We’re in a joyous mood today, and not just because the spooky season is just around the corner – it’s International Podcast Day! Recognized and revered by marketers all around the world who need an excuse to mention their podcasts, International Podcast Day is a global celebration of the fine art of consumable conversations. For our part, we’re presenting this roundup of the latest and greatest from the Filament Games Podcast and our recent EDU/game dev podcast appearances. This FGP season features insightful discussions on game-based learning, educational technology, and the future of education, with a special focus on interviews conducted at SXSW EDU 2024:
SXSW EDU Interview Series
Lee Waldvogel: Career Readiness and Postsecondary Planning
Lee Waldvogel, Strategic Partnerships Lead at American Student Assistance (ASA), joined Jennifer Javornik to discuss the future of career readiness. Waldvogel shared insights on ASA’s EvolveMe digital experience, emphasizing the importance of preparing students for future careers as early as middle school. The conversation explored how digital tools can make career preparation more accessible and engaging for students.
Jodi Asbell-Clarke: Game-Based Learning in STEM Education
Jodi Asbell-Clarke, Director and Co-Founder of the Educational Gaming Environments group (EdGE) at TERC, brought her unique perspective on game-based learning in STEM. With a background spanning math, astrophysics, and education, Asbell-Clarke discussed the potential of games to engage diverse learners in STEM subjects. She also touched on her recent book about teaching neurodivergent learners in STEM fields.
Jamie Sterling: AI in K-12 Education
Jamie Sterling, VP of Product, Research & Development at Carnegie Learning, provided valuable insights into the world of AI-powered education. Sterling discussed the evolution of AI tutoring systems and explored the potential of generative AI in K-12 learning. The conversation highlighted Carnegie Learning’s extensive experience in developing AI for education.
Julie Willcott: Virtual Reality in Education
Julie Willcott, Education Products Manager at zSpace, shared her expertise on the integration of virtual reality in education. Willcott discussed the evolution of VR technology in classrooms and introduced the DICE framework for determining when to use VR in educational settings. Her background as a former high school science teacher provided a practical perspective on creating intuitive interfaces for both students and teachers.
Arana Shapiro: Games for Social Impact
Arana Shapiro, Chief Programs and Operating Officer at Games for Change, explored the intersection of gaming and social impact. Shapiro discussed the evolution of Games for Change over its 20-year history and highlighted their programs for educators and students. The conversation also touched on aligning game development with UN Sustainable Development Goals and engaging commercial game studios in creating positive change.
Additional Episodes
Dan White on RoboCo and Game-Based Learning
Filament Games CEO Dan White appeared on the Experience Points Podcast, sharing insights on the development of RoboCo and Filament’s approach to game-based learning. White discussed the challenges of balancing educational content with engaging gameplay and shared Filament’s philosophy on innovation in educational game design.
Dan White on the Future of Educational Gaming
In another insightful appearance on the No Such Thing Podcast, Dan White explored the potential of educational gaming. He shared his journey from teaching to game development and discussed how Filament Games approaches the creation of impactful educational experiences through gaming.
And there you have it! These audio offerings provide a comprehensive look at the current state and future potential of game-based learning and educational technology. From AI and VR to career readiness and STEM education, these episodes provide valuable insights for educators, game developers, and anyone interested in the intersection of education and technology.
To dive deeper into these fascinating discussions, tune in to the full episodes on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Want to talk about these topics with a real person, in real time? Contact us so we can explore your next project idea!
Happy International Podcast Day!