The Edtech Podcast

In our second episode on AI in UK schools, Professor Rose Luckin explores AI integration further with three very special guests helping to lead the way with AI in their institutions. Talking points and questions may include: What is the extent of AI penetration in your schools, including teacher usage, classes avoiding it, student use, and any strategies or evaluation plans in place regarding reactive or proactive AI adoption? No AI is risk-free, so concerns around impacts on learning, creativity, authorship, assessment, and whether students genuinely understand AI-generated content are critical issues Safeguarding measures must address the risks of AI providing misleading, biased, or explicit content without consent as these technologies proliferate in classrooms Comprehensive AI training is needed for educators at all levels to ensure smooth technology transitions while maintaining human-centric learning approaches as new tools and understanding are required Guests: Adam Webster, Deputy Head (Innovation), Caterham School & CEO of Sphinx AI Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning, and Digital, Basingstoke College of Technology Chris Goodall, Head of Digital Education, Bourne Education Trust

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a transformative force, offering both opportunities and challenges. As AI technologies continue to advance, it's crucial to examine their impact on student expectations, learning experiences, and institutional strategies. One pressing question is: what do students truly want from AI in education? Are they reflecting on the value of their assessments and assignments when AI tools can potentially complete them? This begs the deeper question of what we mean by student success in higher education and the purpose of knowledge in an AI-driven economy.  Professor Rose Luckin is joined by three wonderful guests in the studio to discuss what tools we need to support students and how we explore the potential and the limitations of AI for education. Guests: Michael Larsen, CEO & Managing Director, Studiosity Sally Wheeler, Professor, Vice-Chancellor, Birkbeck, University of London Ant Bagshaw, Executive Director, Australian Technology Network of Universities Talking points and questions include: Student expectations and perspectives on using AI for assessments/assignments and the role of knowledge in an AI economy The potential of AI to enhance learning through features like instant feedback, error correction, personalized support, learning analytics How AI could facilitate peer support systems and student community, and the research on the value of this The lack of robust digital/AI strategies at many institutions as a barrier to effective AI adoption The evidence-base for AI in education - challenges with research being highly specific/contextual, debating the value of in-house research vs general studies Whether evidence on efficacy truly drives institutions' buying decisions for AI tools or if other factors/institutional challenges are stronger influences How challenges facing the education sector can inhibit capacity for innovative deployments like AI The growing need for proven, supportive AI tools for students despite institutional constraints  

The Future of AI in Education: Ethical Innovation and Leadership with Rita Bateson - A Hachette Learning sponsored Episode. Join us as Dublin-based expert Rita Bateson shares insights on how educators and school leaders can harness AI's potential responsibly. From sustainability concerns to governance frameworks, discover practical strategies for integrating AI ethically in education to protect students and empower teachers. In this episode: The critical importance of sustainability and data center impact on AI's future How AI influences teaching practices and assessment reform Strategies for effective AI governance within schools Addressing ethical considerations and safeguarding student data Insights from Rita's extensive background in curriculum design and school leadership Practical frameworks for responsible AI deployment The emotional and social implications of AI for students and teachers Emerging trends and future scenarios in AI-driven education The importance of teacher agency, resilience, and human-centered values in AI integration Resources and tools to support schools in developing AI literacy Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to AI and education's ethical landscape 00:31 - Rita Bateson's background and expertise 01:14 - Sustainability challenges posed by data centers in Ireland 01:53 - The environmental impact of AI models like Claude, Gemini, and OpenAI 02:18 - The importance of teaching students discernment in AI use 02:57 - Developing language around AI ethics and evaluation stations 03:45 - Balancing AI benefits with energy consumption concerns 04:38 - Faith in human feedback and the value of teacher-student relationships 05:17 - The role of school leadership in modeling responsible AI behaviors 05:34 - Sustainability and energy considerations in AI-generated content 06:22 - Risks and opportunities in AI dependency 07:21 - The transformative potential of AI in assessment and workplace readiness 07:50 - Leadership guidance in AI strategy and governance 08:18 - Integrating AI governance into school policies 08:49 - Rita's background in curriculum development and assessment 09:40 - The evolution of AI debates in education 10:22 - Challenges of misinformation, hallucinations, and bias 11:20 - Legal, privacy, and cybersecurity risks for schools 11:48 - Protecting student identities and images with responsible data use 12:23 - Teaching digital literacy and algorithmic immunity 13:01 - Embodiment, experiential learning, and non-screen-based AI education 13:51 - The importance of digital and AI strategies aligning 14:18 - Key leadership advice: Invest in understanding AI 14:41 - Reimagining opportunities for professional growth 15:58 - The power of cautious optimism and reflection 16:53 - Celebrating uniqueness and human voice amidst AI proliferation 17:07 - Encouraging productive struggle and resilience in students 18:14 - Clear rules and deliberate use of AI in classrooms 18:48 - Rita's book: scenarios, experiments, and case studies in ethical AI use 19:15 - Sentiment analysis, micro-moments, and voice recognition in AI 20:11 - Potential of world models and immersive environments 20:50 - Opportunities for specialized subjects and student-led world-building 22:23 - Preparing students with digital literacy for future skills 23:41 - Balancing sustainability and responsible use in AI deployment 24:46 - The importance of evaluation and teacher agency 25:56 - Resources: free AI courses and tools from Ablama Learning 26:44 - The significance of protecting and amplifying educators' voices 27:12 - Historical perspective: Dublin's intellectual legacy and innovative spirit 27:44 - Closing thoughts: the role of educators in safeguarding sacred texts of knowledge 28:02 - Final words and gratitude Resources & Links: Ablama Learning - AI Literacy Resources Free AI courses Hachette Learning Academy  Books from Hachette Learning by Rita Bateson Connect with Rita Bateson: LinkedIn   This episode spotlights how responsible leadership, grounded in ethics and sustainability, can steer the future of AI in education. Embrace the opportunities while safeguarding our planet and student futures.

