
Speaker BThey realized that teamwork, communication, and creative problem solving require more than just technical smarts.
Speaker CThat's such a powerful example of how STEM fields, which are often seen as purely logical, actually need that human touch.
Speaker CIt's like that famous Einstein quote.
Speaker CLogic will get you from A to B.
Speaker CImagination will take you everywhere.
Speaker BOkay, so get ready for a mind shift, because next we're going to talk about something that literally sheds light on learning.
Speaker BDaylighting.
Speaker CDaylighting.
Speaker CIt seems so simple, but it's fascinating how something like natural light can really affect our ability to learn and just thrive in general.
Speaker BRight?
Speaker BDr.
Speaker BDoug Milburn, the founder of Advanced Glazings, shared this statistic on education on fire.
Speaker BAnd this blew me away.
Speaker BStudents in naturally daylight classrooms score 20% higher on tests.
Speaker BI remember you mentioned how much you can't stand working in artificial light.
Speaker BWell, Dr.
Speaker BMilburn emphasizes that daylight's not just about aesthetics.
Speaker BIt directly affects our ability to think.
Speaker BImagine if every classroom felt bright and invigorating, like a sunny day.
Speaker CYeah, it really makes you wonder why we haven't focused more on this, doesn't it?
Speaker BTotally.
Speaker BAnd Millburn shared a story about a teacher who is totally against daylighting.
Speaker BTurns out her only experience with it was in a poorly designed classroom that had terrible glare.
Speaker BIt just shows how even the best ideas can fail if they're not well executed.
Speaker CIt's a good reminder that the environment we learn in has a huge impact on our ability to focus and learn.
Speaker CEverything from the lighting to the air quality can make a real difference.
Speaker BOkay, get ready.
Speaker BCause we're about to enter the world of math and AI.
Speaker BDr.
Speaker BAditya Nagrath, the founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, wants to change how kids learn math.
Speaker BAnd his secret weapon, games.
Speaker BNot just any games though.
Speaker BWe're talking about games created by mathematicians and powered by artificial intelligence.
Speaker BYou mentioned you want your kids to love learning the same way they love their video games.
Speaker BWell, elephant learning might be the answer.
Speaker CIt's pretty clever, right?
Speaker CInstead of forcing kids to memorize formulas, which is boring and can cause anxiety, Elephant Learning teaches math as a language, helping kids kids understand those core concepts in a fun, intuitive way.
Speaker BAnd the results are insane.
Speaker BStudents are learning an average of 1.5 years of math in just 10 weeks.
Speaker BIt's basically a fast forward button for math education.
Speaker CIt really makes you wonder how much potential we can unlock when we let kids learn through Play and exploration.
Speaker BTotally.
Speaker BAnd Nagrath told this funny story about a computer science professor who saw his program and said, this is computer science, not computer guesswork.
Speaker CHaha.
Speaker CI love that.
Speaker CIt's a reminder that while trial and error is important, a solid understanding of the basics is crucial, no matter what you're doing.
Speaker BOkay, so now for something totally different.
Speaker CGet ready to explore a world where learning feels like you're actually in a video game.
Speaker BYes.
Speaker BLet's talk immersive learning with Phil Burr, the immersive content expert from Discovery Education.
Speaker BThis guy paints a picture so vividly, you feel like you're right there in the scene.
Speaker BHe said, imagine stepping into ancient Rome through augmented reality or having a virtual dinosaur appear in your living room.
Speaker BThat's the power of immersive learning.
Speaker CIt's mind blowing when you think about it, isn't it?
Speaker CImagine if history class was like, actually experiencing those events.
Speaker BI know, right?
Speaker BAnd Discovery Education is creating these experiences that combine storytelling, curiosity, and hands on creation.
Speaker BIt's not just about entertainment, though, but really emphasizes how important it is to balance engagement with educational rigor.
Speaker BHe says content rules, but context is king.
Speaker CHe's right.
