The International Schools Podcast

How hidden AI recommendations shape our decisions and identity. About Prof. James Brusseau, PhD James Brusseau, PhD is a Professor of Philosophy at Pace University in New York City, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate students. He has taught philosophy for more than 14 years in Mexico, Europe, and the United States, including at California State University–Fullerton before joining Pace in 2008. His teaching specialties include continental philosophy, the history of philosophy, and ethics. He is the author of seven books on philosophy and ethics, including Dignity, Pleasures, Vulgarity (2017), Business Ethics Workshop (2011), and Decadence of the French Nietzsche (2004). In recent years, his work has focused on AI ethics, especially transparency and the “black box” problem in algorithmic decision-making. He studies how recommendation systems shape what we see and choose, and what that means for fairness, privacy, freedom, authenticity, and human creativity. Prof. James Brusseau, PhD on Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-brusseau/ https://online.pace.edu/undergraduate-programs/bs-professional-communication-studies/faculty/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://philpeople.org/profiles/james-brusseau Resources The Dilemma Between Euphoria and Freedom in Recommendation Algorithms https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.11465 The AI Human Condition is a Dilemma between Authenticity and Freedom https://philarchive.org/rec/BRUTAH-4 Ethics of identity in the time of big data https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/9624 https://philarchive.org/rec/BRUITD-2 Introduction to Data Ethics AI Human Impact: Toward a Model for Ethical Investing in AI-Intensive Companies https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.07703 John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Helping absent students stay part of learning. About Simone Isaacs Simone Isaacs is the Director of Customer Success at No Isolation, where she works closely with schools across Europe to support the implementation of AV1, which is a telepresence robot. AV1 is a solution designed to maintain learning and belonging during student absence. With 28 years of experience in schools and alternative provisions, from classroom teacher to headteacher then working strategically in the local authority Simone now focuses on helping schools develop structured, student-centred approaches to continuity, wellbeing, belonging and reintegration. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-isaacs-ifip-81366454/ About Carina Schmitz Carina Schmitz works as Global Marketing Manager at No Isolation, the company behind AV1, a telepresence solution that helps children with long-term illness or school non-attendance stay connected to school and classmates. With an international background in marketing and communications, she works across European markets at the intersection of education, technology, and social impact. Carina is passionate about inclusive education and believes participation should never depend on physical presence. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-schmitz-muc/ Resources AV1 for International Schools: https://www.noisolation.com/av1/av1-for-international-schools No Isolation (Company Website): https://www.noisolation.com AV1 is a telepresence robot designed specifically for education. It helps international schools support students who are unable to attend in person due to illness, medical treatment, anxiety, relocation, or temporary distance. By enabling students to remain present in the classroom, both academically and socially, AV1 supports continuity of learning, wellbeing, and belonging until they are ready to return to campus. John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Why schools need data that helps every child be seen, heard, and belong. About Paul Swanson Paul is the Director of Innovation and Institutional Research at Atlanta International School. Drawing on experience as a teacher, coach, and school leader in international schools around the world, he is passionate about helping schools use data and technology to better understand the whole child and support meaningful learning. Paul Swanson on Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/teacherpaul/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-talks-podcast/ About Matthew Savage Formerly an international school Principal, and with 23 years of school leadership experience in the UK and internationally, Matthew is the founding director of The Mona Lisa Effect, whose mission is to help ensure that every single student - without exception, condition or compromise – be seen, be heard, be known and belong. Through his speaking, writing, coaching, mentoring and thought partnership, he supports schools worldwide in the intersecting fields of leadership and governance, data and assessment, and inclusion, wellbeing and belonging. Matthew is a CIS Affiliated Consultant, an Affiliate Member of SENIA International, a board member at international schools in Europe and West Africa, and a member of both the Advisory Council for Parents Alliance for Inclusion, and the ‘Circle of Influence’ at the Global Equality Collective. He lives on the Isle of Skye. Matthew Savage on Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonalisaeffect/ Resources https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-talks-podcast/ https://monalisaeffect.me/ John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Stories, identity, and belonging through student podcasting. About Jess Bauldry Jess Bauldry is a British/Luxembourgish writer who has worked for regional and national news outlets for the last 20 years. She currently splits her time between editing Silicon Luxembourg and Forbes Luxembourg, running educational workshops and doing standup comedy. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-bauldry/ About Vessela Vencheva Vessela Vencheva is a cultural manager and producer, media professional with diverse experience and long-time communication expert, with focus on intercultural dialogue and international communication. Moved to Luxembourg in 2017, currently she is running the cultural association Openscreen asbl. Vessela has initiated and organized various educational projects in the past and has taken different roles in radios and television. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vessela-vencheva/ About Nick Todorov Nick is a Bulgarian digital marketing specialist who has called Luxembourg home for over a decade. His background includes extensive experience in radio and television, which fuels his passion for sound, recording and audio technology. He contributes technical support to the Earglasses project. