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Dare to Disrupt

Dare to Disrupt

di Dare Pitan

Leading Change That Lasts: Identity, Technology and School Improvement

In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, I am joined by Zoubiya Ahmed. Together, we discuss strategic leadership, school improvement, change and process management, and the realities of leading transformation in schools. We challenge the assumption that being a digital native automatically means someone will embrace new technologies, exploring why successful technology adoption is driven by leadership, culture, and purpose rather than age alone. We also discuss why having the right structures, processes, and culture in place matters before introducing new technology. Technology does not fix broken systems. It amplifies what already exists. When strong foundations are in place, technology becomes a powerful enabler of meaningful and sustainable change. Whether you are a school leader, educator, or someone passionate about educational transformation, this episode offers practical insights into leading sustainable change, building schools that are ready for the future, and creating the conditions for innovation to thrive.

AI, Transnational Education and The Future of HE

What should a university built for the age of AI actually look like? In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, I am joined by Andy Pacino and Faiza Qureshi for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of higher education, the changing needs of students, and whether universities are evolving fast enough. Together, we explore what it means to develop capable learners when knowledge and answers are increasingly accessible, how AI is reshaping teaching and learning, and what institutions should be doing differently to prepare graduates for an AI driven world. We also discuss the UAE’s growing AI ecosystem, the role of Transnational Education in shaping the future of higher education, and what other countries can learn from the UAE’s approach to AI and innovation. Finally, we tackle a bigger question: if we were to build a university from scratch today, knowing what we now know about AI, future skills, and the students we serve, what would it look like?

Leading Through Intentional and Relational Pedagogy

In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, we explore why meaningful digital transformation in Higher Education starts with mindsets, relationships, and intentional pedagogy rather than the latest tools. Joining me is Dr Mahinour, Director of Teaching and Learning at Ajman University, who shares insights on the importance of relational pedagogy, leading cultural change, and keeping human connection at the heart of learning in an age of AI. Together, we discuss how universities can move beyond technology-driven conversations, create purposeful learning experiences, and ensure that AI and EdTech enhance, rather than become the core of, teaching and learning. As the Founder of the Advance HE Network in the region, Dr Mahinour also shares insights into fellowship attainment and the work in the pipeline to help educators share best practices and celebrate one another. This episode will challenge assumptions, spark conversations, and offer valuable reflections for educators and leaders navigating the future of Higher Education.

Inclusion by Design: Leveraging EdTech in Uncertain Times

In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, Dare Pitan is joined by Clive Gibson to reflect on what it meant for schools to move online overnight, focusing on real leadership decisions made under pressure where some teachers had little or no prior experience of teaching online, with a clear priority to focus on people and ensure no student or teacher is left behind. Clive shares that the immediate response was to support and ensure that students felt connected despite being spread across different countries, time zones and home environments, where inclusion moved beyond access and became about presence, consistency and wellbeing, with students needing to feel seen, supported and part of a learning community during uncertain times. A key theme throughout the discussion is that effective online teaching is less about the technology and more about being present, responsive and human, which links to the idea of focusing on screen values rather than screen time, ensuring that learning interactions are meaningful rather than simply increasing time spent online. Supporting teachers is central to this conversation, particularly those less confident with technology who needed immediate help while teaching, where clear guardrails, simple guidance, ongoing training and continuous conversations helped build confidence and maintain quality teaching without overwhelming staff. There is also a clear message to stop chasing new tools and instead focus on what works within each school context, leading to the development of bespoke approaches that meet the needs of staff and students while allowing schools to manage design decisions and data privacy effectively. The discussion highlights the value of the AI in Education Think Tank as a community of practice supporting schools at different stages of technological maturity, encouraging EdTech companies to provide free support and upskilling opportunities for teachers, concluding with a clear mindset shift to collaborate with technology rather than delegate to it, keeping inclusion and human connection at the centre of teaching.

Aligning K–12 and HE in the Age of AI: What Needs to Change?

In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, Dare Pitan sits down with Alex Gray, a school leader, AI in education advocate, and host of The International Classroom Podcast, to explore what meaningful innovation in education really looks like today. This conversation takes a unique cross-sector approach, bringing together perspectives from both higher education and K–12. Together, they question whether assessment, as we know it, is still fit for purpose in the age of AI. From traditional formative and summative models to the growing adoption of authentic assessment in higher education, they unpack what it really means to measure learning today. The discussion also challenges long-standing entry requirements into higher education, asking whether they still reflect the skills and capabilities needed in an AI-driven world. A key focus is placed on the role of teacher training and leadership. Should AI training be mandatory or optional? And how can leaders ensure that standards are upheld while keeping professional development inclusive and accessible for all educators? This episode offers a grounded and balanced reflection on how K–12 and higher education can better align as they navigate assessment, innovation, and the realities of AI in education. This Episode is powered by VidyaAI.

