The International Classroom

As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in our lives and classrooms, educators face a crucial question: How can we integrate AI in ways that empower student agency, rather than creating dependency or turning it into an intellectual crutch?In this episode, Alex sits down with Danny McCamlie, an expert in educational technology and AI integration with a unique perspective shaped by years supporting low-resource schools across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. (Danny joins us amidst a tropical cyclone in Madagascar, highlighting his dedication!)We get into the complex relationship between AI and student autonomy, exploring:What is Student Agency? Moving beyond buzzwords to understand "voice and choice" in learning and how AI challenges or supports it (think Spotify playlists!).Critical Thinking as a Survival Skill: Why AI doesn't create new problems but dramatically amplifies existing educational challenges, making critical thinking more vital than ever.Beyond "AI Ethics": Is the real issue a fundamental gap in teaching foundational ethics? How can we cultivate fairness, kindness, and responsibility in an AI-rich world?Practical AI Literacy: What does it truly mean to be AI literate, and how can educators seamlessly integrate these concepts without just "shoehorning" tech?AI as a Catalyst for Change: Viewing AI not just as a tool, but as a force pushing education to finally implement the student-centered practices discussed for decades.Addressing Educator FOMO: Moving past the pressure to use every new tool and focusing on pedagogy and human connection first.The Bigger Picture: Shifting the focus from just skills acquisition to nurturing ethically-minded, "good people" prepared for an uncertain future.Tune in for a thoughtful and practical discussion essential for educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone navigating the intersection of technology and learning. Discover how to leverage AI effectively while ensuring students remain critical, autonomous thinkers in control of their educational journey.Danny McCamlie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-mccamlie/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: AI in Education & Student Agency01:04 Guest Introduction: Danny McCamlie (Joining from Madagascar!)01:31 Danny's Journey: Focus on Low-Resource Contexts & AI's Impact04:21 Critical Thinking: Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch04:53 Why Critical Thinking is Crucial in the Age of AI09:36 What is Student Agency? (Voice and Choice Explained)11:17 Challenges: Agency vs Curriculum Needs & Teacher Workload12:25 AI Highlights Gaps: Grade-Chasing vs. Learning Process14:29 AI Also Highlights Gaps in Teaching (Pedagogy First)16:06 AI Ethics Introduction & Addressing Teacher FOMO18:09 The Real Issue: Lack of General Ethics Education22:17 Embedding Ethics: Reframing Education Around "Good People"25:06 Challenge: Teachers Imposing Beliefs? (Access to Info Mitigates)28:43 What is AI Literacy? (Identify, How, Why, Meaning)30:24 Integrating AI Literacy: Making Existing Connections Visible32:19 How AI Concepts Are Already in Your Curriculum (Examples)37:08 Collective Responsibility: Moving Beyond Subject Silos for AI Literacy40:14 AI Literacy vs. Using AI Tools: What's the Difference?43:31 Practical Challenges: Choosing Platforms & Data Privacy44:34 Agency Over Tools: Understanding When/Whether to Use AI47:34 Quick Fire Round Start48:38 Misconception: You need to be an AI expert49:13 Resource: Start with your own curriculum & a framework51:14 Advice for Hesitant Educators: Be a novice, join the conversation53:01 Final Takeaway: Model Curiosity & Be a Good Human

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kate Longworth, CEO of Gaia Learning, the first online learning provider to achieve the ADHD Friendly School Award. In this episode, Kate shares her personal journey as a parent of a neurodivergent child and explains how Gaia Learning is revolutionising education for students with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences.Discover how personalised, interest-driven educational pathways help neurodivergent students thrive and why engagement should be prioritised over traditional attendance metrics. Kate provides powerful examples of student success stories and discusses the challenges of scaling such a customised educational model.You'll learn:✅ Practical strategies to better support neurodivergent learners.✅ The importance of integrating student interests into educational content.✅ Innovative ways to authentically measure student engagement.✅ Don't miss this conversation packed with valuable insights and inspiration for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about inclusive education.Learn more about Gaia Learning: https://gaialearning.co.ukLike this episode. Subscribe and turn on notifications to never miss out!#Neurodiversity #InclusiveEducation #ADHD #Autism #EducationInnovation #StudentEngagement

