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 contri...
Jul 10, 2025•35 min
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, ...
Jun 26, 2025•40 min
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 eme...
May 29, 2025•41 min
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 resp...
Apr 24, 2025•35 min
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 D...
Apr 10, 2025•30 min
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 Le...
Mar 13, 2025•36 min
In today’s episode, World Bank's Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education, Bob Hawkins, hosts a fascinating conversation on the intersection of technology, skills, and employability. World Bank’s Guillermo Tovar explores Ethiopia’s Education and Skills for Employability (EASE) project and its innovative use of results-based financing to train and place youth in employment. Rita Fennelly Atkinson, from Digital Promise, shares insights on leveraging micro-credentials and digital badg...
Feb 13, 2025•34 min
In today's episode, World Bank Senior Economist Juan Baron discusses with Haani Mazari, from the EdTech Hub, and World Bank Education Specialist Martin De Simone, the practical implementation of artificial intelligence in education. The conversation highlights the promising results of a pilot program in Nigeria and explores strategies for scaling AI tools in developing contexts. Key themes include AI as a tutor versus a shortcut, addressing teacher skepticism, and leveraging technology for susta...
Jan 23, 2025•32 min
In this episode of the World Bank EdTech Podcast, we explore how open-source software can expand education access and improve quality. Bob Hawkins moderates a discussion with Bernd Roggendorf (EIDU), Lea Simpson (EdTech Hub), and Barnabas Sang (Ministry of Education, Kenya).They examine the challenges and opportunities of scaling EdTech, the transformative potential of open-source tools, and strategies for impactful implementation. Key themes include sustainable AI, resilient systems, and data-i...
Jan 09, 2025•31 min
En este episodio especial, en español, Jaime Saavedra, director de Desarrollo Humano para América Latina y el Caribe del Banco Mundial, y Eugenio Severin, experto en innovación educativa y ex asesor del Ministerio de Educación de Chile, reflexionan sobre el potencial de la Inteligencia Artificial para apoyar a los docentes en la región. Durante la conversación, exploramos las grandes brechas educativas de América Latina y el Caribe y compartimos cómo herramientas innovadoras pueden facilitar la ...
Dec 19, 2024•27 min
In today’s episode, the World Bank EdTech team looks ahead to 2025, exploring key trends for the future. Bob Hawkins, Alex Twinomugisha, Ekua Bentil, and Cristobal Cobo discuss AI’s evolving role in education, the focus on digital skills, and the push for resilient, adaptable systems. They also address the importance of sustainable AI and responsive policies. Links: From Chalkboards to Chatbots in Nigeria: 7 Lessons to Pioneer Generative AI for Education: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/educatio...
Dec 05, 2024•27 min
Welcome back to our podcast! In today’s episode, the World Bank EdTech team reflects on the top EdTech trends of 2024. Bob Hawkins, Alex Twinomugisha, Ekua Bentil, and Cristobal Cobo discuss the growth in investment, the impact of generative AI, and the need for better digital infrastructure. They share insights on how these changes are reshaping teachers’ roles and advancing personalized learning. Links: From Chalkboards to Chatbots in Nigeria: 7 Lessons to Pioneer Generative AI for Education: ...
Nov 22, 2024•31 min
In today's episode, we explore the concept of AI literacy to understand what it means and how it can help students and teachers in navigating the disruptions that AI will likely pose to education systems. Maria Barron, Education Technology Specialist at the World Bank, speaks with Pati Ruiz, Senior Director of EdTech at Digital Promise, and Jennifer Rubin, Principal Investigator of the Digital Technologies and Education Lab at foundry10. foundry 10: Digital Technologies and Education Lab: https:...
Jun 27, 2024•28 min
Bienvenidos al podcast de EdTech del Banco Mundial. En este episodio, continuamos con la serie 'Youth Voices', dedicada a explorar las opiniones de los jóvenes sobre la integración de las nuevas tecnologías en la educación, centrándonos en el uso de la inteligencia artificial dentro y fuera de las aulas. Hoy contamos con la participación de dos expertos del Banco Mundial en el campo educativo: Cristóbal Cobo, especialista senior del equipo de EdTech, y Juan David Barón, economista senior en la P...
Jun 20, 2024•34 min
Welcome to a special episode on how to better choose EdTech solutions. Today, we're discussing the development and use of Tulna, an innovative tool that was created through a partnership between the Educational Technology department at IIT Bombay and the Central Square Foundation (CSF) in India. Tulna provides a framework to help governments choose better EdTech solutions. Join Juan Barón , Senior Economist at the World Bank, and Haani Mazari , Global Country Engagement Lead for Asia at the EdTe...
May 09, 2024•29 min
Welcome to a special episode of our new series that puts youth voices front and center. Today, we're discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and employment from the perspective of students. This conversation is particularly relevant as the World Bank's EdTech team focuses on leveraging technology to improve education, bringing students essential digital skills for the future, especially in light of emerging technologies like AI. Join Robert Hawkins , Global Lead for Technology and I...
Apr 18, 2024•31 min
In today's episode, we will explore how the World Bank and the Mastercard Foundation are joining efforts to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in Africa's evolving EdTech landscape, with a focus on engaging the broader ecosystem. Join us as we discuss the innovative and inspiring approaches across different countries to navigate this dynamic reality, guiding youth towards a better education and employment prospects. Robert Hawkins , Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education a...
Apr 04, 2024•30 min
In today's episode, we will explore the complexities of teaching digital and 21st-century skills in emerging markets. We'll delve into how technology can redefine traditional classroom boundaries, examining its potential to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. We'll discuss the importance of digital and data literacies, along with computational thinking, in preparing students for the future. Cristóbal Cobo , Senior Education Technology Specialist at the World Bank, speaks with Taylo...
