EdUp Smart Space

In this episode, Craig Park and Dave Broz, Assistant Professor at Columbia College Chicago, continue their exploration of the evolution of technology-enabled learning environments.

Their focus in this second part of the program is on personalized learning, equity for hybrid learners, and the challenges of multi-modal technology for faculty and students.

For more information about Dave Broz, see his LinkedIn profile at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbroz/

In this engaging conversation, Craig Park and Dave Broz, Assistant Professor at Columbia College in Chicago, explore the intersection of campus technology and architectural design, emphasizing the importance of creating educational environments that foster human connection and learning.

Broz shares his journey into architecture, the impact of design on learning spaces, and the significance of biophilia in enhancing mental well-being.

They discuss the need for variability in learning environments to spark students' curiosity and agency, and the importance of stakeholder engagement in the design process.

The conversation highlights the evolving nature of educational spaces and the critical role of design in shaping the future of learning.

In this end-of-the-year episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig reviews the significant themes and trends in campus technology for 2025, focusing on artificial intelligence, integrated planning, and human-centered design.

Craig also forecasts key technology trends for 2026, emphasizing AI as a utility, the evolution of teaching spaces, and the convergence of technology roles within educational institutions.

In this conversation, Josh Goldberg, Head of Technical Sales at Mason Technologies in New York City, talks about the role of the technology system integrator in helping educational institutions achieve their goals for user-friendly learning environments.

Josh emphasizes the critical importance of user experience in education, advocating for technology's enhanced role in teaching. He discusses the varying learning styles of individuals and the need for interactive, hands-on learning experiences, particularly in fields like music.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadgoldberg

#edup #edupsmartspace #futureofcampustechnology

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park interviews Michael Frank, Director of North American Partners at Visionoary Solutions, a seasoned leader in the AV industry, and a retired Lieutenant Commander in the US Coast Guard Reserve.

They discuss the intersection of leadership, technology, and education, exploring how Michael's military background has shaped his leadership style, the evolution of AV technology in educational environments, and the challenges institutions face in adopting new technologies.

Michael shares insights on building high-performance teams, the impact of AI on education, and his commitment to community service through organizations like Veterans Last Patrol.

The conversation concludes with a look at future opportunities in education and technology.

In this conversation, Dr. Samuel Wathen shares his extensive experience in higher education, discussing the evolution of technology in the classroom, the impact of the pandemic on teaching methods, and the future of educational technology, including the role of AI.

He emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, active learning, and maintaining a personal touch in education.

#EdUp Smart Space #EdUp

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park and JW Woodard, Consultant Liaison at Harman Pro, discuss the critical role of AV infrastructure design in educational facilities.

They explore JW's journey in the AV industry, the challenges faced in AV planning, and the importance of treating AV as an infrastructure asset.

The conversation highlights the need for early AV involvement in design processes, common mistakes in AV planning, and the impact of AV on learning outcomes.

They also touch on emerging technologies, user interface considerations, and the future of AV in hybrid learning environments.

Connect with JW Woodard on LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jw-woodard/

Learn more about Harman at https://www.harman.com/pro-audio

In this episode, Craig discusses the intersection of education, technology, and the built environment, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in campus technology planning. based on his presentation at the Educational Technology Collaborative 2025 Conference in Raleigh, NC.

He emphasizes the importance of early collaboration between technology leaders and design teams to create effective learning environments, and guides the structuring of visionary collaborative teams.

The conversation introduces the Bridge Framework, a structured approach to integrating technology into campus projects, and highlights the cost implications of late technology engagement.

Real-world examples illustrate the benefits of proactive planning and the need for institutions to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on campus infrastructure and management.

He outlines the challenges faced by educational institutions, including declining enrollments and budget constraints, and emphasizes the need for intelligent systems to enhance operational efficiency.

Park presents a roadmap for integrating AI into facilities operations, highlighting seven future-ready technology strategies that can modernize campus environments.

He also addresses the importance of implementation strategies and the evolving role of facilities leaders in the AI era, advocating for collaboration and clarity in decision-making.

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park and Gina Sansivero of AtlasIED discuss the critical role of audio infrastructure in higher education.

