World Bank EduTech Podcast

World Bank EduTech

Conversations from the World Bank Education Technology team.

  1. AI in Education: Rethinking Content and the Teacher’s Role

    AUG 28

    AI in Education: Rethinking Content and the Teacher’s Role

    Today, we dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms and learning experiences around the world. Bob Hawkins, Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank, speaks with Joleen Liang, Co-founder of Squirrel AI, Srikanth Talapadi, Managing Director at Chimple, and Daniel Plaut, Innovation Learning Lead at the EdTech Hub. Together they unpack some of the big questions: Can AI-generated content be adapted to local contexts? What role should teachers play when AI takes over parts of instruction? And how can education systems harness these tools to expand equity rather than widen divides? Learn more: ​About Squirrel AI: https://squirrelai.com/​About Chimple: https://chimple.org ​About the EdTech Hub; https://edtechhub.org/​About the World Bank: Education is a key to jobs, growth, and lifelong learning A podcast produced by Lucia Blasco.

    42 min
  2. Will AI Make Higher Education More Inclusive in Latin America?

    AUG 7

    Will AI Make Higher Education More Inclusive in Latin America?

    In this episode, we explore whether artificial intelligence can truly help close the higher education gap in Latin America and the Caribbean, or if it risks leaving more students behind. Jaime Saavedra, Director for Human Development in Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank, speaks with Ezequiel Molina, Senior Economist at the Bank and co-author of a new report on AI Revolution in higher education, and Christopher Neilson, Professor of Economics at Yale University and founder of Tether Education and ConsiliumBots. They discuss real-life innovations that are already reshaping university access in the region—from AI-powered chatbots guiding students through complex admissions processes to tools that detect early signs of dropout risk. The episode also delves into what governments need to do to ensure these technologies promote inclusion rather than deepen existing inequalities. Links: ​https://www.consiliumbots.com​www.tether.education​Report: AI Revolution in Higher Education​WBG Education in Latin America and the Caribbean If you want to learn more about Latin America and the Caribbean, subscribe to our newsletter. A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

    32 min
  3. Transformación digital en la educación superior: UniAndes y el impacto de D4TEP

    JUL 10

    Transformación digital en la educación superior: UniAndes y el impacto de D4TEP

    En este episodio, presentado por Lucía Blasco del equipo de EdTech, conversamos sobre cómo la Universidad de los Andes en Colombia ha logrado avanzar en su proceso de transformación digital. Nos acompañan Leonardo Lima (IFC) y Harold Enrique Castro Barrera, vicerrector de Transformación Digital de UniAndes. Hablamos de los aprendizajes institucionales tras cinco años de implementación del programa D4TEP, apoyado por la Corporación Financiera Internacional (IFC), y de cómo este proceso ha contribuido no solo desde la tecnología, sino también desde la innovación docente, el cambio cultural y el uso estratégico de datos para mejorar los aprendizajes. A nivel global, el programa D4TEP ha mejorado los servicios digitales para 950.000 estudiantes de 25 instituciones de educación superior en 14 países, y ha movilizado 230 millones de dólares en inversiones a través de IFC para apoyar el crecimiento institucional y la digitalización. Más información: IFC – Digital for Tertiary Education Program (D4TEP)Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes), Colombia Un podcast producido por Lucía Blasco.

    35 min
  4. Reshaping the Global Workforce: A Conversation with IFC and Andela on AI and Skills

    JUN 26

    Reshaping the Global Workforce: A Conversation with IFC and Andela on AI and Skills

    In this episode, Carrol Chang, CEO of Andela, and Juliana Ospina, Global EdTech Lead at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), join Bob Hawkins from the World Bank to explore how digital skills and AI are unlocking new job opportunities for youth, especially in Africa. They unpack the rise of demand-driven, scalable training models, the power of global talent marketplaces and the importance of public-private collaboration. From coding in remote villages to the future of work shaped by AI, this conversation looks at how to build more inclusive, connected, and future-ready education systems. Learn more: Andela – Global Talent MarketplaceInternational Finance Corporation (IFC) – Education Open Talent by John Winsor (book)The Worlds I See by Fei-Fei Li (book)World Bank Podcast: Ethiopia’s Education and Skills for Employability (EASE) A podcast produced by Lucia Blasco.

