Edufuturists #287 The Pick 'n' Mix Marketplace with Ben Somers

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Benjamin Somers, the founder of Recess, a platform designed to revolutionise education by putting kids in control of their learning. They discuss the vision behind Recess, its marketplace for learning, and the importance of safety and moderation in online education. Benjamin shares his personal journey and the purpose driving his mission to create a more engaging and individualised educational experience for children. The conversation emphasises the need for a pick-and-mix approach to education, allowing for personalised learning paths that cater to each child's interests and aspirations. In this conversation, we explore innovative approaches to education, especially the need to rethink traditional schooling. We discuss the importance of personalised learning, the role of technology and algorithms in education, and the challenges of implementing new educational models. The conversation also touches on the concept of school choice and its impact on communities, as well as the pain points driving change in the education system. Ultimately, we highlight the potential for a more engaging and effective learning experience for children.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:24 The Vision Behind Recess02:39 Exploring the Recess Platform07:20 Marketplace for Learning10:46 Safety and Moderation in Education11:04 Supporting Decision-Making for Kids13:04 The Pick 'n' Mix Future of Education20:03 Personal Journey and Purpose24:52 Revolutionising Education for Independence30:05 The Importance of Individual Learning Paths34:05 Rethinking Education: A New Vision35:09 Exploring Learning Beyond Traditional Schooling39:08 The Role of Algorithms in Personalised Learning42:42 Challenges of Implementing New Educational Models44:48 Scaling Innovative Education Solutions49:12 School Choice: A New Era in Education51:01 The Impact of School Choice on Communities55:00 Pain Points Driving Educational Change56:41 Quickfire Questions: Insights on EducationFind out more about Recess - where kids design their own educationThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2025