Edufuturists

Edufuturists

We are led to believe that the education system will continually evolve to meet the needs of learners and society. This has not happened. We need a revolution!

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    AI isn't deskilling our kids with Dr Rob Wessman (#342)

    What if the real risk of AI in schools isn't that it cheats - it's that it quietly switches off the parts of our brains we need most? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rob Wessman, VP of Ethics and Safety at School AI, to dig into one of the most important questions in education right now: are we building AI tools that develop young people, or tools that do the developing for them? With a background as a high school English teacher, school administrator, and Harvard EdLD graduate, Rob brings a genuinely human lens to the world of edtech and a compelling case for why getting this right matters more than getting it fast. We cover: - The MIT study that showed students struggling to think for themselves after outsourcing their essays to AI - Why School AI's research shows a 28% boost in higher-order reasoning - and how design makes the difference - The deskilling risk hiding in plain sight (and what endoscopy doctors can teach us about it) - Why banning AI in schools may be more dangerous than letting students use it unsupervised - The "agency with guardrails" challenge: how do you build tools that protect without limiting? - What Singapore's education ministry gets right — and why we should be paying attention - Why School AI removed their cute avatar and what it says about human-AI honesty Whether you're a school leader trying to make sense of AI policy, an educator worried about what students are losing, or just someone who wants the tech to actually serve learning, we think you'll like this one! Chapters 0:00 Introductions 02:35 Rob Wessman's Background in Education 05:16 Rob's Role at School AI and Its Mission 08:45 Designing AI to Promote Critical Thinking 12:05 Safety Guardrails and Ethical Use of AI 14:03 MIT Study on De-skilling and AI Risks 17:00 Boosting Higher-Order Reasoning with AI 20:27 Supporting Teachers and Human Connection 24:09 Legislation and Societal Concerns about AI 28:15 Educating About AI and Its Risks 32:47 Future Directions and Responsible AI Design 40:37 What Remains Human in Education? 43:31 Closing Remarks Read the research around SchoolAI and Critical Thinking Find out more about SchoolAI Check out all things Edufuturists

    45 min

  2. 27 APR

    How to use AI as a team member (not just a tool) with Kathryn Jablokow (#341)

    What if AI could think more like a human - and what would that mean for education, teams, and leadership?In this episode, Ben and Steve sit down with Kathryn Jablokow, Dean of Engineering at Manhattan University, to explore one of the most fascinating ideas in AI right now: cognitive diversity. With 34 years in engineering education and groundbreaking research into how AI agents can mimic different thinking styles, Kathryn brings a perspective you won't hear anywhere else.We cover:- Why AI struggles to find what you actually want- Adaption-Innovation Theory and what it means for AI development- Using AI as a genuine team member not just a productivity tool- What engineering education needs to look like post-ChatGPT- Why understanding how your team thinks is the real unlock for AI- The problem with how schools teach teamwork (and why exams are part of the problem)Whether you're a school leader, educator, or just someone trying to make sense of where AI is heading - this one's for you.Chapters00:00 Introductions01:21 Kathryn Jablokow's Journey in Engineering Education06:38 Transforming Engineering Education at Manhattan University13:04 AI's Role in Education and Engineering20:06 Integrating AI as a Team Member24:09 The Future of AI in Education30:42 Navigating Disagreement in AI Development32:15 The Human Element in AI Interaction34:11 Cultural Perspectives on AI and Robotics36:33 Data Privacy and Environmental Concerns38:32 Job Displacement and Creation in the Age of AI43:28 Preparing Future Generations for an Evolving Job Market47:26 Mental Well-Being and Critical Thinking in EducationCheck out all about Edufuturists

    1 min

  3. 22 APR

    How to be a leader and stay the course of time with Patrick Cozier (#340)

    This podcast episode is a brilliant conversation with Patrick Cozier, who shares his extensive experience in education leadership. The conversation goes into the challenges of decision-making, managing external pressures, leading with humanity, and the impact of paranoia in leadership.We also dig into the importance of consultation and feedback in decision-making, the CALM framework, authentic leadership, the journey and maturity of leaders, Patrick's role on the roundtable, and involvement with Show Racism the Red Card. The themes emphasise the significance of collaboration, internal and external calm, authenticity, reflection, influence, and anti-racism work in leadership and education.Takeaways- Leadership requires resilience and the ability to manage external pressures effectively.- Leading with humanity involves recognising the human side of leadership and building trust through honest and real interactions.- Paranoia in leadership can be challenging, and leaders must learn to cope with the varying opinions and perceptions of others. Consultation and collaboration are crucial in decision-making- Calm leadership involves maintaining focus, awareness, and authenticityChapters00:00 Introductions06:30 Managing External Pressures13:37 Leading with Humanity20:42 Paranoia in Leadership29:29 Consultation and Decision-Making34:35 The CALM Framework44:17 Journey and Maturity51:02 Show Racism and Red CardGrab a copy of Patrick's book

