GPN Speaker Series: Maxie Gluckman and Brittany Aubin (IREX)

Future-Ready Skills: Blending Youth Insights and Generative AI to Develop Holistic Digital Education

IREX is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, independent media, local leadership, and inclusive governance worldwide. Central to IREX’s mission is empowering youth, recognizing their potential as catalysts for transformative change at local, national, and global levels.

In response to the rapidly evolving workforce landscape, IREX launched the “Digital ESE” initiative in 2024 to enhance youth workforce readiness for an increasingly digital economy. This initiative is rooted in research showing that youth in low- and middle-income countries are engaging online more than ever to secure their economic futures. Faced with systemic barriers that often exclude them from traditional education and training, many young people are taking the initiative to acquire and refine their digital, technical, and soft skills through non-traditional, self-directed means. However, this increased digital engagement also exposes youth to heightened risks of harm and violence, particularly affecting women and other marginalized groups.

To tackle these challenges, IREX has been actively developing digital skill-building programs that dismantle barriers to educational access and foster essential skills for lifelong learning. The Digital ESE curriculum is grounded in real-life experiences shared by Kenyan youth through youth-led research. By harnessing the power of Generative AI, IREX has created a story-based curriculum featuring character-based scenarios and interactive activities designed to develop practical skills. These include setting learning goals, maintaining motivation, identifying digital threats like misinformation and cyberbullying, and building peer and professional networks. This approach enhances learner engagement and retention by presenting material that resonates with their lived experiences and incorporates relatable stories, examples, and opportunities for authentic practice.

In this talk, Maxie and Brittany will delve into the Digital ESE development process, detailing how youth were engaged from inception through research, development, and piloting. They will discuss the role of Generative AI in crafting compelling and realistic learning experiences, as well as how these innovations can support personalized learning trajectories with timely, relevant content, all while addressing essential considerations regarding data security, privacy, and protection. Join us to discover how IREX is paving the way for youth to thrive in the digital economy!

Speakers

Dr. Maxie Gluckman is a Senior Technical Advisor for IREX’s Center for Applied Learning and Impact. In this role she leads research and innovation around improving equality and inclusion in youth programs globally. Prior to joining IREX, Maxie worked for more than 10 years as a program designer, evaluator, and researcher for the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations across Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa. Maxie has a PhD in education from the University of California, San Diego.

Brittany Aubin is a Technical Advisor II for IREX’s Education Practice, focusing on integrating educational technology and ICT4E trends. Previously, she led instructional design for EdX’s graduate health programs, partnering with over twenty universities to enhance educational access. Brittany is passionate about leveraging technology and learning science to improve education. She began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia, working on rural teacher training. Brittany holds degrees in journalism and international development from American University and a master’s in public health from George Washington University.