Speaker CYou can't just throw some fancy technology at students and call it a day.
Speaker CThe content has to be solid, and it has to be delivered in a way that's meaningful.
Speaker BAbsolutely.
Speaker BAnd get this.
Speaker BHe told this hilarious story about a teacher who was using one of their augmented reality apps, and she was so shocked by A World War I scene appearing on her iPad that she looked underneath it to see if it had actually materialized in real life.
Speaker COh, I can totally see that.
Speaker CVR can be so realistic.
Speaker CSometimes you forget you're not actually in a different place.
Speaker BRight.
Speaker BIt shows how immersive learning can blur the lines between the virtual and the real, making learning truly unforgettable.
Speaker CMakes you wonder, how do we recreate those aha moments for students today?
Speaker CYou know what makes learning really stick?
Speaker CWhat makes it exciting?
Speaker BYeah, it feels like we're on the verge of like, a learning revolution.
Speaker BRight.
Speaker BIt's not about memorizing facts anymore.
Speaker BIt's about creating those experiences that spark a passion for knowledge.
Speaker BSpeaking of passion, you know Lucinda Sage McGordon, she had this infectious energy when she was talking about how stories can teach us these crucial life skills like emotional intelligence and empathy.
Speaker BI know you mentioned you were a big reader growing up.
Speaker BWell, mcordan says that even in her religious studies classes, it was the stories, the myths, the parables that really caught her attention.
Speaker CStories have that universal power to Connect with us.
Speaker CRight.
Speaker CThey go beyond cultures and time periods, giving us glimpses into the human experience that we can all relate to.
Speaker BDefinitely.
Speaker BAnd she thinks that understanding human emotions is key to tackling mental health issues.
Speaker BShe even said a lot of mental health issues aren't really mental health issues, they're emotional health issues.
Speaker BIt makes you think.
Speaker CIt really does.
Speaker CImagine if we could equip people with the tools to understand and manage their emotions.
Speaker CThe impact that would have on their well being would be huge.
Speaker BI know, right?
Speaker BAnd she talked about how stories teach us to read body language, understand facial expressions, interpret tone of voice.
Speaker BThese are skills that we use every single day, whether we're at work, with friends, with family.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker CIt's like stories provide this safe space to practice those skills, to develop emotional intelligence without the fear of real world consequences.
Speaker CAnd here's a little nugget of wisdom from McGordon.
Speaker CShe's a big believer in journaling.
Speaker COne of her mentors in college told her, go buy a notebook and start writing.
Speaker CHe encouraged her to just let her thoughts flow onto the page.
Speaker CNo judgment.
Speaker BJournaling is a powerful stuff.
Speaker BRight.
Speaker BIt's like having conversation with yourself.
Speaker BYou sort through your thoughts and feelings and sometimes you even discover some pretty surprising things.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker CIt's a practice that artists, writers and thinkers have used for centuries.
Speaker CThere's something so freeing about putting pen to paper and letting your mind just wander.
Speaker BOkay, so let's shift gears and talk about how the spaces we learn in can impact our well being.
Speaker BDr.
Speaker BMilburn from earlier, he shared some pretty mind blowing insights about how daylighting can actually improve student performance.
Speaker BRemember that statistic we talked about?
Speaker BThe one where students in naturally daylit classrooms score 20% higher on tests?
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker CIt's pretty incredible, right?
Speaker CIt really highlights that something as simple as natural light can have a huge impact on our ability to concentrate and learn.
Speaker BExactly.
Speaker BMilburn talked about how our bodies are wired to respond to natural light.
Speaker BAnd when we're stuck with dim lighting or artificial light, it can make us feel sluggish and mentally foggy.
Speaker BHe even compared it to being stuck in one of those stuffy meeting rooms, no windows, terrible fluorescent lighting.
Speaker CI can totally relate to that.
Speaker CIt's like all the energy just gets sucked out of the room.
Speaker CAnd there's a scientific reason for that feeling too.
