The Big REthink

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Signaling Change: How Conservationists are Using Technology to Curb Deforestation Oct 20, 2021

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Accounting for roughly one-fifth of carbon emissions produced each year, deforestation in places like Africa, Asia and South America is one of the main contributors to climate change. On this episode of The Big REthink, Topher White, conservation technologist and founder of Rainforest Connection, joins host Brian Rowley to explain how his organization is using technology to stop illegal logging and poaching right at the site. He also details the challenges of designing devices that can withstand rainforest conditions, and the expanding role AI will play in future conservation efforts.

Ready for the Real World: The Benefits of Experiential Learning Oct 06, 2021

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In higher ed, traditional classroom study alone does little to prepare many students for real-world work scenarios. On today’s episode of The Big REthink, Jacob Kinsey, senior associate director of Illinois Business Consulting at the University of Illinois’s Gies College of Business, joins host Susan Campbell to explain how programs like his are better preparing students—and fast-tracking their success in the workforce— by offering experiential, consultative-style curricula.

Ed Tech: The Good, the Bad and the Uncertainties Sep 22, 2021

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The education landscape is ever-changing, with factors such as public health concerns, socioeconomics and accessibility influencing how instructors connect with students. On this episode of The Big REthink, speaker, author, futurist and Georgetown University scholar Bryan Alexander joins host Brian Rowley to explain how technology can serve as a bridge—and a divider—during tumultuous times, and why some students and educators are more eager to embrace it than others.

Disability in the Workforce: Technology, Accessibility and Inclusivity Sep 08, 2021

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As the CEO of Ruh Global Impact, the founder of Billion Strong and the mother of a daughter with Down Syndrome, Debra Ruh is on a mission to help businesses and multinational corporations assure access for persons with disabilities worldwide. On this episode of The Big REthink, Ruh joins host Barry Ross to explain how companies can be more inclusive, and how technology can help their efforts.

What’s Old is New Again: Technology and the Evolution of Classical Music Aug 25, 2021

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As conductor and director of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, Ryan Haskins is tasked with bringing classical music to members of his community—and finding ways to adapt the 200-year-old genre for modern times. On this episode of The Big REthink, he joins host Susan Campbell to explain how he uses technology to make classical music accessible to new audiences, and to change the live listening experience in thrilling ways for even the most seasoned connoisseurs.

Technology and Learning: A Power Duo—or a Teaching Don’t? Aug 11, 2021

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Studies show that, no matter how sophisticated technology gets, its efficacy as a learning tool remains low. On this episode of The Big REthink, Dr. Sonny Magana, CEO of Magana Education, joins host Susan Campbell to explain why. He also shares how changing today’s dominant pedagogical model could mean more success for students.

The Unifying Power of Digital Public Art Jul 28, 2021

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Digital art emerged as early as the 1960s, but only in recent years have advances in technology propelled the medium to the forefront of public awareness. On today’s episode of The Big REthink, Carmen Zella, founder of NOW Art, joins host Susan Campbell to discuss how technology is making digital art more accessible, and the medium’s powerful ability to not only bridge the physical and emotional worlds, but to bring people together.

Power Move: Could a Battery-Free Future Become Reality? Jul 14, 2021

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Batteries are useful and ubiquitous. Though, they pose a significant burden on the environment. On this episode of The Big REthink, David Su, CEO of Atmosic Technologies, joins host Barry Ross to share his vision for a battery-free future. They also discuss sustainable measures that might help reduce our reliance on batteries in the meantime.

The Rise of AI: Evolution, Ethics and What it Means for the Workforce Jun 30, 2021

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From entertainment to agriculture, artificial intelligence, or AI, is all around us. But is it safe? And what does it mean for the future of humans’ jobs? On today’s episode of The Big REthink, host Brian Rowley and his guest, PJC’s Rob May, discuss this hot-button topic—and debunk a common myth or two.

Wild Ride: How Technology Shapes the Theme Park Experience Jun 15, 2021

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Welcome to the 50th episode of The Big REthink! On this special—and extra-fun—episode, theme park historian Jim Hill joins host Barry Ross to discuss how technology has changed the theme park experiences. They also look back at some of the hiccups parks have faced along the way and consider how modern devices, such as smartphones, are asking parks to create new revenue streams.

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