Inside Learning | Unlocking human potential

In this episode of The Inside Learning Podcast, hosted by the Learnovate Centre, Aidan McCullen speaks with world-renowned AI researcher and Creative Machines author Maya Ackerman about the rise of generative AI and its impact on human creativity.

 

The conversation explores the hidden history of AI-generated creativity, from early computational creativity pioneers to modern large language models. Maya explains how scientists define creativity — novelty, value, and surprise — and how machines are beginning to operate inside that same creative space.

 

The episode also examines the capabilities and limitations of generative AI, the ethical challenges of treating AI as an “all-knowing oracle,” and why the future of creativity lies in human-AI collaboration rather than replacement.

 

Listeners will gain practical insight into how tools like Lyric Studio enhance human expression, how AI reflects human culture and bias, and what leaders must understand as creative AI reshapes work, learning, and society.

00:00 Introduction to the Inside Learning Podcast
00:15 Meet Maya Ackerman: AI Researcher and Author
01:08 The Unknown History of AI-Generated Creativity
02:50 Defining Creativity: Human and Machine Perspectives
03:58 The Ethics and Risks of AI in Creativity
05:35 Collaborative Creativity: Humans and AI Working Together
10:23 The Evolution of AI: From Expert Systems to Neural Networks
16:36 AI's Reflection of Human Society
22:07 The Future of AI and Human Creativity
29:18 Conclusion and Where to Find More
 
Find Maya: https://maya-ackerman.com/

In this episode of Inside Learning, brought to you by the Learnovate Centre, host Aidan McCullen is joined by Sean D'Arcy, Chief Solutions Officer at Kahoot!—Europe’s largest EdTech platform.

They explore the post-pandemic challenges in education, including dwindling student attention and motivation, and how tools like Kahoot! are helping teachers reimagine engagement through gamification, interactivity, and now AI.

Sean shares how Kahoot! supports both K-12 and higher education through AI-powered quiz creation, student-led learning, and real-time feedback. The conversation also dives into the role of AI in personalized education, how workplace learning is evolving with Gen Z, and how organizations can rebuild culture and performance post-layoffs.

Key Takeaways:

How AI is enhancing teacher productivity and learner engagement

Shifts in learner psychology and classroom expectations

Practical strategies for using Kahoot in classrooms and corporate training

Insights into upskilling, microlearning, and future-ready skills

The role of gamified learning in improving retention and morale post-layoffs

Perfect for educators, L&D professionals, and anyone passionate about the future of learning.

Find the articles mentioned here:

https://kahoot.com/blog/2025/10/06/training-after-layoffs-3-strategies-to-rebuild-engagement-and-performance/

In this episode of The Inside Learning Podcast, brought to you by the Learnovate Centre, we explore the concept of a four-day workweek with experts Joe O'Connor and Jared Lindzon. They discuss the historical roots of the five-day workweek, the productivity and well-being benefits of a shorter workweek, and how AI could reshape our approach to work. Learn how both individuals and organizations can adopt this innovative work model to improve productivity, foster a better work-life balance, and retain talent. Tune in to find out why a four-day workweek isn't just possible, but necessary in today's evolving work environment.
00:00 Introduction to the Inside Learning Podcast
00:15 The Case for a Four-Day Work Week
01:07 Meet the Authors: Joe O'Connor and Jared Lindzon
01:35 Questioning the Five-Day Work Week
03:41 Technological Advancements and Productivity Gains
05:22 The Role of AI in Modern Work
07:28 Historical Context of Work and Human Skills
10:09 Overcoming Resistance to Change
12:07 Benefits of a Four-Day Work Week
18:37 Advocating for a Four-Day Work Week
22:19 Implementing a Four-Day Work Week in Organizations
24:13 Individual Strategies for Efficiency
27:03 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information
 

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode

 

Learnovate Centre: https://www.learnovatecentre.org

Do More in Four (Book Website): https://www.domoreinfour.com

Joe O’Connor – Work Time Revolution: https://www.worktimerevolution.com

Jared Lindzon (Official Website): https://www.jaredlindzon.com

 

Inside Learning is brought to you by the Learnovate Centre at Trinity College Dublin, funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. Learnovate’s research explores the science of learning and the future of work.

Welcome to another episode of The Inside Learning Podcast brought to you by the Learnovate Centre, where we explore the impact of AI on the future of work. In this episode, we are joined by Sangeet Paul Choudary, the author of 'Reshuffle,' to debunk common fallacies about AI, such as 'AI won't take your job, but somebody using AI will.' 

Sangeet dives deep into understanding how AI restructuring workflows, altering organizational logic, and redistributing power. Using real-life examples from various industries, he explains how we should refocus from task-level to system-level thinking to truly understand the changes AI brings. Sangeet discusses the importance of skills like curiosity and curation and provides actionable insights on how to stay valuable in an AI-driven world. Tune in to learn more about the fallacies of automation and augmentation, productivity gains, and the new value industry coordination layers bring.

 

00:00 Introduction to the Inside Learning Podcast

00:15 Debunking the AI Job Replacement Myth

01:02 Understanding the Systemic Impact of AI

02:06 Introducing the Guest: Sangeet Paul Choudary

02:23 Unpacking the AI Job Replacement Fallacy

02:53 The Automation vs. Augmentation Debate

04:25 The Typist Example: A Case Study

06:42 Skills for the Future: Curiosity and Curation

10:58 The Productivity Gains Fallacy

11:13 Coordination vs. Creation: Capturing Value

15:54 The Workflow Continuity Fallacy

17:18 The Neutral Tools Fallacy

21:30 The Stable Salary Fallacy

24:16 The Stable Firm Fallacy

25:22 Practical Takeaways for the Future of Work

29:49 Conclusion and Resources

 

Find Sangeet on Substack:

https://open.substack.com/pub/platforms/p/the-many-fallacies-of-ai-wont-take?r=jzz68&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

Find Reshuffle:

https://amzn.to/46NGtvv

Productive Failure: A New Paradigm for Learning with Manu Kapur

What if the best way to learn isn’t to get it right the first time—but to fail first?

In this episode of Inside Learning, we’re joined by Manu Kapur, author of Productive Failure. Kapur introduces a radical shift in how we think about education and training: instead of shielding learners from mistakes, we should intentionally design for failure as the gateway to deep understanding.

We explore:

Why traditional Direct Instructionoften fails even when delivered by excellent teachers.

How novices “can’t see what they don’t yet know” — and why the first job of teaching is to prepare them to see with an expert’s eyes.

The science behind Productive Failure — from Activationto Awareness, Affect, and Assembly.

Evidence showing that Productive Failure can produce learning gains three times greaterthan conventional methods.

Practical ways educators, trainers, and leaders can create safe, curated failure experiences that build resilience, creativity, and deeper transfer of knowledge.

As Kapur puts it: “Fail first, learn later.”

Join us for a conversation that challenges the way we teach, train, and even think about learning itself.

Find out more here: https://www.productivefailure.com