Voices of Innovation
Voices of Innovation
Podcast Description
Voices of Innovation invites big thinkers with bold ideas to talk about the influence of technology in today's society. The series is hosted by Lev Gonick, chief information officer at Arizona State University.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various themes surrounding educational innovation and technology, with episodes highlighting significant topics such as the establishment of competency-based education models, the leadership of innovation in higher education, the convergence of technology and education, and strategies to enhance career readiness in a rapidly changing landscape. For example, discussions include the creation of New State University and the launch of the Spark Center for Innovation in Learning, emphasizing the critical role of AI in educational environments.
Voices of Innovation invites big thinkers with bold ideas to talk about the influence of technology in today’s society. The series is hosted by Lev Gonick, chief information officer at Arizona State University.
What can video games teach us about the future of education—and AI?
In this episode of Voices of Innovation, Lev Gonick sits down with Deirdre Quarnstrom, Vice President of Education at Microsoft, for a fascinating conversation recorded at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit.From her unconventional journey from Xbox to education leadership, Deirdre shares how game design principles are transforming how students learn—and how those same lessons are shaping the future of AI in the classroom.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• How Minecraft became a global tool for learning and creativity in classrooms
• Why “productive struggle” and engagement are key to student success
• How game-based learning builds skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and persistence
• The parallels between early skepticism of gaming in education and today’s AI adoption
• Why starting small is critical when implementing AI in education
• What an AI-powered future could look like for educators and students
Deirdre also shares her perspective on where we are in the AI hype cycle—and why the focus should shift from technology to real educational outcomes.
Voices of Innovation is a podcast series featuring bold thinkers exploring the impact of technology on society and the future of education.
This episode was recorded at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit.
Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of technology, learning, and innovation.#AIinEducation #GameBasedLearning #EdTech #MinecraftEducation #HigherEducation #ASUGSV #VoicesOfInnovation
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.