The OpenEd Podcast

Kerry McDonald, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and host of the LiberatED podcast, discusses the revolution in alternative education models.Key topics: Rise of homeschooling and microschools Impact of COVID-19 on education choices Technology's role in enabling new learning approaches Blurring lines between traditional and alternative education Growth of low-cost private schools and school choice policies Challenges and opportunities in education innovationKerry shares insights on how parents are becoming more empowered in their children's education and why personalized learning is the future.#AlternativeEducation #Homeschooling #EdTech #SchoolChoice #MicroschoolsChapters00:00 Reflecting on Education: Well-Schooled but Not Well-Educated00:34 Introducing Carrie McDonald: A Force in Education Innovation01:06 The Education Entrepreneurship Lab: Empowering Innovators03:36 Carrie's Journey: From Economics to Education08:08 Discovering Homeschooling: A Pivotal Moment11:52 The Rise of Alternative Education Models13:41 Pandemic Pods and Parental Empowerment17:17 The Future of Decentralized Education20:07 The Rise of Homeschooling21:03 Exploring Micro Schools22:06 Adoption of Unconventional Education23:30 The Middle Majority Embraces Alternatives25:12 Blurring the Lines: Public vs. Private27:36 Navigating State Regulations35:40 Technology's Role in Education38:24 Predictions and Future Trends40:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

When was the last time you outran a bear? These kids did it last week. Dive into the wild world of Nature Kids Connect – a part-time nature-based enrichment program that meets every Friday in the Salt Lake City area.No phones. No screens. No limits. See how unplugging from tech and plugging into nature is creating a generation of fearless leaders.Bears don't care about your Instagram, and neither do these kids. Witness the power of real-world experiences in shaping young minds.Learn more at https://NatureKidsConnect.com00:00 Introduction to the Open Ed Podcast00:28 Exploring Nature Kids Connect00:45 A Day in the Life of Nature Kids03:33 Weather Challenges and Outdoor Learning05:29 Wildlife Encounters and Journaling Adventures08:24 Backpacking Trips and Outdoor Bonding17:50 Entrepreneurship and Future Plans26:02 Balancing Technology and Nature31:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Today, we're diving into our first-ever Q&A session. Matt Bowman and Isaac tackle some of the most pressing questions from our amazing community of parents and educators.Here's a taste of what we cover:00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer02:00 Is obsession with one subject okay?05:00 How to balance freedom and future prep?08:00 Is it normal to feel like I'm winging it?10:00 How to assess learning without grades?14:00 How should we approach screen time?19:00 How to encourage reluctant readers?26:00 How can kids discover their passions?32:00 Assignments or self-directed projects?40:00 Can homeschoolers go to college?44:00 What if I don't feel qualified to teach?48:00 Closing Remarks and Call for QuestionsRemember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer in education. We're all figuring this out together.Share your questions as comments on the video. Check out the new Q&A playlist with clips from these episodes and share them with your fellow parents in need!

Learning is often simple. The hard part is unlearning the limitations others have placed on you.Meet Daniella Park, who left school at 16 with severe dyslexia and nothing but a business plan. "I begged my parents and teachers to just give me a chance," she recalls.That chance paid off. Today, Daniella is a successful entrepreneur and the head chef at @Baketivity, where she's cooking up a revolution in hands-on STEM learning."Baking ignites all five senses," Daniella explains. "It actually makes the perfect classroom in your brain."Daniella shares her journey and how Baketivity is turning kitchens into classrooms. She reveals her secret ingredient for success: "Say yes to everything. Most times it works, andsometimes it kills you, but it always gives you lessons."Want to try Daniella's approach to learning? Use code OPENED10 for 10% off your Baketivity subscription.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Open Ed Podcast00:26 Meet Daniela Park from Baktivity00:59 The Baktivity Experience02:14 STEM Learning Through Baking06:03 Daniela's Personal Journey09:34 Baktivity's Unique Approach11:41 Engaging Kids in the Kitchen22:03 Life Lessons and Advice29:06 Join the Baktivity Community

The greatest threat to your child's potential isn't bad grades. It's an outdated education system. In this episode, OpenEd CEO Isaac Morehouse discusses his first principles approach to education, breaking down the five building blocks of open education: Education is inherently human Curiosity drives learning Every child learns differently Real-world application trumps theory Education should adapt to the child, not vice versaDiscover why humans are born learners and how traditional schooling often stifles this innate drive. Learn why force-feeding facts kills motivation, while following interests leads to deeper, faster learning. Understand the limitations of one-size-fits-all education and the power of personalized learning.Morehouse explains why memorizing facts isn't true learning and how open education emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning. Find out why flexible, adaptive learning environments allow each child to flourish.It's time to move beyond the outdated factory model of education. Choose flexibility. Choose growth. Choose open education.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Host Introduction01:16 Diving into First Principles06:10 Understanding Education09:11 Education vs. Conditioning12:54 The Human Drive to Learn17:02 Balancing Freedom and Structure in Education21:21 Exploring Open Education24:11 Pragmatic Approach to Education28:02 Recognizing When Kids Are Struggling30:39 The Challenge of Teaching Reading32:21 The Importance of Flexibility in Education34:11 Balancing Cost and Value in Education36:38 Creative Solutions for Homeschooling39:41 Dealing with Pressure and Stigma48:11 The Future of Open Education52:31 Final Thoughts and Personal Stories

