Beyond The Algorithm - The Podcast

About Beyond The Algorithm - The Podcast

Let’s be honest! AI can be exciting, confusing, and a bit overwhelming all at once. Beyond the Algorithm is a podcast for people who want to make sense of it without the drama. Hosted by Dawn Taylor, international speaker and AI Pedagogue, the podcast brings together educators, leaders, policymakers, and others working with AI to talk openly about what it’s really doing in education — and how we can use it well. It’s about solving real problems, improving the quality of teaching and learning, and keeping human thinking firmly in the driving seat. No tech hype. No doom stories. Just real conversations about AI, education, and what comes next.

Publisher

beyondthealgorithmpodcast

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jan 2026

Latest episode

10 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Beyond the Quiz: Kahoot, AI and Meaningful Engagement with Jon from Kahoot

   Kahoot has been a classroom favourite for many years—but the platform has evolved far beyond the familiar live quiz. In this episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn speaks with Jon, Growth Director for the UK and Ireland at Kahoot, about the changing role of educational technology and how Kahoot is developing to support teaching and learning. Together, they explore how AI can help teachers create purposeful learning experiences, use assessment data to identify gaps in understanding and provide students with timely opportunities to revisit their learning. They also consider what meaningful engagement really looks like—and why excitement and participation do not necessarily mean that learning is taking place. The conversation covers: How Kahoot has developed beyond quizzes and games The role of AI in creating purposeful learning experiences Using data to understand student progress over time Formative assessment, feedback and targeted intervention The difference between participation and meaningful engagement Why schools should begin with the educational problem, not the technology The importance of involving teachers and students in EdTech decisions Three practical suggestions for educators beginning to explore AI Jon also shares why schools should resist chasing every new technological trend and instead choose tools that respond to the needs of their own learning communities. A practical and thoughtful conversation about AI, EdTech and keeping learning at the centre of classroom innovation.

2. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Inside the EdTech Exchange: Supporting Founders and Strengthening the Education Sector with Sam Marsh

   In this episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn Taylor is joined by Sam Marsh, Head of Events at the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA). Sam explains how BESA represents and supports the UK education-supplies industry and introduces the EdTech Exchange: a free-to-join community designed to connect EdTech founders, encourage peer learning and reduce the isolation that can come with building and leading a business. Together, Dawn and Sam explore five important shifts currently shaping the EdTech market: The move from AI hype towards accountability and evidence The growing importance of trust and transparency The need to solve genuine educational problems The difficult decisions founders face around investment, teams and product priorities The effect of school budgets, limited capacity and increased procurement scrutiny Sam also shares what founders can access through the EdTech Exchange, including online forums, practical workshops, regional ambassador support, industry insights and founder supper clubs. Whether you are starting an EdTech business, developing an established organisation or working within education, this conversation offers valuable insight into the changing market and the importance of collaboration between suppliers and schools. Find out more and get involved: BESA website: We champion the UK’s trusted, quality educational suppliers - BESA EdTech Exchange: https://www.besa.org.uk/join-us/as-part-of-edtech-exchange/ Join the LinkedIn community: EdTech Exchange - A BESA Initiative Subscribe to the EdTech Exchange publication: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7483905448077672448 Upcoming events and workshops: Events - BESA Connect with Samantha Marsh: Samantha Marsh | LinkedIn

3. 

   28 Jun 2026

   The Future of AI in Education: AI Agents, Vibe Coding & Local AI | Isaac Pattis

   Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly. The next generation of AI isn't just about chatbots—it's about AI agents, local models, browser-based AI, and new ways of working, learning and creating. In this episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn Taylor is joined by Isaac Pattis, AI Incubation Manager at Oxford University Press, to explore where AI is heading next and what these developments mean for education, innovation and the future of work. In this episode we discuss: AI Agents and Agentic AI Vibe Coding vs Agentic Engineering Running AI locally in browsers and on personal devices Privacy-first AI and why it matters The future of AI in education AI literacy and AI metaliteracy Why cognitive challenge still matters in an AI-enabled world Lessons from Khan Academy and Duolingo How educators can embrace AI without losing authentic learning Whether you're an educator, school leader, researcher, developer or simply interested in the future of AI, this conversation offers practical insights into where the technology is heading and how we can ensure humans remain at the centre of learning. If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe and Share.

4. 

   14 Jun 2026

   The Future of Education, AI, Assessment and Vibe Coding with Simon Balderson

   What happens when Artificial Intelligence can write essays, generate code, provide feedback, and create learning resources in seconds? In this episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn Taylor is joined by Simon Balderson, Director of Innovation at Wishford Education, to explore the future of education in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Together they discuss the impact of AI on teaching, learning, assessment, creativity, and the skills young people will need to thrive in the future. Simon shares insights from the AIxEI Conference, explores the rise of "vibe coding", and explains why creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence may become more valuable than ever. The conversation also examines the future of assessment, the challenges facing exam boards, and how schools can begin making learning visible today rather than waiting for policy to catch up. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, parent, researcher, or simply interested in the future of learning, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking ideas about where education is heading next.

5. 

   5 Jun 2026

   AI, Education & Industry: Building the Future Together | Martyn Collins, Brilliant Festival Director

   In this episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn Taylor speaks with Martyn Collins, Festival Director of the rapidly growing Brilliant Festival, about the future of education, EdTech, AI, and industry collaboration Together, they explore why schools, educators, technology providers, and employers must work more closely to prepare young people for the future world of work — and why traditional education conferences and EdTech events are no longer enough. 📍 Exhibition Centre Liverpool 📅 November 10, 2026 🌐 brilliantfestival.com

6. 

