Podcast
EdTech Elevated
Hosted by Lisa March · EN
EdTech Elevated is a PIP powered podcast where we'll be discussing the latest trends, groundbreaking ideas, and inspiring stories that are shaping the future of educational technology. Join us as we explore the EdTech landscape and dive deep into conversations that are transforming the face of education.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AI Literacy First: Jeff Riley On How Schools Can Lead AI Education
Jan 2700:39:02Tap to summarizeAI is moving quickly into schools, and reactions range from cautious to enthusiastic. What does it mean to teach AI before it teaches us? In this episode of EdTech Elevated, host Lisa March, president and founder of Partner in Publishing, sits down with Jeff Riley, Executive Director of Day of AI, to explore how schools can approach artificial intelligence with intention and responsibility. Jeff shares the mission behind Day of AI, a research-led, movement-minded organization focused on empowering students to become informed creators and thoughtful leaders in an AI-shaped world. Together, Lisa and Jeff discuss what districts are asking for as AI enters classrooms, why trusted guidance matters, and how open communication between educators, administrators, parents, students, and vendors is essential to getting it right. The conversation covers developing AI policy, addressing privacy and safety concerns, and teaching students to be healthy skeptics who understand both the power and limitations of prediction-based systems. This episode is essential listening for educators, district leaders, and EdTech partners who want to lead AI education responsibly and keep students at the center of the conversation. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 0:40: Meet Jeff Riley and Day of AI 4:20: Digital Natives & Digital Immigrants 5:40: AI for a Better World 7:30: Learning About AI From a Trusted Source 11:00: Privacy & Safety with AI 12:40: Raising Healthy Skeptics of AI 16:30: Parents Can't Be Out of the Loop 27:30: AI Literacy 29:30: Teaching Critical Thinking First 31:20: Research-Led, Movement-Minded 33:00: Personalizing Instruction with AI 36:50: For Parents and Schools: How to Get Involved with Day of AI Resources: Jeff Riley Day of AI Day of AI: Curriculum & Resources Day of AI: Family Resources Day of AI: For School Leaders Lisa March Partner in Publishing Blog: How to Adopt AI Without Falling Behind
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Affordable Test Prep for All Students: Kim Canning on Expanding Access
Jan 700:35:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode of EdTech Elevated, host Lisa March, President and Founder of Partner in Publishing, sits down with Kim Canning, Vice President of University Partnerships at Kaplan, for a timely conversation about access, affordability, and what it really means to be student-centered in admissions preparation. Kim shares how Kaplan's mission of leveling the playing field through access shows up in practice, from breaking down socioeconomic barriers to rethinking how test prep is delivered at scale. The conversation explores Kaplan's All Access License, a model designed to make high-quality admissions prep available to all students, not just those who can afford it. Together, Lisa and Kim unpack how strong university partnerships are built by listening first: aligning with institutional priorities, supporting employability readiness through skills courses, and extending value beyond enrollment to alumni. Kim also walks through a powerful case study with Hampton University, highlighting how integrated test prep and skills development can help graduates become confident, critical thinkers. Whether you're an institutional leader, EdTech innovator, or university partner thinking about equity in admissions, this episode offers practical insight into how access-driven design and collaboration can open doors for students at every stage of their academic journey. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 0:40: Meet Kim Canning, VP of University Partnerships at Kaplan 2:23: The DNA of Kaplan: Leveling the Playing Field and Providing Access 6:45: Breaking Socioeconomic Barriers: Making Test Prep Affordable for ALL Students 9:00: Introducing the Kaplan All Access License 12:02: Working with University Partners on Their Priorities 16:47: Fostering Employability Readiness with Skills Courses 17:30: Case Study: Hampton University Graduates Critical Thinkers 21:30: What Does It Mean to Be Student-Centered? 25:30: Endless Ways of Partnering with Schools for Test Preparation 26:57: Supporting Alumni Through University Partnerships 28:30: How Schools Get Started with Kaplan 31:06: Creative Ways Big Institutions Partner with Kaplan Resources: Kim Canning Kaplan The Kaplan All Access License Blog: Unlocking Potential: A First-Generation College Student's Journey to Medical School Blog: Beyond Limits: How One Student Is Redefining Her Future & Pursuing Law School Blog: Equipping the Next Generation for Success: How Delaware State University Is Driving Better Outcomes Lisa March Partner in Publishing
