Episodios

  • Ep79: Minh Huynh, Learning Experience Designer

    Ep79: Minh Huynh, Learning Experience Designer
    Jan 3 2026
    In this episode we chat about Minh’s early inspiration from a high school chemistry teacher, leading to studies in medical science at Sydney University and further research in biology and cancer. Minh shares some of the challenges of being ‘first-in-family’ as well as the opportunities, complications and struggles in completing honours research and a PhD. We explore the significance of taking a career pause and the benefits of a career change. Minh shares her positive experiences with music, creativity and singing, which offered a break from the intensities of research and academia. We find out more about Minh’s move away from medical research and towards learning and teaching. Minh outlines how she flipped face-to-face teaching approaches to online during the global pandemic with the central question: How do we design learning resources that are going to work for the needs of students? Minh outlines her ‘third space’ academic role and how she co-designs learning resources with academics and students and supports and enhances the student experience, including activities involving generative Artificial Intelligence tools (AI). Minh reflects on the pressures and obligations when student follow a prescribed path, in contrast to modes of learning with broader, more creative boundaries. Minh emphasises the value of connecting with people, building community and encouraging a sense of belonging and the role of curiosity and openness to new ideas and connections. Minh aims to foster student’s unique voice, a ‘why-does-this-matter?’ approach, and a love and enjoyment of learning, particularly in transitional times, in an era of AI and rapid change. Here’s my conversation with Minh Huynh. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minh-d-huynh/ Transition program: https://educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au/teaching@sydney/transition-to-university-2023-update/ Transition + biology: https://educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au/teaching@sydney/bridging-first-year-barriers-fostering-belonging-in-the-biology-learning-space%e2%80%af/ Cogniti feedback agent: https://educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au/teaching@sydney/navigating-biology-with-ai-transforming-first-year-learning-with-socratic-tutoring-and-improved-feedback/ How to put a rubric in system message: https://cogniti.ai/docs/how-do-i-put-a-rubric-or-other-table-into-the-agent/ Presentation about the Cogniti feedback agent with a demo at 01:29: https://youtu.be/7DtRwO6QWLA AI in education Canvas site co-designed with students, it's an open site so anyone should be able to access it: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/51655
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    57 m
  • Ep78: Wendy Taleo, Learning Designer, Writer & Musician

    Ep78: Wendy Taleo, Learning Designer, Writer & Musician
    Nov 10 2025
    Today, my guest is Wendy Taleo, a Learning Designer, Writer, and Musician. In this episode, Wendy shares her diverse background and career journey, highlighting her experiences with technology, education, and creative pursuits including craft and music, while emphasising her approach to work and learning through curiosity and openness to new opportunities. We explore the ideas around ‘open education’ and discuss various digital tools and platforms that Wendy uses for creative expression. Wendy discusses her experiences in being awarded Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and how she aligns her work with the UK Professional Standards Framework with a focus on open education and online course design. We chat about the profound metaphors offered by trees and rhizomes, those mysterious modified subterranean plant stems – like ginger - that help us reconceive our conceptions and approaches to learning and teaching. Wendy shared insights about poetry, ‘freedom of expression’ and ‘rewilding’, with an emphasis on life-long learning, curiosity, collaboration, mentorship and connecting with others both locally and globally. Links: Wendy’s landing page: https://about.me/wen.ta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wentale/ Landing stages (book of poetry): https://amzn.asia/d/1oMY8gq Https://bit.ly/landingstages
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    52 m
  • Ep77: Darryn Gray, Learning Designer, Educator and Community Builder

    Ep77: Darryn Gray, Learning Designer, Educator and Community Builder
    Jul 27 2025
    Today my guest is Darryn Gray, a learning designer, educator, and community builder based in New Zealand. Darryn brings a wealth of experience from his time as a classroom teacher and school leader, through to his current work in adult learning and professional development. In this episode, we explore Darryn’s reflections on moving between education systems — from traditional Eurocentric approaches to learning, to those grounded in Māori worldviews offering rich possibilities for more relational, reciprocal and inclusive learning design. Darryn shares his belief that learning is not something done to people, but something created with them. We hear about his early experiences in a brand-new school, surrounded by technology, and how this sparked his lifelong interest in innovation, collaboration, and community. We also talk about his creation of Crackin’ L&D Down Under, a grassroots community for learning professionals navigating change, technology, and the future of work. In our brief chat, we explore the role of AI, the power of facilitation over instruction, and why trust, humility, and conversation might be our most important tools in a time of constant change. This is a wide-ranging, reflective, and energising conversation. Darryn invites us to rethink what learning could be when we value the contributions that everyone brings. Links: https://www.darryngray.co.nz/ Crackin' LnD (Down Under) https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462967/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryn-gray-acc-b6b73385/
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    1 h
  • Ep76: Norman Hunter, Educational Leader & Author

