Ever wonder what it would look like to create a bachelors degree program so innovative, so accessible, so flexible, and so industry-driven that it's the first of its kind in the nation?The University of Wisconsin-Stout has done just that with the new Automation Leadership degree.Built on industry-recognized credentials with a  focus on hands-on skills and career readiness, the Automation Leadership program is meeting an acute need in the manufacturing industry in a way no other degree can. After completing the program, students will be equipped with the essential technical and leadership skills to take any company through a digital transformation.UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank and Dr. David Ding, Director of Stout's School of Engineering join us on this invigorating episode where we dive deep into just how innovative this program is.3 Big Takeaways:The Automation Leadership degree meets a crucial need of industry - the combination of technical and business skills: Manufacturers seeking to invest more in automation need someone who can take their company through a digital transformation. The Automation Leadership degree does just that.The future of higher education consists of more on-ramps and off-ramps, greater flexibility, and more credit for prior learning: Discover how the university is making it easy for high school students, community college students and even incumbent workers earn credit for prior learning, take courses remotely, and earn a bachelors degree with very little university tuition paid. Spoiler alert: up to 88 credits of the degree can be earned through associated SACA certifications!Built on skill standards defined by industry, the Smart Automation Certification Alliance credentials make up a foundational part of this new degree: UW-Stout didn't reinvent the wheel in this new program. By aligning courses to already-existing certification standards, the degree is guaranteed to meet the needs of industrial employers. Additionally, any SACA member institution across the country has the opportunity to create articulation agreements with UW-Stout, and students anywhere in the country can earn the Automation Leadership degree remotely.Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeRead the press release about the new programVisit the Automation Leadership degree page for more information and program contacts: https://www.uwstout.edu/programs/bs-automation-leadershipTo learn more about the Smart Automation Certification Alliance, visit their website: https://www.saca.org/Connect with UW-Stout:Instagram  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  TikTokEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/automationleadership/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Let's face it: college isn't for everyone. Especially with the amount of student debt being carried by individuals long into their career; oftentimes, for degrees that don't even get used.We need to inform and inspire students towards careers they're passionate about and wired for, and help them find the right education option that will get them to that goal. Parents, educators, mentors in the workforce - we all have a role in making sure the next generation workforce has the right set of skills for their profession, especially in manufacturing.In this episode, we bring on Terry Iverson - Founder of CHAMPION Now and author of Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing: Discover the Path to a Debt-Free Career. Terry's books are all about highlighting the world of manufacturing and why it's a great career choice. And in this latest book, it's a unique message to parents and their teens.Listen in for a great conversation about mentorship, the right education for the right career, manufacturing, and the value of asking the right questions and having candid conversations with students.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Students need an education that's aligned to their career goals: Let's flip the all-students-go-to-college mindset to one where students are provided all the options available to them post-secondary, and then they make an informed decision that aligns to their career goals. That means teaching them the ROI of an education, teaching them about college debt, and helping them discover what they're passionate about.Manufacturing (and similar industries) need to be options on the table: When students sit with their school counselor and when parents have conversations about the future with their kids and teens, they need to include options like manufacturing, the skilled trades, and other often-overlooked industries. There are tons of benefits to a manufacturing career, like good wages, overtime opportunity, upward mobility, employers will pay your way through school, and having a set work schedule. It's great for those hands-on individuals who would rather be on their feet, solving problems, building things, working with technology than sitting at a desk all day.Parents and their students need to have candid, informed conversations with each other: Whether it's a parent teaching their teen about the long-term effect of student debt or a kid telling their parent that they love their welding class and want to do it as a career, parents and their kids need to have more open conversations about career goals and all the options to get them there. That's why Terry wrote his latest book (link below) - so families can have these candid conversations.Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeVisit CHAMPION Now's website: https://championnow.org/Learn more about Terry's books:Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing: Discover the Path to a Debt-Free CareerFinding America's Greatest ChampionLearn more about Manufacturing Day (plus, find an event near you or host one yourself): https://www.mfgday.com/Connect with CHAMPION Now online:Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword, it's a reality in every space in our lives. In this fast-paced episode, get a crash course on artificial intelligence from podcast host Matt Kirchner as he breaks down this complex concept into easily-digestible components.What is artificial intelligence in layman's terms? Get a new definition that will help make sense of AI like never before.Plus, hear the breakdown of the 4 elements that every artificially intelligent system does. Once you know these elements, you can see them at work in all AI platforms and you can begin to teach it at every level of education.Finally, get 7 real-life examples of how to bring AI technology into the classroom today.