In this insightful episode of The International Classroom Podcast, host Alex Gray speaks with renowned reading specialist Kristy Jones about evidence-based approaches to improving reading skills, rekindling a love of reading, and understanding the science behind literacy development.Key Topics Discussed:The Science of Reading: Kristy explains the "Big Five" components—Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension—and how they form the foundation of effective reading instruction.Early Identification & Intervention: Discover why early recognition of reading challenges is crucial, including how educators and parents can differentiate between general struggles and specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD.Engaging Reluctant Readers: Practical tips to foster enjoyment and motivation in reading, including innovative strategies parents can implement at home.Role of Secondary Teachers: A vital conversation about why reading skills matter beyond primary school, highlighting the significance of literacy across all educational phases.The Future of Reading Instruction & AI: Kristy shares insights into the potential and current limitations of AI-based reading tools, emphasizing a balanced, hybrid approach to integrating technology in reading programs.Resources Mentioned:Epic Digital LibraryNessie Learning AppConnect with Kristy Jones:Website: The Reading SpecialistsLinkedIn: Kristy JonesWho Should Listen:Educators across all stages, parents seeking practical literacy advice, and school leaders interested in evidence-based reading strategies.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The International Classroom Podcast and leave us a review to support our continued conversations about global education, leadership, and learning!Follow The International Classroom Podcast:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn

Join Alex on this captivating episode of The International Classroom Podcast, as he reconnects with Simon Blower, the inspiring co-founder of Pobble. Simon, a former classroom teacher and deputy head, shares his journey from educator to EdTech innovator, driven by his passion for making writing accessible and exciting for every child.Episode Highlights:Simon's Journey: Hear Simon discuss his transition from the classroom to becoming an EdTech founder, motivated by the desire to tackle the challenges of teaching writing and reduce the overwhelming paperwork that distracts from meaningful learning.Exploring Pobble: Simon walks us through Pobble’s innovative platform designed to inspire creativity and support writing development through visually captivating prompts, ready-made writing activities, and interactive features to help both teachers and students.AI and EdTech Integration: Discover how Pobble is embracing AI technology to further enhance image quality, differentiate activities instantly, and ensure that content is adaptive, accessible, and engaging for all learners.Practical Classroom Implementation: Simon offers practical tips on seamlessly integrating Pobble into various educational contexts, whether in primary classrooms or secondary schools, highlighting its flexibility, ease of use, and strong alignment with English National Curriculum objectives.Impact and Evidence: Gain insight into the measurable impact Pobble has demonstrated, from saving teacher planning time to significantly boosting student engagement and writing output, supported by collaborations with prestigious institutions like Innovate UK, Microsoft Accelerator, and the BBC's 500 Words competition.Future Plans: Simon shares exciting updates about Pobble’s future, including language translation, deeper platform integration with Google Classroom, and enhancements to user experience, ensuring it remains accessible and beneficial to educators globally.Key Takeaway:Simon emphasises Pobble’s core mission—to inspire every child, especially reluctant writers, by providing engaging visual prompts and structured activities that transform their writing experience and confidence.Connect with Simon and Pobble:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonblowerpobble/Website: https://www.pobble.com/Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The International Classroom Podcast. Subscribe to stay updated with inspiring conversations and innovative educational strategies from around the globe!

