Episode 22 with John Spencer
The DIY Learner
Today’s guest on The DIY Learner podcast is John Spencer, a former middle school journalism and computer-programming teacher who is now a full-time professor of instructional technology in Oregon. He is passionate about seeing students embrace creativity and design thinking. His work has been featured in Kappan Magazine, Edutopia, Slate, and The Washington Post, and he had the honor of delivering a speech at the White House on the future of education. Spencer is the co-author of several education books, including Launch: Using the Design Thinking Process to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the...
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Episode 21 with Anne Wintemute of Highlands Micro School
The DIY Learner
Anne Wintemute, founder of the Highlands Micro School, joins host Laura Armer in this episode of The DIY Learner podcast. Anne’s background in business start-up and development and experience as an advocate for evidence-based maternity care paved the way for her current venture, Highlands Micro School. Highlands Micro School is the product of combining private-sector innovation and evidence-based practices in education. In this episode, Anne tells Laura about what inspired her to start a micro school, and she explains the philosophy of Highlands Micro School. Listen and learn how Anne...
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Episode 20 with James Kendall and Lea Wakeman of the Woodland Classroom
The DIY Learner
Guests James Kendall and Lea Wakeman of the Woodland Classroom deliver forest school programs, outdoor education and practical woodland skills sessions for schools, environmental organizations and events. James and Lea are experienced forest school leaders and outdoor educators who are very passionate about the benefits of learning outside in nature. In this episode, you will hear them describe some of the activities of their Woodland Classroom, including their outdoor version of the popular video game Minecraft. Learn why James and Lea believe we should let our kids use tools we might...
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Episode 19 with Steve Daar
The DIY Learner
Today’s guest is Steve Daar, the founder and CEO of Conversion For Good, (www.conversionforgood.com), a conversion optimization agency that works exclusively with mission-driven businesses and non-profit organizations. After learning from multiple early entrepreneurial failures, investing thousands of hours and managing over $1.3 million in online advertising spend for Fortune 500 level businesses, our guest wrote the book, Profit Hacking. Steve shares his DIY learning philosophies that got him where he is today. Steve believes that when you have a new perspective on who you are and what...
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Episode 18 with Everett Jordan
The DIY Learner
Today’s guest is Everett Jordan, the Director of Education for The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding, a Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Virginia. Jordan began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1973 as an apprentice ship fitter. Throughout his career, he has held increasingly responsible positions including supervisor, general foreman, superintendent, and trade director of dimensional control, ship fitters, and welders. Jordan has received a number of awards including the Newport News Shipbuilding President’s Model of Excellence Award...
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Episode 17 with Rachel Heiman
The DIY Learner
Today’s guest is Rachel Heiman, an Associate Professor of Anthropology and the Coordinator of Prior Learning in the Bachelor's Program for Adults & Transfer Students at The New School in New York City. In this episode, Rachel shares the amazing history of The New School, and she explains how the credit for prior learning program works, including specific examples of the types of learning that can be awarded prior credit. Rachel Heiman received her B.A. in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania and her M.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Michigan. Her...
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Episode 16 with Jon Grinspan
The DIY Learner
Today’s guest is Jon Grinspan. He is a curator and Jefferson Fellow at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. He is also a frequent contributor for the New York Times, focusing on history and youth issues. His article, , was the inspiration for this podcast episode, describing the self-directed learning of 19th century youths and posing the question, “Is this old-fashioned culture of self-improvement making a comeback?” Learn more about his thoughts around this question as we dig a little deeper into some of the stories he shared in his article. Jon has a PhD...
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Episode 15 with Derek Loudermilk
The DIY Learner
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.
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Episode 14 with Burck Smith
The DIY Learner
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...
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Episode 13 with Rainesford Alexandra
The DIY Learner
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...
info_outlineGuest Trevor Ragan, founder of Train Ugly, is doing some great work in the world of learning. He says that his fascination with learning has sent him on the most incredible journey of his life, and that during his crusade, he’s discovered some important concepts that have totally changed the way he looks at the world. Trevor believes that a growth mindset is the key to success in learning.