Apolitical is a peer-to-peer learning platform for governments around the world. Using their fully online platform, they bring to public servants the sharing and ongoing learning of the latest and best ideas through their courses, articles, events and by fostering a global community. I am joined on this episode by the co-founders of Apolitical to discuss how they started their organization, how they help public servants learn, and insights on what it takes to create a thriving global learning co...
Oct 10, 2021•51 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast What impact would learning about our family history have on the way we live our life today? Understanding our family history goes beyond dates and places of our ancestors, it is digging into the historic context, events and motivations that shaped their lives. My guest has extensive experience in researching and writing family histories in a unique way that helps families learn how their lives have been shaped by the past. Janet Uren is a professional writer in Ottawa, Canada. She has written ma...
Aug 11, 2021•40 min•Ep 56•Transcript available on Metacast Bonnechere Caves in Canada is located under a hill of limestone, said by geologists to have been the bottom of a tropical sea 500 million years ago. The Caves are a weird and wonderful sight but it is also a rich learning experience that promotes lifelong learning in all aspects of the business. From young children going to learn about caves, bats, and fossils from a time before the age of the dinosaurs, to the young people working at the Caves who learn about geology and the running of a busine...
Aug 04, 2021•48 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast One of the great challenges in learning new skills is being able to put them to practice in real scenarios. Although practicing in real scenarios offers critical learning, it also comes with serious risks. Can AI be the answer in creating on the job learning without the risks? My guest is an internationally recognized expert in AI in education and the technology he created helps people learn faster and more effectively. Dr Lewis Johnson co-founded Alelo in 2005 as a spinout of the University of ...
Jul 28, 2021•45 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast From the start of the 2020 global pandemic, teachers around the world have experienced a drastically different way of teaching. It has been a challenging and often chaotic time, but there are also many valuable lessons to be taken that can improve teaching and learning in the long run. My guest has worked for many years with students and teachers in drastically different contexts and around the world. I’m happy to have her join me to discuss what we can take away from the extraordinary experienc...
Jul 21, 2021•42 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast Virtual reality is well known for immersing people in activities such as flying, traveling in time, or in fictional worlds. But virtual reality can also be a powerful training tool. My guest in this episode has developed a virtual reality training experience that helps people to develop the capabilities to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Prof Jason Chen is the Gerdelman Family Term Distinguished Associate Professor of Education at the William & Mary School ...
Jul 14, 2021•48 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast Digital transformation has been a hot topic for some time . Integrating new digital technologies into the workflow of organizations, has been the focus of may leaders and IT departments. The focus is often on the actual technology, the investments needed, and the training that will be required. However, without carefully designing a new system (both in terms of technology and organizationally) there is a real danger that the new technologies will not have the desired impact. Although designing a...
Jul 07, 2021•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Everyone’s brain is wired differently, some more different than others, but none are the same. Understanding these differences, their strengths and challenges, are important to realize our full potential, learn better and work together. Siena Castellon is an 18-year-old neurodiversity advocate and best selling author of the wonderful book The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic. At the age of 12, Siena was diagnosed as autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic and ADHD. As sh...
Jun 30, 2021•50 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast Oxford University offers a very unique learning experience that combines the tutorial system, ancient traditions, cutting-edge research and facilities, as well as diverse individuals from all corners of the world. The University is comprised of 39 colleges, with all students and faculty belonging to a college as well as their course department. One of the largest Oxford colleges is St Catherine’s College, fondly referred to as St Catz. I am delighted to be joined by the person leading St Catz to...
Jun 23, 2021•37 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast In this collaboration with The Learning Ideas Conference 2021, each episode will feature conversations with a selection of conferences speakers from around the world. In these conversations, each guest shares highlights from their conference talk, highlighting their fascinating work in the field of learning, sharing insights and tips, as well as what they are excited about in the future of learning. The Learning Ideas Conference: https://www.learningideasconf.org/ (0:06:15 hours) Gamification of...