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Artificial intelligence defined: We break down AI with the simplest definition you'll hear, starting with a definition of what artificial and intelligent each mean. Then, we can define the full term. At its core, AI is an algorithmic implementation of human experience and learning. Listen in to hear how we come to that definition.Every AI system does 4 things - See, Think, Do, Communicate: AI is simple once you understand the four elements that make an AI system. Matt dives into what these four elements mean and how they work in AI systems you encounter in your everyday life.Get 7 examples of artificial intelligence that can be taught in schools today: From K-12 through graduate programs, AI technology should be taught in technical and engineering education. Matt gives 6 examples and demonstrates how the four elements fit into these systems: industrial robotics, 3D scanning, coding & programming, drones, CNC machining centers, autonomous mobile robots, and self-driving cars.Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeLearn more about Quanser, the engineering education company who's AI definitions and technology are discussed in this episode: https://www.quanser.com/If you're interested in AI in the classroom that we discussed, send us an email and we can connect you to resources.Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/howtoteachai/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is on a mission to develop the fastest-growing and most equitable economy in the country. With technology progressing faster than ever alongside a tight labor market, Kerry Ebersole Singh has an important job as MEDC's Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer.We sat down with Kerry to discover how the MEDC is addressing the workforce needs of the state's employers. It's an episode full of insights, takeaways and strategies every state government, employer and education system can learn from.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Workforce development requires short-term and long-term strategies: For sustainable economic growth, states should build talent strategies that pay off in the short term and in decades to come. Short-term efforts include incumbent workforce training, bootcamps and certification programs, and technical/community colleges partnerships. Long-term strategies seek to build more STEM-focused learning in K-12 education.Certifications play an important role in this era of lifelong learning: In today's workforce, every individual will have to continually learn new skills to remain current throughout their career. In response, more employers are embracing third-party credentials that will ensure their employees have the industry-standard skills needed. Employers can then align their employee training efforts with these credentials to help those individuals progress in their career.Industry, education, and government can work cohesively to align needs and resources: Employers: sit down with the president and deans of your local college and clearly articulate your workforce needs. Contact your local and state economic development organizations to discover resources available for your workforce needs. In this episode, Kerry shares a unique project the MEDC has done to connect the needs of employers with the resources available at each university and college in Michigan.Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeLearn more about The Michigander EV Scholars programSee all resources from the Talent Action Team: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/talent-action-team/Connect with MEDC online:Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTubeView episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/medc/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Big opportunities await across small towns in North Dakota. From agriculture to manufacturing, energy, healthcare and defense, the industrial workforce has a strong presence in the state. Now more than ever, career and technical education is vital to the state's economy.We took a two-week tour through North Dakota, interviewing leaders in CTE at every corner of the state, to discover what makes North Dakota so unique. Join us on a journey in this unique episode of The TechEd Podcast.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:The big-yet-small mindset of North Dakota is a huge benefit for CTE: The whole state has a small town feel - "North Dakota nice" they call it. Though the state's population centers are few and far between, everyone is connected with everyone else. The willingness to support and help one another goes beyond neighbors. Industry is willing to partner and support their local career centers; school districts share best practices with one another; and the students benefit in the end. State governments must allocate more funding to support career and technical education: Go into nearly any school district and they'll tell you their biggest challenge is not having the funds they need. That's not the case in North Dakota. Across the state, educators shared how supportive the state legislature and governor have been in expanding and updating CTE in the state.Growing CTE isn't just about doing more, it's about doing better, too: Educators and employers agree: we need more CTE in our schools. But we can't just keep doing what we've always done. Traditional courses like welding, metals, wood shop and small engines can continue, but we need to upgrade and update our labs to be relevant to industry's fast-moving technology and workforce needs. That means adding mechatronics, IIoT, smart manufacturing, robotics and automation, drones, computer science, and the list goes on.Speakers Featured in this EpisodeDale Hoerauf - Bismark Public Schools Career AcademyRyan Pierce - Cass County Career and Technical Education CenterEric Ripley - Grand Forks Public SchoolsJeff Rerick - Mandan Public School DistrictSteve Holen - Watford City School DistrictPam Stroklund - Minot Public SchoolsMike Hanson - North Valley Career and Technology CenterDerrick Bopp - Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology CenterDan Spellerberg - Southeast Region Career and Technology CenterAaron Anderson - Southwest Area Career and Technology CenterEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/northdakota/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Sue Smith is the Vice President for Advanced Manufacturing and Applied Sciences at Ivy Tech Community College - Indiana's largest post-secondary institution and the largest singly-accredited community college in the U.S. With 19 campuses and 41 sites, her job is to ensure there's a pipeline of skilled workers for industrial employers all over the state.In her efforts to keep Ivy Tech's manufacturing programs current with industry trends, she's helped launch new degrees and certificate programs that are actually ahead of the game.Graduates are entering the workforce with skills in automation, autonomous systems, digital integration and smart manufacturing that actually enable them to lead their company from Industry 3.0 to Industry 4.0.In this episode, Sue shares her experiences leading one of the most advanced technical education programs in the country.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:For the first time, education is ahead of industry when it comes to technology adoption: While the big brands have entered Industry 4.0 already, most manufacturers are still in Industry 3.0. For the first time, technical education institutions that have embraced smart manufacturing are ahead of their local employers. This is great news for the workforce, as graduates from these programs can help lead their companies into the future.Industry certifications should be built into every technical education program: When certifications are built and backed by employers, students earning them have verified proof of skills. It's a competency-based approach to education that the workforce today needs. It's also a great tool to create standardized, flexible pathways when expanding and articulating programs.Want to stay on-pace with emerging technologies? Find ways to integrate them into your existing programs: Semiconductors, electric vehicles and battery manufacturing are just three emerging technologies the country has its eyes on. To make sure we don't fall behind, education should find ways to crosswalk competencies between traditional mechatronics and these technologies, then add curriculum, equipment and certifications to teach the unique aspects of each technology. The same can be said for autonomous systems, AI, etc.Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeLearn more about Ivy Tech's Smart Manufacturing and Digital Integration DegreeVisit the Smart Automation Certification Alliance siteLearn more about the Automation Leadership Degree at UW-StoutLearn more about Ivy Tech Community CollegeConnect with Ivy Tech online:Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTubeVisit episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/smith/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

In today's manufacturing landscape, culture can make or break your business. But culture is about far more than a catchy mission statement or list of company values displayed on the wall.John Mellowes is the CEO of Charter Manufacturing and an expert on company culture and joins us for an important discussion that every business leader needs to hear.In this episode...Building a long-term business strategy vs. short-term revenue goalsHow to include every team member in continuous improvements (and how Charter has measured CI projects over 20 years)Why products and business strategy will fail without the right cultureThe "success formula" and the feedback loop that drives continuous positive resultsThe 4 drivers of employee engagementLeadership vs. stewardship (and why the distinction should matter to business leaders)3 Big Takeaways from this episode:The "success formula" proves the value of culture on your bottom line: In every organization, there is a direct relationship between culture, engagement, performance and results. Culture drives employee engagement. Engaged employees improve their performance. Improved performance drives better results for the company. These results mean more resources the company can invest back into employees and the business. This reinvestment builds up the healthy culture. (And on and on the cycle continues).Want engaged employees? Work on these four things: If you provide these four things to your employees, you'll see their engagement skyrocket: psychological safety, being part of a team, being recognized for their role on the team, and the opportunity to develop toward their personal potential.Leaders must also be stewards of the business: Stewardship is similar to leadership, with the added element of time. In other words, a steward leads a company with the mindset that they will one day leave it in the hands of another. The goal is to leave it better than you found it, ensuring the long-term growth and success for generations to come.Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeBook: Drive (by Daniel Pink)Book: Start with Why (by Simon Sinek)Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People (by Dale Carnegie)Visit Charter Manufacturing's website: www.chartermfg.comConnect with Charter Manufacturing online:Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  FacebookVisit episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/mellowes/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

