The EducAIte Podcast

In this episode I speak to Web 3.0 guru and LinkedIn Influencer John Kraski.

John is author of the upcoming book the Future of Community. In this fascinating episode we explore:

• His journey to 65,000 followers
• How Linkedin wanted to shut him down believing his rapid rise was due to AI bots... before awarding him a LinkedIn Top Voice accolade
• His decade of LinkedIn failure before the lightbulb moment when he realised he could 'own' the Web 3.0 space.
• How you no longer need to be an expert to get traction - if you can simplify the complex, the right people will listen and you can build a brand.
• How NFTs aren't only bad cartoons of apes: how they will enable educators to monetise their value in a more open and transparent way.
• His new book and how it was building his brand on LinkedIn that made it possible
• How the Metaverse will open out global audience for teachers 
• What educators should be doing now to get ready for the coming Web 3.0 creator wave

I learnt a lot - I hope you do too.

Chris is an experienced school leader, education consultant, IT strategist and project manager with over 20 years’ experience. As the Head of Digital Education at a multi-academy trust, he is delving into the practical applications of AI in education.

In this episode we dig deep into the practicalities of transitioning schools into an AI augmented future. As well as exploring his journey to implementing AI so widely at Epsom and Ewell High School, Chris talks in depth about what he has learnt along the way. For anyone about to begin their journey into AI implementation, this is worth listening to. 

David Harkin is the CEO of the award-winning education company 8billionideas which exists to give every student the skills and belief to change the world.

David has recently been ranked 8th in the world by ISC as a positive global disruptor in the education sector and won the EduFuturist Award in 2022. 8billionideas has been recognised by TES and COBIS for its work and has strategic partnerships in every part of the sector.

David is also proudly a 2x TED speaker and author of the book 'The Ripple Effect : How surprisingly small changes in mindset make big things happen.'

Recently David has formed a partnership with Sir Clive Woodward to launch a world-class programme for students called Perform Better which launched in the summer of 2022.

Sophia High School is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking schools in the world. Held entirely online, it leverages the power of VR and the metaverse to create some truly unique learning experiences for its exceptional students. Join me for this exclusive interview with five of their students: Luca, Lukyan, Nathan, Oli, and Xenia, and their inspirational Head of IMYC, Rose. The interview takes place inside the Literary Lounge of the Engage metaverse, which may be one of the first podcast interviews to take place inside this metaverse space! In the episode Rose and the students talk about their positive experience of learning at Sophia High School and the innovative entrepreneurship project they were recently involved in, which culminated in a Dragon's Den pitch I had the honour to judge. It was a pleasure to spend time in the company of these future entrepreneurs and business leaders. This is the future of education and Sophia is leading the way.

I was thrilled this week to have a truly disruptive leader in the world of education join me. Russell John Cailey is Managing Director of THINK Learning Studio (TLS) in Dubai. TLS prides itself on stirring the pot, on creating what he fondly calls "inspired chaos" in the realm of education.

Named among the top 100 Global Visionaries in Education by the Global Forum for Education and Learning in 2021, Russell not only aims for THINK Learning Studio to disrupt traditional educational models but also aspires to be an inspiration for educators globally.

He has helped foster a dynamic partnerships with governmental education authorities like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in Australia.

In addition to his work with TLS, Russell is a co-founder of the Hakuba Forum and foresightLab.org, platforms aimed at promoting progressive dialogues in education. He also plays an active role in nurturing young educational startups through the TLS Incubator, TLS-X lab.

Russell was for many years Head of THINK Global School, the world's first travelling high school.

With his co-hosting duties on the 'Wonder and Wander Podcast' and as a featured expert on CNN Brazil's Projeto Upload, Russell consistently strives to inspire and educate others about the future of learning.

It was a fascinating conversation, covering the history and philosophy of THINK Global School and how they shifted their model from IB towards a portfolio based learning, where students work towards a mastery project with real world significance. He spoke about how they mould the curriculum around the country in which the school is located for that quarter of the year (what he calls 'place-based learning') and how he is now training a new generation of project-based learning experts through THINK Learning Studio.

For anyone who wants to genuinely glimpse into the future of education, join me for this episode.

Jason Gulya is Professor of English at Berkeley College, located in New Jersey and New York. Jason incorporates AI into all of his courses, and at the moment is working on how to reimagine what, how, and why he teaches "writing." He believes that universities can be outrageously innovative spaces for higher-level critical thinking and creativity, but that we need to push them to become those spaces. 

In this fascinating one hour conversation we touch on how he is using AI in his teaching and research work, the death of the five paragraph essay, how AI is already changing the notion and nature of research, the increasing importance of process over end product, and his frustration at the slow rate of of innovation in the US college system.

We hypothesise on how this system will need to change in the coming years in order to remain relevant as AI and other immersive technologies further find their way into students' lives.

Jason is an inspiring and entertaining speaker, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening conversation.