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolatodorov/ Resources www.jessbauldry.eu https://www.linkedin.com/company/earglasses/ https://earglassespodcast.substack.com John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Everyone’s Invited: Creating Safer School Cultures Survivor voices, education, and the responsibility to change. About Alex Somers Alex is the Head of Education at Everyone’s Invited, where she has played a key role in developing and leading the charity’s education programme since its launch in September 2022. Alex leads educational sessions in schools, colleges, and universities across the UK, engaging directly with young people to raise awareness and challenge rape culture with empathy, compassion and understanding. She also leads the charity’s collaboration with local authorities, managing a growing network. In addition, she oversees the Community Champions programme, empowering students to become advocates for change in their own school communities. Everyone’s Invited on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/everyone-s-invited/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyonesinvited/ Resources https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/ https://everyonesinvited.substack.com/ https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/EI_REPORT_2024_2025.pdfz https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/primary/read John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Transforming schools through ethical, large-scale Al integration and collaborative learning. About Jamie Toner Jamie is an education technology and innovation leader with experience across K-12 and Higher Education in the UK, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. As Director of Technology and Innovation at Singapore American School, he leads digital transformation, AI integration, and the development of forward-looking learning ecosystems. Previously Founding Director of Digital Learning and Information Services at Harrow International School Shenzhen, Jamie has driven major projects in digital strategy and information services. Named on the recent CILIP 125 List of future leaders and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he researches and presents internationally on digital leadership and knowledge sharing. He is currently in the final stages of his PhD at the University of Sheffield on how legitimacy and epistemic authority are unevenly constructed and sustained within international schools. Jamie Toner on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-toner-611b2478/ About Claire Simms Claire is an experienced international educator and digital learning leader with over 25 years in schools across Hong Kong, Malaysia, Switzerland, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore. She is currently Assistant Principal - Innovation and Technology at St. Joseph’s Institution International School where she leads initiatives that enhance teaching and learning through technology. Since joining SJI International in 2016, Claire has held key leadership roles including Head of IPC and Head of Grade, helping to shape both curriculum and digital strategy. A Google Trainer, Coach, Innovator, and GEG Leader, Apple Learning Coach, and Seesaw Educator Lead, she regularly presents across the APAC region on digital learning and leadership. Claire holds a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Sunderland and is currently completing her National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL). Claire Simms on Social Media LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/claire-simms-13679643 Resources https://www.sas.edu.sg/ https://www.sji-international.com.sg/ John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Workspace Audit by AppsEDU Find and Fix Security Gaps in Your Google Workspace at https://workspaceaudit.com/ Get a complete, automated overview of your security posture. Our read-only scanner identifies misconfigurations and provides actionable steps to harden your environment. We also help you STAY secure. With our automated monitoring functionality you schedule daily, weekly or monthly scans, allowing you to fix issues before they become a problem. Get started for free with no obligation, your first scan is on us! https://workspaceaudit.com/

Preparing students not just to face the world they inherit, but to transform it for the better. About Scott Jamieson Scott is the Global Collaboration Lead, Facilitator, Coach, Empathy to Impact Host and Producer, Co-Director of Future Now: Student Leadership. Scott Jamieson is a facilitator with Inspire Citizens, where he works with international schools to deepen global citizenship and sustainable learning. He began his career teaching math in Thailand and went on to teach in schools across Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Beijing. After a life-changing accident, Scott returned to the classroom as a teacher and learning support specialist before moving into his current role supporting educators worldwide. His focus is on making learning purposeful, inclusive, and connected to real-world challenges. Scott Jamieson on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jamieson-1046912b1/ About Sophie Peccaud Sophie is a Partnership Specialist with Inspire Citizens, working to connect schools around the world with meaningful opportunities in global citizenship and service learning. With a background in business and international experience spanning Latin America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond, Sophie has been involved in projects from sustainable tourism in the Amazon to storytelling initiatives on global citizenship. Her focus now is on building collaborations that help schools integrate sustainability, purpose, and real-world impact into education. Sophie Peccaud on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-peccaud-92b9691a6/?originalSubdomain=ph Resources https://inspirecitizens.org/ourteam https://inspirecitizens.org/global-citizenship-certificate-program Inspire Citizens Student Leadership Brochure https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yNgKJy8P4LEQWTQNHWakKcef6zKbGZ7z/view?usp=drivesdk https://inspirecitizens.org/vignettes https://inspirecitizens.org/empathy-to-impact-podcast About https://inspirecitizens.org/ourteam Work https://inspirecitizens.org/global-citizenship-certificate-program https://inspirecitizens.org/inspire-students Connect https://inspirecitizens.org/inspired-conversations Learn https://inspirecitizens.org/e2i25 https://inspirecitizens.org/community-engagement Stories https://inspirecitizens.org/vignettes https://inspirecitizens.org/empathy-to-impact-podcast John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Workspace Audit by AppsEDU Find and Fix Security Gaps in Your Google Workspace at https://workspaceaudit.com/ Get a complete, automated overview of your security posture. Our read-only scanner identifies misconfigurations and provides actionable steps to harden your environment. We also help you STAY secure. With our automated monitoring functionality you schedule daily, weekly or monthly scans, allowing you to fix issues before they become a problem. Get started for free with no obligation, your first scan is on us! https://workspaceaudit.com/