Most students will spend 15,000 hours in classrooms. But how much of that time is spent actually learning, versus wasted?Hannah Frankman – the thinker behind the popular @rebeleducator Twitter account as she and Isaac Morehouse challenge traditional education norms and explore the power of critical thinking. Discover how to shed limiting beliefs and embrace a more effective, personalized approach to learning.Want even more? Sign up for the OpenEd Daily newsletter at https://opened.co for practical tips and insights about more open and innovative approaches to education.

Andrea Fife was ready to walk away from education forever. Frustrated with rigid systems and disengaged students, she saw no way forward. Then a radical shift in perspective changed everything. Discover how one educator's near-failure led her to a new approach to personalized learning.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:54 Andrea's Passion for Education02:26 Andrea's Personal Educational Journey07:51 The Role of Music in Education12:30 Balancing Personalized Education and Real-World Systems14:57 Empowering Kids with Choices20:52 The Importance of Music and Theater in Learning22:54 The Power of Music and Movement in Learning24:14 College Struggles and Realizations29:00 Discovering a Passion for Graphic Design31:38 Encouraging Kids to Find Their Own Path36:25 Creating Custom Learning Experiences41:38 The Flexibility of Open Education46:59 Goals and Success in Open Education

Michael Horn, education innovator and co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, discusses the future of learning. Discover why one-size-fits-all education is becoming obsolete and how personalized learning is reshaping schools. Horn explains the rise of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and their impact on school choice. Learn about the "hidden curriculum" - essential skills often overlooked in traditional education. Explore the challenges of creating sustainable alternative education models and why top-down reforms frequently fail. Horn shares insights on preparing students for an uncertain job market and the importance of teaching adaptability. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on reinventing education for every child's unique needs.

Tech industry veteran Aaron Osmond reveals what employers really want in today’s rapidly evolving job market. Forget traditional degrees - learn why problem-solving skills and hands-on experience are the new gold standard. Discover how AI is reshaping the tech landscape and why mastering it is crucial for your career. Uncover the power of networking and building a standout portfolio. Whether you’re a student, career-changer, or curious about tech, this video offers actionable insights to take control of your learning journey and land your dream job in tech. Get ready to revolutionize your approach to education and career development.Links and resources:- Knowledge Pillars: https://www.mytechhigh.com/knowledge-...- WordPress Certified Editor course: https://www.mytechhigh.com/knowledge-...Learn:- The importance of problem-solving and critical thinking skills in any career- How certifications are evolving to meet industry needs for practical skills validation- The value of hands-on, project-based learning in tech education- Why networking is crucial for career advancement, even at a young age- The role of AI in future careers and why fundamental tech skills are still essential- How safe, curated learning environments can benefit students in tech education- The importance of continuous learning and skill improvement in the tech industryChapters:00:00 Introduction to Problem Solving and Critical Thinking00:41 Meet Aaron Osmond: CEO of Knowledge Pillars01:03 The Importance of Skills and Signals in Career Building01:59 Aaron’s Career Journey: From Receptionist to IT Leader02:25 The Power of Networking in Career Advancement04:31 Building and Leveraging Your Network05:35 The Role of Certifications in the Tech Industry11:18 Industry vs. Education: Bridging the Skills Gap16:06 The Future of Skills Validation and Certification21:40 The Value of Certification in Coding22:04 The Impact of AI on Learning and Testing23:12 Creating Real-World Testing Environments24:21 Engaging Students Through Practical Application26:00 Identifying and Nurturing Young Coders29:43 The Importance of Foundational Skills31:28 The Role of AI in Future Careers34:30 Effective Learning Methodologies39:10 Safe and Secure Learning Environments41:13 The Future of Knowledge Pillars

Are you tired of trying to explain your child’s unique educational journey? You’re not alone!In this episode, incoming CEO Isaac Morehouse sits down with Matt Bowman to discuss: Why traditional educational labels like “homeschooler” don’t cut it anymore The evolution from My Tech High to OpenEd The importance of shared language in shaping the future of education How families are customizing education in ways we never imaginedFrom online math classes to local school band practice to home-run businesses, today’s learners are breaking all the molds. Join us as we explore why the old labels are falling short and how OpenEd is working to capture the incredible diversity in modern education.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 The Evolution from My Tech High to Open Ed02:04 The Importance of a Name03:27 The Power of Language in Business04:32 The Shift in Education Post-COVID06:05 Origins and Vision of My Tech High10:28 Entrepreneurship for Young People14:40 Real-World Entrepreneurship Stories23:39 The Broader Vision of Open Ed28:15 Conclusion and Future Plans