    Ep76: Norman Hunter, Educational Leader & Author
    May 9 2025
    Today, my guest is Norman Hunter, an Educational Leader and Author. In this episode, Norman shares insights into his upbringing, educational background, and experiences as a school teacher and principal. We chat about Norman’s book, ‘Between the Idea and the Reality: Decision making for the Thinking Educational Leader,’ a book that explores the central role of reasoning behind the many decisions that school leaders make each day. Norman reflects on the importance of understanding human factors in leadership and the significance of recognising individual talents. We discuss the significance of multiple points of view and how to approach this ambiguity when engaging with stakeholders within a school context. We chat about The Beatles song, ‘The Long and Winding Road’ as a metaphor for the complexities and uncertainties of life and the quest for purpose that is often ambiguous and not straightforward. Norman emphasises the importance of combining cognitive and intuitive approaches in educational leadership, and the importance of understanding the values and beliefs that underpin a community, particularly in a school setting.
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Ep75: Paulina Larocca, Creativity Author, Trainer & Provocateur

    Ep75: Paulina Larocca, Creativity Author, Trainer & Provocateur
    Mar 24 2025
    Today my guest is Paulina Larocca, Creativity Author, Trainer and Provocateur. In this episode, we discuss the relationship between creativity and innovation, and Paulina’s studies in pursuing a Master's in Creative Problem Solving. Paulina offers insights into creativity, and the significance of embodiment practices and self-reflection in fostering creativity and personal growth. Paulina explains that connecting with the body and the environment can lead to powerful insights and creative breakthroughs. We chat about moments of stillness in our day and how this stillness can often bring in profound moments of insight. Paulina encourages people, especially those who might be a little sceptical, to deepen their relationship with creative practice and explore its potential. Links: https://paulinalarocca.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-larocca-b455044/
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    44 m
  • Ep74: Ben Lawless, Educator & Assessment Designer

    Ep74: Ben Lawless, Educator & Assessment Designer
    Feb 5 2025
    Today my guest is Ben Lawless, an educator, teacher, university lecturer, textbook author, and education consultant. Ben helps schoolteachers make sense of the different approaches to assessment, specifically by demystifying the design and use of rubrics and encouraging their value in supporting student progress. In this episode, we find out about Ben’s very early experiences on a university campus, through to his later studies in law, philosophy, and education, which eventually lead to roles that combine teaching, research, and educational innovation. We discuss Ben’s work in developmental rubric design, an approach used when teachers want to describe what it looks like to get better at something. Ben shares his belief that assessment in schools is time-consuming, and at times, inaccurate and often doesn’t support teaching and learning. Ben shares insights into the idea that student assessment should be about growth, not just grades, and some of the limitations of traditional ranking systems. We also chat about Ben’s love of history, video games in the classroom (such as using Assassin’s Creed as a teaching tool), and his thoughts on NAPLAN, ATAR, and the pitfalls of big data in schools. We cover quite a few ideas and tangents in this fluid conversation. Ben encourages a more considered and meaningful approach to teaching, learning, and assessment. Links: https://lawlesslearning.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawlessben/
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    56 m
  • Ep73: Dr Selena Fisk, Author & Data Storyteller

    Ep73: Dr Selena Fisk, Author & Data Storyteller
    Nov 28 2024
    Today my guest is Dr Selena Fisk. In our conversation, we chat about Selena's career journey and her work as an author and data storyteller in education. We explore the use of generative AI in data analysis, the challenges and opportunities related to the use of data and strategy in schools, and the importance of using multiple sources of data, including personal reflections, to gain a well-rounded understanding of impact. Selena highlights the importance of understanding the context and purpose of data collection, the need for leaders to be confident in their own numeracy and understanding of data use and aligning data collection with an organisation's purpose and goals. Selena shares insights into the significance and purpose of a holistic approach to student well-being; that is, the need to consider not only academic performance but also students' emotional and physical well-being. Selena outlines the potential role of data, and the role of strategic leadership in using this information effectively. Links: https://www.selenafisk.com/
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    45 m
  • Ep72: Melissa Gough, Educator, Brain Injury Advocate & Podcaster

    Ep72: Melissa Gough, Educator, Brain Injury Advocate & Podcaster
    Oct 30 2024
    Today my guest is Melissa Gough, an educator, brain injury advocate, and podcaster. In this episode, we find out about Melissa’s early and diverse career roles. We also explore Melissa's unexpected life-changing experience of surviving a brain haemorrhage. Melissa reflects on her recovery process, the challenges she faced in navigating the healthcare system, and the cognitive difficulties related to her condition. We explore her additional advocacy efforts for individuals with brain and other injuries in the form of her creating and hosting “The Brain Game Changer” podcast. Links: https://thebraingamechanger.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gough-68a33869/
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    43 m
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