Exploring innovation where education meets entrepreneurship. About Durga Suresh-Menon Durga Suresh-Menon, Ph.D., is Head of School at New England Innovation Academy. An energizing, dynamic and growth-minded educator with a record of inclusive leadership and passionate storytelling, Dr. Suresh-Menon joins NEIA with over two decades of collaborative higher-education experience, academic program development and a unique understanding of what makes students successful. She has a rich background in higher education, leadership, curriculum development, and academic excellence. Before joining NEIA, she served as Dean of the School of Computing and Data Science and Dean of Graduate Education at Wentworth Institute of Technology, as well as an Associate Professor, where she led efforts to implement progressive learning strategies and interdisciplinary curriculum that promoted innovation and global awareness. She is recognized for her work fostering a culture of growth, development and innovation, ensuring that a STEAM curriculum remains aligned with the ever-evolving technological landscape and industry demands. Fluent in multiple languages, Dr. Suresh-Menon loves to connect with tech-minded students and parents from all backgrounds, and brings a global perspective and collaborative spirit to NEIA’s academic community. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.neia/ Twitter: https://x.com/helloneia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloNEIA/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/durga-suresh-menon/ About John Camp (he goes by Camp) Camp has been teaching in independent schools for over 25 years. His experience includes English and writing classes as well as interdisciplinary courses such as “The Art and Physics of Time Travel.” At St. Mark’s School, which bestowed him with The Trustees Chair and the Kidder Faculty Prize, Camp served as the Director of Experiential Learning and Associate Director of The Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning. A pair of his pedagogical mantras include “I aim to teach what cannot be Googled” and “I expect you to work hard, so I work hard.” He has a B.A. English/Creative Writing from Middlebury College and M.A.L.S. from Dartmouth College. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.neia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloNEIA/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/campsm/ Resources https://neiacademy.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-england-innovation-academy/ John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

How communication and connection shape our professional lives. About Helen von Dadelszen Helen von Dadelszen is a public speaking and voice coach who works with researchers, healthcare professionals and humanitarian staff to help them share their work clearly and confidently. Through her company, Present Potential Sàrl, she provides coaching in speaking, presenting, and interviews, with a focus on supporting non-native English speakers and those working in complex fields. She also facilitates creative team-building projects with Collaborative Art and is the author of Courageous Action. Her background includes performance, teaching, HR and international NGO work. Website: https://academy.presentpotential.ch/site/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-von-dadelszen/ About Mandy Bronsil Mandy Bronsil is a facilitator, coach, and speaker who works with individuals and teams on professional growth and collaboration. She leads MasterMinds, a peer community designed to support accountability and shared learning, and has more than 15 years’ experience running workshops and events. Mandy also teaches career development at Swiss universities and business schools and has worked with leadership teams on talent management and communication strategies. Her background in hospitality management includes international experience in Spain, Ireland, and China, and she has shared her entrepreneurial journey in a TEDx talk. Website: https://www.b-inspired.ch/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandybronsil/ Resources https://courageousaction.ch/ https://academy.presentpotential.ch/resources John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Reflections from international school leaders on ethics, practice, and what the future may hold. About Warren Apel Warren is the Director of Technology at The American School in Japan, co-founder of the edtech startups Scholastico and Ecoballot, and Global Project Coordinator for the World Digital Schools Project. With over 20 years of experience in international education, he has served at schools in Japan, India, Egypt, and the Netherlands. Warren is a Google for Education Certified Innovator, Apple Distinguished Educator, and National Board Certified Teacher. A frequent presenter at NESA, EARCOS, ECIS, ISTE, Google, and Apple education events, he brings expertise in AI in education, K–12 cybersecurity, technology integration, data analysis, and teacher training. His mission is to improve learning through the purposeful and well-managed use of technology. Warren Apel on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenapel/ School Website: https://www.asij.ac.jp/ About Greg Clinton Greg Clinton is the Head of School at the American International School Chennai. Before this role, he served as Director of Technologies and Research & Development at AISC and has taught literature and philosophy in schools and universities across Peru, India, Sudan, Japan, and the United States, including Stony Brook University and Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Lima. Greg is the co-founder of IB Score Reports, an educational data service used by over 200 schools worldwide. He holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy and a PhD in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies. Greg is also a founding member of the global AI in Education Collaborative and leads the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) digital school project. Greg Clinton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-clinton/ School Website: https://www.aischennai.org/ Resources If you’re interested in tracking trends of which AI models are gaining popularity, this report from Andreessen Horowitz is excellent. https://a16z.com/100-gen-ai-apps-5/ Podcast episode with author David Yeager (People I Mostly Admire ep 160 How to Help Kids Succeed) (web link) It gets into how non-cognitive skills—like self-regulation, agency, and focus—are foundational to student success. It explores why simply limiting screen time or enforcing rules isn’t enough, and instead emphasizes building environments that foster long-term habits and motivation. His book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier unpacks this even more. It’s not hard to make the connection between top-down rules about screen time and top-down rules about using AI. If parents or teachers want kids to obey the rules, we need to give kids agency and involve them in setting their own boundaries. Ryan Tannenbaum The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don't, by Julia Galef John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial