34.Tackling Global Challenges with Ed Fidoe

What if the key to revolutionizing education lies in interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving?

In this episode, host Natalie Born is joined by Ed Fidoe, the founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), an innovative institution tackling global issues like inequality, sustainability, ethics, and AI through an interdisciplinary curriculum. Ed shares his journey from co-founding a K-12 school focused on project-based learning to creating LIS, the first UK institution in decades with degree-awarding powers from inception. Together, they explore the changing landscape of education, the role of AI in academia, and the importance of developing communication skills. The conversation touches on Ed’s belief in solving real-world problems through education and the impact of interdisciplinary expertise on modern challenges.

[00:01 - 05:14] From TV Shows to Education: Ed’s Journey

• Belief in possibilities began with acting

• Launched School 21 to focus on project-based learning

• Emphasized oracy to improve speaking skills

[05:15 - 10:00] Project-Based Learning & Oracy

• Project-based learning can be powerful when done well

• Speaking skills are critical but often neglected

• Over 1,000 UK schools now focus on oracy

[10:01 - 16:34] AI in Education at LIS

• Students must use and explain AI tools like ChatGPT

• AI improves student creativity and critical thinking

• Higher expectations for academic work with AI

[16:35 - 22:44] Tackling Real-World Problems

• LIS organizes learning around real-world issues

• Students work with companies to solve global problems

• Prepares students for messy, real-life challenges

[22:45 - 27:22] The Role of Interactional Expertise

• Interactional expertise bridges knowledge gaps

• Middle leaders benefit from understanding multiple fields

• Developing this expertise is essential for complex problem-solving

Quotes:

 “If we’re preparing students for the world of work, we must have them using the AI tools of the day. Otherwise, we’re setting them up to fail.” - Ed Fidoe

"You need to show what you value if you want people to actually kind of work on it and commit time to it." - Ed Fidoe

Connect with Ed:

Website: https://www.lis.ac.uk/team/ed-fidoe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fidoe?originalSubdomain=uk

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