Unfiltered by EmpowerED: Educators’ Voices Uncut

#18 Generative AI & the Future of Higher Education Work l Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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 Purposes (EAP).
From navigating global career challenges and professional identity shifts to confronting the realities of AI disruption, Penny shares a candid, thought-provoking perspective on what higher education professionals must do to stay relevant.
 
Podcast Chapters
00:44 – Introduction & Penny’s Global Career Journey
06:52 – Challenges in International Education & Professional Identity
10:29 – First Encounter with Generative AI & Its Impact
14:49 – Is EAP Becoming Obsolete?
19:38 – AI in Higher Education: Taboo, Policy & Reality
23:59 – Inside Penny’s PhD: AI Training for Educators
26:20 – Fear, Resistance & Digital Literacy Gaps
34:45 – Upskilling, Work Culture & Institutional Responsibility
38:57 – AI, Employability & Changing Job Roles
52:46 – The Future of Assessment & Final Reflections
 
Resources Mentioned
Penny's Newsletter
 
Penny’s Contact Details
Email: Englishtutor572@gmail.com
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com
 

#17 Rethinking Academic Advising for Student Success l Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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 professional advising model, and how institutions can better support the “whole student”—academically, personally, and professionally. We also explore challenges such as student engagement, trust-building, wellbeing, and the growing need for compassionate, student-centred approaches.
 
Podcast Chapters
01:03 – Introduction & Wayne’s Journey into Academic Advising
05:27 – What Academic Advising Really Means
11:43 – Asking the Right Questions vs Having the Right Answers
16:38 – Building Trust & Supporting Student Wellbeing
20:58 – Bridging Academic Success and Personal Development
26:00 – Misconceptions About Advising & Student Engagement
31:15 – The Professional Advising Model Explained
39:17 – Institutional Strategy, Resources & Impact of Advising
44:05 – Where Universities Should Start with Improving Advising
48:21 – The Future of Academic Advising
 
Resources Mentioned
UK Advising and Tutoring Association (UKAT)
 
Wayne’s Contact Details
Email: wayne.ramwell@manchester.ac.uk
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#16 From Stress to Strategy: Helping Students Navigate College Admissions Wisely | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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 into debt
Why passion projects matter more than polished résumés
The truth behind Ivy League myths and what it really takes to stand out
How to think clearly about scholarships, aid and the real cost of college
How educators can guide students towards colleges that fit both their dreams and their reality
We also hear about Shellee’s experience in Uganda and how that shaped her non-profit, Empower Education, and her belief in education as a global force for change. Perfect for teachers, counsellors, school leaders and parents who want honest, unfiltered insight into the modern admissions landscape.
 
Podcast Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
04:30 – Why Families Feel Overwhelmed About College
11:00 – What Colleges Really Look For in Students
18:30 – Passion, Purpose & Student Identity
25:45 – Global Perspective on Education Access
32:45 – Handling Rejection & Finding the Right Fit
37:50 – Are Schools Preparing Students for the Future?
42:10 – Scholarships, Financial Strategy & Hidden Costs
46:10 – AI in College Admissions
50:05 – Final Reflections & Key Takeaways
 
Resources Mentioned
College Ready Planning WebsiteEmpower Education (International Nonprofit)
Podcast: Parents, is Your Teen College Ready? 
Book: How to Send Your Child to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money
Book: The College Admissions Plan Simplified
 
 
Shellee’s Contact Details:
College Ready’s Instagram
Shellee’s Linkedin
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#15 Grief and Growth: Navigating Bereavement in Higher Education | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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 university, the unique challenges faced by students, the gaps in institutional support, and how grief can become a quiet but powerful catalyst for growth, empathy, and change.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone who’s experienced loss, this is an episode that will stay with you.
 
Podcast Chapters:
01:53 – Introduction & Anna’s Journey into Grief Work
02:29 – Losing Her Brother and the Hidden Impact of Childhood Grief
08:25 – Founding the Student Grief Network at University
10:50 – Coping with the Loss of Her Father and Finding Purpose
17:00 – Why Grief Is Still Invisible in Higher Education
31:08 – Creating a Framework for Compassionate Universities
43:00 – Supporting Staff Well-Being & Building a Culture of Care
53:50 – Lessons, Hope & Anna’s Final Message
 
Resources Mentioned: 
SGN main website
My creative page: Anna May
 
Anna's Contact Details:
Linkedin
Email: grief.programmes@kaplan.com
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#14 Educators, Technologists and the AI Classroom: The Story Behind MA AITEL | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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 pedagogical change, and how higher education can remain deeply human — even in a world shaped by automation.
 
