Innovations and Insights: Reflections from SXSW EDU 2025

Join us for a recap of SXSW EDU 2025! Host Mike Palmer shares his takeaways from the conference, including highlights from the panel discussion he hosted on the podcast stage. Catch highlights from interviews with Dr. Jenny Nash from LEGO Education, Dana Stephenson from Riipen, and Lindsay Whorton from The Holdsworth Center, as Mike shares his experiences attending the conference with his wife and 6-year-old son. Palmer discusses the importance of hands-on learning with Nash and Stephenson and gets into the role of AI in education and transformations in the workforce with Stephenson and Whorton.

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Key takeaways:

• The importance of hands-on learning and engagement in education: Palmer discusses the importance of hands-on learning and engagement in education with Nash and Stephenson. Hands-on learning allows students to be more engaged and have a deeper understanding of the material.  
• The need for flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing world: Palmer emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. He discusses how this is important for both parents and educators.  
• The power of tiny experiments and small wins in achieving goals: Palmer talks about the power of tiny experiments and small wins in achieving goals. He provides examples of how this can be applied to both personal and professional goals.  
• The role of AI in education and the workforce: Palmer discusses the role of AI in education and the workforce with Stephenson. He talks about how AI can be used to personalize learning and provide students with more relevant experiences.  
• The importance of connecting research to startup activity and venture activity: Palmer emphasizes the importance of connecting research to startup activity and venture activity. He talks about how this can help to bring new ideas and products to market faster.  

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Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and South by Southwest EDU Overview
• 00:29 March Madness of Learning Trends Panel
• 02:25 Family Adventures at South by Southwest EDU
• 03:30 Workforce Development and Future of Work
• 05:07 Reflections on Past South by Southwest EDU Experiences
• 08:01 Live Podcast Session Highlights
• 11:03 Lego Education and Hands-On Learning
• 14:48 STEM and Maker Kits at the Expo Hall
• 18:31 Keynote Highlights and Tiny Experiments
• 21:11 Interviews with Educational Leaders
• 28:00 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Conferences