

Designing Schools
Dr. Sabba Quidwai
Cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. As you navigate today’s changing world the question remains how do you create these cultures? How do you scale them? And how do you help people develop the mindset and skills to thrive within them?
These are the questions people ask Dr. Sabba Quidwai, researcher, educator and storyteller. Each week we’ll explore the answers with stories and strategies from researchers, education leaders and today’s young people as we explore how might we design schools.
These are the questions people ask Dr. Sabba Quidwai, researcher, educator and storyteller. Each week we’ll explore the answers with stories and strategies from researchers, education leaders and today’s young people as we explore how might we design schools.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2024 • 33min
Future Focus | 8/27 | Your Weekly Guide to What's Now and Next with AI
This week the dilemma with AI detectors continues as a theme in the news this time with growing debate over AI tools, such as paraphrasing detectors, and their impact on education. We explore recent surveys revealing parents' concerns about AI in schools and discuss how AI is shaping the future workforce. Finally, we touch on ethics, intellectual property, and the transformative changes coming to recruiting, especially with LinkedIn's new AI-driven talent solutions.
What We Are We Reading
LinkedIn AI Recruiting
How Parents Feel About AI
Human Relationships and Chatbots
Click here to Join our Free AI Masterclass:
AI Simplified - How to Advance Your Career and Save 8+ Hours Every Week

Aug 21, 2024 • 42min
Future Focus | 8/20 | Your Weekly Guide to Now & Next
In this new weekly series Stefan Bauschard and I share the what's happening now and where we might go in the future with AI and what that means for you.
This week we discuss topics such as the integration of driverless technology in cities, the potential changes in teaching roles due to AI, and the importance of keeping up with technological trends.
Keep The Learning Going
Sign up for our free AI Masterclass
Grammarly Authorship Announcement
Article - AI is Here Now What
Podcast - Amy Porterfield interviews Alex Cottani, listen in as they discuss the business value of writing in today's world. A great one to share with people afraid of AI.
Time Stamps
We also explore the ethical challenges of AI writing detectors and the significance of AI literacy in education.
00:00 Emerging Technologies and Their Impact
02:15 Driverless Technology in Action
06:38 AI in Education: Opportunities and Challenges
12:02 The Future of Work and AI Literacy
12:38 Grammarly's New AI Detection Tool
18:55 The Importance of Adaptation in Education
23:34 Student Usage and Perceptions of AI
24:20 AI Skills in the Workplace
26:15 The Role of AI in Writing and Communication
40:18 Embracing AI and Future Trends

Apr 21, 2024 • 3min
EP #137 | DS 43 |Remixing with AI
Welcome to 'Your Daily SPARK,' where each day we talk about strategies and skills to make you irreplaceable in a world integrated with AI. This week, today's spotlight is on Austin Kleon’s 'Steal Like an Artist.' This book talks about the idea that all creative work builds upon what came before—transforming and remixing existing elements into something new and uniquely personal. Try This Prompt: - **Situation:** You are engaged in a creative project in your favorite hobby, drawing inspiration from diverse styles, genres, or techniques.- **Problem:** The challenge lies in creating a piece that not only resonates with these inspirations but also stands out as uniquely your own. Finding that perfect blend is the key issue.- **Aspiration:** Inspired by Kleon, your aim is to use AI to assist in weaving together these varied elements. You seek AI’s suggestions for innovative combinations that reflect your personal style.- **Result:** Ideally, this collaboration with AI leads to a creation that showcases a mosaic of your inspirations, distinguished by a distinct personal touch.- **Kismet with ChatGPT:** You're intrigued by the potential of AI to suggest creative fusions, be it in digital art styles, unique storylines in writing, or novel musical compositions.
__________
Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-start
Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org

