IB Unplugged
IB Unplugged is a Kognity podcast for IB DP educators where we tackle your submitted challenges and questions by connecting you with experts and peers who share their ideas and stories from real classrooms. Each episode and guest aims to equip you with practical tips and positive inspiration– helping you teach with more confidence, creativity, and joy.
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Meet your hosts
Courtney Marline is the Head of User Engagement at Kognity, working with IB educators for nearly a decade. She received her Master’s degree in educational publishing at University College London, and since then has been committed to building community and professional learning in the edtech space.
John Patton is the IBDP Coordinator, University and Careers Guidance Counselor and Biology teacher at St. Gilgen International School in Austria. His belief in the power of education and enthusiasm for the craft is infectious. John’s current doctoral work is rooted in Educational Psychology where he is exploring student motivations for learning and methods of creating a challenging, achievable and enjoyable education for young people.
Episode Spotlight
In this powerful episode, indigenous thinker and ubuntu scholar Wakanyi Hoffman explores how culturally inclusive ethics must shape the future of AI. From storytelling to safeguarding, she challenges us to rethink how knowledge is created—and whose voices are guiding the process.
A must-listen for educators thinking critically about equity, technology, and global learning.
Browse episodes
Courtney Marline & John Patton
IB Unplugged: Why We Started and What to Expect
IB Unplugged: Why We Started & What to Expect
Welcome to IB Unplugged, the podcast designed for IB DP educators tackling real challenges through expert insights and shared classroom experiences. In this episode, meet your hosts and discover the vision behind IB Unplugged. Whether you're a seasoned IB teacher or just starting out, tune in for practical tips, inspiration, and a supportive community to help you thrive.
Clara Hawking
Policy, Practice, and the Promise of AI in Education
Policy, Practice, and the Promise of AI in Education
Clara Hawking shares how educators can confidently navigate policies, tools, and best practices for safe and effective AI integration. From data privacy to classroom application, it’s a must-listen for any school shaping its digital future.
David Spooner
Demystifying TOK
Demystifying TOK
In this episode of IB Unplugged, hosts John Patton and Courtney Marline sit down with experienced educator David Spooner to explore the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) within and beyond the classroom. With over two decades of IB teaching and examining experience, David shares insights on how TOK shapes students’ critical thinking and how educators can effectively integrate it into their teaching.
Wakanyi Hoffman
Indigenous Knowledge Systems in AI
Indigenous Knowledge Systems in AI
In this episode of IB Unplugged, hosts John Patton and Courtney Marline welcome Wakanyi Hoffman and discuss the need for culturally inclusive ethics in emerging AI systems to prevent environmental and social harm globally and explore how prompting can reveal how we are co-creating knowledge from different backgrounds.
Wakanyi is the author of several children's books and her latest book, "Sala, Mountain Warrior," was published by Otter-Barry Books UK and is available worldwide.
Lance King
Mastering Approaches to Learning
Mastering Approaches to Learning
In this episode of IB Unplugged, hosts Courtney Marline and John Patton sit down with renowned educator Lance King to discuss the Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework. Lance, the creator of the "Art of Learning" program and a key contributor to the IB’s ATL framework, shares strategies for developing student agency, resilience, and self-directed learning in IB classrooms.
Lance is still actively running ATL workshops for teachers, students and parents all around the world and can be contacted directly at lance@taolearn.com. Additionally, if you are interested in any of his books they can be accessed at https://www.taolearn.com/all-books/.
Jen Olmsted
The Power of Enquiry Upon Results - Turning IB Data into Dialogue
The Power of Enquiry Upon Results - Turning IB Data into Dialogue
What if IB results could spark real conversations that drive growth across your school? International school leader Jen Olmsted breaks down the Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) process and how it can be a powerful tool for team learning, school improvement, and professional growth. Whether you're a teacher or a principal, this episode will shift how you see your school’s data.
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