Edufuturists

In this episode of the podcast, we get into a deep conversation with Dr. Iain MacRitchie about the transformative power of mentoring in education. We discuss the importance of building relationships, the role of failure in learning, and the need for a supportive education system that prioritises human connection. Iain shares his journey from business to social impact, emphasising the significance of trusted adults in the lives of young people. The conversation also explores the integration of technology in mentoring and the potential for community support systems to enhance educational outcomes. Ultimately, the episode highlights the necessity of hope and the collective effort required to uplift young individuals in their educational journeys.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement03:02 Dr. Iain MacRitchie's Journey06:16 Bridging Business and Education08:52 The Importance of Mentoring12:04 Learning from Failure14:45 The Role of Relationships in Education17:44 Building a Trusted Adult Model20:34 Transformational Outcomes for Young People23:25 The Framework of MCR Mentoring26:26 Creating a Village for Support29:05 Scaling the Impact of Mentoring30:06 The Power of Mentorship and Community Engagement31:26 Innovative Approaches to Mentoring with Technology33:43 Balancing AI and Human Intelligence in Education35:49 Creating Safe Spaces for Young People37:56 Addressing the Impact of Social Media on Youth42:48 Revitalising Community Spaces for Learning49:20 Sustainability in Mentoring ProgrammesFind out more about MCR Pathways and Keytu
And if you're quick, sign up for a webinar with Ben & Iain on 10th March:
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with our friend from over the short pond in Ireland, Rita Bateson, an expert in AI and education and founder of Eblana Learning. We explore Rita's journey in the educational landscape, the impact of AI on teaching and learning, and the importance of balancing AI literacy with human-centred approaches.
The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the need for critical thinking, and the evolving purpose of education in a rapidly changing world. Rita shares insights from her work at Eblana Learning and emphasises the importance of thoughtful implementation of AI in schools, advocating for a future where education is enriched by technology without losing its human touch.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
01:06 Rita's Journey in Education
05:16 The Impact of AI on Education
09:14 Navigating Educational Trends and Data
13:43 The Role of AI in Teaching and Learning
17:51 Eblana Learning's Mission and Vision
20:59 Balancing AI Literacy and Human-Centred Learning
24:35 Critical Thinking and AI in Education
28:30 Conflict Resolution and Learning
30:25 Agentic AI: Future Implications
34:50 Rethinking Education's Purpose
41:03 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Find out more about Eblana
Check out the Sustainable AI Course Rita mentioned

Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
Follow us on X
Follow us on LinkedIn
Check out all about Edufuturists
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch
Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by the brilliant Nici Foote to discuss the importance of joy in learning, the challenges faced by neurodiverse students, and the need for personalised education. Nici shares her journey in education, emphasising the significance of creating engaging and inclusive learning environments.
The conversation explores the role of play, the messiness of learning, and the impact of time constraints on effective teaching. We also dig into Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a framework for meeting diverse student needs and the importance of collaborative planning among educators.

Chapters00:00 Introductions
01:14 Nici's Journey in Education
03:50 Navigating Barriers in Education
06:36 Bringing Joy into Learning
11:13 The Importance of Messy Learning
15:06 Personalising Education for Every Student
23:12 Cultural Learning Experiences
25:34 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Explained
30:26 The Importance of Engagement in Learning
37:05 Barriers to Implementing UDL
40:15 Rethinking Time in Education
43:11 The Myth of Limiting Abilities

Find out more about Nici's amazing work at unbarrier.me and connect with her on LinkedIn
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve x

Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
Follow us on X
Follow us on LinkedIn
Check out all about Edufuturists
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch
Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this special episode celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Edufuturists podcast, we reflect on a decade of conversations, insights, and growth in the field of education. We discuss the evolution of the podcast, the importance of community, and the future of learning, emphasising the need for personalised and inclusive education. The episode also reviews recent episodes, highlighting key takeaways and the ongoing journey of innovation in education. Chapters00:00 Celebrating a Decade of Edufuturists09:58 Reflections on Recent Episodes and Key Insights19:05 Exploring the Future of Education and Learning28:21 The Importance of Community and CollaborationThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about Edufuturists
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Alex More, an educational consultant with a rich background in teaching and leadership. The conversation explores Alex's transition from classroom teaching to consultancy, the complexities of continuing professional development (CPD), and the challenges of implementing innovative methodologies in education.We discuss the importance of STEM education, the role of student voice, and the environmental impact of AI. Alex shares insights from his research and the engaging AI sprints he has initiated to foster community dialogue around AI in education. The episode concludes with a discussion on responsible AI use and Alex's involvement with TeachMate AI, emphasising the need for integrity and social responsibility in educational technology.Chapters00:00 Introductions01:14 Alex's Background and Transition to Consultancy02:46 Understanding CPD in Education04:27 Navigating the Transition from Classroom to Consultancy08:19 Strategies for Effective CPD Delivery10:36 Innovations in Education and Resistance to Change13:13 The Importance of Context in Education13:43 Exploring Gender Divides in STEM Education16:22 Interdisciplinary Learning and Real-World Connections19:10 Research and Innovation in Education21:43 The Messiness of Learning and Isomorphism in Education26:42 The Flaws in Student Voice Methodology29:33 Researching Student Perspectives on AI34:24 Engaging Stakeholders in Education38:10 The Environmental Impact of AI44:00 AI Sprints47:55 Joining TeachMate AI50:01 Quickfire QuestionsConnect with Alex on LinkedInFind out more about AI SprintsGet a trial of Teachmate AI by completing this formThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch: [email protected] your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 at: edufuturists.com/uprising26