    59 min

  4. 13 APR

    Edufuturists #339 The Big Review Part 14

    In this episode of the podcast, we reflect on another rich run of recent conversations from across the series in Review #14.We revisit key ideas from episodes featuring Nici Foote, Rita Bateson, Iain MacRitchie, Dr Emily Musil, Dr Robin Harwick, Danielle Finlay, and a wide range of voices captured at BETT. Across the discussion, a number of themes begin to emerge clearly: the value of messy learning, the growing importance of AI literacy, the need to focus on meaningful uses of technology rather than superficial adoption, and the enduring importance of human connection in education. The conversation also explores democratic schooling, pedagogy, lifelong learning, inclusion, mentorship, and the challenge of creating more time and space for curiosity, compassion, and deeper thinking in schools and colleges.As ever, this review episode is a chance to step back, spot the patterns, and reflect on what these conversations might be telling us about the future of education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Nici Foote and Messy Learning 04:45 Rita Bateson and AI Literacy 07:55 Iain MacRitchie and Human Intelligence 12:50 BETT Reflections and Meaningful AI 17:45 Dr Emily Musil and Lifelong Learning 20:10 Dr Robin Harwick and Democratic Schooling 23:20 Danielle Finlay and Pedagogy 26:35 Final Reflections 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.Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

    26 min

  5. 6 APR

    Edufuturists #338 Why Better Teaching Starts With Better Feedback with Danielle Finlay

    In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Danielle Finlay, former headteacher, senior leader and now Head of Operations, Client Delivery and Change Management at Progress Teaching. Danielle reflects on her journey through education leadership, her deep commitment to pedagogy, and the difficult decision to step away from headship in order to prioritise family life without stepping away from her impact on the sector. The conversation explores the relationship between pedagogy, leadership, behaviour, feedback and data, with Danielle making the case that better teaching starts with better insight rather than more judgement. We discuss why pedagogy remains the beating heart of great schools, why relationships matter more than compliance, and how leaders can use data intelligently without becoming overwhelmed by numbers that tell them very little. Danielle also shares thoughtful reflections on Ofsted, trust accountability and the difference between feedback as insight and feedback as judgement. It is a rich conversation about courage, clarity and the importance of building school cultures where challenge is humane, evidence-informed and rooted in genuine care for both staff and students. Chapters 00:00 Introduction And Welcome 03:17 Danielle Finlay’s Background And Journey Through Education Leadership 06:38 Moving From School Leadership Into The Commercial Sector 12:25 Choosing Family, Leadership And A Different Kind Of Impact 15:09 Why Pedagogy Still Matters Most 19:15 Challenge, Change-Makers And The Limits Of Compliance 21:12 Behaviour, Relationships And Partnership In Schools 24:51 Why Culture Starts With Care And Clarity 29:09 Radical Candour, Feedback And Leadership Judgment 33:23 Ofsted, Accountability And The Problem With Snapshot Judgments 38:16 Trust, Support And What School Improvement Should Really Look Like 43:15 Why Data-Rich Schools Make Better Decisions 48:06 Data-Rich Versus Data-Heavy Thinking 52:08 Lessons In Leadership, Courage And Conviction 55:45 Quickfire Questions 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.Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

    1 hr

  6. 30 MAR

    Edufuturists #337 Why Schools Still Teach Compliance Instead of Democracy with Dr Robin Harwick