What if the way we do school is no longer working?In this special crossover episode of The International Classroom and Run Your Life Podcast, Alex Gray is joined by global educator and coach Andy Vasily to explore a powerful question:👉 Are schools still fit for purpose in 2025?Together, we unpack some of education’s most urgent challenges — and opportunities for change.🧠 Topics include:Learning loss vs learning gains since COVIDThe myth of “one-size-fits-all” PDWhy school culture is built on trust, not titlesCognitive diversity in leadership teamsReimagining assessment and student successParenting, failure, and the future of agency in schoolsThis is an honest, unscripted conversation between two passionate educators, asking: What needs to change — and how do we make it happen?🎙 Listen now and join us in rethinking what learning could (and should) look like.---------------------------------------------------------------------Sponsored by Lumio by SMARTTransform your teaching with Lumio – the ultimate interactive learning tool for engaging, collaborative, and impactful lessons. Whether you’re teaching in-person or remotely, Lumio brings your classroom to life with AI-powered resources, real-time collaboration, and gamified learning experiences.Try Lumio for free today 👉 https://suite.smarttech-prod.com/Connect with Andy VasilyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-vasily-07b551157/Run Your Life Podcast: https://runyourlifeshowwithandyvasily.buzzsprout.com/Follow The International Classroom Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ticpodcast#education #leadership #futureoflearning #edtech #professionaldevelopment #cognitivediversity #schoolculture #AndyVasily #AlexGray #TheInternationalClassroom #RunYourLifePodcast

Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) truly supporting students, or is it missing the mark? In this episode, Tanya Rajani challenges the traditional approach to SEL and explores how a human-centered, culturally responsive model can make a real difference. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The biggest flaws in traditional SEL frameworks ✔️ Why context and culture matter in emotional learning ✔️ The role of educators, schools, and parents in well-being ✔️ How the School of Humanity is innovating SEL with a flourishing curriculum If you're an educator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode is packed with insights to reshape how we approach student well-being. Don't miss it!---------------------------------------------------------------------Sponsored by Lumio by SMARTTransform your teaching with Lumio – the ultimate interactive learning tool for engaging, collaborative, and impactful lessons. Whether you’re teaching in-person or remotely, Lumio brings your classroom to life with AI-powered resources, real-time collaboration, and gamified learning experiences.Try Lumio for free today 👉 https://suite.smarttech-prod.com/Connect with Tanya RajaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyarajani/School of Humanity: https://sofhumanity.com/Follow The International Classroom Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ticpodcastSubscribe & hit the bell so you never miss an episode! #SEL #Education #WellBeing #SocialEmotionalLearning #EdTech #TheInternationalClassroom #Podcast

In this AIDucation25 Special episode, join Dan Fitzpatrick, acclaimed author, educator, and global thought leader, as he explores the transformative impact of AI on education. Dive into practical strategies for integrating AI into classrooms, rethinking teacher roles, and fostering skills students need for an unpredictable future. From grassroots innovation to systemic change, Dan discusses powerful ideas such as the EdOP initiative and the critical balance between knowledge and skills development. Listen in for a thought-provoking conversation that reimagines how education systems can—and should—evolve in the age of artificial intelligence.This episode is part of the exclusive AIDucation25 series, bringing you cutting-edge insights at the intersection of AI and education.Key discussion points:AI advancements and their classroom impactInnovative approaches like EdOP for systemic educational changePreparing students for AI-driven career landscapesPractical classroom strategies leveraging AI toolsTune in now to future-proof your educational approach with Dan Fitzpatrick.

Discover why empathy is the #1 skill your classroom needs right now! In this powerful episode of The International Classroom Podcast, Alex sits down with Ed Kirwan, founder of Empathy Studios and Empathy Week—initiatives that have positively impacted over 1.3 million students worldwide.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ Why empathy is more than a "soft skill"—it's the foundation of effective learning.✅ Practical strategies to build empathy in your students today.✅ How powerful storytelling can instantly transform classroom culture.✅ Real-world case studies of empathy significantly improving student engagement and behaviour.Special Guest:Ed Kirwan, Founder of Empathy Studios & Empathy Week, former science teacher, and global advocate for empathy in education.🎯 Who Should Watch: Teachers, educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about creating happier, more successful learning environments.🖥️ Watch now to learn how to foster empathy and transform your teaching:Get involved with Empathy Week:🌍 https://www.empathy-week.com🌟 https://www.empathystudios.comFollow Ed Kirwan:🔗 LinkedIn: Ed Kirwan🎙️ Connect with The International Classroom Podcast:Follow us on LinkedIn | Instagram | Substack | YouTube🚀 Subscribe now to never miss an episode and revolutionize your teaching practice!#Education #Empathy #TeachingTips #ClassroomManagement #EmpathyWeek #TeacherTips #StudentEngagement #TeachingStrategies #SocialEmotionalLearning

