The Edtech Podcast Sophie Bailey, @soph_bailey

In this episode we pick apart University and Industry, exploring learning economics in an age of perpetual upskilling, the unique strengths of University and Industry respectively, and to what extent established Universities are limited by how they can evolve through regulation and red tape.

This week’s episode is all about lessons from a lifelong learner. Listen in to be inspired about using technology in learning, the importance of good mentors, and flexible learning from 3am to much later in our adult lives. We also have our reporter Ian Hurd in conversation with the Head of Learning Technologies at Solihull College and University Centre. You’ll hear all about their work in virtual reality and skills development.

This episode was recorded LIVE at #Bett2020 and is all about skills. We take a top-level view of the skills agenda both here and internationally, looking into why there is a disconnect between education and skills requirements and where the UK stands on solving this issue compared to the rest of the world. We then drill into some of the vocational learning experiences which are attempting to take on the skills gap. 

What is innovation? How can it be measured and sustained? How can a culture of innovation be developed, and what examples of pedagogical and technological innovation have come to the fore in recent years? We speak to entrepreneurs, ecosystem developers, academics and educators about the role of innovation in virtual reality in T&L, career technical education in the U.S, STEAM education in Belgium, and real-world problem-solving in Bhutan. Phew! 

This week’s episode throws back to our LIVE recording at Dare to Learn 2019 in Helsinki, Finland, recorded during the same week as HEL we can!, an event on Boosting Skills & Continuous Learning in Europe. With a panel of adult education and corporate training providers, teachers, and eco-system supporters we asked questions such as 'Whose responsibility is upskilling workers?', and, 'Are learning economics fit for purpose in corporate learning?'. Listen in for more!

This week, we are talking about all things student experience. In an effort to dispel the myth of the “traditional student’ we talk to a range of guests about how Universities are adapting to diverse student needs, what support systems should not be taken for granted, and the dual role of tutor and technology in helping students to achieve.