John Kelly is the proud owner and general director of a boutique Kinder and Primary school in Mexico City, at the forefront of educational innovation. In addition to his role in the school, he also works as a Metaverse and VR consultant, collaborating with schools and educational companies worldwide. Colegio Ikigai has earned the distinction of being recognized as the first school in Mexico to embrace the Metaverse, and their teaching methodology draws inspiration from the Phenomenon Based Learning principles pioneered in Finland. Every day, John embarks on a passionate quest to explore new approaches to leadership, teaching, and learning. His ultimate goal is to bring about significant improvements in schools and empower future generations to make a positive impact on humanity's development. He finds great joy in engaging with novel forms of learning inspired by Web3 concepts. At his school, they prioritize the development of skills and continuously strive to enhance critical thinking among their students through a creative and dynamic curriculum. As an empathetic and intuitive leader, John places great importance on fostering collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills within the educational system. He is driven by a desire to create a positive impact in the world through the kindness with which he connects with people on a daily basis. John takes great pleasure in developing transformative educational projects that shape a new breed of learners, equipped to navigate the complexities and challenges of the future. His Massive Transformational Purpose (MTP) centers around the vision of a hyper-personalized, free, and high-quality educational system that caters to the needs of every child on the planet. He firmly believes that engaging in meaningful conversations can help revolutionize the existing educational system and make it more relevant to contemporary learning needs. John has a deep interest in Metaverse, blockchain, and NFT projects that possess the potential to transform educational environments and influence student learning. Working with VR and Metaverse initiatives within the school setting is a source of great fulfilment for him, as he actively develop a Web3 curriculum for Colegio Ikigai and future educational ventures. Above all, John takes immense pride in being a loving husband and devoted father. He is eternally grateful for the significant impact he can make on the lives of his family, as well as the students and teachers whom he strives to serve.

Tom Rogerson has been working in the independent school sector for 32 years and is about to enter his 16th year of Headship.

During his working life, he took a year out of teaching in order to work for Universal Music in the A&R department looking after American artists such as Eminem, Nelly Furtado and Erica Badu.

He started his teaching career working at state schools in London and is presently the Head of Cottesmore School in West Sussex.

Cottesmore is an academic boarding prep school for girls and boys on the border of Surrey and Sussex. The school is ‘Prep School of the Year’ Tatler Schools Awards 2020/21 and ‘Boarding School of the Year’ Times Educational Supplement Schools Awards 2019.

His only other aspiration is to become a rock star and he hopes to pick up on this in retirement. He is in a rock band called The Replicant Saints who met at school; he would like to start a band made up of heads. His wife wants him to get rid of some of his 24 guitars.

In this podcast we dig deep into some of the moral and ethical implications of AI and discuss the importance of staying human as AI rapidly advances on us. Tom is a deep thinker and it was a fascination discussion.

In this captivating episode of "Conversations Across Time," we journey back to the Roaring Twenties, an era of glitz, glamour, and profound societal change. Join F. Scott Fitzgerald, the literary mastermind behind "The Great Gatsby," as he engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with his own creation, the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of a Gatsby soiree, complete with the distant echoes of jazz music and the clinking of cocktail glasses. Listen as Fitzgerald probes into Gatsby's relentless pursuit of the American Dream, his infatuation with Daisy Buchanan, and the paradoxes that define his existence.

Gatsby, in his own contemplative voice, reflects on his dreams, desires, and the cost of his ambitions. His insights, coupled with Fitzgerald's probing questions, reveal the allure and disillusionment of the American Dream, offering a mirror to society's aspirations and follies.

This episode is not just a dialogue but a journey through time, exploring the human struggle between desires and reality, hopes and disappointments. It serves as a reminder of the timeless nature of literature, reflecting human nature across different eras.

Join us for this intriguing voyage and share your thoughts, insights, and reflections. Dive into the complexities of Gatsby's pursuit, the allure of his dream, and the profound human struggle that resonates in his narrative. This is an episode that promises to stir your mind and heart, leaving you with much to ponder long after the jazz music fades.

The content for this podcast has been generated entirely through AI, using ChatGPT and Eleven Labs. It is for entertainment purposes only.

Step back in time and float down the mighty Mississippi in this captivating episode of our literary podcast. Join Mark Twain, the master storyteller himself, as he engages in a profound conversation with his iconic creation, Huckleberry Finn.

In this unique dialogue, Twain and Huck delve into the heart of 19th-century America, exploring themes of freedom, friendship, and societal norms. They paint a vivid picture of a nation in flux, grappling with paradoxes and contradictions.

Huck's candid insights, drawn from his adventures on the river, offer a fresh perspective on these timeless issues. His journey is not just a boy's adventure on a raft; it's a voyage into the soul of a nation, a mirror reflecting the complexities of society and the human spirit.

This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a journey. A journey that takes you through the rolling hills and expansive plains of America, down the mighty Mississippi, and into the heart of one of literature's most beloved characters.

So, come aboard and let the rhythm of the river guide you. Experience the world through Huck's eyes, and through his story, explore our own selves. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

This episode has been generated entirely through Artificial Intelligence. Interview text from ChatGPT and audio from Eleven Labs. It is meant for entertainment purposes only and in no way reflects either the author's intentions nor the character being interviewed. It is an exercise in creativity, to see how effectively AI can bring writers and characters from our past back to life.