Speaker CHigh levels of carbon dioxide can build up in poorly ventilated spaces.
Speaker CAnd those can actually impair our cognitive function and make us drowsy.
Speaker BExactly.
Speaker BAnd Milburn even mentioned that his company monitors CO2 levels in their buildings.
Speaker BTo make sure that their employees have a healthy and stimulating environment to work in.
Speaker BIt shows how much they value the well being of their people, for sure.
Speaker CAnd he shared this great anecdote about his son's teacher who was skeptical about daylighting at first, but then she experienced a well designed, naturally lit classroom and her entire attitude changed.
Speaker CIt's amazing how personal experiences can be so much more powerful than abstract ideas or statistics.
Speaker BYeah.
Speaker BSometimes you just have to see it to believe it.
Speaker BAnd speaking of seeing it to believe it, Milburn's company has developed this incredible type of glazing called Solara.
Speaker BIt transforms harsh sunlight into this soft, diffused natural light.
Speaker BIt's like the best of both worlds.
Speaker BYou get the benefits of daylight without the glare or the overheating.
Speaker CIt's such a game changer, especially for classrooms where glare on computer screens or whiteboards can be really distracting.
Speaker BAbsolutely.
Speaker BMillburn really emphasized the importance of having a view, that connection to the outside world.
Speaker BHe even said, people just don't feel right unless there's a view.
Speaker BBut with traditional windows, you have to choose between view and comfort.
Speaker BYou're either blasted by direct sunlight and glare, or you're shutting the blinds and blocking out the view entirely.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker CIt's like you're constantly battling between wanting natural light and a comfortable space.
Speaker BAnd that's where Solara comes in.
Speaker BIt acts like a guardian of you.
Speaker BIt lets natural light in, but it blocks the harsh glare and heat.
Speaker CIt's a great example of how innovative design can solve real world problems and create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Speaker BMilburn is so passionate about daylighting, it's contagious.
Speaker BHe really sees daylight and fresh air as the two most important things for a great building.
Speaker CHe's advocating for a more holistic approach to building design, one that prioritizes human health and well being, along with energy efficiency and aesthetics.
Speaker CAnd he's not alone in this thinking.
Speaker CThere's a growing movement in architecture and design that's all about creating spaces that support our physical and mental health.
Speaker BOkay, so let's go back to Lucinda Sage McGordon and her inspiring approach to teaching.
Speaker BShe had this way of making every student feel like they had something special to offer, like they each had their own genius, as she called it.
Speaker CYeah, it's so important for teachers to believe in their students, isn't it?
Speaker CWhen students feel seen and valued, it makes all the difference in their motivation and engagement.
Speaker BAbsolutely.
Speaker BAnd she had this great story about a student who had always struggled with public speaking, but then in her drama Class.
Speaker BThrough acting and improvisation exercises, she found her voice.
Speaker BHer confidence just blossomed.
Speaker CThat's beautiful.
Speaker CIt shows how the arts can empower students and help them discover these hidden talents.
Speaker CSometimes all it takes is the right environment and the right kind of encouragement.
Speaker BAnd here's a piece of advice from McGordon that really made me think.
Speaker BShe said nothing matters.
Speaker BAt first, it sounds kind of bleak, right?
Speaker CYeah, it does.
Speaker CBut she explained that she doesn't mean it in a nihilistic way.
Speaker CWhat she's saying is that in the grand scheme of things, we're all just here to learn and grow.
Speaker CAnd every experience, whether we see it as a success or a failure, is an opportunity.
Speaker BYeah.
Speaker BIt's like that saying, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Speaker BOr maybe a less intense version, like, what doesn't kill you makes for a good story later.
Speaker CExactly.
Speaker CIt's all about embracing the journey, learning from our mistakes, and not being afraid to take risks.
Speaker CSpeaking of learning from mistakes, let's go back to elephant learning.
Speaker CRemember Dr.
Speaker CNay Graff?
Speaker CHe had some interesting insights into how their system helps students overcome math anxiety.
