John Watson and Mawi Asgedom on Creating Innovative Experiences and Belonging for Adult Learners

Getting Smart Podcast

In this podcast episode, Victoria Andrews gets into the transformative power of community in education. Joined by John Watson and Mawi Asgedom, the three discuss how fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion can lead to innovative learning environments. John Watson, the CEO of Evergreen Education Group, highlights the importance of creating spaces like the Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC) where educators can connect, share challenges, and learn from each other. This community-centric approach has helped educators overcome the isolation often felt in digital and hybrid learning environments.

Mawi, author and CEO of Inner Heroes, shares his personal journey from a refugee camp to Harvard, emphasizing that true innovation in education begins with relationships. He highlights the need for educators to intentionally see and support "invisible" students, ensuring all learners are valued and empowered to take risks. Through tools like the Inner Heroes app, educators can gain deeper insights into students' strengths and aspirations, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This conversation underscores that the key to successful innovation lies not just in technology, but in building strong, empathetic communities that nurture both students and educators.

Outline:

• (00:00) Introduction and Importance of Community
• (01:27) Defining Community: Perspectives from John and Maui
• (07:16) Challenges and Innovations in Digital Learning
• (17:43) Empowering Leadership and Diversity

Links

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• DLAC
• John Watson
• Evergreen Education Group
• Mawi Asgedom
• Recent Podcast with Mawi
• Beetles and Angels: A Boy’s Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard
• Inner Heroes