Edufuturists

Edufuturists
Edufuturists Podcast

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. 6 DAYS AGO

    Episode #259 Shifting from a Deficit Model with Nic Ponsford

    In this episode, we interview Nic Ponsford, the founder and CEO of the Global Equality Collective (GEC). We discuss the importance of collecting accurate data in education and how the GEC is using AI to gather intersectional data on inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing in schools. Nic shares her journey from being a teacher to starting the GEC and explains how the GEC platform is helping schools create action plans based on the data collected. We also discuss the need to shift from a deficit model of data collection to one that focuses on understanding and meeting the underserved needs of students and staff. The conversation explores the importance of creating unique and individual organisations in education that are specific to their context. It emphasises the need to apply ideas and data to the diversity of the organisation, its staff, and its students. The goal is to create a million or a thousand unique and outstanding organisations, rather than scaling up nationally. The conversation also highlights the importance of listening, understanding, and supporting the voices of all stakeholders in education, including staff, students, and the wider community. It emphasises the need for psychological safety, diverse thinking, and positive conflict in order to create a safe and inclusive learning environment. The conversation also touches on the use of technology, such as e-sports and AI, as well as the importance of assistive technologies in education. The biggest inspiration in education is someone who challenges the status quo and dares to be different. Chapters 00:00 Introductions 03:23 The Importance of Accurate Data Collection in Education 13:21 Using AI to Gather Intersectional Data on Inclusion and Diversity 17:30 Creating Action Plans Based on Data with the GEC Platform 23:51 Shifting from a Deficit Model to Understanding Underserved Needs 29:03 Creating Unique and Individual Organizations 35:27 Changing Relationships with Schools 39:12 Listening and Understanding in Education 43:33 Creating a Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment 46:06 Exploring the Use of Technology in Education 49:35 The Importance of Assistive Technologies 51:30 Inspiration in Education: Challenging the Status Quo Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website & sign up for our weekly newsletter Book your tickets for Uprising 2025 in Manchester⁠ Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch

    53 min
  2. 9 SEPT

    Episode #258 Breaking the Collective Illusions with Shonogh Pilgrim

    In this episode, Ben Whitaker and Steve Hope are joined by Shonogh Pilgrim, CEO of Whole Education, to discuss the importance of holistic education. They explore the biases in society towards academic achievement and the undervaluing of skills and holistic development. They also discuss the need for a shift in the education system to focus on personalised education and the use of technology to enable individualised learning. The conversation highlights the collective illusions that perpetuate the current education system and the importance of educators defining their own beliefs and values. The conversation explores the need for educators to have a clear understanding of their beliefs and values in order to stand against the current education system. It highlights the importance of developing dispositions in young people and creating conditions for educators to make decisions. The conversation also touches on the need for a shift in the narrative around education, focusing on holistic learning and the development of the whole individual. It emphasises the power of collective action and networks in driving change in education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:38 The Bias Towards Academic Achievement and Undervaluing Skills 10:22 The Need for Personalised Education and Technology 15:32 Breaking the Collective Illusions in Education 23:46 Defining Beliefs and Values in Education 35:55 Standing Against the Education System 43:25 Helping People Find Who They Are 52:03 Educating for Society 58:04 Waiting for Change from Government 01:03:47 Autonomy, Responsibility, and Accountability 01:06:34 Changing the Need to Tell Everyone What to Do Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website & sign up for our weekly newsletter Book your tickets for Uprising 2025 in Manchester Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch

    1h 10m
  3. 26 AUG

    Edufuturists #256 Comparators not Competitors with Ian Phillips

    In this episode, the boys are joined by Ian Phillips to discuss the challenges of implementing digital strategies in education. They explore the cultural barriers and the need for change in organisations, particularly in independent schools. They also touch on the role of gatekeepers in decision-making and the importance of influencing them effectively. The conversation explores the importance of recruitment, retainment, and resourcing in education. It emphasises the need to equip decision-makers in schools to make informed decisions about these areas. The discussion highlights the value of investing in technology, ensuring a safe learning environment, and prioritising people-first strategies. They touch on the need for innovative approaches to teaching and learning, such as personalised learning spaces and student-centred models. The speakers share examples of successful initiatives and the impact they have had on student progress and teacher satisfaction. It underscores the significance of valuing and supporting teachers to improve education outcomes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:09 Challenges in Implementing Digital Strategies04:23 Culture and Change in Independent Schools06:48 The Role of Gatekeepers in Decision-Making08:40 Resourcing, Recruitment, and Retention in Education08:48 Introduction and Importance of Recruitment, Retainment, and Resourcing11:05 Investing in Technology and Creating a Safe Learning Environment15:14 Putting People First: A Key Strategy for Education20:49 Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning27:57 Valuing and Supporting Teachers for Improved Education Outcomes36:40 Investing in Support Staff and Resources37:38 Moving Away from Assessment39:06 The Role of Technology39:56 Treasuring What We Measure41:11 Holistic Cultural Change in Schools42:27 Supporting Teachers and Encouraging Innovation45:16 Addressing Funding Challenges through Partnerships47:39 Inclusive Conversations and Collaboration50:04 Valuing Teachers and Professional Growth55:12 Empowering Young People and Building a Movement Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X: https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists Check out all past episodes at https://www.edufuturists.com Book your tickets for Uprising2025 at: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/53two/Edufuturists-Uprising-2025/39232238/?preview=06ee94630a Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

    1h 5m
  4. 19 AUG

    Edufuturists #255 Igniting the Inner Rebel with Dr Jill Matterface

    In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, the hosts interview Jill Matterface, an educational specialist within the military. Jill shares her journey from being a PE teacher to working in the Air Force and her passion for creating innovative training programmes. She discusses the importance of developing a 21st-century learning environment and fostering a culture of psychological safety and independent learning. The conversation also touches on the balance between compliance and innovation in the military and education sectors. The conversation explores the need for a shift in education to allow for more flexibility and individualised learning. It emphasises the importance of exposing young people to different career options and providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the future. It highlights the role of vocational education and the value of practical skills in preparing young people for the workforce. The guests discuss the need for a culture change in education and the importance of asking the right questions and challenging traditional practices. They also touch on the role of uniformed youth organisations in complementing traditional education and providing opportunities for personal growth and development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:01 Jill's Journey from PE Teacher to Military Educational Specialist 08:04 The Importance of Culture in Education and the Military 13:53 Jill's Research on Developing a 21st-Century Learning Environment 20:24 Balancing Compliance and Innovation in the Military 25:37 Fostering Creativity and Independent Thinking in Education 29:11 Creating Pathways for Individualised Learning 36:12 Preparing Young People for the Future of Work 39:43 Challenging Traditional Practices in Education 44:03 The Role of Vocational Education in Workforce Preparation 48:22 Cultivating a Culture of Flexibility and Innovation in Education 53:37 The Impact of Uniformed Youth Organisations on Personal Growth Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website Book your tickets for Uprising2025 Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

    57 min
  5. 12 AUG

    Episode #254 A Conspiracy Against Thinking with David Cameron

    In this episode, Ben and Steve are joined by special guest David Cameron, who has a background in education and children's services. They discuss the importance of creating a better future for young people and the need to move away from an education system focused solely on attainment and exams. They also touch on the challenges of delivering education in rural areas and the importance of collaboration and joint working between schools and other agencies. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in mindset and a focus on curiosity, ideas, and lifelong learning. The conversation explores the need for change in the education system and the challenges it faces. One key theme is the lack of teachers and the historical approach of maximising numbers rather than focusing on individualised learning. The blame culture and obsession with risk are also discussed, with a call for a shift towards trust and flexibility. The importance of creating positive experiences and dispositions for students is highlighted, as well as the need to move away from a purely outcome-focused approach. The conversation ends with a discussion on the influence of funding and the role of accountability in education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming the Guest 02:19 David Cameron's Background in Education 06:40 Online Learning and Education in Scotland 09:04 Building on Best Practices in Education 10:46 The Purpose of Education and the Importance of Curiosity 16:15 The Role of Schools in Social Care and Safeguarding 19:02 The Need for Genuine Joint Working in Education 20:26 The Language and Culture of Education 24:43 Shaping a Better Future for Young People 28:18 Meeting Young People Where They Are 29:46 Conclusion and More Than Results 29:47 Rethinking the Education System 31:40 The Teacher Shortage and Maximising Numbers in Classrooms 40:15 Breaking Free from the Blame Culture 45:39 Creating Positive Experiences and Dispositions 53:58 The Pitfalls of an Exam-Focused System 58:48 Reevaluating Funding and Accountability Check out David's work Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our all new website Get your tickets for Uprising2025 Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

