The last Owlcast of the season proudly hosts Dr. Nancy Snow, a Fulbright Professor of Public Diplomacy at Panteion University, a Visiting Scholar at the Institute of International Relations (IDIS), and the Lead Author of "Propaganda and Persuasion," now in its 8th edition with Sage. Her expertise in intercultural communications, peace and conflict resolution, and US foreign policy, particularly public diplomacy, makes her a fitting guest for this season's finale.

Dr. Snow's discussion with ACS Athens President Dr. Peggy Pelonis, among many other topics, includes the evolving landscape of storytelling, particularly within academia. Professor Snow sheds light on the growing shift towards digital media platforms, driven by the need for speed and the diverse range of mediums and audiences now accessible.

Professor Snow also discusses her role as a communication catalyst at both state and local levels. Her work promotes mutual understanding and encourages curiosity as a vehicle for promoting diversity. She argues that diversity acts as a change agent, benefiting both professional growth and personal development. Her insights into how curiosity can drive engagement and learning are particularly timely in today's rapidly changing world.

Listen as we explore these themes and more with Professor Nancy Snow, celebrating a season of insightful discussions and looking forward to future explorations in public diplomacy and global communication.

The Class of 2024 Academy Commencement Speaker was none other than the distinguished Tom Mustin, a veteran in the world of broadcast journalism and proud ACS Athens Alum. With a celebrated career spanning over two decades in television news, Tom has navigated the rigorous demands of the industry, emerging as a highly respected storyteller and communicator. His journey is marked by resilience and excellence, qualities that have earned him three Emmy Awards as both an anchor and reporter. In addition to his on-screen accomplishments, Tom brings a wealth of experience in media communications, coupled with a commitment to education as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

In today’s episode of Owlcast, Tom emphasizes the significance of serving a school community with a global perspective and the unparalleled benefits of a robust alumni network. We discuss the qualities essential for graduates to succeed, emphasizing the power of storytelling in the media industry. Tom's insights into the human element of communication highlight how genuine connection and empathy are key to impactful storytelling. Additionally, he shares his personal reflections on what it means to be recognized with multiple Emmy Awards, offering a glimpse into the personal fulfillment that comes with such achievements.

Furthermore, Tom talks about the crucial need for media literacy in today's information-rich society, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining fairness and balance as a journalist. He urges our community and its graduates to "check their excuses at the door" if they wish to excel and addresses the significant role of parents in guiding their children's interactions with artificial intelligence. Through his words, Tom aims to inspire a new generation of graduates to embrace their potential, uphold integrity, and commit to lifelong learning.

Alex Stelea, a distinguished alum from the Class of 2012 is with us today. Alex's journey is a fascinating exploration of technology, education, and the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age.

In our conversation, Alex shares how being introduced to new technologies with fresh, inquisitive eyes during his high school years sparked a lifelong passion for innovation. He recounts his fond memories at ACS Athens, where his curiosity was nurtured from a young age, and how these formative years were instrumental in shaping his academic and professional trajectory.

Alex reflects on the profound impact of group and project-based learning at ACS Athens, a learning style that proved invaluable as he transitioned to college. He shares his insights on embedding AI and digital literacies into K-12 education to prepare students for a future where technology plays a pivotal role. However, he also cautions against the dangers of biases in AI, as these systems often learn from historical data.

Together, we explore the dual-edged sword of retooling the workforce with AI-enabled practices—the opportunities it presents and the potential pitfalls if not handled thoughtfully. Alex firmly believes the future belongs to those who understand and harness new technologies. He emphasizes the importance of approaching college with an open mind, ready to embrace new cultures and experiences, and explains how early internships can provide crucial real-world experience and set the stage for a successful career.

Finally, Alex reflects on his time at ACS Athens and shares the three words that encapsulate his experience at the school. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion with Alex Stelea, a true testament to the power of curiosity, education, and technological foresight.