The U.S. Department of Defense has over 100,000 engineers working on some of the most innovative and critical technology projects in the world. In fact Dr. David Honey, Deputy Undersecretary for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), calls it a "STEM-powered enterprise."Within the Department, the USD(R&E) serves as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), leads research across 14 critical technology areas, develops partnerships with select universities on advanced projects, oversees research initiatives by collaborative entities, and plays the important role as advisor to the rest of the Department on matters related to science, technology, engineering and more.We had the unique privilege to sit down with Dr. Honey to explore this work and how it ties back to STEM education in so many critical ways. Educators, be prepared to hear some fascinating opportunities for your students, as well as gain access to resources you can use in your own classrooms and labs.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:If you're in STEM, you're pretty much future-proof: STEM workers are becoming more critical every day. From maintaining our current technology base to designing tech of the future, the U.S. needs more STEM-focused students. Educators and parents: continue to provide hands-on opportunities for students to pursue their interest in STEM areas.These three characteristics make for an ideal engineer at the Department of Defense: Commitment to lifelong learning (learn, grow and keep your skills sharp); desire to be creative (vision what the future could look like, and get to work on it); tie yourself to a mission that is bigger than you (like mankind's race to the moon, good engineers are driven by a purpose outside themselves).There isn't any area of STEM that isn't relevant to the work of the Department of Defense: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math - each plays a critical role in the DoD's work, especially through the 14 critical technology areas, which include biotechnology, quantum science, trusted AI and autonomy, hypersonic, integrated sensing and cyber, and more (see link below for full list).Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeLearn more about the USD(R&E): https://www.cto.mil/Read more about the 14 critical technology areasDiscover the UARCs and their research focusFind STEM Education resources for educators and studentsInnovation Pathways at USD(R&E)Connect with USD(R&E) online:Twitter  |  LinkedInConnect with DoD STEM online:Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Facebook  |  InstagramInstagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Data management isn't just a skill for data scientists. Today's shop floor is being managed by connected software systems that put manufacturing-specific data right into the hands of operators. In addition to setting up and running equipment, operators are expected to interact with high-tech data software right at their work station that makes their job easier.Data management is a skill every employer wants in a new hire - especially those in technical fields. So how should schools incorporate data into technical programs?Paul Van Metre, Founder of ProShop ERP, is on a mission to help more schools move from spreadsheets to authentic industrial software so students have the foundation they need for the workforce. We talk all about data management for the shop floor & how to integrate these systems and processes in the classroom.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Spreadsheets are better than no data management, but ERP is even better: If your program isn't exploring data management at all, then spreadsheets are a great place to start (many manufacturers use them all the time). But to truly simulate the advanced manufacturing workplace, use authentic software like an ERP system (which are sometimes free to education)Schools should teach the integration of digital technology and physical machines: There isn't a job in manufacturing where an employee doesn't interact with business management software. Learning these skills in school, especially how they impact the work done on manufacturing equipment, will help students excel in the workforce. Whether using ERP to manage projects over a semester or launching a full student-run business, teachers can explore a wide range of options to incorporate data management into their curriculumStudent-run businesses are a great way to teach manufacturing skills & employability skills at the same time: Most technical programs focus on teaching hard skills, like machine operation and programming. Transforming those skills into a student-run business enables students to learn employability skills, too: customer service, sales and marketing, product development, data management, teamwork, communication, time-management, etc. These are the kinds of employability skills that make them ideal candidates for the workforce.ResourcesLearn more about ProShop ERPEducators - contact ProShop if you're interested in getting this software into your technical program!Learn all about Eagle Manufacturing, the student-run business in Brown CountyConnect with Paul on LinkedInConnect with ProShop on social media:Facebook  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  YouTubeEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/proshop/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

What if we threw out grades and focused on proficiency instead? What if students could choose their own curriculum and projects? What would an education model look like if it was truly designed to prepare students for today's world?Northern Cass School District may be just 700 learners in all of K-12, but this rural North Dakota district is redefining what education should look like.A few years ago, Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner and his faculty set out to do the seemingly impossible: throw out the traditional K-12 education system and redesign a model that truly serves students and the community, all while getting student, parent and teacher buy-in.The journey wasn't easy, but Northern Cass's personalized learning model is making waves with its student-led, choice-ready approach to education. In this episode, Cory takes us through that journey, covering topics you'll love to hear:The problem with the current K-12 education systemWhy our metrics for success measure the wrong thingsFrom college-ready to choice-readyWhy student voice and choice matters in all aspects of curriculum and