What ants teach us about the brain, cancer and the Internet | Deborah Gordon

What ants teach us about the brain, cancer and the Internet | Deborah Gordon

Author: TED May 13, 2014 Duration: 13:55
Ecologist Deborah Gordon studies ants wherever she can find them -- in the desert, in the tropics, in her kitchen ... In this fascinating talk, she explains her obsession with insects most of us would happily swat away without a second thought. She argues that ant life provides a useful model for learning about many other topics, including disease, technology and the human brain.

Ever wondered what the classroom of tomorrow might hold, or how a simple shift in teaching could unlock a student's potential? TED Talks Education brings those questions to the forefront, gathering insights directly from the people shaping learning itself. This podcast features voices from educators, neuroscientists, and innovators who have taken the stage at TED and TEDx events globally. Each episode is a deep dive into practical ideas and bold visions, moving beyond theory to explore how technology and new research are transforming the way we understand education. You'll hear stories that challenge conventional wisdom about how brains learn best and examine what it truly means to build a school that serves every learner. Curated by TED, a nonprofit focused on Ideas Worth Spreading, this series turns complex concepts into accessible conversations. It’s a direct line to the cutting edge of pedagogical thought, offering listeners not just inspiration but tangible frameworks for change. Whether you're a teacher seeking fresh strategies, a parent navigating your child's education, or simply curious about the future of knowledge, this podcast provides a compelling look at the ideas redefining learning for everyone.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 49

TED Talks Education
Podcast Episodes
What I learned from spending 31 days underwater | Fabien Cousteau [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:38
In 1963, Jacques Cousteau lived for 30 days in an underwater laboratory positioned on the floor of the Red Sea, and set a world record in the process. This summer, his grandson Fabien Cousteau broke that record. Cousteau…
How not to be ignorant about the world | Hans and Ola Rosling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:55
How much do you know about the world? Hans Rosling, with his famous charts of global population, health and income data (and an extra-extra-long pointer), demonstrates that you have a high statistical chance of being qui…
Why does the universe exist? | Jim Holt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:07
Why is there something instead of nothing? In other words: Why does the universe exist (and why are we in it)? Philosopher and writer Jim Holt follows this question toward three possible answers. Or four. Or none.
The danger of silence | Clint Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:09
"We spend so much time listening to the things people are saying that we rarely pay attention to the things they don't," says poet and teacher Clint Smith. A short, powerful piece from the heart, about finding the courag…
Why I live in mortal dread of public speaking | Megan Washington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:48
Megan Washington is one of Australia's premier singer/songwriters. And, since childhood, she has had a stutter. In this bold and personal talk, she reveals how she copes with this speech impediment—from avoiding the lett…
An ultra-low-cost college degree | Shai Reshef [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:38
At the online University of the People, anyone with a high school diploma can take classes toward a degree in business administration or computer science — without standard tuition fees (though exams cost money). Founder…
What makes a word "real"? | Anne Curzan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:59
One could argue that slang words like ‘hangry,’ ‘defriend’ and ‘adorkable’ fill crucial meaning gaps in the English language, even if they don't appear in the dictionary. After all, who actually decides which words make…
Comics that ask "what if?" | Randall Munroe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:16
Web cartoonist Randall Munroe answers simple what-if questions ("what if you hit a baseball moving at the speed of light?") using math, physics, logic and deadpan humor. In this charming talk, a reader's question about G…