Unlocking the Power of Data in Education: Insights from the EdTech Podcast Explore how innovative data collection and analysis are transforming school leadership, student engagement, and outcomes. This episode highlights practical examples of how schools worldwide harness data to improve decision-making, boost engagement, and personalize learning experiences. Discover the future of data-driven education and key strategies for maximizing its impact. Key Topics The evolution of educational data over the last decade How engagement surveys like TEP provide granular, trustworthy insights The role of benchmark data in guiding school improvement efforts Using data for real-time decision making versus post-event analysis The impact of mobility and diversity on school data interpretation Encouraging a school culture of curiosity and continuous improvement through data The ethical use of data as a tool for enhancement, not judgment Future trends: AI, interoperability, and proactive data strategies Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest insights 00:32 - The importance of trustworthy and granular engagement data 01:20 - How the Engagement Platform (TEP) measures staff, student, and parent voice 02:42 - Linking engagement data to school outcomes like attendance and academic results 03:29 - The significance of benchmarking and comparability across schools and regions 04:55 - Overcoming challenges of data collection in high-mobility environments 06:19 - The power of data to inform targeted strategies and reduce emotional bias 07:23 - The three broad domains of TEP: cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement 09:00 - How data supports understanding student agency and decision-making 11:51 - Use cases of data in Australian and Middle Eastern school contexts 13:45 - Addressing regional differences and school strategies informed by data 15:23 - Linking engagement measures to academic achievement and school retention 16:52 - Managing disruptions due to mobility and diverse student populations 22:12 - Communicating data insights to families for transparency and trust 25:27 - The importance of tracking trends through frequent surveys vs single snapshots 30:32 - Identifying critical points of engagement decline and school transition data 33:02 - Benchmarking confidently: timing, comparability, and contextual factors 37:10 - The role of technological ease and usability in data success 42:46 - The future of data: proactive, forward-looking, and AI-enhanced analysis 46:07 - Building a data culture for continuous improvement rather than judgment 48:08 - The potential of AI to deepen school data insights and efficiency 49:14 - Final thoughts on the strategic use of data to support school growth Resources & Links Engagement Platform (TEP) — Official website https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-jerrim-65499382/ — Professor John Jermain's profile Dan O'Riley https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-o-reilly-50061441/ Dr Chris Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wilson-45538017b/ School Engagement and Wellbeing Research — Publications and papers linked to the insights discussed Connect with the Guests: Dr. Chris Wilson — LinkedIn | Twitter Dan O'Reilly — LinkedIn Professor John Jermain — UCL Profile

