{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Catching Up: Grey Goo, News Deserts, and Our Predictions for 2026","description":" On this episode of&amp;nbsp;Catching Up, hosts Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia dive into key topics shaping education in 2026. From the rise of AI in classrooms and concerns about its regulation to a deep dive into the potential of scholastic journalism as a tool for real-world learning, they explore how education can foster connection, critical thinking, and creativity. The duo also shares their top 10 predictions for 2026, including insights on media literacy, work-based learning, and the future of education funding. Tune in for thought-provoking ideas, actionable insights, and even a little inspiration on building forts as adults!  Outline   (00:00) Introduction  (01:17) AI Pessimism &amp;amp; Trends  (05:44) Scholastic Journalism Deep Dive  (10:48) Top 10 Predictions for 2026  (22:28) School Choice &amp;amp; Funding  (29:30) Science of Reading &amp;amp; Work-Based Learning  (45:28) What's That Song?   Links   Watch the full video here  Gallup polling - 80% of Americans favor regulating AI  Pew study - Only 17% believe AI will have a positive impact  Grey Goo - Britannica explanation  Economist article - Blue book sales doubling due to AI  Child Care Micro-Centers Filling Empty Classrooms in Chattanooga, TN  Peer Mental Health Support in Great Falls Public Schools, Montana  Local News Initiative - Vanishing Newspapers  Center for Scholastic Journalism - Decline in Scholastic Journalism  State of News - News Deserts  Cell Phone Bans in Schools - Campus Safety Magazine  AI Infiltration and Use in Education - Center for Democracy and Technology  AI Tutoring Development - LearnLM DeepMind Report  Science of Reading - AEI Article  &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Getting Smart Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/gettingsmart.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39753340\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/39753340"}