Leading School Advancement with EdTech and AI

In a world where AI is reshaping every industry, schools face a new challenge: how do we prepare young people, especially girls, to thrive in an AI-driven future? In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, host Dare sits down with Abeda, Senior Director of Digital Learning at GEMS Wellington International School Dubai, GEMS Education AI Excellence Fellow, and the visionary behind the Girls in AI initiative, to explore what leadership truly looks like in the EdTech and AI era. Together, they unpack how schools can bridge the gap between industry expectations and classroom reality. Abeda shares how the Girls in AI programme is opening doors for young women through mentorship, industry engagement, and authentic exposure to technology, empowering them to lead, innovate, and imagine what is possible. She also discusses how parents can be supported through cybersecurity awareness and practical guidance to help keep children safe online as they navigate digital learning spaces. The conversation also explores her inclusive leadership approach, the ethical use of AI in schools, and how well-designed learning experiences can enhance critical thinking. Abeda discusses how she supports teachers not just through training but through an AI Core Team model that creates a ripple effect across the school, ensuring every teacher feels confident, supported, and ready to drive change. We also delve into how enterprise, innovation, and sustainability are important pillars, that align with the National Agenda, and how we can integrate them our practices to ensure that transformation is intentional, coherent, and future-focused. This episode is a powerful reminder that the future of education is not simply about adopting technology. It is about courageous leadership, equity of opportunity, and preparing every learner to thrive in an AI-powered world.

Employability and the Future of Workforce in the Age of AI

In this thought-provoking episode of Dare2Disrupt, Dare Pitan sits down with Victor Sosanya, keynote speaker, founder of The Valuable Community, and member of the Foundation for Education Development’s Learners Stakeholder Council. From advising policymakers at No.10 Downing Street to mentoring young professionals through his peer-to-peer network, Victor is redefining what leadership and purpose mean in an AI-driven world. Together, Dare and Victor explore how AI is reshaping education, employability, and leadership, and why the next generation’s greatest advantage isn’t just technical skill, but the ability to stay human in a digital age, and why empathy, curiosity and critical thinking are vital skills these days. If you’re passionate about employability and the future of workforce or you are an educator, EdTech leader, researcher, or policymaker, this conversation is packed with insights you can use right now to shape your approach. Share your thoughts and leave a review at www.d2dpodcast.com, subscribe to Dare to Disrupt on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more conversations on AI in Education, EdTech innovation, and the future of education, and don’t forget to follow us on social @d2disrupt for bonus clips and resources. Stay curious, stay disruptive!

Rethinking Assessment in the Age of AI

As AI becomes deeply woven into higher education, one question keeps surfacing: What are we really assessing in this new era of learning? In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, host Dare Pitan is joined by Dr. Asim Bashir, Lecturer and Assessment Coordinator at a British University in Dubai, to explore how assessment, academic integrity, and teaching practices are evolving in the age of AI. Together, they unpack why some students lean more heavily on AI than others, the realities behind higher education’s perceived “slow” adoption of technology, and how governance and policy shape responsible innovation. Dr. Bashir shares insights on moving from product-based to process-focused assessment and designing tasks that strengthen critical thinking. He also mentioned is research findings about building confidence among academics through clarity, community of practice and collaboration. This conversation is a candid, forward-looking reflection on how educators can embrace AI and rethink assessments in this ever-evolving education landscape. If you’re an educator, EdTech leader, researcher, or policymaker, this conversation is packed with insights you can use right now to shape your approach to AI in academic research and teaching. Share your thoughts and leave a review at www.d2dpodcast.com, subscribe to Dare to Disrupt on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more conversations on AI in Education, EdTech innovation, and the future of education, and don’t forget to follow us on social @d2disrupt for bonus clips and resources. Stay curious, stay disruptive!

Can AI and Academic Integrity Coexist?

As AI becomes a staple in classrooms and universities, a big question emerges: Can technology that writes, solves, and creates coexist with the principles of honesty, trust, and fairness that define education? In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, I'm joined by Dr. Zeenath Reza Khan, Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong in Dubai and one of the leading voices on academic integrity and responsible AI. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping assessment, why traditional exams may no longer reflect authentic learning, and what integrity looks like in a digital-first era. From ethics and policy to the psychology behind why students turn to AI, this conversation dives deep into the future of fairness, creativity, and trust in education. Key Discussion Points What academic integrity means in the age of AI The line between AI support and misconduct Bias and other ethical consideration in AI Having an open and honest conversation with students Preparing educators to lead with integrity, not fear Is it time to start redesigning assessment? If you’re an educator, EdTech leader, researcher, or policymaker, this conversation is packed with insights you can use right now to shape your approach to AI in academic research and teaching. Share your thoughts and leave a review at www.d2dpodcast.com, subscribe to Dare to Disrupt on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more conversations on AI in Education, EdTech innovation, and the future of education, and don’t forget to follow us on social @d2disrupt for bonus clips and resources. Stay curious, stay disruptive!

AI in Academia: Why Researchers Believe but Rarely Use It

This episode uncovers why so many researchers believe AI will transform education and research, yet so few actually use it. I’m joined by Dr. Tosin Ekundayo, co-author of Evaluating the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Scholarly Research: A Study Focused on Academics. He made a bold statement, urging the ethical and responsible use of AI in higher education for both students and faculty. In his words: “Why should we plan the future of education for students without involving them, knowing full well that we might not even be part of that future?” Together, we break down: Why academics trust AI’s potential but hesitate to adopt it. The real barriers: fear of unknown, data privacy, and bias. How AI can complement, not replace human researchers. Data protection, data management and open-source research Why we must involve students in the conversation now If you’re an educator, EdTech leader, researcher, or policymaker, this conversation is packed with insights you can use right now to shape your approach to AI in academic research and teaching. Share your thoughts and leave a review at www.d2dpodcast.com, subscribe to Dare to Disrupt on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more conversations on AI in Education, EdTech innovation, and the future of education, and don’t forget to follow us on social @d2disrupt for bonus clips and resources. Stay curious, stay disruptive!