Summary   This conversation delves into the critical topic of online safety for children, featuring insights from experts in the field. The discussion covers the impetus behind the Online Safety Act, the roles of organizations like Ofcom and LGfL, and the importance of empowering parents and schools to foster safe online environments. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by technology, including AI, and emphasizes the need for continuous communication between parents and children regarding online safety.   Takeaways The Online Safety Act was prompted by tragic incidents involving children. Empowering parents and schools is crucial for online safety. Children's experiences online often differ from their parents'. Continuous communication about online safety is essential. Technology is an integral part of children's lives today. AI poses new risks that need to be addressed. Schools should engage parents creatively in online safety discussions. Risk assessments are vital for companies serving children. Children need to be educated about the risks of online content. Regulators must hold companies accountable for user safety. key  topics Legislation and regulation of online safety (Online Safety Act, Ofcom's role) Impact of AI and algorithms on children's online experiences Parental and educational strategies for online safeguarding Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Online Safety and the Guests 03:51 The Impetus Behind the Online Safety Act 05:35 Support from LGfL for Schools and Parents 08:14 The Role of Parents in Online Safety 10:59 Ofcom's Regulatory Role and Responsibilities 13:34 Impact of Algorithms on Children's Online Experience 16:21 Engaging Parents in Online Safety Discussions 18:06 Children's Experiences and Parental Awareness 20:06 Overcoming Parental Barriers to Online Safety Conversations 22:30 The Future of Social Media Regulations 24:38 Empowering Parents and Educators for Online Safety 26:57 Empowering Parents with Resources 28:30 Regulatory Frameworks and Company Accountability 33:40 School Policies on Technology Use 41:45 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education 47:39 Envisioning a Safer Digital Future 49:57 The Importance of Online Safety in Education 51:04 Navigating the Challenges of AI and Online Safety Resources Online Safety Act (UK) - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/29/enacted  Ofcom's Online Safety Framework - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety  UN Rights of the Child in Digital - https://www.un.org/en/rights-of-the-child  UNICEF Digital Child Safety Initiatives - https://www.unicef.org/child-rights/digital-safety  LGFL Safeguarding Resources - https://lgfl.net/Safeguarding/saferesources  Australian Online Safety Laws - https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/children-and-teenagers/online-safety  Ofcom's Research on Children's Online Experiences - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/children-online  Global Regulatory Cooperation on Digital Safety - https://www.ituc-csi.org/global-cooperation-digital-safety The resource I referenced is the Parent Online Safety Toolkit for schools – available to download at https://parentonlinesafety.lgfl.net/  