Speaker CHe had a really unique perspective on where that fear of math even comes from.
Speaker BOkay.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker CHe thinks it often comes from traditional teaching methods.
Speaker CYou know, the ones that focus on rote memorization over actual understanding.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker BIt's like being forced to learn the rules of a game, but you never get to actually play.
Speaker BNo wonder so many kids just hate math.
Speaker CExactly.
Speaker CDr.
Speaker CNograth believes that when students don't understand the reasoning behind the math, it leads to that feeling of helplessness and a fear of failure.
Speaker BRight.
Speaker CAnd he made this brilliant comparison to illustrate his point.
Speaker CHe compared learning math to playing basketball.
Speaker CHe said the coach can't physically shoot the ball for the player.
Speaker CThe player has to develop their own skills and understanding through practice and experience.
Speaker BOkay, I like that analogy.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker CIt highlights how important it is to let students struggle a little bit, let them make mistakes, and then let them learn from those mistakes.
Speaker CWhen we field them from failure or do the work for them, we actually rob them of that opportunity to learn and build confidence in what they can do.
Speaker BThat's where elephant learning comes in.
Speaker BTheir system uses these adaptive algorithms to tailor the learning to each student's pace.
Speaker BSo it's like they each have their own personal tutor guiding them and challenging them at just the right level.
Speaker CIt's that personalized learning approach, recognizing that every child learns differently and at their own pace, meeting them where they are and giving them the support they need to succeed.
Speaker BAnd here's another thought provoking idea from Dr.
Speaker BNagareth.
Speaker BHe sees math as more than just a subject.
Speaker BIt's a fundamental tool for solving problems in every area of life, even communication problems.
Speaker BHe said that when there's a misunderstanding in a conversation, we need to look for the X.
Speaker BYou know, identify the missing piece that's blocking that understanding.
Speaker CIt's like math gives us a framework for thinking critically and approaching problems in a logical way, breaking things down, looking for patterns, searching for those solutions.
Speaker BSo it's not just about numbers and equations.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker BIt's about developing a way of thinking that can help us deal with the complexities of life.
Speaker CExactly.
Speaker CAnd this idea of transferring skills from one area to another, you see that popping up in a lot of different fields.
Speaker CFor instance, problem solving skills that you learn in a coding class.
Speaker CThose can actually be really helpful in writing, music, even cooking.
Speaker BI love that.
Speaker BIt's like we all have these hidden superpowers inside us waiting to be unlocked.
Speaker BSpeaking of unlocking potential, let's circle back to Phil Burr from Discovery Education.
Speaker BHis excitement about immersive learning is contagious.
Speaker BHe truly believes that it can transport us to different times and places.
Speaker CHe talked about how their augmented reality apps can bring history to life.
Speaker CImagine students walking through the streets of ancient Rome or witnessing a World War I battle happening right in front of them.
Speaker CIt's like stepping into a time machine.
Speaker BI know, it's amazing.
Speaker BHe emphasized how important it is to create those experiences that trigger feelings, you know, that tap into our natural curiosity and our desire to explore.
Speaker BHe doesn't think immersion is just about the technology, but creating something that makes you feel something sparked that sense of wonder.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker CIt's about engaging not just our minds, but also our hearts and imaginations.
Speaker BRemember that funny story about the teacher who was so into that World War I augmented reality experience that she looked under her iPad to see if it was real?
Speaker BIt just shows how powerful immersive tech can be.
Speaker BIt blurs the lines between the virtual and the real, making learning really stick with you.
Speaker CIt's like a glimpse into the future of learning.
Speaker CIt's not stuck in textbooks and classrooms anymore.
Speaker CIt can happen anywhere, anytime, through experiences that are both educational and entertaining.
Speaker BBut Bert also points out that it's not just about throwing cool tech at something.
Speaker BHe emphasized how important it is to balance engagement with educational rigor.
Speaker BHe said, content rules, but context is king.
