ITP - 134 A huge welcome to Rita Bateson of Eblana Learning, who unpacks the real-world mess and magic of AI in education. She takes listeners through her globe-trotting career from Dublin to Rome, Bermuda, Germany, and the IB, weaving in how AI is reshaping classrooms, assessment, teacher workload, academic integrity, and student habits. Rita explains the Overton Window of AI discourse, why teachers need both AI literacy and healthy skepticism, and how schools can balance innovation with ethics, sustainability, and good old-fashioned human expertise.
The hosts dig into critical thinking, cognitive offloading, phone-free schools, environmental costs of AI, and why students’ inch-wide, mile-deep use of AI demands that teachers develop broader understanding. Rita also shares the mission behind Eblana Learning, their AI curriculum, PD academy, and her drive to support leaders navigating AI without panic or techno-worship. Add in some delightfully unhinged international misadventure stories (Swiss banks, English “interpreter” classes), and you’ve got an episode loaded with insight, humor, and brutally honest guidance for teachers worldwide.
Rita is a Cofounder of Eblana Learning
The full link is https://eblanalearning.com/
If you need Rita as an Italian interpreter, here is her LinkedIN profile link. [smile]
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:43) Rita's International Teaching Journey
(02:40) Skepticism and Acceptance of AI in Education
(05:47) The Overton Window and AI in Education
(08:51) Navigating AI's Impact on Education
(11:52) Practical Applications of AI for Teachers
(16:44) Curriculum Focus in Education
(17:42) Maximizing AI for Teachers
(19:05) The Role of AI in Classroom Management
(20:05) Understanding Student Engagement with AI
(23:07) Professional Development and AI Curriculum
(26:04) The Importance of Human Expertise in AI
(28:58) Critical Thinking and AI Dependency
(33:27) Navigating AI's Impact on Education
(37:27) The Future of Learning with AI
(43:22) Eblana Learning's Mission and Projects
(50:01) Judicious Use of AI in Education
(50:31) Comforts of International Travel
(52:57) Building Relationships in International Schools
(54:23) The Importance of Social Skills in the Age of AI
(55:17) Cultural Experiences and Authority
(01:00:09) Giving Back to the Community
(01:03:18) Final Thoughts on AI and Education
-more information-
The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.
Additional Gems Related to Our Show:
Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw
Signup to be our guest https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01
Our Website - https://www.itpexpat.com/
Our FaceBook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat
JPMint Consulting Website - https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/
Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO
Books By Gregory Lemoine:
International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025) | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.
"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education" | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.
Partner Podcasts:
Just to Know You: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/just-to-know-you/id1655096513Educators Going Global: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educators-going-global/id1657501409
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