WISE On Air

WISE Qatar Foundation
WISE On Air

An education podcast where we talk to the world’s leading minds. Brought to you by WISE: The global platform for innovators in education. Join us as we talk to thought leaders, innovators, educators and artists from around the world about any and all things to do with education.

  1. 106: AI in Higher Ed - Global Perspective & Collaborative Solutions

    FEB 12

    106: AI in Higher Ed - Global Perspective & Collaborative Solutions

    In this episode of WISE On Air, we dive into an unprecedented global research initiative exploring artificial intelligence's impact on higher education. Through conversations with research leads from six institutions across five continents, we uncover how different regions are approaching AI integration in universities and preparing students for an AI-powered future. Our guests share insights on various critical aspects of AI in higher education, from curriculum integration and faculty development to ethical considerations and workforce preparation. From the halls of an Ivy League institution in the United States to a pioneering university in Kazakhstan, from Spain to India, and beyond - each perspective adds a unique dimension to our understanding of this transformative moment in education. As part of WISE's latest research initiative, these institutions are collaborating to produce one of the most comprehensive global studies on AI in higher education. The findings, set to be presented at the WISE 12 Summit in Fall 2025, promise to provide actionable insights for education leaders worldwide. Join us for this enlightening discussion that bridges cultural contexts and institutional approaches to one of education's most pressing challenges: adapting higher education for the age of artificial intelligence. Learn more about the WISE & IIE Global Research Consortium: https://www.wise-qatar.org/wise-works/wise-research/ Nazarbayev University: https://nu.edu.kz/ Universidad de los Andes: https://www.uniandes.edu.co/ BITS Pilani: https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/ Ashesi University: https://ashesi.edu.gh/ Universidad Camilo José Cela: https://www.ucjc.edu/ University of Pennsylvania: https://www.upenn.edu/ Subscribe to WISE On Air: pod.link/wiseonair Thank you to our participating guest speakers: - Natalia Lara - Universidad Camilo José Cela, Spain - Joseph Kwame Adjei - Ashesi University, Ghana - Jagat Sesh Challa - BITS Pilani, India - Elaine Sharplin - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan - Peter Eckel - University of Pennsylvania, United States - Mirka Martel - International Institute of Education 00:00 Introduction to the WISE and IIE Global Research Consortium 00:36 Overview of the Research Initiative 01:44 Exploring AI Integration in Higher Education 02:35 Institutional Approaches to AI 04:34 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption 05:37 Global Perspectives on AI in Education 23:15 Ethical Considerations and Risks of AI 30:41 Focus Areas of the Research Consortium 42:51 Conclusion and Future Outlook ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org Twitter: twitter.com/WISE_Tweets Instagram: @wiseqatar Facebook: facebook.com/wiseqatar/ Linkedin: bit.ly/2JKThYf

    43 min
  2. 105: From Space to Schools - How Does XPRIZE Reimagine Learning? - Alexander Nicholas

    JAN 30

    105: From Space to Schools - How Does XPRIZE Reimagine Learning? - Alexander Nicholas

    In this episode of WISE On Air, we explore the intersection of innovation and education with Alexander Nicholas, Executive Vice President of Learning & Society at XPRIZE. Drawing from his experience leading educational initiatives at the Gates Foundation and now at XPRIZE, Alexander shares insights on how prize competitions can catalyze transformative solutions in education. Alexander discusses XPRIZE's unique approach to tackling global challenges, from their first space competition to their current work across seven domains including education. He explains how their "brain trust" methodology brings together diverse experts to frame problems and design prizes that drive real impact. Through examples like their global learning prize that reached millions of students in Tanzania, we explore how prize competitions can validate educational technology and create new standards for efficacy. The conversation delves into Alexander's vision of democratized education, where high-quality learning becomes "demonetized, delocalized and moving into the fabric of society." He shares thoughtful perspectives on how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies might help realize this vision, while emphasizing the importance of keeping solutions globally relevant and contextual. Join us as we examine how prize competitions could help transform education systems and create more equitable access to learning opportunities worldwide. Learn more about XPRIZE: https://www.xprize.org ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org Twitter: twitter.com/WISE_Tweets Instagram: @wiseqatar Facebook: facebook.com/wiseqatar/ Linkedin: bit.ly/2JKThYf

    41 min
  3. 104: Excluded to Empowered: Should Students Design Their Own Learning? - Zoya Kalinsky

    JAN 22

    104: Excluded to Empowered: Should Students Design Their Own Learning? - Zoya Kalinsky