The Honor Code Club of ACS Athens is more than just a student-led group; it's an inspiring initiative that encourages children to make a difference in their communities. The club's mission revolves around doing the right thing even when no one is watching, a principle that these students have taken to heart. Throughout the episode, they share stories of their efforts to support children and families in need, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.

We are talking with the 5th grade students members of the Club. They talk about how their volunteering efforts could extend beyond their local community. They share their experiences as they initiate and got involved in school projects related to homelessness, basic human needs like safety, access to food and healthcare.

Co-hosting with us are Penelope Dimitroula and Katherine Bibidaki, 5th grade and 3rd Grade teachers respectively and Honor Code facilitators.

Today we are excited to have an incredibly inspiring guest joining us, Dr. Lisa Petrides. Lisa is the founder of the Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education (ISKME), and she brings a wealth of experience and insight into how knowledge management can revolutionize teaching and learning.

We discuss fascinating topics, including the continuous learning model and the ethos of education. We explore how information sense-making, knowledge sharing, and collaboration can create a dynamic and engaging educational environment. We also talk about the DIKA model (Data, Information, Knowledge, Action) and how organizing data and metadata can help bring sense to educational systems and drive meaningful action. Lisa sheds light on managing and transferring knowledge within K12 school environments and how analyzing failure can be a key to learning and growth.

Furthermore, we explore the human right of open access to education, the significance of UNESCO’s Recommendation for Open Educational Resources, and the impact of open education as a movement.

Today’s Owlcast is all about TED-Ed, the program that provides free, customizable activities for educators to support their students in identifying, developing, and sharing their ideas with each other and the world.

ACS Athens has been collaborating with other schools in these events, as they broaden students' perspectives and expose them to diverse viewpoints and ideas. This interaction encourages a sense of community and cooperation among students from different backgrounds, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Additionally, it creates opportunities for networking and building relationships that can be beneficial for future academic and career endeavors. Such collaborations also add an element of healthy competition, motivating students to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of their knowledge and presentation skills. Overall, a TED-Ed club that participates in inter-school events is a powerful platform for student growth and development.

One such school that ACS Athens has partnered with is the De Ring School in the city of Leuven, located close to Brussels in Belgium. The students of the TED club of this school visited us a few weeks ago, and came to the studio, where we found them eager to talk about their individual presentations. Their interaction with our own TED club was truly inspiring.

With us today is one of the ACS Athens TED advisors, Stavi Dimas.

Today we are joined by ACS Athens counselors from the Center for Student Success and students who earlier this spring attended an inspiring career day, featuring alumni mentors and also visited a vibrant college fair showcasing universities from the UK.

Through advisory classes and a supportive school environment, students are encouraged to express their uncertainties and develop self-awareness. We’ll hear stories of how involvement in diverse activities has helped students build confidence and realize that their career paths are not set in stone.

In today's episode, we have with us Anna Makris, Danai Papaioannou and Christelle Mattar, from the ACS Athens Center for Student Success. They talk with a dynamic group of students who attended both the 2024 Career Day and the UK University Fair and share their experience, their expectations and plans for the future.

In this episode of the Owlcast, we are joined by an inspired and motivated group of educators who operate in the heart of emerging dynamics and shifting paradigms, guided by the Institute's North Star: preparing students today for the needs of the world tomorrow.

In a world increasingly affected by robots and AI, it's easy to lose sight of the real question: it's not the tool, but the user, that matters most. Dive into the ethical questions surrounding AI and robots, as we strive to raise awareness through informed education. And let's not forget the power of peer-to-peer teaching, whether it's through the Sewing for a Purpose club or the groundbreaking Can-Sat project.

So, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of immersive learning, where traditional education tools meet cutting-edge VR technology.

Our guests today: Carla Tanas, Dr. Natalie Mitchell, Katerina Apostolaki, Aristotelis Thymianos & Andreas Nikolopoulos