learningHow to get faculty on board (and keep them from burning out)How to get parents on boardWhy proficiency-based learning is a better measurement for success3 Big Takeaways from this episode:If K-12 education doesn't change, we'll lose a generation of learners: Education hasn't changed in 150 years, while every day the rest of the world is evolving. As Cory points out, disrupting the system is challenging and an ongoing journey, but it has incredible results in the form of engaged students, parents and faculty. Without this disruption, we're at risk of losing a generation of students.Proficiency is a better metric than grades: The traditional model teaches to the test; it doesn't measure mastery of a skill or knowledge. Northern Cass's model uses a 1-2-3 scale to measure proficiency, so students can see where they started and how far they have to go to achieve mastery of that skill. This system creates flexibility, autonomy for the student, student voice and engagement, and prepares them for the real world that values mastery over grades.Students need voice and choice, while teachers should be facilitators of learning: In a student-driven K-12 model, students are given choice over their curriculum, projects and schedule. Faculty help them understand state standards they need to meet, then facilitate the learning models that will best benefit each student. Students value the respect and choice they're given (meaning they're more engaged at school). And teachers see a more meaningful impact as their students discover their voice and passions. ResourcesLearn more about Northern Cass's StrategyWatch Dr. Steiner's Ted TalkConnect with Northern Cass School District:Facebook  |  TwitterEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/steiner/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

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As Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Congressman Frank Lucas is passionate about strengthening STEM in America.We sat down with the Chairman to talk about the vast technological advances taking place in the U.S. thanks to bipartisan efforts in the Committee, legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act, and the growth of STEM programs in schools today.Through all that progress, there is still work to be done inspiring and equipping the next generation of technologists to fill high-demand careers across every sector of the economy. Hear about the incredible opportunities for today's students, and better understand where STEM education can meet the growing needs of the skilled workforce.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Don't underestimate agriculture - precision ag is a high-tech field! Having grown up on a fifth-generation family farm in Oklahoma, Frank Lucas has watched agriculture transform tremendously in the last few decades. Today, precision agriculture is a high-tech industry, utilizing satellite networks, drone technology, autonomous vehicles, smart sensors, data analytics and a host of precision machinery.Jobs are going wasted because companies don't have people to fill them; that's where STEM education can help: As technology drives every sector of the economy forward, jobs are becoming higher-skilled but don't necessarily require a four-year degree. Hands-on STEM education, especially delivered in career and technical education programs and community colleges, is a cost-effective way to equip learners to work in these jobs.Research and development around next generation technologies are moving us farther, faster: From nuclear fusion, to high-tech weather prediction technology, to countless new drone applications...technology is evolving at faster rate than ever before. In many ways, it's an exciting time to be in STEM. But there's a lot more work to be done educating students and preparing future generations to keep America moving forward. ResourcesLearn more about organizations featured in this episode:House Committee on Science, Space and TechnologyLearn more about Congressman LucasConnect with the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology:YouTube  |  Facebook  |  TwitterEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/lucas/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Women have made tremendous strides in engineering over the last few decades. Rising both in numbers and in leadership roles, girls now have more women to look up to in STEM fields than ever before. Representation is crucial. When young girls dream about their future, remember this phrase:If they can see it, they can be it.No one knows this better than Heidi Balestrieri. In college, she was the lone girl in a class of 50 mechanical engineering graduates. When she entered the workforce, the gender gap was even more apparent.But Heidi pursued her passions and rose to become Director of Engineering at Sentry Equipment. For her work in manufacturing and STEM outreach, she was the recipient of a Manufacturing Institute Women MAKE award.Heidi joins us for a discussion around women in engineering: how far we've come, how far we need to go, and what individuals, schools and businesses can do to create a world where every girl feels empowered to pursue a career in STEM.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Engineers are problem solvers: It's not just math and science. Engineering is all about solving problems, and that involves a much wider skillset. Schools can incorporate problem solving into STEM-related activities that teach even young kids how to think like an engineer. But remember, failure is part of the process. Heidi notes that many young girls seek perfection and are afraid to fail, so we must encourage trial and error as part of the problem-solving process.Give interns a real engineering project, and get a long-term employee: Often, engineering interns are assigned clerical work that doesn't challenge them or give them a sense for what a true engineering career can be like. Heidi and Sentry Equipment have given engineering students real engineering projects, real autonomy, and real responsibility, and in turn have seen those interns come back for full-time employment after graduation.Representation + community are needed for women in engineering: Representation starts young: engineering badge days in Girl Scouts and coaching First Lego League teams are two great examples Heidi shares. It continues into later school years, where companies need to have diverse representation at STEM outreach days and career fairs. Finally, women need community in STEM fields, whether at an inclusive company or through organizations like the Society of Women Engineers. Individuals also need their personal board of directors, that group of mentors that can pour into an emerging engineer and help her on her career path.ResourcesLearn more about organizations featured in this episode:Sentry EquipmentManufacturing Institute Women MAKEGirl Scouts STEM badgesFIRST Lego LeagueConnect with Heidi on LinkedIn.View episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/balestrieri/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

