Unfiltered by EmpowerED: Educators’ Voices Uncut

The rise of generative AI is not just a technological shift—it’s a fundamental transformation of how higher education operates, teaches, and evaluates learning. In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we sit down with Panagiota (Penny) Tzanni, a PhD candidate and an Educational Developer, to explore how AI is reshaping employability, academic roles, and the future of English for Academic Purpo...

Academic advising is often seen as a support function—but what if it’s actually central to student success, belonging, and institutional impact? In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we speak with Wayne Ramwell, Senior Tutor and Academic Advisor at the University of Manchester, about the evolving role of advising in higher education. Wayne shares his journey into advising, insights into the...

The college journey is often sold as rankings, prestige, and eye-watering tuition fees. But what if it could be different? In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we talk with Shellee Howard, Founder & CEO of College Ready, about how to help students pursue higher education without losing themselves or their financial future. Shellee shares: How to send your child to college without going...

How personal loss shapes student life, identity, and support systems on campus. In this raw and powerful episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we’re joined by an extraordinary guest who shares her personal journey of navigating grief as a student—and how those early experiences of loss, silence, and resilience sparked the creation of The Student Grief Network. We discuss what it means to grieve at u...

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 pr...

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...

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...

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 platfo...

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...

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 au...

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...

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 gami...

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...

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 eng...

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 sett...

In today's episode, Caroline will share insights into her role, the innovative projects she's leading and her experiences with implementing digital tools and instructional design principles. A major highlight of this episode is the discussion on the "Star to Legend" programme, which aims to empower educators by enhancing their digital skills and transforming their teaching practices.

Join us as John shares his insights on the evolution of digital learning environments, the unique approach of Hibernia College in delivering blended learning programmes, and the role of technology in shaping the future of education. We'll discuss how Hibernia College uses online tools and feedback systems to enhance student learning experiences and the challenges they face in supporting users with...

Join us as we discuss with experts from the University of Westminster - Ioannis Glinavos - the critical skills that graduates need to develop to stand out in an AI-driven job market. We'll uncover how AI is influencing job availability across fields, the evolution of job search mechanisms with AI tools, and the ethical implications of this digital transformation.

Teaching a subject area to those who are not specialists can be a challenge. In this episode, we explore the art and science of making your subject accessible to all. From activity-based learning to the integration of technology enhanced learning approaches, we uncover the strategies that empower learning and teaching beyond traditional boundaries.