Inside Learning | Unlocking human potential

Evolving AI Ethics with Phaedra Boinodiris

In the first episode of Season Four of the Inside Learning Podcast by Lernovate Centre, we begin with interest as we host renowned inclusive technology and responsible AI expert, Phaedra Boinodiris. Known for her impactful work with IBM and Future World Alliance, Phaedra delves into the pressing issue of inherent bias in AI technologies and how we can work towards their ethical utilization.

 Phaedra provides insightful perspectives on the prevalent bias in AI, but she also envisages AI as a mirror that reflects our biases, encouraging us to rectify the image we see. The conversation takes an exciting turn as we delve into her book which enlightens on the absolute necessity of ethical AI.

Throughout this discussion, we dissect real-life instances of AI misapplication leading to societal harm, underlining the importance of multidisciplinary teams to anticipate and mitigate such impacts. Phaedra convincingly argues for not just creating diverse and inclusive AI technologies, but also for using them ethically.

Join us in this conversation as we uncover the societal and technical challenges that AI poses, and how we can steer through them to maximize human potential. We address the critical necessity of revolutionising the teaching of AI in schools, extending its application to disciplines like civics or social studies for comprehensive innovation.

We conclude this episode by probing the current norms surrounding AI education, challenging the boundaries of humanities and engineering. Phaedra, the author of "AI for the Rest of Us", emphasizes the importance of humility and the capacity to 'unlearn' for the collective good. This episode ends with a fervent call for enhanced inclusivity and collaboration within the AI fraternity.

Revolutionising Learning from Courses to Resources with Nick Shackleton-Jones

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Inside Learning! In this instalment, we are thrilled to host a true revolutionary in the education industry, someone who has not only coined the 'courses to resources' shift but has also introduced the groundbreaking affective context model of learning and crafted the innovative 5Di© approach to human-centred learning design.

Our guest today boasts an impressive three-decade track record of shaping the future of learning approaches for both public and private organizations. Not only is he a winner of multiple awards in people development strategy, innovation, and learning content, but he's also a cherished friend of Learnovate. To top it off, he is the author of the enlightening book 'How People Learn.' Join us in welcoming the insightful Nick Shackleton-Jones!

In our conversation, Nick sheds light on the flaws of the present education system, stating that it's "based on an incorrect understanding of cognition and learning." He delves into the historical circumstances and industrial age requirements that shaped our current system, advocating for an optimal education model that seamlessly integrates learning and work throughout an individual's life. His vision emphasizes task-based learning derived from real-world issues, with recognition based on accomplishments that directly influence employment opportunities.

Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch, who declared in 200 BC, "The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled," Nick challenges the conventional approach of trying to force content into people's heads. He discusses the need for a paradigm shift, where education sparks the fire within individuals rather than merely filling their minds.

Nick introduces us to the game-changing "Affective Context Model," presenting an empirically grounded theory of learning. He explores the fascinating concept that people can share the same experiences yet remember different things, emphasizing that true learning occurs when individuals genuinely care about the subject matter.

But that's not all – our conversation takes an exciting turn as we delve into the role of AI in learning. Nick Shackleton-Jones shares his insights on how AI can be harnessed to enhance the learning experience, providing valuable perspectives on the intersection of technology and education.

Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the intricacies of learning, challenge traditional paradigms, and explore the exciting potential of AI in education.

The Now and Next of Work with Cali Williams Yost

New national research from today’s guest and her firm Flex+Strategy Group (FSG) signals a widening gap between employee and leadership perceptions about flexible work and performance, including what’s happening when employees are onsite. 

Based upon a demographically representative sample size of 782 U.S. full-time employed adults, the research is the latest in a series of Flex+Strategy Group studies that have monitored the national progress of issues related to work-life flexibility from the employee point of view since 2006. 

 

It is a pleasure to host the founder of Flex+Strategy Group, author of the 2004 title, “Work + Life: Finding the Fit That's Right for You” and Tweak It: Make What Matters to You Happen Every Day in  2013, welcome to the show Cali Williams Yost.

 

Find the report here: https://flexstrategygroup.com/research/

 

#leadership, #futureofwork, #hybridworking, #reimaginework, and #workflexibility

Business Integrity and Ethical Challenges with Daniel Malan

Daniel Malan is the director of the Trinity Corporate Governance Lab and an assistant professor in business ethics at Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. He was co-chair of the B20 Integrity and Compliance Task Force (2022 and 2020), and a member of the Global Future Council on Transparency and Anti-Corruption of the World Economic Forum (2019 - 2022). 