What happens when an education leader steps back to reflect on the system they’ve dedicated their life to? In this episode, we sit down with David Ardley, a trailblazer in international education, to explore the future of learning, leadership, and innovation in schools.Key Topics Covered:✅ The power of career breaks and what they reveal about the education system✅ Innovation vs. tradition – how schools can balance progress with structure✅ The future of AI in education – what’s hype and what’s real?✅ True inclusion – what it really looks like in the classroom✅ The biggest challenges facing school leaders and how to overcome them✅ Why the human element in education is more important than ever🔥 If you're a teacher, school leader, policymaker, or education innovator, this episode is a must-watch!This episode is proudly sponsored by SMART Technologies! SMART Technologies is revolutionising interactive learning with Lumio, the all-in-one digital learning tool designed to enhance student engagement and collaboration.📲 What is Lumio?✅ Create interactive lessons in minutes✅ Seamlessly integrate with Google, Microsoft, and existing classroom tools✅ Gamify learning with engaging, student-driven activities✅ Boost participation with real-time feedback and formative assessments💡 Try Lumio FREE today! → https://www.smarttech.com/lumio📌 Subscribe for more insights on education leadership, AI in schools, and innovative teaching strategies.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!#EducationLeadership #AIinEducation #FutureOfLearning #SchoolInnovation #TeachingStrategies #InclusiveEducation #Lumio #SMARTTechnologies

Join me for a dynamic conversation recorded live at the AIDucation25 conference in Bucharest. We delve into the heart of innovation with Ben Whitaker, "The Ideas Guy," as he shares his powerful framework for fostering creativity and strategic thinking in education and entrepreneurship. Ben, a former sociology teacher turned innovation expert, provides actionable insights inspired by figures like Maya Angelou, Steve Jobs, and Joe Rogan. This episode explores practical strategies for educators and innovators navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, addressing:✅ Building a Culture of Innovation: Discover the key pillars for creating an environment where fresh ideas flourish. Learn how to apply sociological principles to your team or classroom.✅ The Ideas Framework: Ben unpacks his proven framework (as detailed in his book, The Ideas Guide) for generating and implementing impactful ideas. He addresses potential criticisms and explains how to use the framework effectively.✅ Digital Dependency vs. Enhanced Creativity: Are we becoming too reliant on digital tools? Ben argues that technology, when used intentionally, can boost creativity, offering a compelling analogy involving... air fryers!✅ Authenticity in the Digital Age: Struggling to balance a genuine online presence with personal well-being? Ben offers powerful advice on avoiding burnout and staying true to your values while building a personal brand (especially on platforms like LinkedIn).✅ Learning from Failure: Inspired by Matthew Syed's "Black Box Thinking," we discuss how to view setbacks as valuable learning opportunities within the idea generation process.✅ Strategic Paralysis: Overwhelmed by planning and struggling to take action? Ben introduces VJ Govindarajan's "Three Box Solution" to help you move from strategic vision to execution.✅ The Ideas Cards & Journal: Get a sneak peek at Ben's practical resources, including his "Ideas Cards" (education and general reflection versions) and his prompt journal, designed to spark creative thinking.✅ Giveaway We have some amazing prizes from Ben, for educators in the Middle East.Timestamps:00:27 - Building a Culture of Innovation04:30 - The Ideas Cards & Journal06:30 - Authenticity in the Digital Age16:42 - The Ideas Framework13:42 - Digital Dependency vs. Enhanced Creativity: 18:33 - Learning from Failure23:36 - Strategic Paralysis26:25 - Who Influenced Ben Whitaker the Most?28:50 - Giveaway