The World of Higher Education

Join host Alex Usher in the World of Higher Education Podcast as he interviews Shai Reshef, Founder and President of University of the People. Discover how this online institution serves 150,000 students across 209 countries with a tuition-free model. Learn the economics behind running a mega online university, the role of technology and volunteers, and how they achieve quality education at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities. Listen in as Reshef shares insights about their unique admission process, accreditation challenges, and the future of higher education.👉 Episode Links: University of the PeoplePlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by KnowMeQ.ArchieCPL is the first AI-enabled tool that massively streamlines credit for prior learning evaluation. Toronto based KnowMeQ makes ethical AI tools that boost and bottom line, achieving new efficiencies in higher ed and workforce upskilling. 

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into a discussion about the Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) with guest Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of Canada's Future Skills Centre. Baldwin explains the scope and purpose of PIAAC, compares it to PISA, and delves into its implications on policies, particularly how governments utilize the data. Key topics include global declines in adult literacy, factors affecting these trends, the use of skills data in Canada, and the future of PIAAC. The episode also touches on the potential impact on workforce skills, literacy strategies, and the changing landscape of policy-making based on hard data. 👉 Episode Links: Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC)Future Skills CentrePlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by Studiosity.Student success, at scale - with an evidence-based ROI of 4.4x return for universities and colleges. Because Studiosity is AI for Learning — not corrections - to develop critical thinking, agency, and retention — empowering educators with learning insight. For future-ready graduates — and for future-ready institutions. Learn more at studiosity.com.

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher talks with Nicolas Badré, Chief Operating Officer of Galileo Global Education, about the rise of private higher education in Europe. They explore the unique business model of Galileo Global Education, its rapid expansion, and its innovative approaches, including leveraging AI for content creation, student experience, and operational efficiency. They also discuss Galileo's new initiative, Copernia, and its master's program focused on innovation and technology in education. Learn how private institutions are adapting to new educational demands.👉 Episode Links: Galileo Global EducationCoperniaPlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by Studiosity.Student success, at scale - with an evidence-based ROI of 4.4x return for universities and colleges. Because Studiosity is AI for Learning — not corrections - to develop critical thinking, agency, and retention — empowering educators with learning insight. For future-ready graduates — and for future-ready institutions. Learn more at studiosity.com.

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into the nuances of innovation in universities with guest Dara Melnyk. They discuss the catalysts for innovation in higher education, the required structure and leadership for sustaining innovation, and the global differences in institutional approaches. Dara shares insights from the Innovative University's Global Webinar series, highlighting practical and impractical motivations behind institutional innovation, criteria for selecting innovative cases, and the impact of external and internal challenges. 👉 Episode Links: Innovative Universities Webinar: https://constructor.university/innovative-universities-global-webinar-series World of Higher Education Podcast | Episode 2.11: Post-Soviet Higher Education with Isak Froumin: https://worlded.transistor.fm/episodes/2-11-post-soviet-higher-educationPlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by Studiosity.Student success, at scale - with an evidence-based ROI of 4.4x return for universities and colleges. Because Studiosity is AI for Learning — not corrections - to develop critical thinking, agency, and retention — empowering educators with learning insight. For future-ready graduates — and for future-ready institutions. Learn more at studiosity.com.

In this interview, Alex speaks with Steven Mintz, a renowned scholar and postdoctoral researcher, and author of the book, "The Learning-Centered University: Making College a More Developmental, Transformational, and Equitable Experience" In the following conversation, Mintz discusses what makes a learning-centered university, the benefits of active learning over traditional lectures, and the practical challenges faced in implementing these changes. The discussion also delves into alternative scalable learning models, competency-based education, and the importance of holistic student support systems. Steven also reflects on his experience leading digital learning transformations and provides actionable steps for universities aiming to become learning-centered institutions.👉 Episode Links:The Learning-Centered University: Making College a More Developmental, Transformational, and Equitable ExperiencePlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by Studiosity.Student success, at scale - with an evidence-based ROI of 4.4x return for universities and colleges. Because Studiosity is AI for Learning — not corrections - to develop critical thinking, agency, and retention — empowering educators with learning insight. For future-ready graduates — and for future-ready institutions. Learn more at studiosity.com.

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher interviews Dendev Badarch, a professor at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, about the evolution and current state of higher education in Mongolia. They discuss the historical Soviet influence, the impact of Mongolia's transition to a market economy, the rise of private colleges, and recent legislative changes aimed at university autonomy. Badarch also outlines the challenges and opportunities facing Mongolian higher education, including funding issues, the need for stronger research culture, and the potential for international collaboration and digital technologies.👉 Episode Links:International Higher Education — Transforming Higher Education in MongoliaPlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by Studiosity.Student success, at scale - with an evidence-based ROI of 4.4x return for universities and colleges. Because Studiosity is AI for Learning — not corrections - to develop critical thinking, agency, and retention — empowering educators with learning insight. For future-ready graduates — and for future-ready institutions. Learn more at studiosity.com.

Join Alex Usher in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast where he chats with Hilligje van 't Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU). They delve into the evolution and role of IAU, challenges of global higher education, and how universities from diverse backgrounds can work together towards common goals. 👉 Episode Links:IAU Webinar Series on the Future of Higher EducationPlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by Studiosity.Student success, at scale - with an evidence-based ROI of 4.4x return for universities and colleges. Because Studiosity is AI for Learning — not corrections - to develop critical thinking, agency, and retention — empowering educators with learning insight. For future-ready graduates — and for future-ready institutions. Learn more at studiosity.com.

Maya Wind, an Israeli-born postdoctoral scholar at UC Riverside and author of 'Towers of Ivory and Steel,' dives deeply into the academic boycott of Israeli universities. She examines the historical context, drawing parallels to apartheid South Africa, and explains how these institutions are tied to Palestinian dispossession. Wind highlights systemic discrimination against Palestinian students and discusses why all Israeli universities should be boycotted due to their complicity in state policies. The conversation also explores the recent escalation of conflict and its implications for global support for these boycotts.

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, to discuss the significant role of student movements in Serbian political history. The conversation covers the origins and growth of the current protests, spurred by a tragic incident at a railway station, and their impact on anti-corruption efforts and political change in the country. The episode explores the differences between official student unions and more radical, unofficial student movements, highlighting their influences on national politics, and assesses the future success prospects of these movements. 👉 Episode Links:WonkheHigher Education Strategy Associates — Recovery Project

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Duncan Ross, former Chief Data Officer of Times Higher Education Rankings. Duncan shares his journey from the tech sector to leading university rankings at THE in 2015. He discusses the initial challenges of unifying ranking data, expanding the geographic diversity of rankings, and dealing with methodological and ethical issues in university evaluations. Duncan also introduced the Times Impact Rankings, which assess universities based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and highlights how these rankings offer a new perspective on university excellence. 👉 Episode Links:Higher Education Strategy Associates — Recovery Project