Podcast448: Artificial Reality, Free Online Learning Channels & STEAM Studio

11/06/16 • 59 min

Moving at the Speed of Creativity Podcasts

Welcome to the November 5, 2016, podcast episode of "Moving at the Speed of Creativity" with Wesley Fryer, which explores topics relating to artificial reality, free online learning channels and a STEAM Studio reflection. Wes discusses Steven Levy's recent article for Backchannel, "The Google Assistant Needs You," and our current "transition era" as artificial intelligence (AI) technologies mature and become normalized in our lives. He also discusses Elon Musk's recent announcement about camouflaged solar roof panels, and a recent video interview with Musk in which he discussed his reasons for starting the OpenAI (@openai) initiative. Musk's concerns about mature AI technologies are not limited to a RoboCop-style malicious AI future, but also include the danger of AI technologies being tightly controlled by a small number of entities. To guard against the dangers latent in that future scenario, Musk wants more groups, individuals and nations to have access to powerful AI algorithms and capabilities through the open source movement. In part two of the podcast, Wes discussed some of his favorite podcast channels and websites which provide fantastic opportunities for free, online learning. This begins with the K12 Online Conference (@k12online) which launched its 2016-17 mini-conference series on October 21st with a 3 part keynote and live panel discussion on YouTube Live with Julie Lindsay (@julielindsay). This first strand of the conference this year focuses on global collaboration. Strand two will focus on "Learning Spaces" and starts November 14th with a keynote by David Jakes (@djakes). Favorite tech podcasts mentioned by Wes in this episode include Clockwise by RelayFM (@clockwisepod), The Committed (@CommittedShow), and Note to Self (@notetoself). Wes also mentioned his weekly podcast and live webshow (on most Wednesday nights) The EdTech Situation Room (@edtechSR). The third part of this podcast features a recorded reflection by elementary art teacher Megan Thompson (@seeingnewshapes) and Wes discussing the "STEAM Studio" after-school enrichment class the co-taught this past semester together. They discuss things that went well, things they would change, and success stories from this STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) collaboration. If you listen to and enjoy this episode, please reach out to Wes with a comment or via a Twitter reply to @wfryer. Thanks for listening to "Moving at the Speed of Creativity!"

Previous Episode

Podcast447: Reflections on Screenagers Movie - Growing up in the digital age

This 20 minute podcast features reflections by Sarah Fryer, Rachel Fryer, and Wesley Fryer after watching a screening of the film, "Screenagers: Growing up in the digital age." http://www.screenagersmovie.com This 70 minute movie was shown on September 21, 2016, to an audience of parents, students, and educators at Christ the King School in Oklahoma City. The film raises important issues relating to healthy living, Internet safety, identity, and digital citizenship. It highlights the importance of parents setting boundaries for screen use and access with kids, and the importance of being intentional with our choices when it comes to smartphones and other screens. In this podcast recorded after watching Screenagers together, Sarah, Rachel and Wes offer their takeaways from the film and some of the highlights which stood out as important and valid points. Check the podcast shownotes for links to the Screenagers website and other digital citizenship resources. Follow the film on Twitter @ScreenagerMovie. Many thanks to Christ the King School in Oklahoma City for hosting this event and promoting good conversations about these issues among parents, kids and teachers!

Next Episode

Podcast449: Innovating with Google Tools - Digital Citizenship in the Security State

Welcome to the November 20, 2016, podcast episode of "Moving at the Speed of Creativity" with Wesley Fryer. This episode includes two recent presentation recordings by Wes from the last two weeks. The first was the opening keynote at the November 12, 2016, Google Summit in Maize, Kansas, titled "Innovating with Google Tools." The second is an audio recording of Wes' TEDx presentation on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Waller Middle School in Enid, Oklahoma. Wes was one of three adult presenters in this #TEDxYouth event, which is one of only 19 similar events in the United States in 2016. The title of Wes' presentation was, "Digital Citizenship in the Surveillance State." Check the podcast shownotes for links to the presentation slides from both of these sessions, as well as recent podcasts with and by Wes from the past week referenced in the introduction. If you listen to and enjoy this episode, please reach out to Wes with a comment or via a Twitter reply to @wfryer. Thanks for listening to "Moving at the Speed of Creativity!"