In this special episode of The Black Futurist Podcast, Bryndan D. Moore introduces guests Dr. Hannah Oldham and Dr. Nia Abdullah, who explore the future of education amid advancements like AI, quantum computing, and robotics. They discuss the importance of fostering innovation, the role of new technologies, soft skills, and creating inclusive environments for students, particularly in STEM fields. They share practical insights and experiences on integrating technology, building community trust, tackling educational equity, and supporting underrepresented groups. The conversation concludes with a visionary discussion on the future of education in a utopian society. Recorded at Brooklyn Tea Shop, Atlanta, GA 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:21 The Future of Education: Key Questions 00:57 Snippet 02:16 Guest Introductions 02:50 AI and Technology in Education 06:12 Community Involvement and Educational Equity 11:02 Real-World Problem Solving in Classrooms 23:25 Girls Who Code: Empowering Young Women in STEM 26:01 Hand-Drawn Maps and Digital Transformation 26:35 Launching the Crafter's Website 27:07 Soft Skills in Action 28:27 Scientific Symposium and Community Research 30:05 Challenges and Triumphs in Data Collection 33:00 Empowering Women in STEM 35:39 The Importance of Near-Peer Mentorship 35:55 Building Trust in Community Programs 37:13 Creating Safe Spaces for Girls in STEM 42:41 Imagining the Future of Education 47:26 Gamification and Global Problem Solving 48:26 Meet the Experts Dr. Nia Abdullah, EdD Dr. Nia Abdullah is a dynamic leader in the field of education, recognized for her transformative and strategic approaches to enhancing educational outcomes. With over two decades of leadership experience, she has served as Executive Director at MAPSCorps and held pivotal roles as High School Principal in both Proviso Township and Chicago Public Schools. Under her leadership, these institutions saw dramatic improvements in student success rates and expansion of advanced academic programs, such as the International Baccalaureate Career Programme and Pre-Engineering labs. Currently, as Lead Consultant at The Herndon Foundation, Dr. Abdullah drives initiatives aimed at boosting educational excellence, heritage preservation, and entrepreneurial spirit within the African American community. Her advocacy for educational equity and holistic support of marginalized communities has established her as a champion of inclusivity and academic excellence. Dr. Hannah Oldham Dr. Hannah Oldham is a dedicated educator and STEM academy coordinator at Sprayberry High School, passionately advocating for increased female representation in STEM fields. She pioneered the Girls Who Code club in her district and actively contributes to several girl-centered STEM initiatives. Dr. Oldham holds a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing her research on increasing students' mathematics self-efficacy through her developed theory, the Self-Efficacy Goal Spectrum (SEGS). She has earned national recognition, including the Aspirations in Computing Educator Award from the National Council for Women in Information Technology. As the STEM Scholar Academy coordinator, she has designed a personalized curriculum with STEM pathways that integrate rigorous academics with real-world applications, fostering partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits to enhance students' hands-on learning experiences. Her commitment to making STEM accessible and engaging has significantly influenced the educational trajectories of countless young women.
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