    1h 1m
  6. 4 AUG

    Edufuturists #253 Bring the Students With You with Kern Kelley

    In this episode, Ben & Steve are joined by Kern Kelley, a Technology Integrator in central Maine, USA at R.S.U. #19. Kern started as a fifth-grade teacher and loved the ability to integrate different subjects and build a community in the classroom. He started involving students in tech support, which led to the creation of a tech help show and workshops. Kern became a technology integrator for the district, where he had the freedom to use his time and energy as he saw fit. He focused on building students' trust and giving them opportunities to present and travel. Kern believes in the importance of inspiring students and creating immersive experiences through augmented reality (AR) and AI, while still valuing the role of teachers in curating and facilitating learning. He discusses his experience as a technology integrator and the evolution of technology integration over the past 20 years. He shares how he started by introducing technology to classrooms and gradually developed a comprehensive system of technology integration from K-12. Kern also talks about the STEM to Strings programme, where students learn about science, technology, engineering, and math through the process of building their own electric guitars. He emphasises the importance of project-based learning, student leadership, and creating a culture of empathy in education. Chapters 00:00 Integrating Subjects and Building Community 01:36 Empowering Students through Tech Support and Leadership 03:28 The Importance of Trust in Student Leadership 13:08 Enhancing Learning with Augmented Reality and AI 27:00 The Evolution of Technology Integration 29:26 Project-Based Learning and Technology Integration 32:10 STEM to Strings: From Nature to End Product 33:33 Fostering Empathy and Student Leadership Kern discusses 3 projects which you can check out below: Creating an Augmented Reality Layer over the school with Photogrammetry STEM to Strings Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website Grab tickets for Uprising 2025 Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

    58 min
  7. 29 JUL

    Episode #252 Creative Direction: AI or Not to AI with Penny Lee Taylor-Brown (The Gary Barlow One)

    In this conversation, Steven and Ben are joined by Global's Penny Lee Taylor-Brown to discuss the role of AI in education and the importance of human intelligence. They explore the need for skills such as critical analysis, communication, empathy, and storytelling in the workplace. Penny Lee shares her experience as a creative director in the media industry and how AI can be used to analyse documents and save time. They also discuss the potential of AI in personalising education and adapting teaching methods to individual students. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the history of AI and its potential impact on education. In this conversation, Penny Lee discusses the integration of AI in the creative industry and the future of education. She emphasises the importance of human skills such as storytelling, pitching, and confidence, which cannot be replaced by AI. Penny Lee also suggests that the education system should adapt to the changing needs and interests of students, allowing for more personalised learning experiences. The challenges in education include the need to prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce and the increasing desire for alternative paths to success, such as apprenticeships. Overall, the conversation highlights the potential of AI to enhance productivity and efficiency while recognising the irreplaceable value of human creativity and connection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Tone 10:11 The Importance of Human Intelligence in the Workplace 18:49 Using AI to Save Time and Analyse Documents 25:20 Personalising Education with AI 32:05 Rethinking Traditional Testing in Education 41:03 Challenges in Education and the Changing Workforce 52:32 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Skills 57:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Check out Penny Lee's LinkedIn profile PS Scroll to 31:12 to hear Steve calling himself Gary Barlow. Podcast gold. Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2025 Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

    59 min

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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!

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