As Vice President for Economic Development at Ogeechee Technical College, Jan Moore's job is to make sure the region has the skilled talent it needs to meet employer demand - and that includes the incumbent workforce. And recently, that need has grown exponentially:Hyundai is investing in a $5.5 billion campus locally. That has far-reaching implications, bringing in other business to the area to the tune of $20 billion, resulting in 14,000 - 16,000 additional people that will be needed for the workforce.These are highly-automated facilities, and it's Jan's job to create the training structures to sustain a talent pipeline of new and incumbent workers. That kind of project means disrupting the old model of technical education and thinking outside the box.We sat down with Jan to hear her innovative approaches to workforce readiness, including 3 ways technical education must be disrupted.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Modern technical education requires a layering of industrial technology with data: Today's production, operations and maintenance workers need a broad skillset covering base technologies (mechanical, electrical, electronics, fluid power, motor control, PLCs, robotics), layered with smart technologies (smart sensors and devices, networking, IIoT) and topped with data (AI tools, data analytics, predictive maintenance).Train to retain - it's the employer's responsibility to continue upskilling their workforce: Technology is always evolving, and workers need consistent training & upskilling opportunities throughout their careers. As a result, employers must become partners in education. Jan shares how non-credit apprenticeships have skyrocketed, combining classroom learning, on the job training, certifications and rapid time scales to get employees new skills and new opportunities at the company. That's value for the apprentice and the employer, resulting in happy employees who stick around.3 disruptions needed in technical education - apprenticeships, third party credentials, and timing: We dive into these three factors that can help disrupt the traditional model of learning. With this new method, speed to degree is key. With smaller time blocks of focused training that lead to third party certifications, individuals can get the skills they need that are relevant to their employer. Hear about one case where learners went through a 12-week training program, earned 8 credentials from the Smart Automation Certification Alliance, and came out with a higher level of skill and guaranteed 40% raise upon completion.ResourcesOr learn more about Economic Development & Apprenticeship at Ogeechee Technical CollegeConnect with OTC:LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  InstagramEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/ogeechee/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

From the designers of the world's first full-sized autonomous helicopter, Gather AI is totally disrupting inventory management.Gather AI has fully autonomous drones flying around warehouses, using smart sensors & camera systems to gather data on racks and pallets of inventory, communicating that data in real-time with the warehouse management system and keeping a live, accurate log of the entire warehouse's inventory.No longer do companies need the laborious task of manually driving forklifts to pull inventory, log it in spreadsheets and slowly disperse the data to those who need it. Instead, this system of hardware + software + data is massively speeding up that process and freeing up humans to do more interesting work.We sat down with the company's Vice President of Customer Success Sean Mitchell to dig into the technology, the role of data and how it's revolutionizing logistics in manufacturing and distribution today.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:A truly disruptive solution like Gather AI's requires the integration of hardware, software and data: It all begins with fully-autonomous drones which are capable of path planning and flying themselves around a facility to perform inventory management. The AI-driven software enables the drones to take data from their sensors and train the model to understand barcodes, LPNs, full pallets vs empty pallets, etc. and keep an accurate image-based database of inventory in real-time. Most importantly, the data can be integrated with warehouse management software and other management systems to make sure every department has the data they need when they need it, and maximize results.Inventory automation enables warehouse operators to do more value-added work: Instead of deploying a team to monotonously drive forklifts around a facility to manually track inventory, companies can now train those individuals to operate autonomous drones, analyze the data, find mistakes and fix them. These operators get to be "detectives" solving inventory questions, getting product where it needs to be, and maximizing throughput for the organization.How can schools replicate a system like this in the classroom? Teach the integration of these 3 key components: Drones are a great tool to teach skills (hard & soft) that are being used in the workforce today. Considering the three main components outlined in Takeaway #1, instructors can teach the