Speaker BBasically, technology is just a tool.
Speaker BThe real magic happens when we use it to deliver good content and in a way that's relevant to the person learning.
Speaker CYeah, he's absolutely right.
Speaker CYou can't just dazzle students with fancy graphics.
Speaker CYou need to make sure they're learning something valuable.
Speaker CAnd that takes careful planning and thoughtful design.
Speaker BAnd speaking of thoughtful design, Bursch shared some advice from his own journey.
Speaker BHe said he wished he had taken more risks, embraced failure as a way to learn.
Speaker BHe talked about how studying something called complexity analysis and the failure paradigm at the Open University helped him understand how important it is to learn from our mistakes.
Speaker CThat message speaks to everyone, doesn't it?
Speaker CWe often fear failure so much, but it's through our mistakes that we actually learn and grow totally.
Speaker BIt's like you either win or you learn.
Speaker BSeeing failure as a part of learning allows us to be more creative, innovative, and just more resilient overall.
Speaker BAnd he also mentioned how important it is to be mindful of the language we use as educators, avoiding phrases that can make students afraid of trying new things or making those mistakes.
Speaker CIt's such an important reminder that our words have a huge impact on the people we teach.
Speaker CWe have a responsibility to create learning environments that are supportive, encouraging, and empowering, for sure.
Speaker BAnd he shared this really touching story about his mentor, Patricia Lee.
Speaker BShe was a headteacher who gave him the space to try new things and learn from his mistakes.
Speaker BHe called her his second mother.
Speaker BThat's how much of an impact she had on him.
Speaker CYeah.
Speaker CIt highlights how important mentorship is.
Speaker COne person's belief and support can completely change someone's life totally.
Speaker BAnd then he shared a resource that really shaped him as a kid.
Speaker BIt was look and Learn magazine.
Speaker BHe described it as a learning junkie's dream, filled with colorful illustrations and fascinating stories and tons of information.
Speaker BIt sparked his curiosity and ignited his passion for learning.
Speaker CLove it.
Speaker CIt's a reminder that learning can happen anywhere, anytime.
Speaker CAnd it's often those unexpected resources that capture our imaginations and get us hooked on learning.
Speaker CAnd in a way, that's what we're trying to do here with the deep dive.
Speaker CWe're gathering info, connecting the dots, and hopefully inspiring that same sense of wonder and excitement in our listeners.
Speaker BI love that we're all on this big learning adventure together, right?
Speaker BConstantly exploring, asking questions, discovering new ways to understand the world.
Speaker BOkay, so we've covered stories, daylight, all this cutting edge tech.
Speaker BBut what about giving students more say in, like, how they learn?
Speaker CYou're noticing a theme here.
Speaker CGiving students that agency is something Phil Burr talked a lot about.
Speaker BOkay.
Speaker BYeah.
Speaker CHe mentioned Discovery Education's Sandbox AR app.
Speaker CImagine kids building their own virtual Worlds and learning by creating.
Speaker CRemember that note you had about wanting your kids to be more than just passive consumers of all this media?
Speaker CWell, this seems like it would be perfect for that.
Speaker BIt's totally different.
Speaker BRight?
Speaker BLike reading a book versus writing your own.
Speaker BIt's so much more engaging when you're the one actually doing the work.
Speaker CExactly.
Speaker CBurr believes that hands on learning is really the key to unlocking real curiosity.
Speaker CAnd once those kids are curious, they're way more likely to really dive in and actually learn.
Speaker BAnd speaking of diving in, remember Burr's story about the teacher who was so blown away by that World War I ar experience, she literally checked under her iPad?
Speaker BIt just shows you how impactful these tools can be.
Speaker CImagine.
Speaker CRight?
Speaker CLike, what if every history lesson felt like time travel?
Speaker COr every biology class was a journey through the human body?
Speaker CWho knows what we'll be able to do in 10 years?
Speaker BIt's like the future of education is happening right now.
