The Thought Bubble
Podcast Series

Season 2 | Episode 1

Assurance of learning in an AI world: what problem are we actually solving?

In the opening episode of Season 2 of The Thought Bubble, we explore how we genuinely assure learning in an AI-enabled world.

Hosted by Amanda Ford from OES, this episode features Dr Erin Jancauskas and Sue Kokonis in conversation. Together, they move beyond a focus on detection or misconduct and instead examine how institutions can confidently demonstrate student learning over time.

Drawing on OES research and real-world practice, the discussion introduces a connected, programme-level approach that brings together curriculum design, educator expertise and the thoughtful use of technology.

It sets the foundation for the season by asking what quality, equity and trust should look like in a rapidly evolving learning environment.
 

AI and Assurance of Learning: Research and Resources

Unlocking the Future: How Universities Can Leverage AI and Data to Transform Learning, Operations, and Student Outcomes.

In episode 8 of The Thought Bubble podcast, AI expert Dr. Kendra Vant (MIT PhD), joins David Paroissien, OES Director of Generative AI Programs, to explore how universities can leverage data and AI tools to transform learning, enhance student outcomes, and navigate the evolving educational landscape. Tune in for a dynamic conversation about the challenges, opportunities, and future implications for higher education.

Employment trends: What the workforce of the future looks like today

An ageing labour force, a turbulent global economy, and the advancement of AI transforming ‘work’ as we know it… Today’s graduates are entering the job market in a time of significant transformation.

So how are these factors going to effect the employment landscape in the next five, ten and fifty years? Matt Cowgill, Senior Economist at employment marketplace SEEK, takes us through the current labour trends that will help us best prepare for these changes

Authentic Assessment: evaluating digital fluency, mature soft skills and resilience

Recently, some universities have returned to pen and paper assessment, due to fears AI services are enabling students to cheat in exams and essays. Should we be asking if the exam and essay assessment format still make sense in the world we live in? There is no doubt in our rapidly evolving technological landscape that digital fluency and resilience are more critical than ever. So we spoke with Mark Andrews, from Adobe Education, about how to enhance students’ employment prospects through creative technology and authentic assessment.

Beyond the classroom: how peer-to-peer learning enriches student outcomes

The sense of connection students develop in and around classes is vitally important to the university experience. But as higher education increasingly migrates into online spaces, how can peer-to-peer learning evolve and adapt? We sought insight from Jimmy Pearson, who previously ran an internal learning community at Google, a program encouraging any employee to take or teach a class on any topic.

Redrawing the lines: the end of education with borders

Digital modalities have the power to erase borders and fundamentally change what delivering a high quality education looks like. The shifting of sands beneath our feet, raises existential questions for the sector.

Embedding technology: To the metaverse and beyond

We’ve all heard of the Metaverse, but the details of what it is, when it’s coming, and how we might use it are elusive.

Jason Juma-Ross is Meta’s Regional Director of Technology Strategy. He joins us to tackle our most pressing questions about the Metaverse, most notably, should higher education be thinking about it?

From AI to B: Forecasting the integration of AI into education

Artificial Intelligence technology is making its way into higher education, in everything from course translation to campus socialising. But to maintain community trust, it’s essential the foundations of AI technology are set-up correctly. James Mabbott of KPMG Futures shares his insights on possible applications of AI in the higher ed space, as well as customer responses to these technologies.

Access and equity: What can we learn from gaming?

The Duolingo app started as a simple language learning game, but in 10 years it has evolved into a massive education company that’s disrupting English language proficiency testing for admissions to higher education providers. Dr. Alina Von Davier, Chief of Assessment at Duolingo, speaks to OES about how adaptive testing technologies are changing the game in higher ed.

The Thought Bubble: Trailer

Coming soon, the OES podcast. The trailer is available to listen now on all major listening platforms.