They explore how audio quality impacts student success, inclusivity for diverse learners, and the importance of integrating audio systems with other technologies.

The conversation also covers practical steps for implementing effective audio solutions and highlights case studies of successful audio projects in educational settings.

Finally, they touch on the future of audio in education, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to sound design.

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space: The Future of Campus Technology, Craig Park welcomes Nick Cawthon, founder of Guage and longtime educator in data visualization and design strategy.

Nick shares insights from his journey through design, cognition, and architecture programs, and how his career at the intersection of digital design, user experience, and AI informs the way we shape learning environments today.

Together, Craig and Nick explore how physical and digital spaces converge in higher education, from acoustics and accessibility in classrooms to AI-powered learning experiences and data-informed design strategies.

Nick emphasizes the importance of democratizing user research, striking a balance between technology adoption and human-centered practices, and preparing institutions to adopt AI responsibly.

You can learn more at www.guage.io.

In this episode of Ed Up Smart Space, host Craig Park engages with Rhea Kelly, editor in chief of Campus Technology, to explore the evolving landscape of educational technology.

They discuss Rhea's journey in the EdTech field, the significant shifts in technology and pedagogy, and the transformative role of AI in education.

The conversation delves into the impact of AI on learning spaces, the importance of governance and guidelines for AI implementation, and the future trends of AI and virtual reality in education.

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park and Joel Lewitz, PE, discuss the critical role of acoustics in educational environments, particularly how AI is transforming these spaces.

They explore the evolution of acoustics technology, the challenges of active learning classrooms, and the integration of AI to create smart acoustic environments.

The conversation includes practical advice for implementing AI-enhanced acoustics, a case study on Stanford Stadium, and insights into the future of audio systems in education.

#EdUp #EdUp SmartSpace #FutureofCampusTechnology

This episode delves into the evolving landscape of education in the AGI era, focusing on the practical realities of assessment, academic integrity, career preparation, and the impact of AI on campus life.

Craig and Abby, the voice of AI, highlight the need for reimagining traditional grading systems, fostering student self-assessment, and adapting to new forms of social interaction and relationship building in a technology-driven environment.

Their conversation emphasizes the importance of human uniqueness and character development in an age where AI capabilities are rapidly advancing.

In the first of a 2-part episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park and AI co-host Abby explore the profound implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI) on the student experience.

They discuss the fundamental shifts in education, the new literacies required for students, and the evolving concepts of identity and authenticity in the AGI era.

The conversation highlights the dual nature of student responses to AGI, the institutional responsibilities of universities, and the emerging need for ethical navigation in AI collaboration.

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, we explore the transformative journey of faculty in the era of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

As AGI reshapes the academic landscape, faculty are at a crossroads, evolving from traditional roles to becoming cognitive architects, context weavers, and ethical guides.

Join host Craig Park and AI thought partner Abby as they explore the seismic shifts in educational identity, the emotional landscape of resistance, and the new capabilities required for faculty to thrive.

Discover how AGI integration is not just a technological shift but a profound reimagining of what it means to be an educator.

Tune in to understand how faculty can harness AGI to enhance their roles and ensure that education remains a deeply human endeavor.

In this episode of the EdUp Smart Space podcast, host Craig Park and AI expert Abby discuss the urgent need for higher education institutions to prepare for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

They explore the infrastructure implications, including power, cooling, and network requirements, and offer strategies like the "10% rule" for manageable implementation.

In this solo episode of EdUp Smart Space, I explore the concept of future-ready learning spaces, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, integration, and intelligence in educational environments.

I discuss the role of technology in enhancing learning experiencI es and the need for a human-centered design approach that considers equity and inclusion.

And, I introduce the seven-layer EdTech Navigator Framework for planning technology in learning spaces, focusing on vision, infrastructure, platform, interface, and adaptability.

I conclude with reflections on the future of educational spaces and the importance of creating environments that empower individuals.

In this episode of the EdUp Smart Space podcast, Craig Park explores the key insights from InfoComm 25, focusing on the transformative trends in educational technology.

Craig shares the practical applications of AI in classrooms, the importance of robust network infrastructure, and the democratization of advanced AV capabilities.

