The DIY Learner - Episode 14 with Burck Smith

Episode 14 with Burck Smith

07/23/15 • 32 min

Today’s guest is Burck Smith, the CEO and founder of StraighterLine. StraighterLine solves the #1 issue facing students today – the skyrocketing cost of college – with high quality online courses that prepare students for success. Ten years before launching StraighterLine in 2009, he co-founded SMARTHINKING, the largest online tutoring provider for schools and colleges. Burck has written chapters for three books on education policy for the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He is a member of the American Enterprise Institute's Higher Education Working Group. Prior to starting SMARTHINKING, Burck was independent consultant and journalist whose clients included the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Computer Curriculum Corporation, the CEO Forum on Education and Technology, the Milken Exchange on Education and Technology, Teaching Matters Inc., Converge Magazine, Wired Magazine, Wired News, University Business, the National School Boards Association and more. In the early 1990's, he wrote articles on a variety of subjects including creating community telecommunication networks, electronic access to political information, telecommunications deregulation and the ability of utilities to serve as telecommunications service providers. Burck holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and a B.A. from Williams College. www.straighterline.com

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Episode 13 with Rainesford Alexandra

Today's guest is Rainesford Alexandra. She is a writer and education activist who believes learning should be creative and synonymous with “hope” — not just something out of a textbook. She is a DIY learner who is starting to make an impact in the world of education, by example and by her writing and speeches. She was recently named to the Advisory Board for SXSWedu. After trading the Dean’s List for a gap year, Rainesford spent time out of school publishing writing with The Huffington Post, Zouch Magazine, and UnCollege.org. Combining her love of writing and background in ballet, she founded an ongoing interview series with up-and-coming artists, The Young Artist Feature, and writes a monthly column for one of the world’s most prominent dance brands, Russian Pointe. Additionally, Rainesford co-founded a community yoga studio and, meshing her passions for story-telling and social good, works in media for nonprofits. In November 2014, she spoke at TEDxYouth Kansas City, and gave a talk at TEDx Eastside Prep in Seattle in March 2015. In this episode, Rainesford talks about her gap year, her philosophies about learning, and she believes that learning is not just a “school thing” but a “life thing.” Find out how she and I have Montessori in common, and get ready to be inspired by this amazing young woman. Ultimately, Rainesford wants to leave the world—and education—a little better than she found it. You can catch her on Twitter: @Rainesford.

Next Episode

Episode 15 with Derek Loudermilk

Today’s guest is Derek Loudermilk, a former professional cyclist and scientist who now travels the world full time. After discovering a new species in 2012, Derek decided to leave science to impact people more directly. You can usually find him having adventures, learning new things, connecting with people, and teaching. Derek is a coach and hosts the Art of Adventure podcast, and his mission is to help you do something that has never been done before.