Mar 21, 2024•31 min
Today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day theme for 2024 'Invest in Women, Accelerate progress,' we explore the critical importance of STEM education and careers, drawing insights from a recent report: 'Engendering STEM Access in Education and Careers in South Asia’ to improve female labor force participation. María Barrón , Research Analyst and Core Member of the World Bank EdTech Team, explores with Luis Benveniste , Global Director for Education at the World Bank, and Nicole Klingen...
Mar 07, 2024•28 min
In this new episode, 'Cultivating Critical Thinking in an AI World', hosted by Cristobal Cobo, Senior Education & Technology Specialist at the World Bank, we venture into the world of GenAI with key considerations for policymakers and educators, and critical thinking as a core value. Guests include Mike Trucano, Senior Education & Technology Policy Specialist, and longtime Global Lead for Innovation in Education at the World Bank; currently a Visting Fellow at the Brookings Institution, ...
Feb 22, 2024•33 min
In today's episode, we will dive into a game-changing technology: Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), one of the most influential innovations of our time. We'll explore how GenAI could impact education, with a special focus on inclusion. Cristóbal Cobo, Senior Education Technology Specialist at the World Bank, speaks with Jamie Alexandre , Learning Equality's Co-founder and Executive Director; Paul Atherton , Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Fab Inc.; and Robert Hawkins , World Ban...
Feb 08, 2024•31 min
In today's episode, we will discover the transformative impact of Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT), a pioneering initiative revolutionizing early grade reading and numeracy in Malawi. Robert Hawkins , Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank, speaks with Joshua Valeta , Director of Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL), in the Ministry of Education in Malawi, Antoine Chigeda , Executive Director of Imagine Malawi, and Joe Wolf...
Jan 25, 2024•39 min
In today's special episode, we start off the year taking a deep dive into our journey as the EdTech team. We will discuss the team's evolution over time, drawing insights from the experiences of a recently departed member and the perspectives of a newcomer. Bob Hawkins , Global Lead of Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank, engages in a conversation with Education Specialist Iñaki Sánchez Ciarrusta as he prepares to leave the team after over four years, and with Lucía Blasco ,...
Jan 11, 2024•29 min
In today's episode, we discuss the vast possibilities of digital public infrastructure (DPI), to address global challenges in education and beyond. Bob Hawkins, Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank, reflects with Dr. Pramod Varma, CTO of the EkStep Foundation and former Chief Architect of Aadhaar and India Stack, on the use of this technology approach to tackle complex societal issues at scale, including how to successfully build a digital backbone for educati...
Jan 03, 2024•45 min
In today's episode, we discuss the promises and challenges of EdTech interventions in East Asia and Pacific countries, including the scale, dosage, and heterogeneity of impact to evaluate interventions, and how they can be applied both in the region and globally. Cristóbal Cobo (Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank EdTech team) speaks with Noah Yarrow (Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank), Cody Abbey (World Bank Consultant and PhD Psychology Student at Stanford University), an...
Nov 02, 2023•28 min
¿Cómo emplear la tecnología en los procesos de aprendizaje para fortalecer el carácter de los jóvenes y ayudarles a desarrollar habilidades como la empatía, la perseverancia, la gratitud o la generosidad? ¿Qué podemos aprender de las técnicas utilizadas hasta ahora? En el episodio de esta semana, exploramos esas cuestiones a través de un exitoso proyecto implementado por el Banco Mundial en Honduras en colaboración con World Vision. Gracias a este programa, 1200 jóvenes lograron "mejorar su cará...
Aug 31, 2023•29 min
Today, we explore whether virtual and XR laboratories are an option to give students in developing countries pedagogical experiences necessary to develop practical skills. Hallie Applebaum (World Bank) speaks with Robert Dean (Associate Professor of Motion Arts Design and Virtual/Augmented Reality at Namseoul University in Korea), Jimmy Vainstein (Senior Program Manager leading the Word Bank’s program on interactive media with a focus on developing XR solutions for development), Marjorie Chinen ...
Aug 03, 2023•48 min
Today, our World Bank EdTech team's Robert Hawkins and Cristóbal Cobo speak with the EdTech Hub, a joint initiative of the World Bank, UNICEF, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to do academic research about the role of technology in education. We previously spoke with the EdTech Hub's Tom Kaye, Global Country Engagement Lead, and Haani Mazari, Pakistan and Bangladesh Country Lead, about the organization's work. You can listen to that episode at https://open.spotify.com/episode/1u0gPFXOVzWqgH...
Jun 02, 2023•37 min
Teachers play a critical role in the introduction of adaptive learning, and technology in general, in public education systems. Today, World Bank Senior Economist Juan Baron speaks with Amy Bellinger (Education Commission), Haani Mazari (EdTech Hub), and Sophia D'Angelo (World Bank) discuss the role of teachers in delivering personalized learning at scale and how adaptive learning can help teachers in enhancing student learning. Learn more about the team's work at https://blogs.worldbank.org/lat...
May 09, 2023•33 min
Our World Bank EdTech team is preparing to launch the next iteration of our EdTech Policy Academy and we'll have several Francophone countries joining us. To be a resource for our participants, today's episode is in French. Our EdTech Policy Academy is a four-week hands-on clinic to engage policymakers and educators in conversations about navigating solutions to close educational gaps and prevent learning loss. This is the fourth iteration of the Academy and today four instructors from our upcom...
May 01, 2023•15 min