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How Tiny Things Make a Big Impact: Teaching Chemistry with Dr. Ashley Evanoski-Cole and Dr. Elaine Villanueva Bernal
Dec 1700:28:00Tap to summarizeWhat if the most powerful chemistry lessons were the ones students couldn't see, but could feel in their everyday lives? In this episode of EdTech Elevated, host Elaine Villanueva Bernal, Ph.D. Chemist of the University of California, Long Beach, is joined by Dr. Ashley Evanoski-Cole, Ph.D. Chemist of Westfield State University, who believes that tiny, invisible interactions can spark big learning breakthroughs. Together, Elaine and Ashley explore how chemistry comes alive when it's connected to the world students already care about, from the air we breathe and the food we cook to exercise, weather, and even baking. They dive into how tools like REAL CHEM and interactive simulations help students visualize abstract concepts, collaborate more confidently, and move past common barriers like math anxiety. The conversation also touches on the role of mentorship in chemistry education, the power of group learning, and how thoughtfully designed explorations and checkpoints can help students build both conceptual understanding and confidence. Along the way, Elaine and Ashley share practical examples of how stoichiometry becomes a kitchen lesson, atmospheric chemistry becomes personal, and learning shifts from memorization to meaning. Whether you're teaching general chemistry, designing courseware, or looking for ways to help students see themselves in STEM, this episode is a reminder that when chemistry feels real, students lean in. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 0:34: Meet Dr. Ashley Evanoski-Cole and Dr. Elaine Villanueva Bernal 2:43: Atmospheric Chemistry: The Invisible Science of the Air 5:15: Teaching General Chemistry with REAL CHEM 7:10: PHET Simulations: Connecting Things We Can't See to Things We Care About 9:10: Teaching Group Activities with REAL CHEM 11:15: Real-Life Chemical Connections to Food, Weather, and Exercise 14:25: Mentorship in Chemistry Education 16:12: Getting Past the Fear of Math in Learning Chemistry 18:41: How Stoichiometry Becomes a Baking Lesson 22:03: Diving Deeper into REAL CHEM's Explorations & Checkpoints 23:45: Q&A Lightning Round: Chemistry Favorites Resources: Elaine Villanueva Bernal Biography, Research, and Publications Elaine Villanueva Bernal LinkedIn Elaine Villanueva Bernal on Instagram @theconnectedchemist Ashley Evanoski-Cole Biography, Research, and Publications Ashley Evanoski-Cole LinkedIn REAL CHEM Lisa March Partner in Publishing
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Dr. Amy Burkert on Designing Chemistry Courseware for All Students to Succeed
Dec 1000:30:03Tap to summarizeChemistry can feel like an intimidating subject for college students. So, how do chemistry professors make their courses feel designed for every learner? In this episode of EdTech Elevated, PIP's president and founder, Lisa March, sits down with Dr. Amy Burkert, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives and chemistry professor of Carnegie Mellon University. Together with the REAL CHEM team, she's helping transform a course historically known for "weeding students out" into one that welcomes students in and lifts them up. By shaping the next generation of college learners, Dr. Bukert's work unites chemistry with real-world impact. We also explore REAL CHEM, the next-generation digital learning experience she helped design to make chemistry more engaging and effective, bringing learning science to life for students everywhere. Join us for a conversation about what it really takes to help students see the chemistry in everything, and how innovation in teaching can transform how we understand learning itself. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 0:35: Meet Dr. Amy Burkert 08:10: Collaboration in Chemistry Education 11:30: An Adaptive Approach to Teaching Chemistry 16:50: Empowering Faculty to be Independent in Their Coursework 18:15: The Challenges (and Strengths) of Self-Directed Learning 19:23: Shifting Chem Ed from a Solo Sport to a Community of Practice 21:30: Mapping Principles of Learning Science & Engineering 22:27: The Shared Vision of REAL CHEM and its Partners 25:00: Contagious Excitement: Moments of Pride in Advancing This Work 26:04: Reaching Learners Who Are Left Out (Or Opt Out) Resources: Amy Burkert REAL CHEM Amy Burkert Research & Publications Lisa March Partner in Publishing
