World Bank EduTech Podcast

In this episode, World Bank’s Bob Hawkins speaks with three EdTech leaders working to deliver quality education in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Luke Stannard (Can’t Wait to Learn – War Child Alliance), Claire Mongeau (M-Shule), and Kate Radford (EdTech Hub) share how their organisations are using innovation and collaboration to support refugee learners and out-of-school children. The conversation highlights practical lessons on cost-effective scaling, hybrid learning in emergencies, human-centred design, and the power of co-creation with local communities — with insights from Ukraine, East Africa, and beyond.

Learn more:

• Can’t Wait to Learn: Can’t Wait to Learn 
• M-Shule: M-Shule
• EdTech Hub: EdTech Hub
• Digital Pathways for Education: report
• Refugee education: Financing what matters: blog

A podcast produced by Lucia Blasco.

In today’s episode, Robert Fogel, Global Education Architect at Microsoft, joins Bob Hawkins from the World Bank EdTech Team to discuss how Artificial Intelligence can help education systems make smarter use of data to improve learning. They explore how AI-powered Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) can strengthen decision-making, support better planning, and drive stronger outcomes for students. The conversation also highlights the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI responsibly, drawing from real-world experiences across countries — and Microsoft's approach to building ethical, effective solutions in education.

Learn more:

• Microsoft AI Principles
• Responsible AI Resources – Microsoft
• AI for Learning and Education -- Copilot
• World Bank – Education Management Information Systems (EMIS)
• Artificial Intelligence Revolution in Education: What You Need to Know

A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today's episode, World Bank Director for Global Education Luis Benveniste joins Bob Hawkins, Ekua Bentil and Alex Twinomugisha, from the EdTeach Team, to talk about how education systems can prepare young people for the future of work. They reflect on the Bank's jobs agenda, the need to invest in both foundational and digital skills, and the role AI could play in transforming education and employment. The conversation includes insights from the Africa Centers of Excellence, lessons from the Digital Skills report and practical examples of how to better align education with labour market needs.

Links

The Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence

Digital skills to accelerate human capital for youth in Africa

Empowering Africa’s youth: Bridging the digital skills gap

Digital Pathways for Education: Enabling Greater Impact for Al

Standing together for teachers

A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today’s episode, World Bank’s Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education, Bob Hawkins, talks with Laylah Bulman, Senior Program Manager at Minecraft Education, about how games are transforming learning. They explore how game mechanics boost engagement, AI’s role in education, and the 21st-century skills students need. Laylah shares insights from her work in Ghana with UNICEF’s Learning Passport and how Minecraft’s Hour of Code fosters computational thinking. They also discuss Lessons in Good Trouble, a game bringing social justice movements to life, and the challenges of integrating game-based learning into classrooms. Plus, what happens when students outsmart their teachers in Minecraft—and why that’s actually a good thing.

Learn more:

• About Minecraft Education: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us
• Your Future Academy - Ghana and Ukraine- UNICEF Learning Passport and Minecraft Education: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/blog/your-future-academy
• AI Foundations: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/discover/ai
• AI Adventurers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg9lToc61ftq--rdpIxWg8SCXgBg7jb1a
• Hour of Code: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/resources/hour-code-2024
• Reimagining Human Connections: World Bank EdTech Strategy: Five Principles

• Digital Transformation: World Bank: Digital Skills & Employability

A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today’s episode, World Bank's Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education, Bob Hawkins, hosts a fascinating conversation on the intersection of technology, skills, and employability. World Bank’s Guillermo Tovar explores Ethiopia’s Education and Skills for Employability (EASE) project and its innovative use of results-based financing to train and place youth in employment. Rita Fennelly Atkinson, from Digital Promise, shares insights on leveraging micro-credentials and digital badging to recognize skills and enhance employability. Along the way, we tackle key questions like how to measure digital skills, the role of lifelong learning, and—on a lighter note—whether we need an official "results-based financing expert" badge.

Links to learn more:

• Ethiopia’s EASE Project: A Skills Revolution
• Understanding Micro-Credentials: A Guide
• Results-Based Financing: Learning from What Works
• Learn more about Digital Promise

A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today's episode, World Bank Senior Economist Juan Baron discusses with Haani Mazari, from the EdTech Hub, and World Bank Education Specialist Martin De Simone, the practical implementation of artificial intelligence in education. The conversation highlights the promising results of a pilot program in Nigeria and explores strategies for scaling AI tools in developing contexts. Key themes include AI as a tutor versus a shortcut, addressing teacher skepticism, and leveraging technology for sustainable education improvements. Along the way, we tackle real-world challenges like connectivity issues, the equity gap, and yes—even an enthusiastic dog making a guest appearance!

Links:

A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In this episode of the World Bank EdTech Podcast, we explore how open-source software can expand education access and improve quality. Bob Hawkins moderates a discussion with Bernd Roggendorf (EIDU), Lea Simpson (EdTech Hub), and Barnabas Sang (Ministry of Education, Kenya).They examine the challenges and opportunities of scaling EdTech, the transformative potential of open-source tools, and strategies for impactful implementation. Key themes include sustainable AI, resilient systems, and data-informed policy approaches.

Relevant links:

A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

En este episodio especial, en español, Jaime Saavedra, director de Desarrollo Humano para América Latina y el Caribe del Banco Mundial, y Eugenio Severin, experto en innovación educativa y ex asesor del Ministerio de Educación de Chile, reflexionan sobre el potencial de la Inteligencia Artificial para apoyar a los docentes en la región.  

Durante la conversación, exploramos las grandes brechas educativas de América Latina y el Caribe y compartimos cómo herramientas innovadoras pueden facilitar la planificación de clases, mejorar la experiencia de aprendizaje y fortalecer el rol de los maestros en las aulas. Además, analizamos los retos para implementar estas soluciones digitales a gran escala y cómo la IA puede convertirse en una aliada clave para construir sistemas educativos más equitativos y efectivos.

Enlaces recomendados:

👉 Descubre nuestro reporte regional sobre las oportunidades que ofrece la Inteligencia Artificial para la educación: Revolución de la inteligencia artificial en la educación, lo que hay que saber

👉 Explora más sobre el uso de Inteligencia Artificial para abordar la crisis de aprendizaje en el siguiente artículo: Educar para el presente y el futuro: utilizar la inteligencia artificial para afrontar la crisis de aprendizajes

👉Conoce UmmIA, una innovadora plataforma diseñada para apoyar a los docentes en América Latina y el Caribe: https://ummia.cl/

Un podcast producido y editado por Lucía Blasco.

In today’s episode, the World Bank EdTech team looks ahead to 2025, exploring key trends for the future. Bob Hawkins, Alex Twinomugisha, Ekua Bentil, and Cristobal Cobo discuss AI’s evolving role in education, the focus on digital skills, and the push for resilient, adaptable systems. They also address the importance of sustainable AI and responsive policies.

Links:

A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

Welcome back to our podcast! In today’s episode, the World Bank EdTech team reflects on the top EdTech trends of 2024. Bob Hawkins, Alex Twinomugisha, Ekua Bentil, and Cristobal Cobo discuss the growth in investment, the impact of generative AI, and the need for better digital infrastructure. They share insights on how these changes are reshaping teachers’ roles and advancing personalized learning.

Links:

A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.