Jun 17, 2021•47 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast In this collaboration with The Learning Ideas Conference 2021, each episode will feature conversations with a selection of conferences speakers from around the world. In these conversations, each guest shares highlights from their conference talk, highlighting their fascinating work in the field of learning, sharing insights and tips, as well as what they are excited about in the future of learning. The Learning Ideas Conference: https://www.learningideasconf.org/ (0:05:45 hours) * Wearable Enha...
Jun 16, 2021•2 hr 52 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast In this collaboration with The Learning Ideas Conference 2021, each episode will feature conversations with a selection of conferences speakers from around the world. In these conversations, each guest shares highlights from their conference talk, highlighting their fascinating work in the field of learning, sharing insights and tips, as well as what they are excited about in the future of learning. The Learning Ideas Conference: https://www.learningideasconf.org/ (0:04:10 hours) * A Look Ahead:...
Jun 16, 2021•59 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast In this collaboration with The Learning Ideas Conference 2021, each episode will feature conversations with a selection of conferences speakers from around the world. In these conversations, each guest shares highlights from their conference talk, highlighting their fascinating work in the field of learning, sharing insights and tips, as well as what they are excited about in the future of learning. The Learning Ideas Conference: https://www.learningideasconf.org/ (0:02:50 hours) * Museums as Ca...
Jun 14, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast In this collaboration with The Learning Ideas Conference 2021, each episode will feature conversations with a selection of conferences speakers from around the world. In these conversations, each guest shares highlights from their conference talk, highlighting their fascinating work in the field of learning, sharing insights and tips, as well as what they are excited about in the future of learning. The Learning Ideas Conference: https://www.learningideasconf.org/ (0:03:30 hours) * Introduction ...
Jun 13, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast Educational technology (EdTech) is a fast-growing industry that is expected to reach $404B in total expenditure by 2025. There are a staggering number of technologies that are labeled as educational, the Apple App Store alone has over 80 000 educational apps. However, the educational value of these technologies is not always clear. In this episode I am joined by a successful entrepreneur who shares her insights and experiences going from academia to building an EdTech startup. Dr Lindy Ledohowsk...
Jun 02, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast Great art aims to transform us and our ideas in some way. As technology has enabled us to customize many of our interacts with the world, including the news we see and the people we communicate with, this can narrow our views. The pandemic has further put people in tiny social bubbles to keep them safe. But in the safety of our bubbles there is a danger of distancing everything and everyone who is different, causing catastrophic divisions. Humans are social animals and diversity of people and id...
May 26, 2021•56 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Teaching topics that are sensitive, personal, or even taboo, can be extremely difficult. The skills needed go beyond good pedagogy and many other considerations need to be addressed. To discuss best practices and strategies for teaching sensitive topics, I am joined by a person running a ground breaking program that is teaching sexual assault prevention strategies to young women in Canada Dr Sara Crann is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Windsor...
May 19, 2021•36 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast Reskilling and upskilling have become the leading trend in the field of Learning and Development (L&D) for 2021. With the start of the pandemic in 2020, L&D has had an unprecedented year in a variety of ways. Focus in the field has sharply moved away from the leading trends of the of the past few years, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and learning analytics. To discuss the latest trends in workplace learning I am joined by a leader in learning technologies in the workpl...
May 12, 2021•40 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Critical thinking is a widely sought-after skill in individuals, both in education and the workplace, but achieving it is often elusive. Although the definition of what critical thinking is has been changing since the time of Socrates, the core idea has remained the same. Socrates established the importance of asking deep questions before a particular idea is accepted as worthy of belief. Socrates established the importance of seeking evidence, and reflectively questioning beliefs and explanatio...
May 05, 2021•35 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast Managing major programs in government, such as digitally enabled transformations, requires different skillsets from regular project management. Projects that take many years, and enormous investments, are extremely complex. My guest in this episode has led, and developed learning programs to teach others to lead, major programs in government. Nick Borwell is the Co-founder of Oxford8, a consulting firm based in London, UK. Nick is highly experienced as a major program director and as a leader of...