Podcast Chapters:
02:15 – Zoe’s Journey into Education & Technology
06:52 – Why the MA in AI & Technology Enhanced Learning Was Created
09:13 – Closing the Gap Between Research & Classroom Practice
13:45 – Letting Students Use AI to Write Their Essays
19:00 – Designing Curriculum for the Classroom of the Future
25:56 – Peer Collaboration Between Educators & Technologists
33:22 – Ethics, AI Literacy & Data Protection
46:25 – Zoe’s Vision for Education in the Age of AI
 
Resources Mentioned: 
Program Details
Postgraduate Taught Programmes York's Department of Education
Zoe's Personal Web page
Zoe's Lab Page
 
Zoe's Contact Details:
Linkedin
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#13 Teaching Smarter: Rethinking Assessment with Automation | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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-listen for anyone seeking scalable, humane, and effective solutions for assessment and feedback.
 
Podcast Chapters:02:13 – Meet Rebekah & Her Teaching Journey
03:22 – Tech Curiosity & Problem Solving
10:26 – The Pain Point that Sparked Automation
15:01 – Using Power Automate to Reclaim Teaching Time
18:25 – Student Reactions to Automated Feedback
21:19 – Saving Time Without Compromising Quality
27:17 – Scaling the Approach Across Departments
32:12 – Reducing Mental Load for Educators
53:37 – The Future of Automation in Teaching & Assessment
 
Resources Mentioned: 
Marking Approach Toolkit
Scribe
Genially
Blooket
Adobe Express
Power Automate Toolkit (coming soon in description)
 
Rebekah's Contact Details:Email: r.marangon@aston.ac.uk
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#12 Playfulness at Work? Yes, Seriously. | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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 strategies, and why play should be taken seriously.
 
Podcast Chapters:
01:36 – Meet Mark & His Playful Journey
05:45 – The Physics Class That Changed Everything
10:05 – What Makes a Space Truly Playful?
14:50 – Response to Skeptical Voice
17:43 – Psychological Safety & Fear of Failure
28:11 – Playfulness in Teaching
34:17 – Playfulness vs. Professionalism
39:44 – Designing Meaningful Play
54:58 – The Future of Play at Work
 
Resources Mentioned:
Pedagodzilla Podcast
Pedagodzilla The Book
Playful Learning Association
 
Mark's Contact Details:
Email: mark.childs@durham.ac.uk
Bluesky
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#11 Curiosity, Creativity, and Career Pathways in Digital Education | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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 rich experience in learning technology, while Pip offers insights from her fresh transition into the field. Together, they reflect on the skills that matter, the myths that persist, and the joy of building connections across disciplines.
Whether you're just starting out or deep into your digital learning career, this is a warm and candid conversation about what it takes to thrive—and why staying human in a tech-driven world might be our greatest asset.
Podcast Chapters:
01:50 – Meet Adele and Pip: Career Journeys into Digital Education
07:17 – What’s in a Job Title? The Evolving Roles in EdTech
13:31 – Designing HyFlex Learning
20:32 – The Digital Skills We Need—Now and in the Future
22:35 – Study, Qualifications, and the Pedagogy Behind Tech
35:42 – Building Confidence and Connection with Reluctant Users
40:53 – Collaborating with Academics and Students on Real Projects
46:01 – Supporting Early Careers: Mentors, Courses, and Networks
55:14 – Busting Myths: No, We’re Not IT Support
59:53 – Final Advice: Mindsets That Matter in Digital Education
 
Contact Details:
Adele's Linkedin
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#10 Kindness as Activism: Teaching Human Skills in an AI World | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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 explore the role of kindness in shaping resilient, confident and connected learners—and why these human skills matter more than ever in an AI-driven age.
A must-listen for anyone passionate about compassionate pedagogy, emotional intelligence, and the future of education.
 
Podcast Chapters:
01:51 – Meet Victoria: Commitment to Inclusive Education
07:05 – What Is Kindness in Education?
20:07 – Teaching Kindness: Can It Be Done?
26:50 – Student Response and Cultural Considerations
29:20 – Kindness, Leadership, and "Soft" Skills
30:50 – Staying Human in an AI World
 
Book Mentioned:
The Economy of Kindness
 
Vic's Contact Details:
Email: victoria.wilson-crane@kaplan.com
Linkedin
Website
 
Also, a big shout out to:
Kath Koshel
Kindness Factory
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

#9 Empowering Learners: How AI Tutors Are Changing Education | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

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, empowering students with digital skills, and fostering a growth mindset. They also highlight the importance of using AI to create equitable opportunities for learners, while keeping educators at the heart of the process.
Whether you’re an educator exploring AI’s potential or a student curious about its role in learning, this episode offers practical advice, inspiring examples, and a look at what’s next for AI in education.
Podcast Chapters:
01:58 – Meet Kim and Patrick: Using Technology to Enhance Learning
07:53 – Ethical Challenges for Building AI Tools
13:36 – How AI Tutors Support Students Anytime, Anywhere
20:44 – How to Use AI as A Tutor?
27:33 – Feedback from Staff: What’s Working?
38:56 – Advice for Future Use of AI in Education
Make sure you don't miss Kim and Patrick's presentation in our webinar! https://youtu.be/N7bJmFu-P8o
 
Kim and Patrick on Social Media:
Kim's Linkedin
Patrick's Linkedin
 
For more updates, follow EmpowerED: 
Website: empoweredwebinars.com
X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar
LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars
Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com