    At age eight, Zoya Kalinsky was instructed to leave the classroom by her math’s teacher who told her she can only come back when she "stops twitching." - a condition outside of her control. Today, that same girl stands confidently in the United Nations Economic and Social Council chamber, addressing global leaders about her experience, the need to solve the bullying issue once and for all, and how we can transform our education systems to achieve that. In this episode, we meet Zoya at thirteen, fresh from speaking at the UN's Summit of the Future and launching ambitious initiatives as Skyway's youth ambassador. The Learning Economy established the Skyway initiative to address the growing need for a modernized approach to learning, as many existing systems struggle to keep up with the demands of an evolving, interconnected global society. Zoya is one of many students pioneering this novel learning model of change. But Zoya isn't just talking about change – she's living it. Between addressing world leaders and developing youth councils, she composes piano pieces about resilience, creates artwork that challenges bullying, and advocates for young voices in rooms where decisions about their future are made - often without their consent. In this episode WISE Director Elyas Felfoul sits down with Zoya to explore how she’s experiencing a whole new way of learning with new technologies that could help create a system where no child feels left behind. Together, they unpack what it really means to transform education in an AI-powered world, and why having young people at the decision-making table isn't just important – it's essential. Subscribe to WISE On Air: https://pod.link/wiseonair Learn more about Zoya: 1. Instagram @zoyakalinsky 2. Website www.zoyakalinsky.com 3. UN anti-bullying speech Nov 2023 https://youtu.be/y_zbZH4fZaU?si=dcGWNS5P-ESh980S 4. Closing remarks and speech for AGIP Youth Power Summit Sept 2024 https://youtu.be/LZOp2X5_1O8?si=UkgnVmLv83LMOysQ 5. Blue Gallery NYC piano performance 2024 https://youtu.be/JoKVmlEWyGw?si=Iv9giXtNx5rn7Z1q 6. Skyway fundraising dinner NYC 2024 https://youtu.be/WPeX83dCdMA?si=zFkFLWND3YL-l_3m 7. iLead Hybrid School press release https://ileadschools.org/ilead-hybrid-7th-grader-zoya-kalinsky-addresses-united-nations/ 00:00 Introduction to Skyway and Its Mission 00:45 Meet Zoya Kalinsky: A Journey from Bullying to Advocacy 03:30 Zoya's Homeschooling Experience and Advocacy 09:44 The Role of AI and Technology in Education 16:14 Zoya's Involvement with International Organizations 17:40 The Importance of Youth in Decision-Making 21:13 Traveling and Learning: A Homeschooling Perspective 24:38 Art and Music: Tools for Advocacy 29:05 Future Plans and Upcoming Events

    31 min
  4. 103: Is Boredom, not Tech, the Real Enemy of Teen Learning? - Rebecca Winthrop

    JAN 15

    103: Is Boredom, not Tech, the Real Enemy of Teen Learning? - Rebecca Winthrop

    Purchase The Disengaged Teen at https://rebeccawinthrop.com --- In this episode of WISE On Air, we dive into a critical conversation about teen disengagement with Rebecca Winthrop, co-author of the newly released book "The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better." Rebecca, who serves as a senior fellow and director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, brings fresh insights from her groundbreaking research, which reveals a startling disconnect: while parents think 60% of kids love school, the reality is that by 12th grade, only 25% actually do. Her book, which launched with conversations featuring Gayle King and Drew Barrymore on Oprah Daily, offers a powerful framework for understanding how teens engage with learning and what we can do to help them thrive. Through extensive research involving hundreds of interviews with students, parents, and educators, Rebecca and her co-author Jenny Anderson identify four distinct modes of engagement that shape how teens approach learning. More importantly, they provide practical strategies for parents and educators to help teens develop what they call "explorer muscles" - the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. The timing couldn't be more crucial. With rapid technological changes and evolving workplace demands, helping teens become engaged learners isn't just about academic success - it's about preparing them for a future where adaptability and self-directed learning are essential skills. To learn more about Rebecca's work and upcoming book events in New York, DC, and LA, visit rebeccawinthrop.com. Subscribe to WISE On Air on your preferred podcast app: https://pod.link/wiseonair 00:00 The Need for Explorer Skills in the Modern World 00:43 Introduction 02:05 Rebecca Winthrop's Personal Motivation and Book Overview 04:09 Defining and Understanding Student Engagement 10:13 The Four Modes of Engagement 14:46 Examples of Successful Explorer Mode Schools 23:01 Pathways to Achieving Explorer Mode 28:04 Balancing Different Modes of Engagement 30:24 Balancing Achievement and Mental Health 30:51 The Need for Explorer Skills in the Modern World 32:35 Teachers' Role in Fostering Engagement 33:33 Practical Strategies for Teachers 36:14 Professional Development for Teachers 38:42 System-Level Changes in Education 42:36 Parents' Role in Supporting Engagement 47:47 Encouraging Autonomy and Agency in Kids 53:04 Rethinking Success and College Admissions 01:00:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts For more information about WISE: http://www.wise-qatar.org Follow WISE on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WISE_Tweets Like WISE on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wiseqatar Follow WISE on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/wiseqatar

    1h 1m
  5. 102: What Does HolonIQ's Data Tell Us About Tomorrow's Learning?