Apr 28, 2021•42 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast Teaching is a complex skill that requires deep knowledge and practice. This is particularly true when the classroom suddenly transitions online and new pedagogical skills need to be learned and adapted quickly. Continuously learning and innovating in teaching is essential for helping students learn. To discuss how to innovate in teaching I am joined by a university professor who’s teaching has won her many prestigious teaching awards. Dr Melanie Adrian is Associate Professor in the Depart...
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast Having a positive mindset is a critical part of overcoming adversity and living a happy life. Although there are challenges that seem insurmountable, history is filled with examples of individuals who never lost hope and overcame the most harrowing challenges. But what does it mean to have a positive mindset when faced with a great adversity, and how can we learn to think positively? My guest in this episode is a truly inspiring individual, who faced an unimaginable challenge with a positive min...
Apr 14, 2021•42 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast There are many different kinds of schools that offer different experiences for children. The United Kingdom is home to some of the most famous and historic independent schools in the world, with some schools dating back to as far as the 600s. What do these schools look like in the modern era and what is their approach to education that keeps them among the most sought-after schools in the world? To give an inside look at the best independent schools in the UK, I am joined by the person at the co...
Apr 07, 2021•52 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Innovation is an essential part of our increasingly complex world. This can not be more important that in governments that serve the public good. In order to innovate, there needs to be an effective and innovative learning resources that enables innovation. In this episode I speak to the person leading innovations in learning in the Canadian Government. Neil Bouwer is Vice President of the Innovation and Policy Services Branch at Canada School of Public Service (CSPS). The mission of Canada Scho...
Mar 31, 2021•37 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast The only way that humans can have a peaceful and collaborative society is by having effective conversations. However, in an increasingly polarized and complicated world, having difficult conversations, that result in deeper understanding, is challenging. It is more important than ever to learn to have constructive conversations. My guest today has extensive experience on this topic, both personally and professionally. Catherine Clark is an internationally respected broadcaster, writer, emcee and...
Mar 24, 2021•37 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast For the past three years the Canadian Government has been transforming and modernizing the way Canadian public servants are learning in the workplace. I’m thrilled to have on this episode the individual leading this change to discuss learning in the government context and how to modernize a learning organization that serves a massive and diverse workforce. Taki Sarantakis is the President of the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS). The Canada School of Public Service leads the Canadian Govern...
Mar 17, 2021•46 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Designing effective and enjoyable online and blended learning experiences requires some particular strategies. In this episode I am speaking to a leader in online and blended learning who works with school districts, state departments of education, colleges and universities and other educational organizations in the United States, to enable them to build successful online and blended programs for educators and students. Barbara Treacy is Adjunct Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Educati...
Mar 10, 2021•43 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast Governments are among the most complex organizations to transform in the digital age. Having large and diverse organizations, legacy systems, and established cultures, transformation can be particularly complex. Having effective learning opportunities is an essential component of this transformation as governments and their employees learn new ways of working and creating services for the public good. In this episode I’m joined by a leader in the Canadian Government who is leading the way in hel...
Mar 03, 2021•37 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Every year new technologies emerge that have the potential, or claim to have the potential, to revolutionize mathematics education. Countries around the world focus on improving the way mathematics is taught in their schools, and technology often plays a big role in that. However, it is widely recognized that technology does not always have the impact it was hoped to have. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has declared that “despite considerable investments in com...
Feb 24, 2021•54 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast A powerful source of learning and culture in any organization can come from having a well structured and supported learning community. It may be difficult in busy workplaces to prioritize creating and supporting learning communities, but the benefits of doing so are neuromas and can be the glue that holds everything together. To discuss the impact of thriving learning communities and how they can be fostered, I’m joined by an internationally recognized education leader who has been creating lear...
Feb 17, 2021•41 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast 