Apr 20, 2024 • 3min
EP #136 | DS 42 |Win Friends with AI
Welcome back to ‘Your Daily SPARK,’ where each day we explore strategies and skills to make you irreplaceable in a world with AI. Today's focus is on a principle from Dale Carnegie's influential book, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’
This principle is especially relevant today as we integrate AI tools like ChatGPT Teams and Microsoft365 Copilot into our workflows, enabling us to dedicate more time to building human connections.
Try This Prompt:
- **Situation:** Your day is overloaded with essential but time-consuming tasks such as scheduling, client follow-ups, and bookkeeping.
- **Problem:** These necessary tasks are crucial but often distract from deeper engagement with your team and clients—a key component of Dale Carnegie’s teachings.
- **Aspiration:** Inspired by Carnegie, you aim to foster stronger, more meaningful relationships through empathetic leadership. You’re turning to AI to manage routine tasks, giving you the freedom to focus on people.
- **Result:** Ideally, with AI taking care of operational tasks, you'll have more time for personal interactions, better understanding client needs, and inspiring your team.
- **Kismet with ChatGPT:** Exploring types of AI tools that can efficiently manage administrative tasks to enhance your ability to lead and connect on a human level.
__________
Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-start
Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org

Apr 19, 2024 • 3min
EP #135 | DS 41 |Turn Chaos into Calm with AI
In this episode, we explore how AI can help transform our chaotic schedules into structured, productive days using Nir Eyal's timeboxing strategy. Discover practical tools and methods to integrate AI effectively into your daily workflow for better focus and efficiency.
**Sample Prompt Template**:
"Hi ChatGPT, today I'm really struggling to keep up with my packed schedule and I feel overwhelmed. Inspired by Nir Eyal's book on becoming indistractable, I'd like to try timeboxing. Could you help me set up a timeboxed schedule? Here’s what my day looks like: [insert your schedule]. I need to allocate specific times for [list your tasks], and I'd appreciate if you could organize them efficiently. Also, could you integrate with Zapier to read my calendar and set this up quickly? Thanks for helping me streamline my day!"
__________
Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-start
Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org

Apr 18, 2024 • 4min
EP #134 | DS 40 | Defining Your Human Advantage
In this episode we go into the essence of what makes you indispensable in a world alongside AI. Have you ever considered that what seems normal to you might be extraordinary to others? In this episode, we explore tools that help uncover the hidden gems within you—your unique human advantages.
Try this Prompt: - **Situation**: You've just completed the Sparketype or CliftonStrengths assessment and are reviewing your results, which reflect aspects of your character you might not have fully recognized before.- **Problem**: While these insights are intriguing, you're unsure how to apply them in your daily life to align more closely with your true self and do work that brings you joy.- **Aspiration**: Your goal is to use these insights to define your unique niche and make your mark, whether in your current job, a side project, or personal growth.- **Results**: Ideally, employing these strengths not only leads to conventional success but also to a deeper sense of fulfillment and authenticity in all your endeavors.- **Kismet**: What might you be overlooking in the process of self-application? How can you strategically integrate your unique strengths into daily actions and decisions? Share three ways to get started today.
__________
Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-start
Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org

Apr 17, 2024 • 4min
EP #133 | DS 39| Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
In this episode we discuss how both ancient philosophy and contemporary science guide us towards true contentment and well-being, emphasizing the importance of pausing in our fast-paced world to appreciate moments of genuine joy.Try This Prompt: 'Based on these moments that brought me joy, what activities can I plan for next week to ensure similar joyful experiences?Situation: You're looking to enhance your daily experiences with moments of joy but feel overwhelmed by the fast pace of life. You want to find ways to integrate more meaningful activities into your routine.Problem: Despite your desire, you're struggling with feeling overburdened and finding it challenging to prioritize joy amidst your busy schedule.Aspiration: Your goal is to discover and prioritize activities that bring you the most joy. You’ve heard about the potential of AI to help manage time and priorities and are curious to see how it can aid in increasing your happiness.Results: You aspire to have an increased number of joyful moments each week, creating a more fulfilling and happy life.Kismet: Based on these moments that brought me joy, what activities can I plan for next week to ensure similar joyful experiences?
__________
Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-start
Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org