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Bonding with Chemistry: Dr. Gizelle Sherwood on Real-World Science in Higher Ed
Nov 1900:38:24Tap to summarizeChemistry sticks when students can feel it. So, how do we make the subject truly tangible? In this episode of EdTech Elevated, PIP's president and founder, Lisa March, sits down with Dr. Gizelle Sherwood, a passionate chemistry educator and innovator at Carnegie Mellon University. With 17 years of teaching experience and her current role as Director of Undergraduate Studies in Chemistry, Dr. Sherwood has dedicated her career to making science meaningful, accessible, and connected to the world beyond the classroom. In shaping the next generation of college learners, Dr. Sherwood's work unites chemistry with real-world impact. We also explore REAL CHEM, the next-generation digital learning experience she helped design to make chemistry more engaging and effective, bringing learning science to life for students everywhere. Join us for a conversation about what it really takes to help students see the chemistry in everything, and how innovation in teaching can transform how we understand learning itself. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 00:40 Meet Dr. Gizelle Sherwood 02:15 Combining Math and Chemistry 05:01 The Tangibility of Homeopathic Chemistry 05:51 The Power of a Network of Chemists 07:02 Inspiring the Next Generation of Chemists Through Research Work 08:30 Cosmetic & Cooking Chemistry 10:50 REAL CHEM Gets Students Excited About the Sciences 14:57 Representation: Students Need to See Themselves in Chemistry 20:00 Student Success with REAL CHEM 20:50 Behind the Scenes of REAL CHEM Video Production 22:18 Students Today Want Tangibility 23:48 Sharing Stories: Favorite Experiments 25:20 How to Use REAL CHEM in Your Classroom 29:00 The Taurus Platform: Data-Driven Teaching 32:50 Learning Science in a Continual Feedback Loop Resources: Gizelle Sherwood REAL CHEM Gizelle Sherwood Research & Publications Lisa March Partner in Publishing
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From School to Silicon Valley: Alfredo Mathew III on the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Nov 400:31:03Tap to summarizeWhat if students graduated seeing themselves as future CEOs, not just future employees? In this episode of EdTech Elevated, Partner in Publishing (PIP) President and Founder Lisa March sits down with Alfredo Mathew III, founder and CEO of SPCC.1 and co-founder of ESO Ventures, to explore how schools can better prepare students to thrive in the real-world economy. From developing an entrepreneurial mindset to reimagining what "career readiness" truly means, Lisa and Alfredo dive into how education can bridge classrooms and capital. They unpack what it takes to connect Gen Z learners to meaningful work, why the language of business belongs in every classroom, and how teaching the "business of life" could redefine the purpose of education altogether. Alfredo shares how developing an entrepreneurial mindset early on helps students see themselves as creators, innovators, and leaders equipped to drive change and define success on their terms. Education and entrepreneurship don't have to be separate paths. They can be one journey. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 0:32 Meet Alfredo Mathew: Changemaker & Entrepreneurship Advocate 2:34 Mentoring Young People in Ownership 3:57 Work AND College: Creating Economic Opportunities 6:35 Bridging Silicon Valley & Schools 9:05 The Gap Between the Wall Street & the Main Street Economy 11:32 History Class Teaches Entrepreneurial Thinking 15:25 The Educator Mindset: Thinking Strategically 18:54 Education Exists Within the Economy 20:02 The Creator Economy 24:33 Mateo's Story 27:35 How Do Schools Get Involved with Alfredo's Work? Resources Manifesting an Economic Engine for Social Good | Alfredo Mathew III | TEDxWest Valley College Alfredo Mathew III ESO Ventures SPCC.1 Lisa March Partner in Publishing