   30 May 2026

   AI, Sport, Trust & the Future of Learning with Professor Andy Miah

   In this episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn Taylor is joined by Andy Miah — Chair in Science Communication and Future Media at University of Salford — for a wide-ranging conversation exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on sport, media, education, trust, and the future of learning. As the world prepares for a major summer of global sport, Andy explains how AI is already reshaping sports broadcasting, audience engagement, and digital media experiences. From AI-generated content and automated highlights to drone footage controversies and viral misinformation, the discussion examines how technology is changing the way people consume and interact with sport. The conversation then turns to AI-generated influencers, authenticity, and the growing challenge of determining what can be trusted online. Drawing on his recent work investigating AI fitness influencers for the BBC, Andy explores why media literacy and AI literacy are rapidly becoming essential skills for modern life. Together, Dawn and Andy discuss: Why society may be underestimating the scale of AI-driven change How AI is transforming sport, media, and communication The rise of AI-generated influencers and digital identities Why trust and authenticity are becoming increasingly complex The role of schools and universities in developing AI literacy How curriculum and assessment may need to evolve Why metacognition and cognitive regulation matter more than ever The risks of AI bypassing cognitive struggle rather than supporting learning How educators can preserve authentic evidence of learning in the age of AI A major focus of the episode is vibe coding — using natural language prompts to create software and digital tools without traditional programming expertise. Andy explains how AI-powered development platforms are democratising creation and enabling entirely new opportunities for non-technical innovators. The episode also explores Dawn's work on AI meta-literacy, including how schools can develop a shared language between learners and AI systems that supports understanding, strengthens learner agency, and keeps human thinking at the centre of the learning process. This is a thought-provoking discussion about the opportunities, tensions, and responsibilities emerging as AI becomes embedded in everyday life. Listen if you're interested in AI, education, sport, media, innovation, digital culture, and what it means to remain human in an increasingly AI-mediated world.

7. 

   24 May 2026

   AI Bias, Pedagogy and the Future of Learning with Victoria Hedlund

   Dawn speaks with Victoria Hedlund, The AI Bias Girl, about AI bias, fairness, personalised learning, AI tutors and the future of pedagogy. A vital conversation on why bias awareness, teacher oversight and ethical AI use matter in education.

8. 

   24 May 2026

   The Future of EdTech: AI, Innovation and Literacy with ExplAinED

   What happens when Beyond the Algorithm meets the hosts of the ExplAInED podcast? A deep and honest conversation about AI literacy, EdTech, digital learning, curriculum integrity, and the future of education. In this episode, we explore: • AI in schools • EdTech vs screen time • Bias and reliability • AI literacy and critical thinking • Practical classroom implementation • The future of teaching and learning

9. 

   15 May 2026

   AI, Algorithmic Influence, and Learning in a Digital World | with Laura Knight

   AI is changing how knowledge is accessed, shaped, and trusted—but it isn’t neutral. In this episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn speaks with Laura Knight—former teacher, strategist, and advisor—about the growing influence of algorithms on learning, behaviour, and decision-making. They explore what sits beneath the surface of AI systems, why they don’t “find truth,” and how attention, data, and engagement are shaping the digital environments young people are growing up in. This conversation moves beyond hype and fear to focus on what actually matters: understanding how AI works recognising its influence and building the capacity to question it From social media to generative AI, this episode challenges the idea that technology is simply a tool—and argues that without deliberate teaching, it can quietly shape thinking in ways we don’t always see. Guest Laura Knight is a former teacher with over 20 years’ experience in UK education. She now works across schools, universities, governments, and EdTech organisations as a strategist, speaker, and advisor, focusing on the effective and ethical use of AI and digital technology.

10. 

    2 May 2026

    AI, Assessment and the Future of Learning with Al Kingsley MBE

    In this episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn speaks with Al Kingsley MBE about AI, assessment, digital strategy, and the future of education. They explore why AI should not simply be treated as a threat or shortcut, but as a catalyst for rethinking curriculum, assessment, access, equity, and the skills learners need for the future. The conversation covers government policy, exam reform, digital inclusion, neurodiversity, bias, data, human skills, and the importance of co-production in shaping responsible AI use in education.

11. 

    8 Apr 2026

    From Tools to Thinking: The Real Work of AI Literacy

    In this first episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn Taylor is joined by Ben Garside from the Raspberry Pi Foundation to explore what AI literacy really means in education. They discuss the difference between using AI and understanding it, the risks of cognitive offloading, and how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and assessment. Grounded in global classroom practice, this conversation focuses on how we prepare students to think critically about AI—not just rely on it.

12. 

    28 Jan 2026

    Beyond the Algorithm – Official Podcast Trailer

    Beyond the Algorithm is a podcast made by humans, for humans. In this series, we speak with educators, school leaders, edtech teams, and others working with AI day to day — to understand what’s really happening in education. We explore how AI is showing up in classrooms, leadership, systems, and assessment, how it’s evolving, and what that means for teaching and learning now and in the future. This podcast isn’t about hype, fear, or pushing an agenda.It’s about clarity. Each episode is designed to help you make sense of the changes happening around AI — and to think more carefully about what comes next for education, for learners, and for the people at the heart of it all. Join us as we go beyond the algorithm.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.