Unfiltered by EmpowerED: Educators’ Voices Uncut

#18 Generative AI & the Future of Higher Education Work l Unfiltered by EmpowerED

The rise of generative AI is not just a technological shift—it’s a fundamental transformation of how higher education operates, teaches, and evaluates learning. In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we sit down with Panagiota (Penny) Tzanni, a PhD candidate and an Educational Developer, to explore how AI is reshaping employability, academic roles, and the future of English for Academic Purposes (EAP). From navigating global career challenges and professional identity shifts to confronting the realities of AI disruption, Penny shares a candid, thought-provoking perspective on what higher education professionals must do to stay relevant.   Podcast Chapters 00:44 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=44s] – Introduction & Penny’s Global Career Journey 06:52 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=412s] – Challenges in International Education & Professional Identity 10:29 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=629s] – First Encounter with Generative AI & Its Impact 14:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=889s] – Is EAP Becoming Obsolete? 19:38 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=1178s] – AI in Higher Education: Taboo, Policy & Reality 23:59 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=1439s] – Inside Penny’s PhD: AI Training for Educators 26:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=1580s] – Fear, Resistance & Digital Literacy Gaps 34:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=2085s] – Upskilling, Work Culture & Institutional Responsibility 38:57 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=2337s] – AI, Employability & Changing Job Roles 52:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtwXjG-1Ccw&t=3166s] – The Future of Assessment & Final Reflections   Resources Mentioned Penny's Newsletter [https://open.substack.com/pub/pennytzanni]   Penny’s Contact Details Email: Englishtutor572@gmail.com [Englishtutor572@gmail.com]   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  * Website: empoweredwebinars.com [https://empoweredwebinars.com/] * X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar [https://twitter.com/MpowerEDWebinar] * LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars [https://www.linkedin.com/company/empoweredwebinars] * Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#17 Rethinking Academic Advising for Student Success l Unfiltered by EmpowerED

Academic advising is often seen as a support function—but what if it’s actually central to student success, belonging, and institutional impact? In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we speak with Wayne Ramwell, Senior Tutor and Academic Advisor at the University of Manchester, about the evolving role of advising in higher education. Wayne shares his journey into advising, insights into the professional advising model, and how institutions can better support the “whole student”—academically, personally, and professionally. We also explore challenges such as student engagement, trust-building, wellbeing, and the growing need for compassionate, student-centred approaches.   Podcast Chapters 01:03 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=63s] – Introduction & Wayne’s Journey into Academic Advising 05:27 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=327s] – What Academic Advising Really Means 11:43 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=703s] – Asking the Right Questions vs Having the Right Answers 16:38 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=998s] – Building Trust & Supporting Student Wellbeing 20:58 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=1258s] – Bridging Academic Success and Personal Development 26:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=1560s] – Misconceptions About Advising & Student Engagement 31:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=1875s] – The Professional Advising Model Explained 39:17 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=2357s] – Institutional Strategy, Resources & Impact of Advising 44:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=2645s] – Where Universities Should Start with Improving Advising 48:21 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0U4HtPCXRI&t=2901s] – The Future of Academic Advising   Resources Mentioned UK Advising and Tutoring Association (UKAT) [https://www.ukat.uk]   Wayne’s Contact Details Email: empoweredwebinars.com [https://empoweredwebinars.com/] X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar [https://twitter.com/MpowerEDWebinar] LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars [https://www.linkedin.com/company/empoweredwebinars] Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#16 From Stress to Strategy: Helping Students Navigate College Admissions Wisely | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

The college journey is often sold as rankings, prestige, and eye-watering tuition fees. But what if it could be different? In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we talk with Shellee Howard, Founder & CEO of College Ready, about how to help students pursue higher education without losing themselves or their financial future. Shellee shares: * How to send your child to college without going into debt * Why passion projects matter more than polished résumés * The truth behind Ivy League myths and what it really takes to stand out * How to think clearly about scholarships, aid and the real cost of college * How educators can guide students towards colleges that fit both their dreams and their reality We also hear about Shellee’s experience in Uganda and how that shaped her non-profit, Empower Education, and her belief in education as a global force for change. Perfect for teachers, counsellors, school leaders and parents who want honest, unfiltered insight into the modern admissions landscape.   Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 04:30 – Why Families Feel Overwhelmed About College 11:00 – What Colleges Really Look For in Students 18:30 – Passion, Purpose & Student Identity 25:45 – Global Perspective on Education Access 32:45 – Handling Rejection & Finding the Right Fit 37:50 – Are Schools Preparing Students for the Future? 42:10 – Scholarships, Financial Strategy & Hidden Costs 46:10 – AI in College Admissions 50:05 – Final Reflections & Key Takeaways   Resources Mentioned College Ready Planning Website [https://collegereadyplan.info/] https://collegereadyplan.infoEmpower Education (International Nonprofit) [https://empowereducation.world/] Podcast: Parents, is Your Teen College Ready? [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parents-is-your-teen-college-ready/id1622261244]  Book: How to Send Your Child to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money [https://https//a.co/d/dVsS1XE%C2%A0] Book: The College Admissions Plan Simplified [https://a.co/d/g0g95G6]     Shellee’s Contact Details: College Ready’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/Shellee] Shellee’s Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleehoward]   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  * Website: empoweredwebinars.com [https://empoweredwebinars.com/] * X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar [https://twitter.com/MpowerEDWebinar] * LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars [https://www.linkedin.com/company/empoweredwebinars] * Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#15 Grief and Growth: Navigating Bereavement in Higher Education | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

How personal loss shapes student life, identity, and support systems on campus. In this raw and powerful episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we’re joined by an extraordinary guest who shares her personal journey of navigating grief as a student—and how those early experiences of loss, silence, and resilience sparked the creation of The Student Grief Network. We discuss what it means to grieve at university, the unique challenges faced by students, the gaps in institutional support, and how grief can become a quiet but powerful catalyst for growth, empathy, and change. Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone who’s experienced loss, this is an episode that will stay with you.   Podcast Chapters: 01:53 – Introduction & Anna’s Journey into Grief Work 02:29 – Losing Her Brother and the Hidden Impact of Childhood Grief 08:25 – Founding the Student Grief Network at University 10:50 – Coping with the Loss of Her Father and Finding Purpose 17:00 – Why Grief Is Still Invisible in Higher Education 31:08 – Creating a Framework for Compassionate Universities 43:00 – Supporting Staff Well-Being & Building a Culture of Care 53:50 – Lessons, Hope & Anna’s Final Message   Resources Mentioned:  SGN main website [http://www.studentgriefnetwork.co.uk] My creative page: Anna May [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fannamayart.cargo.site%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cchih-yu.tsai%40durham.ac.uk%7C51e6012b62834041937b08ddfce3401e%7C7250d88b4b684529be44d59a2d8a6f94%7C0%7C0%7C638944775191276253%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sX6wXMR9gm4r7%2FVt3Sr2otYsMi84I%2F74496EjbPt72s%3D&reserved=0]   Anna's Contact Details: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-may96/?originalSubdomain=uk] Email: grief.programmes@kaplan.com [grief.programmes@kaplan.com]   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  * Website: empoweredwebinars.com [https://empoweredwebinars.com/] * X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar [https://twitter.com/MpowerEDWebinar] * LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars [https://www.linkedin.com/company/empoweredwebinars] * Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#14 Educators, Technologists and the AI Classroom: The Story Behind MA AITEL | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

This episode takes you inside the design and philosophy of the MA in Artificial Intelligence and Technology-Enhanced Learning (AITEL) — a bold new programme helping teachers and technologists co-create the future of learning. We discuss how students develop their own “classrooms of the future,” use AI tools critically, and engage with themes like social justice and digital literacy. You’ll hear practical examples, reflections on pedagogical change, and how higher education can remain deeply human — even in a world shaped by automation.   Podcast Chapters: 02:15 – Zoe’s Journey into Education & Technology 06:52 – Why the MA in AI & Technology Enhanced Learning Was Created 09:13 – Closing the Gap Between Research & Classroom Practice 13:45 – Letting Students Use AI to Write Their Essays 19:00 – Designing Curriculum for the Classroom of the Future 25:56 – Peer Collaboration Between Educators & Technologists 33:22 – Ethics, AI Literacy & Data Protection 46:25 – Zoe’s Vision for Education in the Age of AI   Resources Mentioned:  * Program Details [https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/ma-ai-technology-enhanced-learning/] * Postgraduate Taught Programmes York's Department of Education [https://www.york.ac.uk/education/postgraduate/taught-masters/] * Zoe's Personal Web page [https://www.york.ac.uk/education/our-staff/academic/zhandley/] * Zoe's Lab Page [https://sites.google.com/york.ac.uk/pivotal-group/about]   Zoe's Contact Details: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-handley-a730b58/?originalSubdomain=uk]   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  * Website: empoweredwebinars.com [https://empoweredwebinars.com/] * X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar [https://twitter.com/MpowerEDWebinar] * LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars [https://www.linkedin.com/company/empoweredwebinars] * Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com