The conversation highlights how higher education institutions are leading innovation, the shift towards flexible learning environments, and the global exchange of ideas shaping the future of education.

Craig poses thought-provoking questions for campus leaders to consider as they navigate the evolving educational technology landscape.#EdUp #EdUp Smart Space #FutureofCampusTechnology

Join host Craig Park and Abby the AI for another special edition as they explore why the gap between AGI's arrival and its true impact isn't a delay—it's an opportunity.

Learn why every lecture hall built today is a future liability, what 4000 watts per square meter really means for your campus, and how the boring infrastructure decisions you make in the next 2-3 years will determine whether your institution thrives or merely survives the AGI transformation.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) promises to transform higher education—but when and how? In this foundational episode, we cut through the hype to reveal a crucial insight: while AGI capabilities may arrive within 5-10 years, the massive infrastructure requirements create a 15-year transformation window that higher education leaders must understand now.

In this episode, Craig Park and Paul Mills discuss the innovative approaches of DIRTT, a company specializing in prefabricated interior construction solutions.

They explore the evolution of DIRTT's mission, particularly in the education sector, and how modular construction integrates with technology to create adaptable, sustainable learning environments.

The discussion highlights the benefits of optical fiber, customization, and the importance of reducing downtime through off-site fabrication.

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, host Craig Park talks with Julie Johnston, a pioneer in learning space innovation and the new director of AI innovation at Praxis AI.

They discuss Julie's journey in transforming learning environments, the role of AI in education, and how data can inform design decisions for learning spaces.

Julie shares insights on bridging the gap between physical and digital ecosystems, the importance of collaboration in technology projects, and the future of innovative learning environments.

The conversation emphasizes the need for data-driven decision-making and the potential of AI to enhance the educational experience.julie.johnston@praxisai.com

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of learning spaces, the importance of active learning, and how technology can enhance educational experiences.

Dr. Lisa Stevens shares insights on collaboration among educators, the need for equity and accessibility, and the impact of demographic changes on higher education.

The conversation explores the integration of FlexSpace with long-term planning and emerging trends in immersive learning environments.

#EdUp #EdUp Smart Space #FutureofCampusTechnology

In this episode, Heather Morgan, an expert in higher education planning, shares her thoughts on the intersection of technology, design, and student success.

Heather and Craig explore how to translate strategic goals into actionable physical plans, the importance of inclusive design, and the future of learning environments.

Heather emphasizes the need for institutions to adapt to changing student needs and the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences.

The conversation also touches on the importance of stakeholder engagement and the evolving landscape of higher education.

In this special edition episode of the EdUp Smart Space podcast, host Craig Park and AI co-host Abby explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on academic facilities.

They discuss how AI enhances space utilization, integrates various systems for smarter learning environments, and predicts future needs.

The conversation also covers the importance of equity and access, ethical considerations in AI implementation, advancements in classroom AV technologies, user interface innovations, and the shift toward wireless collaboration.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future of learning environments as adaptive, responsive spaces that enhance the educational experience.

What happens when a 20-year classroom veteran brings her passion for learning to the front lines of education innovation?

In Episode 2 of EdUp Smart Space, I talk with Kate Portenier, Executive Director of the Foundation for Adams Central Public Schools, about what it takes to engage the next generation of learners.

From interactive classrooms and AR dissection labs to football stadium displays run by students—Kate shares how rural schools are redefining tech-forward education.

Tune in as we explore:

• The shift from “sage on the stage” to “guide on the side”
• The role of AI, AR/VR, and gamification in learning

#EdUp #EdUpSmartSpace #FutureOfLearning #EducationTechnology

Hello!

I’m Craig Park, your host on the new EdUp Smart Space podcast series. I’m excited to take you on a journey to explore how technology is transforming the spaces where students learn, collaborate, and innovate.

In each episode, we'll explore the latest trends in AV, IT, security, wireless, AI-enabled smart systems, and sustainable campus design, featuring insights from ed-tech leaders, architects, engineers, and technology integrators.

Together, we’ll tackle the big question:

What comes after what comes next?

Let’s build the campus of the future—today.

Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the EdUp Experience network!