    In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Dr Robin Harwick, educator, research scientist and founder of the Pearl Remote Democratic High School in central Mexico. Robin shares her journey into education, her frustration with the long gap between research and classroom practice, and why she felt compelled to build a school that puts democracy, inclusion and student agency at its core. The conversation explores what it really means to create a democratic school, from co-creating curriculum with students to building classrooms where voice, choice and critical thinking are non-negotiable. Robin argues that too much of mainstream education is still built around control, compliance and conformity, rather than helping young people become informed, engaged and competent citizens. We also discuss why student voice is so often reduced to tokenism, how schools can move beyond rigid planning, and why educators need to relearn how to listen. The episode is a powerful challenge to inherited assumptions about schooling and a reminder that if education is meant to prepare young people for democracy, it cannot continue to be run like an authoritarian system. Chapters 00:00 Introduction And Welcome 01:24 Robin Harwick’s Background And Route Into Education 05:16 Introducing The Pearl Remote Democratic High School 05:43 The Origins Of The Pearl And Art Pearl’s Influence 07:53 Democracy, Inclusion And Informed Citizenship 08:39 Why This Work Matters In The World Today 11:37 Civic Participation, Responsibility And Student Voice 15:25 What A Democratic School Looks Like In Practice 17:41 Co-Creating Curriculum And Following Student Curiosity 22:03 Relearning How To Teach In A Democratic Model 25:17 Supporting Teachers To Let Go Of Control 29:31 Why Most Schools Still Prioritise Compliance 31:44 Moving Beyond Tokenistic Student Voice 37:20 Autism, Masking And Resisting Unjust Systems 39:21 Quickfire Questions Find out more about the Pearl Remote Democratic High School Robin also references The Democratic Classroom 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 XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 at: edufuturists.com/uprising26

    43 min

  7. 23 MAR

    Edufuturists #336 Why AI Literacy Can No Longer Sit on the Edge with Dr Emily Musil

    In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Dr Emily Musil from the Milken Institute to explore how education, philanthropy and technological change are colliding in powerful ways. Emily shares her journey through higher education, EdTech and global learning projects, before unpacking her current work helping philanthropists and institutions invest in the future of education.The conversation explores why AI literacy and computational thinking now need to be seen as part of the core learning experience, not as optional extras or specialist subjects. We discuss the growing pressure on higher education to rethink old models, the importance of lifelong learning, and the role of philanthropy in funding experimentation, innovation and system change.Emily also reflects on the balance between high tech and human-centred learning, arguing that the future of education should combine personalised digital support with collaboration, empathy and real-world problem solving. It is a conversation about imagination, urgency and the need to build learning systems that are more flexible, more equitable and more fit for the world ahead.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:15 Emily Musil’s background in Education and EdTech05:09 The Milken Institute and Strategic pPhilanthropy07:33 Global Trends, Regional Priorities and Systems Thinking10:11 AI Disruption and the Need for Future-focused Thinking14:51 Why AI Literacy Must Become a Core Skill16:01 Personalised Learning and What Schools Can Do Differently19:26 Higher Education, Business Models and Resistance to Change24:15 New University Models and Experimental Approaches26:46 Lifelong Learning and Education as a Continuum30:08 How Philanthropy can Catalyse Change in Education35:47 Computational Thinking, AI+ and Human-Centred Learning40:11 Competition, Global Opportunity and Prize-based Innovation45:22 Quickfire QuestionsFind out more about Emily here Download the Milken Institute's latest AI Report Hear about Milken's latest partnershop with Drew University 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/edufuturistsFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/Join the WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWXj4PvbvvI5frLGVUj6ih?mode=ems_copy_h_cCheck 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.comGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 at: edufuturists.com/uprising26

    51 min

  8. 20 MAR

    Edufuturists #335 Bett 2026 The Full Stack

    In this episode of the podcast, we have mashed together all of our interviews from Bett 2026. We aren't going to lie...putting this together has been a nightmare and we almost didn't put it out. We lost footage, some of the audio tracks haven't transcribed and it's not really our best work.But, we thought it's important we don't always have to be polished AND the audio content here with some incredible folks is just magical. Let's focus on that eh?! Don't judge; be kind!Chapters 00:00 Andrew Sliwinski, Lego14:21 Gavan Vetesse-Wilson, Salamander Soft31:38 John Roberts, Oak National Academy41:07 Taryn Sullivan, Google01:16:38 Mark Hadley, Blackout Technologies01:19:58 Simon Blower, Pobble01:24:41 Jon Neale, Kahoot01:39:14 Polly Morgan, IDEA.org01:49:40 James Weatherill, Arbor01:58:49 Aanya Niaz, AWS02:14:45 Alison Clark-Wilson, UCL02:27:00 Bett Awards02:33:40 Christian Turton02:36:53 Louisa & Yash, BeyondThanks 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 XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

    2h 43m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

We are led to believe that the education system will continually evolve to meet the needs of learners and society. This has not happened. We need a revolution!

Information

  • Creator
    Edufuturists
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    400
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Edufuturists

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