Coming soon, a new podcast by OES.

Global shifts reshaping higher education: AI, workforce change and the future of universities 

This season captures a moment of significant transition for higher education.

Through expert interviews and industry perspectives, it explores how universities are responding to technological acceleration, changing workforce expectations and new models of delivery.

Positioning OES within the broader sector conversation, the series brings together practical insights and external viewpoints to better understand what the future of universities could look like in practice.

This season presents a macro view of higher education transformation, shaped by intersecting global forces:
Technological forces, including AI, data, digital platforms and emerging environments like the metaverse, are reshaping how education is designed, delivered and experienced.
Economic pressures, from labour market change to global competition and shifting value propositions, are redefining how universities position themselves and demonstrate relevance.
Social dynamics, including changing student expectations and a renewed focus on access, equity and participation, are influencing how institutions engage and support increasingly diverse cohorts.
Educational models themselves are evolving, with new approaches to assessment, delivery formats and learning experience design redefining what effective, high-quality education looks like in practice.

Together, these forces highlight a sector in transition, requiring institutions to rethink how they design, deliver and sustain meaningful learning outcomes.

Higher education in transition

How are global forces reshaping higher education, and how should universities respond?

Season 1 of The Thought Bubble brings together global experts, industry leaders and policy voices to explore the structural shifts transforming higher education.

Across the season, conversations examine how artificial intelligence, workforce disruption, globalisation and emerging technologies are reshaping how universities design learning, deliver education and support student outcomes.

From AI and data to assessment, employability and access, the series provides real-world perspectives on how institutions can adapt to rapid change and navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.

What to expect

Across the season, the conversation moves from emerging trends to practical implications for institutions.

The episodes explore:
how artificial intelligence and data are transforming higher education
how workforce shifts are redefining skills, employability and curriculum
how assessment is evolving in response to digital capability and AI
how online and peer-based learning are reshaping student experience
how globalisation is changing delivery models and competition
how equity, access and participation are being redefined

Published by OES (Online Education Services) – www.oes.edu.au
Recorded in Melbourne, Australia.

Global shifts reshaping higher education: AI, workforce change and the future of universities&nbsp;
This season captures a moment of significant transition for higher education.
Through expert interviews and industry perspectives, it explores how universities are responding to technological acceleration, changing workforce expectations and new models of delivery.
Positioning OES within the broader sector conversation, the series brings together practical insights and external viewpoints to better understand what the future of universities could look like in practice.
This season presents a macro view of higher education transformation, shaped by intersecting global forces:
<ul>
<li>Technological forces, including AI, data, digital platforms and emerging environments like the metaverse, are reshaping how education is designed, delivered and experienced.</li>
<li>Economic pressures, from labour market change to global competition and shifting value propositions, are redefining how universities position themselves and demonstrate relevance.</li>
<li>Social dynamics, including changing student expectations and a renewed focus on access, equity and participation, are influencing how institutions engage and support increasingly diverse cohorts.</li>
<li>Educational models themselves are evolving, with new approaches to assessment, delivery formats and learning experience design redefining what effective, high-quality education looks like in practice.</li>
</ul>
Together, these forces highlight a sector in transition, requiring institutions to rethink how they design, deliver and sustain meaningful learning outcomes.
<hr>
Higher education in transition
How are global forces reshaping higher education, and how should universities respond?
Season 1 of The Thought Bubble brings together global experts, industry leaders and policy voices to explore the structural shifts transforming higher education.
Across the season, conversations examine how artificial intelligence, workforce disruption, globalisation and emerging technologies are reshaping how universities design learning, deliver education and support student outcomes.
From AI and data to assessment, employability and access, the series provides real-world perspectives on how institutions can adapt to rapid change and navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
<hr>
What to expect
Across the season, the conversation moves from emerging trends to practical implications for institutions.
The episodes explore:
<ul>
<li>how artificial intelligence and data are transforming higher education</li>
<li>how workforce shifts are redefining skills, employability and curriculum</li>
<li>how assessment is evolving in response to digital capability and AI</li>
<li>how online and peer-based learning are reshaping student experience</li>
<li>how globalisation is changing delivery models and competition</li>
<li>how equity, access and participation are being redefined</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Published by OES (Online Education Services) &ndash; <a href="http://www.oes.edu.au">www.oes.edu.au</a> Recorded in Melbourne, Australia.

Through expert interviews and industry perspectives, season one of OES' The Thought Bubble podcast it explores how universities are responding to technological acceleration, changing workforce expectations and new models of delivery.

Season 1: Trends in Higher Education and Online Learning

As Higher Education is catapulted into the digital era, many in the sector are scrambling to catch–up with the needs of our rapidly changing world. This podcast from OES shares insightful interviews with experts from around the world, examining emerging technologies and the ways in which they’re transforming how we teach, learn, evaluate, and experience Higher Education. Hosted by OES Executive Director, Claire Sadler.