He is the author of Power and Corporate Responsibility and the founder of IntegrityIQ.

The IntegrityIQ platform will be used to train employees of large corporations in ethical dilemmas through a simulation.

The team behind the AI-driven platform have received funding of €365,000 through Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund. The Learnovate Centre will support IntegrityIQ by providing its innovation services team to build the product and manage recruitment and resources.

Find out more here: 

https://integrityiq.io/

Students, AI and Honesty with Antonios Karampelas

Students using Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to cheat is a significant concern among educators and educational administrators. For example, a student could use ChatGPT to generate an entire essay and hand it in as theirs. Can AI writing be detected, and is AI writing always undesirable?

Our guest is a Science, STEAM, and Artificial Intelligence educator with a PhD in Astrophysics. He is a thought leader in educational innovation and the future of learning. We welcome Antonios Karampelas to Inside Learning.

Find Antonios here: 

https://medium.com/@antonioskarampelas

Equitable Supports for Learners with Katie Novak

Our guest is a Teacher, Educational Consultant, adjunct professor at UPenn, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts.  

Her latest book is an invaluable resource for policymakers, university staff, and regional support providers.

We welcome the author of “In Support of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS”, Katie Novak.

Find Katie here: https://www.novakeducation.com/

Motivation for Learning in a Digital World with Peter Gillis

Research Lead with The Learnovate Centre Peter Gillis joins us to offer a sneak peek into Learnovate's research on "Motivation for Learning in a Digital World".

Peter shares some insights on:

• self-determination theory
• motivation
• amotivation
• nudging behaviour
• and much more besides.

 

 

 

VR as a Teaching Tool with Jason Haddock

Jason Haddock is CEO of Sozo Labs, which incorporates VR into education and training. For example, his company creates and implements immersive applications to train workers in high-skilled areas like engineering, manufacturing and machine operation. He’s spent over three decades working in emerging technology and has always been passionate about how humans learn. Now he is marrying the two.

 

In a wide-ranging discussion, Jason shares how Technology is pushing many aspects of the world to new heights, yet it seems education is being left behind. Traditional learning methods are outdated and uninspiring, and the adverse effects in schools and workplaces are apparent.

VR can potentially be a game-changer in modern education - the first technology that can fundamentally change how we learn.

Find Jason here:

https://sozolabs.com/

 

Generative AI in Learning with Marc Ramos

Over the past few months, there has been colossal hype and speculation about the implications of large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and, most recently, GPT4. ChatGPT, in particular, reached 100 million users in two months, making it the fastest-growing consumer application of all time. 

 

It isn’t clear yet what kind of impact LLMs will have, and opinions vary hugely. Many experts argue that LLMs will have little impact (early academic research suggests that the capability of LLMs is restricted to formal linguistic competence) or that even a near-infinite volume of text-based training data is still severely limiting. 

 

Others argue the opposite, that is, the businesses that understand the significance of this change — and act on it first — will be at a considerable advantage.

 

What we do know now is that generative AI has captured the imagination of the wider public and that it can produce first drafts and generate ideas virtually instantaneously. We also know that it can struggle with accuracy. 

Despite the open questions about this new technology, companies are now searching for ways to apply it. 

Is there a way to cut through the polarising arguments, hype and hyperbole and think clearly about where the technology will hit home first? 

Our guest believes there is. 

Marc Ramos is the Chief Learning Officer of Cornerstone, a global leader in learning and talent management technologies. With over 25 years of experience as a learning leader, Marc has worked with Google, Microsoft, Accenture, Oracle, and more. His insights and expertise have helped organisations develop and implement effective learning strategies that drive business results. In this episode, we discuss the implications of large language models and explore Marc's perspective on the latest trends and innovations in learning and development.

Blended Learning in Schools - A Universal Design Approach with Dr. Joanne Banks

Inclusive education as a concept is elusive. No one definition exists, but instead much diversity in how we conceive and understand it. Ireland, like most countries, has an increasingly diverse student population where the ‘one size fits all’ curriculum cannot possibly work for everyone. By understanding student variability and identifying the barriers to learning as students navigate the education system, we can inform ways to create more inclusive learning environments for all.

 

We are joined by Dr Joanne Banks, who discusses the history of special education in Ireland and shares highlights of the Blended Learning in Schools: A Universal Design Approach (Erasmus+ UDL-BOE project).

More about the project here: https://udl-boe.eu/