Summary This conversation explores the current challenges faced by educators in the Middle East amidst ongoing conflicts and the transition to remote learning. Experts discuss the importance of mental health, community support, and effective communication strategies to navigate these turbulent times. They emphasize the need for structured learning, the role of technology, and the significance of cybersecurity in education. The dialogue highlights the collective responsibility of educators to support students and families while maintaining their own wellbeing. Takeaways The education community is vital during crises. Mental health support is crucial for both students and teachers. Clear communication channels are essential for effective remote learning. Cybersecurity awareness is increasingly important in education. Flexibility in teaching methods can enhance student engagement. Community support networks can provide valuable resources and reassurance. Educators should prioritize their own wellbeing to better support others. Structured learning helps maintain a sense of normalcy for students. Inclusion practices must adapt to current challenges. Sharing best practices among educators can lead to improved outcomes.   Chapters   00:00 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects on the Brain 06:05 Practical Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety 09:16 Introduction and Context of Online Learning in Bahrain 15:10 Navigating Technology and Resources in Education 21:40 Introduction to Ivan's Journey in Education 27:51 The Importance of Wellbeing in Online Teaching 31:57 Introduction and Current Situation in Saudi Arabia 39:11 Learning from Global Educational Communities 41:30 Introduction to Julia Knight and Her Role 49:52 Understanding Unique Community Needs in Education 52:28 Introduction to Inclusion in Education 58:32 Safeguarding and Vulnerability in Education 01:02:50 Introduction to the Current Educational Landscape 01:04:55 Navigating Distance Learning Challenges 01:08:37 Strategies for Parents and Educators 01:12:01 The Importance of Structure in Education 01:13:07 Introduction to BSME and Current Challenges 01:16:03 Community Support and Communication Strategies 01:19:10 Well-being and Mental Health Initiatives 01:22:12 Advice for Schools and Educators Dr Catherine O'Farrell www.incluzun.com https://www.instagram.com/incluzunme/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071126186624 https://www.linkedin.com/in/katescc/ www.incluzun.com https://www.instagram.com/incluzunme/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071126186624 https://www.linkedin.com/in/katescc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-knight-mcct-a558a11a1?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios  https://www.cois.org/about-cis/perspectives-blog/blog-post/~board/perspectives-blog/post/supporting-students-impacted-by-the-conflict-in-the-world   From Clemmie Stewart Shannon Parfitt: Tom Percival books are great, they are all based on different emotions and help children to relate to the story and talk about their own feelings  Oak Academy for online learning may help to reduce workload and planning time. It's based on the British Curriculum. https://www.thenational.academy/lp/how-to-use-Oak-in-3-easy-steps-b 1. 🧠 Mental Health & Anxiety Support For Children: Use the '3-3-3 Rule' to ground them (name 3 things they see, 3 sounds they hear, and move 3 parts of their body). Organizations like ABC Center Riyadh and Aspris Wellbeing Centre offer specialized child-friendly CBT and emotional support. For Adults: The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) provides a directory of licensed providers. Their 'Qareebon' app is an excellent resource for immediate mental health self-assessment and guidance. Sarah Johnson: I've worked a lot yesterday to get some more free resources relating to war on my website There is no charge, please use them as is helpful for you and your communities https://lnkd.in/eTJP4wtz Louise Dawson https://www.linkedin.com/posts/louiseinclusion_things-feel-different-arabic-activity-7434505285802672128-epYK?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAZ-4IgB7NeHtFDKodx9z7IIo3hZafNjeOo Julie Knight  Ivan Langton Meet link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/16KLND4P4Z1-2A6FQP4vNWZo3TQNyOg05/view?usp=sharing Google vids to record content or make content - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1myPhqdcFh5vmhiG1MKmZOkLg5bTZ7Kq7/view?usp=sharing Canva code - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eIXPZ12SQbvV431bg9dYuWfxzwpHN44n/view?usp=sharing Google assignments - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OaV3qdL3xsW2bqp9jk9s_zExBxylhjWV/view?usp=sharing https://www.linkedin.com/in/misterel/ debra forsyth   https://www.bsme.org.uk/ https://www.cobis.org.uk/ Jeffrey Smith   

We begin this episode with Laurie Forcier and Pablo Langa from EDT & Partners, who share their insights on global education strategy and the impact of artificial intelligence amid today's shifting geopolitical landscape. Next, Graham Feek from Greenwood Academies Trust highlights an important warning regarding potential hardware supply shortages in the education sector. He also emphasizes that schools must begin shifting their culture in how they view technology as an investment that drives efficiency, rather than merely an expense. The conversation continues with Jarno Aantjes from ReadSpeaker, who explains how their text-to-speech technology supports the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach in creating more inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students and additional language learners. Complementing this discussion, Katie Freeman from Internet Matters underscores the importance of media literacy and online safety for children. She also stresses the need for schools to transition toward safer, more protected AI usage approaches by 2026. Although Bett UK 2026 has concluded, innovation in education never stops. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore event highlights and stay connected with the global education community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum — visit https://www.edmentum.com/ — and fully supported by the Bett team.

We kick off this episode with Neelam Parmar, who shares her insights on digital transformation and the integration of AI within global education systems. Neelam highlights how different regions are leading technological innovation, from online safety standards in the UK and AI-driven healthcare efficiency in China, to groundbreaking tech testbeds in the Middle East. Next, we turn to Derek Devine from Clever, who shares his unique career journey transitioning from a wedding planner to the world of EdTech. Derek explains how the Clever platform is alleviating the burden on schools worldwide by providing accessible, free technology for educators and students. Rounding out the conversation, Kat Couchie from NetSupport joins us to discuss the strong sense of community at Bett this year, including the fantastic energy at the Women in EdTech events. Kat also emphasizes the crucial renewed focus on inclusion and support for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), reminding us that any use of technology in the classroom must always be driven by strong pedagogical reasons to truly support student development and needs. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, innovation in education never stops. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the event's highlights and stay connected with the global education community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum—visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/—and fully supported by the Bett team.