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Talking AI with a People-First Perspective: Lisa March and Kevin O'Sullivan, Founders of PIP
Sep 2900:27:09Tap to summarizeBoth can be true: AI is the new frontier—and in business, humans connect with humans. In this episode of EdTech Elevated, Partner in Publishing (PIP) President and Founder Lisa March and CEO Kevin O'Sullivan pull back the curtain on what it takes to build a company from the ground up. From finding your niche and getting your business off the ground to helping others do the same (as true partners), they share the insights and anecdotes that have been "the secret to the sauce" (Kevin's all-time favorite phrase). It's all about human connection. How we balance that with the efficiency of modern-day tech, especially in the age of AI, is a hot-button issue in today's climate, and Lisa and Kevin tackle it head-on. Together, they get real about the human side of growth and how AI has officially joined the sales team, bringing numbers through the roof. Packed with stories, laughs, and "wait… that actually worked?" moments, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of business growth in the evolving world of EdTech. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 00:00 Take Your Idea From Concept to Close 4:25 Finding (and Following) Your Niche 7:28 Getting Your Business off the Ground 12:20 Bringing AI Into Sales: It's A Numbers Game 16:25 Taking Calls to Close with Efficiency 18:58 The Impact of AI in Market Research 20:50 Humans Connect with Humans 21:48 The PIP Eras 23:49 LinkedIn is the Biggest Publisher Out There 25:00 AI as the New Frontier Resources: Lisa March Kevin O'Sullivan Partner in Publishing
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The Lisa and K.O. Show: A Partnership in EdTech
Sep 1000:32:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of EdTech Elevated, Partner in Publishing (PIP) President and Founder, Lisa March, sits down with CEO Kevin O'Sullivan for a candid conversation that goes back to where it all began. Together, they reflect on how PIP started with relationships, reputation, and insider knowledge (and inside jokes), and how those early priorities shaped the company's values and growth over the last sixteen years. Lisa and Kevin share stories from the early days of building the business, the lessons they've learned as partners, and what has kept their collaboration strong through different eras of EdTech. The conversation doesn't stop at the past, though (and neither do the laughs and great stories). They also look ahead to the future of marketing in education, exploring new strategies, trends, and AI-driven technologies that are reshaping the field today. This episode is part retrospective and part future-oriented, offering listeners both an inside look at the origins of Partner in Publishing and timely insights into where EdTech is heading next. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 00:00 Introducing the Lisa and K.O. Show, Powered by PIP 5:50 The PIP Difference: A Full-Service Partner 9:14 Customer Support as a Lesson of the Pandemic 11:24 Developing Product Ambassadors and "Real Fans" 14:14 Modernization: Bringing Marketing and Sales Under the Same Roof 14:58 Social Media Marketing vs. Email Marketing 16:52 Developing Great Storytelling Content 19:50 You Can't Just Do One Thing 22:30 Working With Solopreneurs vs. Designated Team 27:01 Building a Culture of Mentorship and Connection 28:39 Everyone is a Publisher
Transcribe →From Insight to Impact: Nicole Dingley on Advocacy-Driven Marketing in Higher Ed
Jun 24, 202500:36:10Tap to summarizeWhat happens when marketing leads with empathy, deep listening, and a genuine commitment to student outcomes? In this episode, Lisa March sits down with Nicole Dingley, VP of Marketing at Ad Astra, to explore how customer advocacy can fuel pipeline growth, shape marketing efforts, and build lasting partnerships in higher ed. From uncovering real challenges facing institutions to translating those insights into meaningful marketing and product direction, Nicole offers a practical and mission-driven approach to connecting with customers. Along the way, she also explores how something as foundational as course scheduling can influence equity and accessibility—and why listening is one of the most powerful tools in any marketer's playbook. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 00:39 - Lisa introduces Nicole and highlights her early achievements in sales at Wiley. 