Apr 15, 2024 • 5min
EP #132 | DS 37 | Cultivating Resilience: Growing Through Adversity
In this episode of ‘Your Daily SPARK,’ we explore the vital role of resilience in navigating life’s challenges and the transformative power of adversity. In a world increasingly influenced by AI, developing resilience is essential for adapting to new technologies, overcoming personal obstacles, and emerging stronger. We delve into strategies such as embracing a growth mindset, developing emotional agility, strengthening support networks, and leveraging AI as a tool for resilience.
Try This Prompt :
Hello ChatGPT, recently, I've faced significant challenges adapting to the rapid shift to remote work, which tested my work-life balance and led to feelings of isolation and burnout. This experience highlighted my need to build resilience and find a more sustainable way to manage work and personal life. I'm interested in exploring AI tools and strategies that can aid in this endeavor. Could you recommend 3-4 AI tools or strategies that can help me enhance my resilience, optimize my routine, and achieve a better work-life balance? Additionally, how can these tools support my emotional well-being and help me cultivate a growth mindset and emotional agility during times of change? My goal is to transform this adversity into an advantage, establishing a more flexible and efficient work routine that not only addresses current challenges but also prepares me for future ones.
Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-start
Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org

Apr 14, 2024 • 5min
EP #131 | DS 26 | Embracing Change: Strategies for Personal and Professional Growth
In today's episode of ‘Your Daily SPARK,’ we explore how to embrace change as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. In an era marked by rapid advancements in AI, learning to navigate change is indispensable. We discuss strategies to reframe perspectives on change, stay curious, build adaptability, and leverage AI tools for learning, positioning ourselves for success in an ever-evolving world.
Try This Prompt:
Hello ChatGPT, as I face [identify a recent or upcoming change, e.g., the integration of AI into my workflow], I'm encountering some challenges, including [list fears or uncertainties, e.g., keeping up with younger colleagues and learning the technical skills required]. I'm eager to embrace this change as an opportunity for growth and am looking for strategies to help me adapt and thrive. Could you provide me with 3-4 specific resources or ways to embrace this change, focusing on how I can use AI to enhance my learning and adaptability? I aspire to see this change as a pathway to [imagine benefits or growth, e.g., more efficient work and leadership opportunities], and I'm committed to turning this into a positive development in my personal and professional life. How can I leverage AI and other tools to quickly master new skills and technologies, ensuring I not only adapt but also excel in this new landscape?
Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-start
Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org

Apr 13, 2024 • 5min
EP #130 | DS 35 | Setting Boundaries with Your Technology
Today's episode of ‘Your Daily SPARK’ emphasizes the importance of setting digital boundaries in an age of constant connectivity, inspired by insights from Brianna Wiest's "The Mountain Is You." We explore strategies for managing our digital interactions with intention, ensuring that we maintain our focus, peace, and sense of self amidst the noise of on-demand culture.
Try This Prompt:
Hi ChatGPT, in my effort to reclaim my attention and foster a more intentional digital life, I've recognized the need to establish clear boundaries around my digital interactions. I'm frequently distracted by notifications, feeling a constant pressure to respond immediately, which disrupts my focus and intrudes on my personal time. I want to develop a personal mantra that I can use as a reminder to pause and reflect before reacting to notifications. Additionally, I need help framing two critical questions to assess the true urgency of these digital interruptions. These tools should help me discern whether an immediate response is genuinely necessary or if it can wait, allowing me to prioritize my current activity and well-being. This approach is about more than just managing distractions; it's about cultivating a balanced, mindful digital life where I choose where to invest my attention and energy. Can you assist me in creating this mantra and these guiding questions?
Resources I Created For You:
Personalized AI Roadmap: Take this quiz to find out how prepared you and your organization are for an AI world and get a free personalized AI plan
https://designingschools.org/ai-quiz-start
Free Webinar: AI Simplified - 3 Steps to Secure Your Career Future and Cut 8+ Hours From Your Week
https://designingschools.org/aibwebinar
Visit My Website
www.designingschools.org