In this episode, we welcome Edward Fitzpatrick, CEO of Conflow Power, to discuss the revolutionary "iLamp." Edward explains how he is transforming the humble street light from a "dumb," single-use utility into a smart, multi-functional device likening the shift to the evolution from a simple watch to a smartphone. He details the groundbreaking battery technology behind it, which allows these lamps to function off-grid by harvesting ambient energy, effectively creating a self-sustaining power source on every street corner. The conversation expands into the critical intersection of energy and Artificial Intelligence. Edward introduces the concept of "AI Factories"—off-grid data centers powered entirely by renewable sources. He argues that as AI's power consumption skyrockets, the traditional grid cannot cope, necessitating a move to decentralized power solutions that can rejuvenate rural areas and farms while supporting the next generation of computing without environmental cost. Finally, Edward highlights the immense educational potential of this technology, inviting schools and universities to witness these innovations firsthand at their site in Warwickshire. He believes that seeing "live physics" and tangible coding applications can inspire a new generation of engineers. You can learn more about these projects at ilamp.com, conflowpower.com, and aifactories.com

In this episode, we explore the intersection of technology, scalability, and human connection. We begin with Peter Lancet from My Trencher, who discusses the "numbers game" university career services face. He explains how his platform provides an "operational layer" that allows small teams to support thousands of students, moving from reactive advice to strategically identifying and assisting those most at risk. The conversation then deepens with Doug Delpha, a Professor at the University of Strasbourg and AI Engineer. Doug advocates for a return to the "Aristotle and Plato" style of mentorship, arguing that while teachers must become AI-proficient, their primary role is to be a protected human figure who can handle sensitive student crises that chatbots simply cannot. Crucially, Doug also issues a wake-up call regarding digital sovereignty, challenging international institutions to build "elasticity" into their systems rather than relying blindly on American infrastructure that could be impacted by geopolitical shifts or outages. We then turn our focus to the administrative side of inclusion with Andy Bell from Trellis. A winner of the CivTech award in Scotland, Andy shares how his team is using AI to alleviate the paperwork burden in Special Educational Needs (SEND) departments. By transcribing meetings and automatically creating first drafts of child plans, Trellis is helping councils and teachers reclaim valuable time, allowing them to focus less on administration and more on the students who need them most. Ready to learn more about the future of learning? This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway and Edmentum. Discover how they are transforming education by visiting https://www.everway.com/ and https://www.edmentum.com/.

In this packed short episode, we sit down with Matt from Canva on Day 3 of Bett 2026 to discuss how the platform has exploded to serve over 120 million monthly active teachers and students worldwide. Matt walks us through the "magic" of their latest features, including his personal favorite, Magic Sort. He explains how this AI-powered tool can instantly organize messy classroom brainstorming sessions into structured topics and documents with just two clicks, offering a massive time-saving advantage for busy educators. The conversation also dives into Canva's ambitious vision for 2026: becoming "truly local". Matt details how they are moving beyond simple translation to ensure design elements authentically represent local cultures and festivals, allowing every student to feel seen. We also hear about major milestones, such as the new partnership to equip every student in Northern Ireland with Canva , and an inspiring story from Thailand where a teacher transformed a dry science curriculum into an engaging, student-led TV show. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, the innovation continues. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the highlights and stay connected with the community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by the Bett UK team.

We kick off this final day at Bett UK 2026 with a splash of joy as Dr. Ali Struthers and James from Taskmaster Education take us inside the "Taskmaster Club." They discuss how the beloved TV format is being used to assess the "unmeasurable" skills like collaboration, lateral thinking, and resilience while teaching children valuable life lessons about fair play and understanding that "not everyone is a winner". Turning to the structural side of education, we navigate the complex world of professional standards with Andy Donachie from The CPD Group, who issues a critical warning about the surge of low-quality, AI-generated training and emphasizes why true credibility must remain rooted in human expertise. Rounding out the episode, Michael Forshaw from EdTech Impact tackles the hidden challenge of "shadow apps," explaining how his new "Digital Audit" service helps schools uncover forgotten subscriptions and shift their focus from buying "shiny" tech to measuring actual evidence and impact in the classroom. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, the innovation continues. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the highlights and stay connected with the community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by the Bett UK team.