    11/13/2024

    102: What Does HolonIQ's Data Tell Us About Tomorrow's Learning?

    Did you know that while many industries around the world have developed and utilized sophisticated market intelligence systems to track impact, the education sector, despite its immense size and importance, has historically lacked comprehensive data and insights? And by comprehensive, we mean data that is actionable. This observation led Maria Spies to co-found HolonIQ in 2018, which has since become one of the world's leading providers of education impact intelligence. In an exciting recent development, HolonIQ has been acquired by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, marking a significant milestone in the consolidation of global education data and analytics. As Co-CEO of HolonIQ, Maria has been working at the intersection of education, business, and technology for nearly three decades. Her journey began in the late 1990s, building online courses when distance learning was still rudimentary. Today, she leads a platform that analyzes data across education, climate, and health sectors, providing crucial insights for governments, investors, and institutions worldwide. In this episode, WISE Director and host Elyas Felfoul explores with Maria the evolution of education technology, the five scenarios shaping the future of education, and what current market trends tell us about where the sector is heading. From the impact of COVID-19 on EdTech adoption to the changing dynamics of investment in the sector, Maria offers unique insights into how data and intelligence are reshaping our understanding of global education. Learn more about HolonIQ: https://www.holoniq.com/ Subscribe to WISE On Air: https://pod.link/wiseonair ------ 🎓 About WISE On Air: WISE On Air is a podcast where we seek insights from the world's leading minds on the future of education and beyond. Brought to you by WISE, the global platform for education innovators. Learn more about WISE: www.wise-qatar.org/ ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org Twitter: twitter.com/WISE_Tweets Instagram: @wiseqatar Facebook: facebook.com/wiseqatar/ Linkedin: bit.ly/2JKThYf 00:00 Introduction to EdTech Challenges 00:44 Welcome to Wise On Air 01:11 Meet Maria Spies: Co-CEO of HolonIQ 01:56 The Evolution of Education Technology 03:05 Maria's Journey in EdTech 04:17 The Birth of HolonIQ 04:58 The Importance of Data in Education 07:09 Global Impact and Innovations 09:56 HolonIQ's Role in Education and Beyond 17:16 The Future of EdTech 29:41 Regional Rising: A New World Order 30:59 Global Giants: Dominating Education 34:10 Peer-to-Peer Learning: A Utopian Dream? 35:38 Robo Revolution: AI in Education 38:28 Healthcare vs. Education: A Technological Divide 50:40 The Role of Philanthropy in EdTech 52:40 HolonIQ's Future Vision

    56 min
  6. 100: Our Next Reality - An AI-Powered Metaverse? - Alvin Wang Graylin

    07/17/2024

    100: Our Next Reality - An AI-Powered Metaverse? - Alvin Wang Graylin

    What if Einstein, Tesla, or Edison had AI on their side? What could they have achieved in their lifetime? As artificial intelligence and extended reality technologies advance at an unprecedented pace, these aren't just hypothetical questions – they're glimpses into a future that's rapidly approaching. In this episode of WISE On Air, host Elyas Felfoul speaks with Alvin Wang Graylin about the future of education in an AI-powered metaverse. Key points discussed include: 1. The rapid advancement of AI and XR (Extended Reality) technologies and their potential impact on society and education. 2. How AI could provide personalized, immersive learning experiences that unlock human potential at an unprecedented scale. 3. The concept of a global metaverse as a platform for education, creativity, and human interaction. 4. The importance of developing a global, collaborative approach to AI development to ensure it benefits all of humanity. 5. The potential for AI to address educational inequalities by providing high-quality education to anyone, anywhere. 6. The shift in focus from STEM skills to "soft skills" like critical thinking, ethics, and human interaction in an AI-driven world. 7. The need for policymakers to understand and prepare for the societal changes brought about by AI and the metaverse. 8. The potential for AI and the metaverse to create new economic models and change our relationship with work. 9. The importance of aligning AI development with human values and ethics. 10. The role of education in preparing future generations for a world where AI is ubiquitous. Alvin shares both optimistic and cautionary perspectives on these technologies, emphasizing the need for thoughtful implementation and global cooperation. He argues that while these technologies present challenges, they also offer unprecedented opportunities to solve global problems and enhance human potential. For more insights on this topic, check out Alvin Wang Graylin's book "Our Next Reality: How AI and the Metaverse Will Shape Our Future: https://ournextreality.com/ ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org Twitter: twitter.com/WISE_Tweets Instagram: @wiseqatar Facebook: facebook.com/wiseqatar/ Linkedin: bit.ly/2JKThYf

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

An education podcast where we talk to the world’s leading minds. Brought to you by WISE: The global platform for innovators in education. Join us as we talk to thought leaders, innovators, educators and artists from around the world about any and all things to do with education.

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