following outcomes: Hardware - build, 3D print, design, improve, troubleshoot, optimize drone technology. Software - program controllers, do the encoding, wire electrical systems. Data - capture data and leverage AI tools to drive optimal performance in a process.ResourcesLearn more about Gather AI: gather.aiConnect with Gather AI:LinkedIn  |  YouTubeEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/gatherai/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Every day you interact with hundreds of products made by companies you've never heard of, making things you didn't realize you needed or existed until you learned they exist.But these companies are everywhere, employing such a huge percentage of our workforce and driving so much economic growth and innovation that, without them, our way of life in America would cease to exist.Asutosh Padhi is North American Managing Partner for McKinsey & Company. He just published The Titanium Economy, and it's a deep dive into these companies and the immense value they bring to the U.S.We sat down with Asutosh to uncover his findings and celebrate the work being done in the Titanium Economy.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Titanium Economy companies are productivity superstars: These superstars are up to 5.5x more productive than their counterparts in the same industries. Their secret? These companies excel at workforce development (attracting and upskilling great talent), digitization to drive business outcomes, and investing in faster and better R&D.The Great Amplification Cycle: The Titanium Economy can revitalize regions and spur economic growth across the U.S., resulting in "the Great Amplification Cycle." These companies attract others into a region, creating "hubs" all over the country. These hubs employ thousands of people, who then participate in their local economy and drive growth in other sectors; for example, by purchasing clothes, eating at restaurants, sending their kids to school...the list goes on and on. Everyone benefits when Titanium Economy companies come to town.The Titanium Economy is a little-known secret that shouldn't be kept secret any longer: When it comes to economic impact, the Titanium Economy is as vital to America as consumer-facing giants like Google, Apple, Ford and others. Companies and schools need to work together to generate more exposure for students to this whole world of opportunity right in their neighborhood. Asutosh shares some examples of partnerships that are getting it right, as well as some ideas for how we can keep getting the word out about the career opportunities in industrial technology.ResourcesLearn more about The Titanium Economy book: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/the-titanium-economyConnect with McKinsey & Company:Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  YouTubeEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/titaniumeconomyInstagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Jarrod Barnes, Professor at NYU, is an early adopter of AI in the classroom. As a lifelong coach, he's developing an AI playbook for educators to help others engage with these tools and drive positive outcomes in the classroom.Jarrod has been experimenting with AI in his own classes, and now he's sitting down with us to share all the key takeaways. This is a great episode for those wanting to embrace AI but first want to hear from someone who has already paved the path.Inside this episode:Primer on AI: what is it and how does it work?The top concerns facing education around AI3 core applications for AI in the classroom that have proven to be highly successful for studentsHow to implement AI practice into every classEducators as facilitators vs. keepers of the knowledge3 Big Takeaways from this episode:AI is a reasoning machine: The GPT in ChatGPT stands for "generative pre-trained transformer" - a reasoning machine that takes your inputs, evaluates them based on the parameters it was trained on, and generates an output. Get a primer on ChatGPT, GPT4, other AI tools for the classroom...plus some key concerns educators are thinking about.3 applications for AI that have benefited students at NYU: Translation of lecture notes for international students whose first language is not English, adapting the content of the lecture to the preferred learning modality of the student (shift text to images and graphs, transform video to text, etc.), and solving for the "cold start" for students and help unblock them and get their mind going.AI will disrupt the student - teacher relationship: What makes AI different than technological advances of recent years is the combined speed of innovation + speed of adoption. AI will empower the agency of the individual learner while pushing educators to create meaningful learning experiences for those students. No longer are teachers the keepers of knowledge that they impart to students. Instead, they're the facilitators to help students learn using all the native knowlege that's available immediately at their fingertips. Tools like AI will help magnify learning in this new way.ResourcesTo learn more about NYU, visit: www.nyu.eduRead: Forget Lectures, It's Time for Conversational Learning: GPT-4 and the Future of EducationConnect with Jarrod:Twitter  |  LinkedInEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/barnes/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Ed Magee has a fascinating career history - from the Marine Corps to decades of operations leadership at Harley-Davidson and Fender - and now he's instilling his lessons learned in a new role as Vice President for Strategic Operations at Belmont University.The truth is, university education in America is facing a crossroads: either innovate and adapt, or fade away. The workplace is changing rapidly, the market for education is changing, and what students want out of their college experience has changed. If universities don't recognize these changes and pivot, they won't be around for long.Fortunately, Ed's experience in operations leadership positions him to bring this entrepreneurial mindset to Belmont. And in this episode, we're digging into what those lessons from manufacturing