03:07 - Nicole defines customer advocacy and explains how it shaped her $2M territory. 04:15 - Discovering her dream role: Nicole's pivot into customer success marketing 07:15 - Why customer advocacy marketing is essential in the age of AI 09:02 - What Ad Astra does and how course scheduling impacts equity and student outcomes 11:32 - Partner in Publishing's Digital Marketing Services 12:35 - Why customer feedback was key to tackling inefficiencies in course scheduling 14:40 - Using community and benchmarking data (Higher Education Scheduling Index) to guide marketing 17:37 - Ad Astra's annual Aspire Conference and how it fosters customer learning and engagement 19:20 - The link between scheduling equity and breaking cycles of poverty 21:18 - Multi-channel marketing strategies: community, associations, and roadshows 23:30 - Partner in Publishing's Video Services 24:40 - Nicole's love for content marketing and how it supports student-centered solutions 26:32 - Navigating complex sales and tailoring content for multiple campus stakeholders 29:52 - Nicole's favorite marketing tool: Influitive - for building community and content 30:39 - Career advice: shifting from individual contributor to collaborative leader 32:12 - What excites Nicole about EdTech marketing and the mission behind her work 34:22 - Reflections on the partnership with Partner in Publishing and scaling with confidence Resources: Lisa March Nicole Dingley Partner in Publishing Ad Astra Leading with Noble Purpose by Lisa McLeod Selling with Noble Purpose by Lisa McLeod Influitive - Customer advocacy SAAS
Transcribe →Learning at the Speed of AI: Mike Hale on VitalSource's Vision
Jun 3, 202500:27:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of EdTech Elevated, Lisa March sits down with Mike Hale, Ph.D., Chief Learning Officer at VitalSource, to explore the evolving role of AI in education. Mike shares how VitalSource is leveraging AI to accelerate learning, support faculty, and scale evidence-based practices grounded in learning science. From intelligent tutoring systems to real-time decision-making data, he explains how AI tools can enhance—not replace—effective teaching and learning. They also discuss common misconceptions about AI promoting "lazy learning" and the importance of human oversight in maintaining quality and rigor. As Mike puts it, the way people learn hasn't changed—but the tools available to help them have improved dramatically. He also gives us a look into the near future, forecasting both an explosion and eventual refinement of AI tools in edtech. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or tech innovator, this conversation offers practical insights into where education is heading—and what we should be paying attention to now. Sponsored by Partner in Publishing: https://partnerinpublishing.com/ Bookmarks: 00:38 - Introduction: Lisa March welcomes Mike Hale, Ph.D, Chief Learning Officer at VitalSource. 01:08 - VitalSource's role in connecting learning content providers, institutions, and faculty. 03:19 - AI in learning materials: Using AI to enhance courseware and support student learning. 04:24 - Challenges of AI adoption: Faculty vs. student use; need for responsible, ethical AI integration. 05:15 - Bringing faculty up to speed on AI: Training, experimentation, and critical thinking. 6:35 - The Digital Education Council's Five Dimensions of AI Literacy. 09:12 - Promising AI tools for education: Examples like Khanmigo, Coursemojo, and VitalSource's interactive tools. 13:50 - Applying Isaac Asimov's insight: AI should enhance, not replace, human thinking. 14:49 - The Doer Effect: Active engagement multiplies learning, and AI accelerates this. 15:40 - Tutor model revisited: AI-powered personalized questioning inspired by Plato's Dialogues and The Republic. 18:10 - Institutional policies on AI: Need for evaluation and approved AI tool lists to ensure responsible adoption. 20:25 - What AI trends will shape the edtech space in the next 6 to 12 months? 21:50 - Human learning remains constant; AI boosts speed and productivity when used thoughtfully. 23:29 - What AI-driven tools and innovations is VitalSource developing for higher education? 24:47 - Leveraging VitalSource's data to inform smarter course material decisions. 26:03 - Excitement for scalable adaptive learning and strong partnerships ahead. Resources: Lisa March Michael Hale Partner in Publishing VitalSource Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework
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