Speaker BBut Burr also gave this really important reminder.
Speaker BHe said, content rules, but context is king.
Speaker BSo even with all this incredible tech, it can't just be flashy.
Speaker BIt has to be a good learning experience based on, like, actual educational principles.
Speaker CHe's so right.
Speaker BYeah.
Speaker CYou can't just wow them with fancy visuals.
Speaker CRight.
Speaker CWe need to make sure they're learning something useful.
Speaker CAnd that takes planning and good design.
Speaker BDefinitely.
Speaker BAnd Bert actually shared some advice from his own experiences.
Speaker BHe said he wished he'd taken more risks and been more okay with failure.
Speaker BHe studied something called complexity analysis and the failure paradigm.
Speaker BIt sounds super complicated, but basically it helped him realize that making mistakes isn't a bad thing.
Speaker BIt's actually how we grow.
Speaker CThat's something we can all learn from.
Speaker CRight.
Speaker CI tend to be so afraid of messing up, but those mistakes, they're how we learn and get better.
Speaker BExactly.
Speaker BIt's not about never failing.
Speaker BIt's about changing how we think about it.
Speaker BLike, okay, that didn't work, but what did I learn?
Speaker BThat takes the pressure off and makes it easier to try new things for sure.
Speaker CAnd it also makes you think about how we talk to kids about learning.
Speaker CBurr said we need to be mindful of the words we use, avoiding phrases that make them scared to try new things or make those mistakes.
Speaker BIt's all about creating that safe space where they feel supported and encouraged to, like, go for it, you know, even if they mess up along the way.
Speaker BBut Ro actually talked about his mentor, Patricia Lee.
Speaker BShe was a head teacher who gave him the freedom to experiment and learn from his mistakes.
Speaker BHe called her his second mother.
Speaker BThat's how big of an impact she had.
Speaker CWow.
Speaker CIt reminds us how powerful mentors can be.
Speaker CRight?
Speaker CThose people who believe in you even when you don't believe in yourself.
Speaker CSometimes that's all it takes to, like, spark that passion and set you off on a path of learning.
Speaker BTotally.
Speaker BAnd Burry even talked about something that really influenced him as a kid.
Speaker BLook and Learn magazine.
Speaker BHe said it was a learning junkie's dream, full of illustrations, stories, and cool facts.
Speaker BIt just goes to show that inspiration can come from anywhere.
Speaker CIt really can.
Speaker CIt reminds me of what we try to do here with the deep dive.
Speaker CRight.
Speaker CTaking all these different sources, connecting the dots, and hopefully making our listeners feel that same curiosity.
Speaker BI love that.
Speaker BSo what were your biggest takeaways from all this?
Speaker BWe talked about so much.
Speaker BStories, daylight games, immersive experiences.
Speaker BIt's like a whole new world of learning possibilities is opening up.
Speaker CYou know, for me, it always comes back to that human connection, whether it's through a powerful story playing or going on an immersive adventure together.
Speaker CIt's that human element that really makes learning impactful.
Speaker BAbsolutely.
Speaker BThis has been an amazing exploration with you.
Speaker BWe learned so much from these incredible educators, like about the importance of storytelling, fresh air and daylight, the potential of technology, and how to embrace failure as part of the learning process.
Speaker BAnd of course, we can't forget about encouraging curiosity, playfulness, and those crucial skills like empathy and emotional intelligence.
Speaker CAnd this is just the beginning.
Speaker CIt's up to all of us to keep learning and asking questions to keep that fire for knowledge burning strong.
Speaker BYes.
Speaker BAnd we want to hear from you.
Speaker BWhat resonated most with you today?
Speaker BWhat are you going to try out in your own life or even with your kids?
Speaker BShare your thoughts with us on social media or send us an email.
Speaker BWe love hearing from fellow learners.
Speaker BThanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Mark TaylorThanks for listening to the Education on Fire podcast.
Mark TaylorFor more information of each episode and to get in touch, go to educationonfire.com Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.