are, and what higher education should be doing to adapt to the market.Inside this episode:Why systems are just as important as ambitious goalsHow to view university education through a product development lensThe value of "and, not or"How to get others on board with your big ideas3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Universities need to adopt a "startup" mindset: Higher education is facing huge changes in the market. To remain relevant universities have to pivot their educational offering to content and modes that students today want. That means adopting a startup mindset: making ambitious goals, quickly adapting to market trends, creating an innovative product that the market wants, and delivering it in a way that's meaningful and useful to students.Manufacturing operations lend themselves well to university education: From Kaizen and continuous improvement, to lean thinking, to systems and processes, the tools of manufacturing can help university leaders run a streamlined organization. By implementing these tools, universities can pivot faster, redesign an educational experience students today are looking for, and achieve bigger goals than ever before.To drive organizational change, effective leaders put people first: In any organization with big goals and initiatives, change management is all about getting people on board. While it's great for leaders to embrace and inspire toward change, what's really needed is for everyone in the organization to internalize and own the effort. That happens through listening, meeting people where they're at, investing in people, and remembering that there are more similarities than differences among us.ResourcesTo learn more about Belmont University, visit: www.belmont.eduConnect with Belmont:Facebook  |  Twitter  |  YouTube |  LinkedIn  |  InstagramEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/belmont/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Dr. Rich Barnhouse is an education innovator. With experience leading higher education all over the U.S., he understands how to disrupt traditional models, create sustainable change, and embrace cutting-edge technologies that will empower students to be productive in the workforce.We sat down with Rich to talk about some of his strategic initiatives as President of Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) - including how to harness the power artificial intelligence in education.This episode is full of insights into the transformative potential of AI in the classroom, in the administrative office and in the workforce.Inside this episode:Education's innovation problem - and how to avoid crises of changeThe biggest technology transformation humankind has ever seenTwo huge AI gaps in the workforce - and how education can fix itWhy companies need associates and baccalaureates with functional AI experienceHow to harness AI to improve the teacher and student experienceThe emerging specialty field in automation that offers huge opportunities for students3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Automatic organic evolution: Because change can be hard to implement in higher education, the tendency is to stand still. This mindset has left higher ed in a crisis of change today. Instead, Rich has instilled a culture of automatic organic evolution at WCTC. It's part of the DNA of the college to consistently innovate how and what is taught - and that enables the college to move alongside industry.Companies are facing AI gaps in two key places: There is a middle level in business where data scientists and masters degreed engineers are developing and deploying AI. Above and below this level there are huge gaps in AI understanding and implementation. Education needs fill these gaps: first, bringing AI education to executives and managers to help them understand how to leverage the technology for business cases, and second, to bring AI experience to people on the shop floor who can become functional and operational experts. AI is transforming higher education not just in the classroom, but at its operational core: With the right AI tools, instructors can automate administrative and operational tasks so they have more bandwidth to focus on students and teaching. In the same way, the administrative side of higher ed can leverage data to improve the student experience, which will attract a greater number of enrollees in future years.ResourcesTo learn more about Waukesha County Technical College, visit: www.wctc.eduConnect with WCTC:Facebook  |  Twitter  |  YouTube |  LinkedInEpisode page:  https://techedpodcast.com/barnhouseInstagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Sports medicine meets data science in this fascinating episode of The TechEd Podcast!Dr. Matt Provencher is a sports medicine analyst and the founder of Proven Performance Technology. You've probably seen his Injury Analysis on FOX Sports, where he uses cutting-edge data science to analyze NFL injuries and predict how those will impact the rest of the game.With a storied background with the U.S. Navy SEALs, New England Patriots and other professional sports organizations, and now with his team of "Predictors" at Proven Performance Technology, Dr. Provencher has taken our understanding of elite athletic performance to a whole new level.Inside this episode:How an electrical engineering major turned into a data-driven career in sports medicineDeveloping the Special Forces Tactical Athlete Program (TAP) for the Navy SEALsSpeaking the language of coaching - and how to leverage this tactic in your own careerApplying data science to sports medicine with the Patriots and across the NFLHow injury data impacts the world of sports - from equipment, to rules, to fantasy leagues and betting, to choosing which players to draft and tradeHow data science in sports can be translated to manufacturing and industrial sectorsResourcesTo learn more about Dr. Provencher's work, visit: https://www.thepredictors.com/Connect with Dr. Provencher and The Predictors:Twitter  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn  |  TikTokEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/provencher/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn