Future-Proofing Education with Brooklyn Burton

Summary
What role will AI play in the future of education and workforce development? Jason Padgett sits down with Brooklyn Burton, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development at Ivy Tech Lafayette, to unpack AI-driven training, rural adoption, curriculum innovation, and how community colleges are preparing learners for tomorrow’s economy.

• [00:00] Intro and welcome

• [01:10] Brooklyn’s path into workforce and economic development

• [04:30] Community colleges and the disruptive potential of AI in higher education

• [08:15] Generational attitudes toward AI adoption

• [13:00] Student reactions to AI at Ivy Tech—curiosity, resistance, and opportunity

• [18:45] Rural vs. urban adoption of AI in Indiana

• [24:20] National reports on workforce exposure to generative AI

• [29:00] Ivy Tech’s applied AI curriculum committee: aligning with industry needs

• [34:45] Building pathways: stacking short-term AI skills into long-term credentials

• [40:00] Ethical use of AI, privacy, and the rise of ambient listening devices

• [45:10] Bias in resumes, hiring, and AI-driven decision-making

• [50:20] Preparing kids for the AI future: STEM, curiosity, and safe exploration

• [54:30] Closing thoughts on access, economic mobility, and education’s role

• [56:21] Outro

  
  

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brooklynburton/

• Email: [email protected]

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