We begin this episode with Andrew from the National Literacy Trust, who unveils the "National Year of Reading" campaign in response to a sharp decline in reading enjoyment among children. Andrew argues that in an AI-first world, literacy is more vital than ever, and shares how connecting texts to students' passions from gaming to sports can rekindle their "reader identity." Next, Connor Gaitley from Edmentum shifts the focus to "career-connected learning." Connor discusses how tools like Major Clarity are helping students explore diverse future pathways whether university or apprenticeships ensuring that education meets every learner where they are and closes no doors. We then explore practical AI tools for the classroom with Will from RedPen AI, a former teacher who turned his frustration with workload into innovation. Will explains how his platform bridges the gap between handwritten work and digital assessment, acting as a "second pair of eyes" to track progress without requiring 1:1 devices. Finally, Liz Crawford from Kahoot! joins us to discuss the platform's evolution from a simple quiz tool to an enterprise-ready learning ecosystem. Liz highlights their new AI generation features, deep integration with LMS platforms, and the 200+ independent research studies proving their impact on student outcomes. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, the innovation continues. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the highlights and stay connected with the community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum – visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.

We open this episode with Vicky Merrick, who shares insights from her groundbreaking pilot projects on collaborative assessment. Vicky explains how "comparative judgment" is revolutionizing subjective subjects like Art and Music, allowing teachers to achieve high statistical reliability by comparing student work rather than deciphering complex rubrics. Following Vicky, Mark House from RM broadens the discussion to the "global conundrum" of assessment in the age of AI. Mark argues that we must "measure what we treasure" rather than letting technology dictate values, emphasizing the importance of local context such as honoring rural community values and addressing the disconnect between passing exams and possessing the skills employers actually need. Rounding out the conversation, Nici Foote passionately advocates for bringing "joy" back into learning and ensuring digital inclusion. Nici discusses how tools like Canva are leveling the playing field for neurodiverse students even making complex tasks like timetabling fun and challenges the narrative around phone bans. Instead of bans, she suggests building "analogue communities" for balance while teaching authentic digital skills, and calls for affordable resources to support Teaching Assistants (TAs), whom she identifies as the "missing link" in special education. Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK 2026 at https://uk.bettshow.com/. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.

Live from the energy of Day 2 at Bett UK, we sit down with Andrew Slawinski, Lead of Product Development for LEGO Education, to discuss how they are empowering teachers to become "superheroes" every week. The conversation centers on the launch of LEGO Education Computer Science and AI, where Andrew passionately advocates for moving past the "hype" of chatbots. Instead, LEGO is focused on teaching the fundamentals of AI such as probability, bias, and machine representation demystifying the technology so students see it not as "magic," but as a tool they can take apart, understand, and build with. We also dive into the critical ethics of EdTech, covering LEGO's strict "red lines" on privacy ensuring no data ever leaves the classroom and their refusal to anthropomorphize AI. Andrew explains the rigorous "Substitute Teacher Test" used to ensure educator confidence and shares insights from their new student-voice report, proving that children are eager to look under the hood of the technology shaping their world. Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK at https://uk.bettshow.com/. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum – visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/.

We kick off this special episode with Lord Jim Knight, who shares his powerful perspective on the "moral panic" surrounding technology in schools. Rather than banning devices, Lord Knight advocates for a more nuanced approach balancing safety with agency and explores how AI can revolutionize assessment through methods like the "viva" to support lifelong learning and inclusion. Next, we sit down with Jez and Jon from YouHQ to discuss their journey from a simple goal-setting idea to a comprehensive wellbeing platform used in nearly 200 schools globally. They reveal how their tool has evolved into a critical safeguard, helping schools identify "invisible" students who are struggling, while also empowering young people to track their sleep, mood, and personal goals. Finally, we are joined by Paddy from Everway, one of our sponsors, to talk about their commitment to "cradle to grave" inclusion. Paddy explains how Everway is ensuring that the accessibility tools students rely on in school like read-aloud and dictation are available in high-stakes exams and carry through to the workplace, truly leveling the playing field for neurodiverse individuals throughout their lives. Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK 2026 to join the global community of educators transforming the future. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.

Live from the floor of Bett UK 2026, we sit down with Shantanu, who leads product and engineering for Google for Education, to discuss how AI is moving from "promise to practice" in classrooms worldwide. Shantanu reveals how Google is prioritizing educator control and student data privacy while rolling out powerful tools like Gemini 3.0, which is now accessible for free to education institutions. From the "LearnLM" initiative that fine-tunes models with learning science to new features in Google Classroom that can turn content into audio lessons, we explore how technology is being designed to meet the unique pedagogical needs of schools. We also dive into the transformative potential of personalization and accessibility, hearing how tools like NotebookLM allow users to convert complex research into podcasts or slide decks that suit their learning style. Shantanu shares insights from global pilots—including one in Northern Ireland where educators saved up to 10 hours a week—and discusses the importance of AI literacy resources like the gamified "AI Quest" for younger learners. Whether you are an educator looking to save time or a leader navigating the ethics of AI integration, this conversation offers a deep look into the future of the Google Workspace ecosystem. Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK 2026 at https://uk.bettshow.com/ to join the global community of educators transforming the future. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum – visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.

