Edufuturists

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Christian Turton, the EdTech Lead at Chiltern Learning Trust. We discuss the evolving role of technology in education, particularly the integration of AI. Christian shares insights on the Department for Education's recent guidance on Generative AI in schools, emphasising the importance of safe and effective use. The conversation highlights the positive reception among educators of the AI toolkits he has developed and the need for a shift in mindset towards technology in learning. We also address concerns about AI's impact on creativity and the necessity of preparing students for a tech-driven future.Chapters00:00 Introduction05:22 The Role of Innovation in Education10:02 Christian's Journey in EdTech15:27 Generative AI in Education: DfE Guidance21:04 Navigating AI's Role in the Classroom27:06 Navigating AI in Education29:55 Positive Reception and Community Engagement33:19 Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions35:37 Safeguarding Students in the Age of AI37:55 Comparative Insights from Global AI Policies39:43 Measuring Impact and Future Directions42:46 Creativity and AI in the Arts45:41 Quickfire Questions and Final ThoughtsFind out all about the DfE's new AI Toolkits [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-artificial-intelligence-in-education/generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-education]Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists]Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/]Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com]Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com]

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Matt Bowman, founder of OpenEd, to discuss the evolution of education and the importance of personalised learning. We explore how traditional education systems are failing to meet the needs of diverse learners and the role of technology, particularly AI, in shaping the future of education. Matt talks about the need for parents to take an active role in their children's education and the importance of creating engaging learning environments that foster joy and curiosity. The conversation also touches on critical thinking, problem-solving, and the potential for community involvement in education.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:06 Matt's Journey in Education05:18 The Evolution of Online Learning06:14 Tailoring Education to Individual Needs07:46 Changing Attitudes Towards Education11:04 Rethinking Traditional Education Pathways11:42 Intentional Education Planning for Parents14:35 The Shift in Parental Perspectives16:02 Fostering a Love for Learning19:18 Creating Engaging Learning Environments23:00 The Flaws of Standardised Testing25:39 Flexibility in Education for Gifted Students28:17 Empowering Student Agency in Education31:25 The Role of Guardrails in Learning33:12 Tailoring Education to Individual Needs36:33 Transforming Traditional Education Systems40:32 Rethinking Intelligence and Learning44:47 Fostering Critical Thinking Through Real-World Problems49:20 Innovative Funding Solutions for EducationWe mentioned a blog post about Marilyn vos Savant - that's here [https://opened.co/blog/when-the-smartest-person-in-the-world-called-out-our-schools]Grab a copy of Matt's book [https://opened.co/book]Check out Open Ed Academy [openedacademy.com]Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists]Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/]Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com]Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com]

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we chat with the wonderful Meagan Alfano all the way from Edmonton, Canada, who shares her insights on the importance of STEM education, the role of fun and creativity in learning, and innovative teaching practices such as design thinking and the use of micro:bit technology. Meagan discusses her journey in education, the challenges and shifts in the Canadian education system, and the need for educators to inspire and engage students. The conversation emphasises the significance of understanding diverse learning styles and the necessity of creating an engaging classroom environment. It's super high energy and helps us appreciate the need for lighting fires and not burning out too.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:24 Megan's Journey in Education10:14 The Importance of Fun in Learning15:15 Design Thinking in Education20:20 Engaging Students through Creativity25:28 The Role of Passion in Teaching26:57 The Passion for Education31:44 The Importance of Fun in Learning43:43 Innovative Teaching with Micro:bits48:30 Quick Fire Reflections on EducationCheck out Meagan's work [https://www.meaganalfano.com/]Also subscribe to her podcast [https://edtecham.org/] with another Edufuturist friend, Abid PatelThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists]Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/]Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com]Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com]

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome back Louise Jones, the Chief Community Officer at ThingLink. We discuss her journey in education technology, the significance of multi-modal learning, and the shift from measuring attendance to engagement in educational settings. Louise talks passionately about the importance of accessibility and compassion in communication, sharing a case study of Mitsubishi Electric's innovative training solutions that utilises immersive experiences to train future engineers. We also cover the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences, and the need for scenario-based and failure-based learning approaches, and how these methods can inspire the next generation of learners and prepare them for the workforce and beyond through creating engaging and supportive learning environments.Chapters00:00 Introductions01:59 Louise's Journey and Current Role06:13 The Importance of Multi-Modal Learning11:56 Engagement Over Attendance in Education18:00 Accessibility and Compassion in Communication21:50 Case Study: Mitsubishi Electric's Innovative Training Solutions24:21 Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers25:38 The Role of Technology in Education27:49 Accessibility and Inclusivity in Engineering28:32 Digital Learning and Employability32:03 Scenario-Based Learning in Barista Training41:59 Embracing Failure-Based LearningCheck out more resources that Louise has shared: Multi-modal Learning: https://www.thinglink.com/blog/multi-modal-learning-in-action/The Mitsubishi Electric UK Webinar: https://www.thinglink.com/blog/new-webinar-engineering-the-future/Interactive Barista Course Overview: https://www.thinglink.com/scene/1981396205845877604Podcast from Notebook LM with Subtitles: https://www.thinglink.com/scene/1982055975649018533Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X: https://www.twitter.com/edufuturistsFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/Check out all about Edufuturists at https://www.edufuturists.comWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

In this episode of the podcast, we have the awesome privilege of being joined by none other than Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE and former White House Education Adviser. We discuss the future of education and the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences. The conversation explores the importance of thoughtful tech integration (or not integration as you will hear Richard say!), the need for innovative teaching practices, and the significance of preparing students for a digital world. Richard shares insights on the Transformational Learning Principles and the necessity of authentic assessment in education. The conversation emphasises collaboration across the education ecosystem and the need to focus on uniquely human skills in an AI-driven future. Chapters 00:00 Introductions 02:01 Richard Culatta's Journey in Education 03:20 ISTE's Role in Educational Innovation 05:24 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives in Education 09:08 Challenges of Innovation in Education 13:12 Thoughtful Technology Integration 16:56 Examples of Effective Tech Integration (!) 22:28 Quality Standards in EdTech Products 25:32 Engaging Learners in the Learning Process 26:13 Nostalgia and the Evolution of Media Consumption 27:42 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives in Innovation 28:31 Creating Student-Centred Learning Experiences 31:16 Transformational Learning Principles for Optimal Experiences 32:22 Balancing Assessment and Enjoyment in Education 34:07 The Sunk Cost Fallacy in Education 40:58 Outdated Practices in Education 42:45 Measuring Learning Success Beyond Grades 44:48 Identifying Uniquely Human Skills in an AI World Check out Richard's most recent book, Digital for Good [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Good-Raising-Thrive-Online/dp/1647820162] Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists]Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/]Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com]Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com]