Find out more about what we do: https://oes.edu.au/

As Higher Education is catapulted into the digital era, many in the sector are scrambling to catch–up with the needs of our rapidly changing world. This podcast from OES shares insightful interviews with experts from around the world, examining emerging technologies and the ways in which they’re transforming how we teach, learn, evaluate, and experience Higher Education. Hosted by OES Executive Director, Claire Sadler.
Find out more about what we do: <a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foes.edu.au%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cjhansen%40oes.edu.au%7C3b5735c2a8894838f2c208da84bacd37%7C57d289898c4541189cde8a03712e508d%7C0%7C0%7C637968235112317827%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=gTmeEN6oxcIVWyhedqRXtg%2FwbQM%2FtVZB7gtG51bMSvc%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://oes.edu.au/</a>

The Thought Bubble

Trailer

Acknowledgement of Country

Introduction: David Paroissien, OES AI Program

Biography: Kendra Vant

Interview: Jesse Keenan & Kendra Vant

The Importance of Data in AI

Unpacking the Concept of 'Generative AI'

Different Types of AI Tools Already Being Used

AI in Higher Education

Experimentation in Tertiary Teaching Styles

Regulation and Governance of AI Use

Preparing Students with Skills for the Future

Opportunities for the Higher Education Sector

Episode 8: The Thought Bubble Podcast

An interview with Dr. Kendra Vant, by OES Lead Learning Designer, Jesse Keenan.

With introduction from OES AI Programs Director, David Paroissien.

Dr. Vant is currently Director of Europa Labs and author of the popular 'Data Runs Deep' Substack.

Explore the transformative potential of AI in higher education and discover how Universities can leverage AI to enhance teaching, learning, and research, while navigating its challenges. Learn about the importance of data quality, personalised learning, and responsible AI adoption. 

Get ready for the future of AI in education where both curiosity and caution are key!

Published by OES

(Online Education Services) - www.oes.edu.au

Recorded in Melbourne, Australia.

OES respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live, teach, and learn. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Episode 8: The Thought Bubble Podcast
An interview with Dr. Kendra Vant, by OES Lead Learning Designer, Jesse Keenan.
With introduction from OES AI Programs Director, David Paroissien.
Dr. Vant is currently Director of <a href="https://europa-labs.com/">Europa Labs</a> and author of the popular '<a href="https://kendravant.substack.com/">Data Runs Deep</a>' Substack.
Explore the transformative potential of AI in higher education and discover how Universities can leverage AI to enhance teaching, learning, and research, while navigating its challenges. Learn about the importance of data quality, personalised learning, and responsible AI adoption.&nbsp;
Get ready for the future of AI in education where both curiosity and caution are key!
<hr>
Published by OES
(Online Education Services) -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oes.edu.au">www.oes.edu.au</a>
Recorded in Melbourne, Australia.
OES respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live, teach, and learn. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Explore the transformative potential of AI in higher education with insights from OES AI Programs Director, David Paroissien;  AI and data expert Kendra Vant, Director of Europa Labs and author of the popular 'Data Runs Deep' Substack;  and, Jesse Keenan, Lead Learning Designer at OES. Discover how Universities can leverage AI to enhance teaching, learning, and research, while navigating its challenges. Learn about the importance of data quality, personalised learning, and responsible AI adoption. Get ready for the future of AI in education where both curiosity and caution are key!

AI in Higher Education: Key Insights for University Leaders

An ageing labour force, a turbulent global economy, and the advancement of AI transforming ‘work’ as we know it… Today's graduates are entering the job market in a time of significant transformation. So how are these factors going to effect the employment landscape in the next five, ten and fifty years? 

Matt Cowgill, Senior Economist at employment marketplace SEEK, takes us through the current labour trends that will help us best prepare for these changes.

An ageing labour force, a turbulent global economy, and the advancement of AI transforming ‘work’ as we know it… Today's graduates are entering the job market in a time of significant transformation. So how are these factors going to effect the employment landscape in the next five, ten and fifty years? 
Matt Cowgill, Senior Economist at employment marketplace SEEK, takes us through the current labour trends that will help us best prepare for these changes.

Employment trends: What the workforce of the future looks like today

Recently, some universities have returned to pen and paper assessment, due to fears AI services are enabling students to cheat in exams and essays. But what if we’re looking at the problem all wrong? Maybe the better question is: does the exam and essay assessment format still make sense in the world we live in? There is no doubt in our rapidly evolving technological landscape that digital fluency and resilience are more critical than ever. So we spoke with Mark Andrews, from Adobe Education, about how to enhance students' employment prospects through creative technology and authentic assessment. 

Recently, some universities have returned to pen and paper assessment, due to fears AI services are enabling students to cheat in exams and essays. But what if we’re looking at the problem all wrong? Maybe the better question is: does the exam and essay assessment format still make sense in the world we live in? There is no doubt in our rapidly evolving technological landscape that digital fluency and resilience are more critical than ever. So we spoke with Mark Andrews, from Adobe Education, about how to enhance students' employment prospects through creative technology and authentic assessment.

Trailer

Season 1: Trends in Higher Education and Online Learning

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