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Inside Experiential Learning: Why Relevance Matters More Than Ever with Gabriel Flacks
On today’s episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh sit down with Gabriel Flacks, co-founder of Linkr and a humanities instructor at Champlain College in Saint-Lambert, Quebec, for a wide-ranging conversation about experiential learning, virtual exchange, and what happens when traditional institutional software no longer fits the way students actually learn. Gabe shares how his work as an educator — and his frustration with rigid academic tools — led him to build Linkr, a platform designed to make learning more collaborative, relevant, and connected to life beyond the classroom. The conversation explores what meaningful experiential learning really looks like, from reflection and authentic audience to co-curricular programs, athletics, and global classroom partnerships. Gabe also digs into the challenge and opportunity of AI in education: why students are becoming more hesitant to use their own voice, why vulnerability matters more than ever, and why schools may need to rethink not just assessment, but relevance itself. It’s a thoughtful episode for educators, school leaders, and anyone asking what learning should feel like in 2026 and beyond. Show notes:   00:00 – Introducing Gabriel Flacks and the origin story behind Linkr   01:17 – Understanding Quebec’s CEGEP system and why Gabe was drawn to it   05:06 – Why the 17-to-19 transition is such a powerful learning window   06:00 – Gabe’s approach to experiential learning and why relevance matters   08:10 – From blogging and volunteer work to building a better platform   09:50 – Why Linkr was built as a safe, social, networked learning space   11:08 – Early adoption, virtual exchange, and Linkr’s evolution into SaaS   16:22 – Reflection, virtual exchange, and what meaningful learning looks like in practice   20:42 – Co-curricular learning and the challenge of measuring growth   25:18 – Why reflection matters in athletics, wellness, and student development   30:08 – AI, vulnerability, and the growing importance of student voice   37:56 – Lightning Round + the future of Linkr, badging, and experiential learning at scale   Learn more about Linkr: https://app.linkreducation.com/   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Roll Call, don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.
Roll Call Podcast
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