The TechEd Podcast

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time for our annual predictions episode! What trends will shape technical education, industry, and workforce development in the year to come?This week, Matt dives into the most pressing topics for 2025: from AI in education, to economic and workforce trends, to new technologies to keep an eye on. With 13 predictions grounded in data, this episode will get you ready for the year to come.Listen to learn:Why applied AI is set to dominate STEM education in 2025The surprising ways EV training and infrastructure will evolveWhat manufacturing contraction could mean for technical colleges and workforce developmentWhy skilled trades might thrive even in a shifting economyHow flexible degree programs are reshaping higher educationInstagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.'Twas the night before Christmas, And STEM and TechEdHad closed up their classrooms, a long break ahead.The students all home not shedding a tearThat school was on hold till the start of next year.Quiet the trainers pneumatics, hydraulicsNo action on systems to learn mechatronics.The robots all homed, depowered and sleepingRouters and mills neither cutting nor beeping.Empty their fixtures, empty their chucksDark were the bays full of autos and trucks.The training equipment had all been sequesteredAwaiting the dawn of the coming semester.When atop the classroom commotion was nighAs STEM TechEd Santa dropped down from the sky.Reindeer out front and his sleigh right behindFull of STEM gadgets of every kind.Fire Chimneys and Hearths Santa’s usual portsBut on the school roof he saw none of the sorts.He instead spied a vent and then planned his vectorRight down a great duct through the sawdust collector.All covered in shavings, this jolly old elfLet a hearty deep laugh at the sight of himself.Then Gift Sack in tow he squeezed out the trap doorAnd proceeded to spread TechEd gifts on the floor.For cutting and tapping and drilling new holesA tabletop mill with industrial controls.Mechanical Drives, pulleys and gearingA new 3D Scanner for reverse engineering.Smart sensors, devices controlled by smart phonesUnmanned Arial Vehicles,  aka Drones.Trainers Refrigeration and HVACA new DLP resin Printer 3D.He paused, dropped his bag, and caught a deep breathThen dove right back in, not finished just yet.He laid out a track, filled with autos, and signsAutonomous vehicles that is, for teaching AIBleeding edge automation, a CRX CobotA fleet of autonomous mobile robots.off on their way, avoiding collisionAnd for Robots 6-Axis new systems for vision.His sack was now empty, he stood with a jerkPlaced his hands on his hips and admired his work.The lab it now burst with incredible thingsTo prep students for roles that the future would bring.His eve just beginning STEM TechEd Santa his nameWent back up the vent the same way that he came.Returned to his sleigh to continue his tourSo Many American Dreams to Secure.Then let out a loud bellow, this man dressed in Red“Merry Christmas to all in STEM and TechEd!"Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Are we ready for a world where AI and technology shape every corner of our lives?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Toshi Hoo, Director of the Emerging Media Lab at the Institute for the Future, to explore how technology is transforming the way we communicate, collaborate, and connect. From the breakthroughs of generative AI to the concept of the singularity, Toshi shares cutting-edge insights into what’s next for humanity—and why curiosity might be the most important skill of all.With decades of experience in emerging technologies and strategic foresight, Toshi offers a compelling vision of a future that feels as exciting as it does uncertain. Together, Matt and Toshi unpack the promise and pitfalls of technological change, from AI’s creative potential to the ethical challenges it presents.Listen to learn:A better understanding of generative AI - and why tools like ChatGPT don't actually give you "answers"Could the "holodeck" be more than science fiction? Toshi's work in XR and AI suggest it could be a real tool someday soon.Toshi's surprising connection to famed futurist Ray Kurzweil and what we know about the singularityHow AI modeling enables more accurate scenario planning, helping organizations prepare for a range of possible futures and make smarter decisions today.Why curiosity isn’t just a personality trait but the defining skill for thriving in a world of rapid disrution.3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:Generative AI redefines creativity but also challenges our trust in technology. Generative AI doesn’t give deterministic results, as the same inputs can yield different outputs. This non-deterministic nature enables creativity but also raises issues with reliability and accuracy. Educators should keep this in mind when having students interact with AI-driven tools in the learning experience.Immersive technology like XR and AI is on the verge of delivering "holodeck"-like experiences. The combination of AI and XR tools can create real-time, interactive simulations for collaboration and learning. These systems could allow users to explore environments from historical settings to molecular structures. Imagine how immersive learning can become with this technology!Thanks to AI, modeling and scenario planning are becoming democratized, empowering organizations to anticipate diverse futures. Modeling tools informed by AI can simulate complex systems such as city planning or healthcare data. These tools enable organizations to test strategies across multiple scenarios and adapt effectively.Resources in this Episode:To learn more about Institute for the Future, visit: www.iftf.orgInstagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Ready to hear some of the most cutting-edge advancements in 3D printing, bio-materials and smart systems? Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Bill Peter, Director of Advanced Manufacturing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). From large-scale 3D printing to the use of bio-based materials, Dr. Peter is leading initiatives that are redefining the possibilities of manufacturing. He shares how ORNL is not just solving technical challenges but also reshaping the skills pipeline to meet the demands of tomorrow’s manufacturing jobs.With a mission statement "solving the big problems," ORNL is exploring the convergence of technologies like machining, additive manufacturing, and smart systems. Discover how ORNL is addressing workforce gaps through cutting-edge training programs and collaborations with universities and industry leaders—all while bringing manufacturing innovations back to the U.S.In this episode:How ORNL is 3D printing bio-based, locally sourced materials to construct entire homesThe breakthrough that’s cutting waste in aerospace manufacturing from 90% to just 10%Why 3D-printed molds are slashing lead times for industries like boating and constructionUsing AI to spot defects & make adjustments in real-time during productionHow ORNL's partnerships are driving U.S. innovation in wind energy, machining, and carbon fiberQuotable Moments:"We’re trying to see where and how can we bring those [manufacturing components] back, making them affordable, while integrating smart manufacturing not just to large companies, but also small and medium enterprises."3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:Converging technologies are revolutionizing manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing is no longer about isolated processes. ORNL is pioneering the integration of machining, additive manufacturing, smart systems, and AI to create flexible, efficient production methods for everything from aircraft components to hydro dam turbines.Sustainability meets innovation: ORNL’s work with bio-based and locally sourced materials is reshaping industries like construction and packaging. From 3D-printing entire homes to developing recyclable molds for industrial applications, the future of manufacturing is green, scalable, and efficient.Preparing tomorrow’s workforce for multi-disciplinary roles: The next generation of manufacturing professionals will need to blend computational, hands-on, and problem-solving skills. Through programs like America's Cutting Edge and collaborations with institutions like the University of Maine, ORNL is setting a new standard for workforce development.Resources in this Episode:To learn more about Oak Ridge National Laboratory, visit: www.ornl.govMore resources:ACE - America's Cutting EdgeManufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at ORNLUniversity of Maine's Advanced Structure and Composites Center (ASCC)Strati Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn