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!
Edufuturists #275 Building a Community with Leisa Grace Wilson
In this episode of the podcast, we engage in a lively conversation with Leisa Grace Wilson, an educator and leader based in Abu Dhabi. We discuss Leisa's journey from the UK to the Middle East, the challenges and opportunities of leading in a culturally diverse environment, and the rapid pace of educational reform in the region.
Leisa shares insights on the importance of community for educators, the role of her platform Teach Middle East, and the impact of her podcast. The conversation also touches on the significance of using LinkedIn for professional growth and the courage it takes to pivot in one's career.
Find out more about Leisa and her work via the links below:
Teach Middle East Magazine
Leisa Grace Linkedin
The Middle East School Leadership Conference
The AI in Education Summit 2025
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:45 Leisa's Journey to the Middle East
06:29 Cultural Navigation in Leadership
09:18 Rapid Development in Abu Dhabi's Education
12:27 Future-Proofing Education
19:59 Teach Middle East: A Resource for Educators
22:36 Creating Community for Educators
26:11 The Importance of Staff Rooms and Community Spaces
30:02 The Importance of Social Interaction in Education
31:40 Insights from the Teach Middle East Podcast
34:20 The Passion Behind Podcasting
37:26 The Value of Long-Form Conversations
39:49 Understanding Educational Leadership
41:55 Personalised Professional Development in Education
46:20 Creating Meaningful Connections at Events
56:42 Leveraging LinkedIn for Educators
01:00:42 The Courage to Pivot in EducationThanks 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.
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1:05:21
Edufuturists #274 Infinite Education with Dan Fitzpatrick
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome back Dan Fitzpatrick to discuss the evolving landscape of education in 2025. We explore the challenges and innovations in global education systems, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the need for strategic thinking to prepare students for the future.
The conversation goes into the necessity of both revolutionary and evolutionary changes in education, emphasising the importance of innovation and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. In this conversation, we explore the evolving landscape of education, emphasising the need to rethink traditional metrics and the purpose of education.
We discuss the concept of treating education as an infinite game, focusing on lifelong learning and personal development rather than merely preparing students for the workforce. The conversation also touches on the importance of decentralisation in education, the potential for innovation, and the role of community involvement in shaping a more holistic educational experience.
Many of these themes are in Dan's upcoming book - Infinite Education - which you can preorder here.
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to 2025: A New Year and New Beginnings
02:59 Dan's Journey: Insights from the Field
06:02 Global Perspectives on Education: Challenges and Innovations
09:08 The Future of Education: Shifting Paradigms and Strategies
11:58 Artificial Intelligence in Education: Opportunities and Threats
14:53 Navigating the Education System: The Need for Change
17:57 Speculative Design: Imagining the Future of Learning
21:02 Revolution or Evolution? The Dual Path of Educational Change
27:19 Rethinking Education Metrics
28:54 The Infinite Game of Education
31:14 Defining the Purpose of Education
32:41 Preparing Students for Life, Not Just Work
36:10 Decentralisation in Education
40:20 The Future of Educational Innovation
46:41 The Shift from Finite to Infinite Learning
50:34 Community Involvement in Education
Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
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56:17
Edufuturists #273 The Big Review Part 6 with Ben & Steve
In this final episode of 2024, we reflect on the year's highlights, discussing significant themes in education, including assessment, innovation, and the role of technology. We review key podcast episodes, including conversations with influential guests and their experiences at events like BETT and the Brilliant Festival.
The discussion emphasises the importance of contextualising technology in education and looking forward to the opportunities that 2025 will bring. In this conversation, we reflect on Uprising 2024, celebrating its success and the vibrant community that supports it, which we will make happen again in Manchester in June 2025.
We discuss the importance of recognising individuals making a difference in education, the excitement for future events, and the role of technology as an enabler in education. We talk about the need for authenticity in their discussions and the importance of calling out ineffective practices in the education system. The conversation is filled with enthusiasm for the future and a commitment to meaningful change in education.
Chapters
00:00 2024 Reflections and Future Gazing
01:47 Assessment and Innovation in Education
08:02 BETT and Media Partnerships
12:04 Highlights from the Brilliant Festival
16:11 Conversations with Education Leaders
19:48 AI in Education: Contextualising Technology
22:53 Looking Ahead to 2025
24:47 Celebrating the Uprising Event
26:51 Community and Awards Recognition
28:53 Looking Ahead to 2025
30:20 Engaging with Global Partners
32:34 Technology as an Enabler in Education
35:48 The Future of Education and Innovation
38:04 Calling Out the System
40:39 Authenticity and Fun in Conversations
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.
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Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?
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Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2025
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49:28
Edufuturists #272 Contextualise Your AI with Matthew Wemyss
In this episode, we chat with 2024 Edufuturists' AI Pioneer of the Year, Matthew Wemyss, about the sensible integration of AI in education, the importance of community building, and the challenges of personalisation and equity in learning. Matthew shares his journey in education, his role in a British overseas school in Romania, and how he utilises AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance teaching strategies and support teachers.
The conversation also touches on the need for investment in educational technology to ensure all students have access to learning resources, particularly in the wake of the digital divide exacerbated by the pandemic. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of AI and education, discussing the need for better partnerships between tech companies and schools, the necessity of reflective practices for educators and the potential of AI to empower students in their learning journeys. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:12 Matthew's Journey and Role in Education
08:12 Integrating AI in Education: Strategies and Challenges
16:25 The Role of AI in Personalisation and Teacher Support
22:01 Equity in Education: Addressing the Digital Divide
25:58 The Role of AI in Education Partnerships
30:08 Personalisation and Equity in Education
34:09 Reflective Practices in Teaching with AI
43:28 Empowering Students through AI
46:40 Rethinking Assessment and Learning Success
Get Matthew's Educator's Handbook and Student's Handbook
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
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Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?
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Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2025
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52:38
Edufuturists #270 Brilliant Snippets of the Future of Education
In this episode of the podcast, it's a mashup of our conversations from the Brilliant Festival in Liverpool back in October. Our live interview on the main stage with Nachelle Crowther, Hugh Viney and Tom Rogerson has already gone out (check that out here). This one is from our little booth at the show where we got to chat with some incredible guests and speakers. (Don't judge Ben for being on his phone - he is sharing on social media live from the show!)
Chapters
00:00 Introductions
02:20 James Fraser-Murison
15:14 Matthew Wemyss
28:10 Lauren Walker & Sam D
42:24 Simone Roche
55:32 Steve Baker & Matt Littler
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
Follow us on LinkedIn
Check out all about Edufuturists
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?
Get in touch
Find out all about Uprising 2025 and get your tickets
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!