    40 min
  5. Learning in Crisis: EdTech Solutions for Challenging Contexts

    MAY 29

    Learning in Crisis: EdTech Solutions for Challenging Contexts

    In this episode, World Bank’s Bob Hawkins speaks with three EdTech leaders working to deliver quality education in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Luke Stannard (Can’t Wait to Learn – War Child Alliance), Claire Mongeau (M-Shule), and Kate Radford (EdTech Hub) share how their organisations are using innovation and collaboration to support refugee learners and out-of-school children. The conversation highlights practical lessons on cost-effective scaling, hybrid learning in emergencies, human-centred design, and the power of co-creation with local communities — with insights from Ukraine, East Africa, and beyond. Learn more: Can’t Wait to Learn: Can’t Wait to Learn M-Shule: M-ShuleEdTech Hub: EdTech HubDigital Pathways for Education: reportRefugee education: Financing what matters: blog A podcast produced by Lucia Blasco.

    41 min
  6. Smarter Data, Smarter Systems: How AI is Transforming Education

    APR 24

    Smarter Data, Smarter Systems: How AI is Transforming Education

    In today’s episode, Robert Fogel, Global Education Architect at Microsoft, joins Bob Hawkins from the World Bank EdTech Team to discuss how Artificial Intelligence can help education systems make smarter use of data to improve learning. They explore how AI-powered Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) can strengthen decision-making, support better planning, and drive stronger outcomes for students. The conversation also highlights the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI responsibly, drawing from real-world experiences across countries — and Microsoft's approach to building ethical, effective solutions in education. Learn more: Microsoft AI PrinciplesResponsible AI Resources – MicrosoftAI for Learning and Education -- CopilotWorld Bank – Education Management Information Systems (EMIS)Artificial Intelligence Revolution in Education: What You Need to Know A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

    35 min
  7. The Skills Revolution: Education, AI and the Future of Jobs – A conversation with Luis Benveniste

    APR 10

    The Skills Revolution: Education, AI and the Future of Jobs – A conversation with Luis Benveniste

    In today's episode, World Bank Director for Global Education Luis Benveniste joins Bob Hawkins, Ekua Bentil and Alex Twinomugisha, from the EdTeach Team, to talk about how education systems can prepare young people for the future of work. They reflect on the Bank's jobs agenda, the need to invest in both foundational and digital skills, and the role AI could play in transforming education and employment. The conversation includes insights from the Africa Centers of Excellence, lessons from the Digital Skills report and practical examples of how to better align education with labour market needs. Links The Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence Digital skills to accelerate human capital for youth in Africa Empowering Africa’s youth: Bridging the digital skills gap Digital Pathways for Education: Enabling Greater Impact for Al Standing together for teachers A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

    30 min
  8. Gaming for Learning: How Minecraft Education is Shaping Future Skills

    MAR 13

    Gaming for Learning: How Minecraft Education is Shaping Future Skills

    In today’s episode, World Bank’s Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education, Bob Hawkins, talks with Laylah Bulman, Senior Program Manager at Minecraft Education, about how games are transforming learning. They explore how game mechanics boost engagement, AI’s role in education, and the 21st-century skills students need. Laylah shares insights from her work in Ghana with UNICEF’s Learning Passport and how Minecraft’s Hour of Code fosters computational thinking. They also discuss Lessons in Good Trouble, a game bringing social justice movements to life, and the challenges of integrating game-based learning into classrooms. Plus, what happens when students outsmart their teachers in Minecraft—and why that’s actually a good thing. Learn more: About Minecraft Education: https://education.minecraft.net/en-usYour Future Academy - Ghana and Ukraine- UNICEF Learning Passport and Minecraft Education: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/blog/your-future-academyAI Foundations: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/discover/aiAI Adventurers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg9lToc61ftq--rdpIxWg8SCXgBg7jb1aHour of Code: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/resources/hour-code-2024Reimagining Human Connections: World Bank EdTech Strategy: Five PrinciplesDigital Transformation: World Bank: Digital Skills & Employability  A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Conversations from the World Bank Education Technology team.

Information

  • Creator
    World Bank EduTech
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © World Bank EduTech
  • Show Website
    World Bank EduTech Podcast

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