Live from the bustling floor of BETT UK 2026, this special episode weaves together three distinct perspectives on nurturing student potential. We kick off with Kerry Weston from the world-renowned BRIT School, who shares how they are "wedging in" digital innovation alongside traditional arts. Kerry discusses the ethical collision of AI and creativity, the concept of "vibe coding," and why human connection remains the unshakeable core of their curriculum. Next, we are joined by Joanna Gibbs, founder of SENsational Tutors, Ltd. Joanna takes us through her diverse journey from supporting challenging behavior in the NHS to teaching in international schools and how this shaped her vision for neuro-inclusive education. She opens up about the current anxiety within the sector regarding the upcoming 2026 SEND white paper and the uncertain future of EHCPs. Joanna also offers a grounded perspective on technology, discussing how AI can be a powerful tool for creating "social stories" to reduce anxiety for autistic students, while passionately arguing that it must never replace the human connection that defines true support. Closing out the episode, we turn to the structural side of student welfare with Phil, founder of Tide Education. Driven by a personal experience with his daughter's education, Phil highlights the struggles schools face with disparate data and "lost" information. He explains how Tide Education is replacing scattered spreadsheets with a unified, collaborative timeline of interventions, ensuring that every student's support journey is captured, visible, and actionable for educators. Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at BETT UK 2026 to join the global community of educators transforming the future. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.

Ever feel like education keeps moving forward, yet too many learners are still being left behind? Curricula feel disconnected from real life, assessment systems label students too early, while technology and AI are advancing faster than schools can adapt. The result is a growing gap between what learners need and what the system delivers. In this episode, Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Dan Fitzpatrick about his journey from teacher and education leader to becoming one of the most influential global voices on AI in education. The conversation explores how the emergence of ChatGPT became a major turning point, unlocking new possibilities for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers to improve efficiency, accessibility, and the overall quality of learning. Dan also reflects on the tension between risk and opportunity in AI, the importance of courageous decision-making, the role of leadership, and why schools must move beyond frameworks toward long-term visions grounded in the real needs of learners and educators. This discussion feels especially timely as we approach Bett UK 2026, where topics such as AI, educational leadership, ethics, accessibility, and the future of learning take centre stage on a global platform. Dan's ideas around "throwing your hat over the wall," making safe but bold experiments, and fostering collaboration across schools and industry align closely with Bett's spirit as a meeting place for innovators, educators, and policymakers shaping the future of education in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Listen to the full podcast episode for deeper insights, strategic reflections, and practical inspiration on AI in education. You are also invited to explore Bett UK and connect directly with cutting-edge innovation and thought leaders in EdTech via the official link: https://uk.bettshow.com/ Edmentum believes that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive everywhere learning occurs—whether they seek to catch up, stay on track, or chart their own path. Edmentum's comprehensive, research-backed learning acceleration solutions help schools expand opportunity and diploma options, elevate future-ready learning, and advance personalized achievement in more than 100 countries globally. To learn about proven programs that help meet your goals across K-12, visit www.edmentum.com

Ever feel like education keeps moving forward, yet too many learners are still being left behind? Curricula feel disconnected from real life, assessment systems label students too early, while technology and AI are advancing faster than schools can adapt. The result is a growing gap between what learners need and what the system delivers. In this episode, Philippa has a conversation with Al Kingsley to explore those tensions head-on, from what truly defines a good school to why curiosity, human skills, and equitable access to technology matter more than ever. Together, they unpack the uncomfortable questions education often avoids and why now is the moment to rethink learning for a changing world. These conversations don't end with the podcast. Bett UK 2026 is where educators, leaders, innovators, and policymakers from around the world come together to turn ideas into action. From AI and edtech to curriculum and human-centred education, Bett is where the future of learning takes shape. Save the date and join Bett UK 2026 - because meaningful change starts with showing up. Don't miss the chance to experience the innovations shaping the future of education firsthand and be part of this global conversation. For full details and registration, please visit: https://uk.bettshow.com/