{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Make It Mindful: An Education Podcast","title":"#70 Teacher and Learner Autonomy in the Age of AI: Rethinking Language Education with Greg Kessler","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/ff9cd2fe\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2681,"description":"In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Greg Kessler, Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University, to explore the evolving intersection of language education, technology, and cultural context. Drawing on more than two decades of international consulting—with the U.S. Department of State among many partners, alongside universities, ministries of education, and NGOs worldwide—Greg shares how teachers can integrate new tools without losing the human and cultural heart of learning.\nThey trace the evolution of educational technology—from pre-internet classrooms and early chatbots like ELIZA to today’s AI-driven tools—revealing how innovation often cycles back with new accessibility and scale. The conversation centers on teacher and learner autonomy, authentic technology use, and how educators worldwide can adapt tools to fit their cultural contexts. Greg’s reflections highlight a timeless principle: technology should amplify learning, not replace it.\nKey Topics Discussed:\nThe early roots of AI in language education and what’s truly new about today’s tools\nHow to identify technology that adds authentic value versus “digital noise”\nUsing social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for meaningful language practice\nTeacher and learner autonomy across different cultural settings\nAvoiding “cognitive bypass” when using AI in EFL and language learning\nThe promise of virtual and augmented reality for global collaboration\nInnovation as a mindset: turning educational challenges into opportunities\nGuest Bio:\nGreg Kessler is Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University. He has worked with educators across more than 40 countries to promote meaningful technology integration in English language teaching. His research focuses on teacher autonomy, AI, and the evolution of computer-assisted language learning.\nHost Bio:\nSeth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/aX0c3Zcu_BWgnhhPpU7UI3YNLxRjFjQabj8M1H8irwE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hZjhi/ZWY0ZTA5YTUxYjE1/YTlmY2NlYTQ3NDkz/ZDZlYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}