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"I think we, as human beings, are at our best when we are using AI as a thought partner," says workplace futurist and bestselling author Marti Konstant.

Her advice for making artificial intelligence your "thought partner", as she explores in her book, “Activate Your Agile Career: How Responding to Change Will Inspire Your Life’s Work“? Start at the level of your profession.

And from there, you can customize the ways AI can work, to enhance, rather than replace, your own creative talents.

In this interview from September 2024, we discuss the ways Marti's term “AI-gility” allows users to put artificial intelligence to work to spark new ideas.

Marti talked about her background, explained some of the ways artificial intelligence can boost the creative process for artists and educators, and offered a look at some of her favorite AI resources.

Glide is on the cusp of changing lives.

As the world's first intelligent guide for the blind and users with low vision, this groundbreaking autonomous technology empowers users to safely navigate wherever they'd like to go.

Creator Amos Miller is the Founder and CEO of Seattle-based mobility aid company Glidance. A software engineer and business innovator, Amos first developed technology to assist the blind and low-vision community while working with Microsoft.

Amos, who explains that he lost his sight as a college student majoring in computer science, says this particular innovation came about as a combination of his experiences.

And the sound-based technology he developed, for the blind, while at Microsoft, set the stage for Glide.

Technically, Glide is an autonomous device with two wheels and a handle, somewhat reminiscent of a small lawn mower. A user, Amos explains, activates the device by setting it down in front of them and nudging it forward. Then, using sensors and artificial intelligence, Glide navigates a safe path for that person to travel.

However, "autonomous" doesn't mean "motorized". The user is in control at all times.

"We want to keep all the agency in the hands of the user," Amos says.

Amos explains that the device will adapt to the environment, warning its user about obstacles. It's designed to allow them to cross streets safely, find doors, safely navigate stairs and confidently travel to a destination.

And currently, Glidance is getting ready to ship the first Glide devices to users who have pre-ordered! While pre-orders have sold out, there is a waitlist available. Delivery of this first shipment is expected later this year.

Basing his new device on his own experiences and feedback from beta testers, Amos and his team have revised Glide several times, to better serve the low-vision community.

Users, called "Gliders", have a community and can get updates through Glidance's website, and several virtual "Demo Days" are forthcoming, for new prospective Gliders to try the technology.

In addition, Amos adds, a "road show" is scheduled for later this year, where Glide comes to different cities for information sessions.

Amos talked about his creative journey, shared the story of Glide and offered a preview of what's next!

Was math class fun, when you were in school?

Finland's number-one digital math learning platform, Eduten, is making a "yes" answer far more likely, from students all over the world.

Known for its excellence, the Finnish educational system is based on research into learning--and on innovations based on those findings.

Accordingly, Eduten incorporates these concepts, to make learning math (or teaching it) a customizable experience, engaging and empowering students.

With lessons for grades K through 12, Eduten engages and challenges students, even as they "play".

And the platform isn't limited to teaching math, says Eduten Co-Founder and CEO Henri Muurimaa. Eduten is set up to allow teachers to teach any subject, while focusing on individual students' needs and learning styles.

Henri shared the story of Eduten (which has won two prestigious United Nations awards so far!), talked about some of his favorite experiences introducing it to classrooms around the world and explained how teachers can access the platform for their classrooms.