Unfiltered by EmpowerED: Educators’ Voices Uncut

This episode takes you inside the design and philosophy of the MA in Artificial Intelligence and Technology-Enhanced Learning (AITEL) — a bold new programme helping teachers and technologists co-create the future of learning. We discuss how students develop their own “classrooms of the future,” use AI tools critically, and engage with themes like social justice and digital literacy. You’ll hear practical examples, reflections on pe...

Can automation support teaching without sacrificing quality or care? In this insightful conversation, we explore how Microsoft Power Automate and other tools are being used to tackle academic workload, improve feedback systems, and support earlier student interventions. We also touch on the creative use of technology in content design and how educators can navigate the digital shift while keeping pedagogy at the centre. A must-list...

In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we explore how playfulness can be a powerful force in cultivating psychological safety and deeper collaboration in the workplace. Our guest, Mark Childs, brings a unique perspective from the world of academic development and learning design, reflecting on how playful approaches can help people feel more engaged, included, and creative at work. Tune in to hear real stories, practical strat...

What does it really mean to work in digital education? In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we sit down with Adele and Pip from Birkbeck, University of London, to hear their stories of moving into and thriving in the evolving world of edtech.

From career pivots and pedagogy to curiosity, humour, and HyFlex learning, we explore how digital education roles are shaped by people—not just platforms. Adele brings two decades of ri...

Can kindness be taught? Can it be a form of activism? In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we explore how kindness is being used not just as a value, but as a radical educational tool to help students thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

Vic shares how Kaplan Pathways' Kindness Curriculum is supporting international students in liminal spaces—between home and study, college and university, education and employment. We expl...

In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, Caroline talks with Kim and Patrick from Activate Learning about how they’re using AI to transform education. From creating custom AI tools like tutors and feedback assistants to ensuring ethical and secure practices, they share the steps they’ve taken to enhance both teaching and learning.

Kim and Patrick discuss striking the right balance between AI automation and human interaction, emp...

In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we speak with two dynamic alumni from the University of Dundee, Lily Meller and Hedda Scharffenberger. Together, they share their transformative experiences participating in a Human Rights Advocacy Internship module that combined academic rigour with real-world activism.

Lily and Hedda discuss the power of student activism as a pedagogical tool, offering insights into how the module not o...

In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we sit down with Daniel Pigou from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China. Daniel, a lecturer in English for Academic Purposes shares his innovative work with H5P interactive videos. Designed to engage students and improve learning outcomes, these videos are part of a blended learning model that allows students to interact with content through gamified, quiz-like features.

Daniel di...

Welcome to a new episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED! In today’s episode, we had a chat with Edzia Carvalho, a passionate lecturer in politics and international relations at the University of Dundee. Edzia shares her groundbreaking work in integrating student activism with human rights education, offering a unique approach that empowers students to engage with human rights issues in real, impactful ways.

This episode delves into Edz...

Welcome to "About EmpowerED, Your Community | Unfiltered by EmpowerED", the very first episode of our podcast series. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the EmpowerED community, introducing the passionate minds driving this initiative. You'll hear from Anshul, May, and Caroline, as we share our journeys, inspirations, and the vision that brought EmpowerED to life. Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation t...

Welcome to a new episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED! In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome Geeta Hitch from the University of Sunderland in London. Geeta serves as a Lecturer in Public Health and brings a wealth of experience in academic pharmacy and educational development.

Geeta shares her journey through various universities, her passion for teaching, and her innovative approach to setting clear expectations for student...