The EdisonOS Podcast

In this conversation, Mike discusses the upcoming changes to the ACT, emphasizing that while the test will remain fundamentally the same, there will be enhancements aimed at improving accessibility and the overall test-taking experience. Key changes include a shorter exam format, optional science section, and adjustments to reading comprehension passages.

In this conversation, Nikki Porcaro discusses the transition to digital testing for the SAT and ACT, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of digital formats, the challenges faced during the rollout, and the implications for test preparation businesses. She emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies for digital tests, the role of technology and AI in test prep, and the current trends in stude...

In this conversation, Lisa Poliak shares her journey in founding Inner Genius Prep, a company dedicated to helping students excel in college admissions through personalized coaching. She discusses her unique approach to connecting with teenagers, the importance of interview coaching, and the lessons learned from her business mistakes.

In this conversation, Debbie Cavalier discusses the evolution of online music education at Berklee Online, highlighting its pioneering role in the field since 2001. She explains the diverse target audience, including hobbyists and professional musicians, and the structured yet flexible course offerings designed for adult learners. The discussion covers the integration of technology, including AI,...

In this conversation, Tina Wiles discusses the transition of the ACT to a digital format, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with this change. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the new testing strategies, the impact of shorter tests, and the significance of digital tools in enhancing student performance.

In this conversation, Rob Pollak shares his journey into the education sector, detailing his transition from a solo tutor to leading a team at Polak Tutors. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on tutoring methods, the importance of building a referral network with college counselors, and the balance between in-person and online tutoring.

In this conversation, Sarfraz shares his unexpected journey into the education sector, detailing how he transitioned from various entrepreneurial ventures to founding Aristotle Prep. He discusses the evolution of his tutoring company, the introduction of new standardized tests like GRE and SAT, and the challenges faced in scaling the business.

In this conversation, Jennifer Post Drager shares her journey from a career in arts management to becoming a coach in standardized test preparation and admissions consulting. She discusses how cultural influences affect exam preparation.

In this conversation, Heather Olson shares her extensive journey in education, highlighting her experiences from teaching in various educational settings to her current role in online teaching and learning. She discusses the concept of open access colleges, the importance of technology in education, and the need for humanizing online learning. 

In this conversation, Dr. Amy discusses her journey from criminal justice and sociology to working with juvenile offenders and eventually transitioning into teaching. She shares insights on the challenges faced while working with juvenile offenders, the impact of her experiences on her teaching methods, and the importance of bridging theory and reality in criminal justice education. 

In this conversation, Harish shares his journey from software testing to becoming a dedicated educator in GRE and other standardized tests. He discusses his teaching methodologies, emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge and student-centric learning. Harish also reflects on the transition from SAT to GRE, the challenges of online versus in-person teaching, and the tools he uses to enh...

In this conversation, Abhinav Tiku shares his journey into LMS consultancy, highlighting the importance of diverse skills, common misconceptions, and the value of continuous learning. He discusses the challenges faced by consultants, the significance of agile methodologies, and strategies for staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.

In this conversation, Jacob Feldman shares the journey of establishing Nexus Academics, reflecting on his transition from a career in music to tutoring. He discusses the evolution of the tutoring industry, particularly in response to COVID-19, and the shift from high school to graduate exam preparation.

In this conversation, Padam Raj Pant, an education consultant with over 20 years of experience in e-learning, discusses the evolution of online education, particularly in Nepal. He shares insights on the challenges faced by organizations in adopting e-learning post-pandemic, the transformation of universities towards digital pedagogy, and the tools recommended for effective online education. Padam...

In this conversation, Heather Fahnestock discusses her journey in education, focusing on the establishment and philosophy behind Waterview Learning Academy. She emphasizes the importance of project-based learning, the need for a personal touch in teaching, and the challenges of accommodating diverse student needs, particularly those who are neurodivergent. 

In this conversation, Sajad Ahmed Qureshi shares his journey into education, discussing his transition from a student to a teacher and the evolution of his teaching methods. He emphasizes the importance of understanding child psychology, adapting to online education, and the need for innovative teaching tools.

In this conversation, Brian shares his journey from a history professor to a successful GRE and GMAT tutor. He discusses the motivations behind his career shift, the differences between teaching history and standardized test prep, and the strategic focus on GRE and GMAT due to market demand. Brian also highlights the changes in the testing landscape and the importance of referrals in his business,...

In this conversation, Evan Petrie shares his journey into the education domain, discussing his early experiences with tutoring and his passion for helping students. He emphasizes the value of learning Latin and its relevance in today's world. Evan also talks about his transition to full-time tutoring, his role in curriculum development, and his unique tutoring style that focuses on listening to st...

In this conversation, Liza Libes shares her journey from aspiring English professor to founder of Invictus Prep, a college consulting firm. She discusses her unique approach to college admissions, emphasizing narrative building and career coaching. Liza highlights the importance of strong writing skills in the college application process and explains how her personal experiences and social media p...

In this conversation, Amy Seeley shares her journey into the field of education and test preparation, discussing her transition from a history teacher to a test prep instructor. She highlights the differences between traditional teaching and test prep, emphasizing the motivation of students in the latter.

In this conversation, Randee Schneeberg shares the journey of founding Jettprep, the challenges faced in standardized test preparation, and the significant impact of COVID-19 on education. She discusses the decline in student focus, the rise of test anxiety, and the evolving methods of teaching and studying.

In this conversation, Anna discusses her journey into education, sharing insights on linguistics, dialects, and brain-based learning techniques like active recall and interleaving. She also highlights the importance of mental health and community in building a successful tutoring business.

In this conversation, Philip Bates shares his journey from an accidental educator to a leader in educational content creation at UWorld. He discusses his experiences in public education, the importance of facilitating learning, and the cultural relevance of educational content. Bates emphasizes the role of technology and AI in education, the significance of feedback for continuous improvement, and...

Katrina M. Watson is the creator of The Confident Counselor Method, where she empowersschool counselors to navigate their daily challenges with confidence, enabling them to bettersupport students in reaching their academic and personal goals. With over 16 years ofexperience in advising culturally diverse and inclusive high school and college students, Katrinaspecializes in best-fit university guid...

Beth Ritter-Guth is the Associate Dean of Online Learning & Educational Technology atNorthampton Community College and a seasoned adjunct in the English department at DeSalesUniversity. Specializing in AI, VR, AR, ethical hacking, and digital humanities, Beth is anadvocate for the ethical use of generative AI. A prominent voice in Educause’s AI Community ofPractice and the Horizon Report, she...