The Edtech Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Coming to the fifth and final episode of our miniseries on AI for education, host Professor Rose Luckin is joined by Timo Hannay, Founder of SchoolDash, and Lord David Puttnam, Independent Producer, Chair of Atticus Education, and former member of the UK parliament's House of Lords.  This episode and our series have been generously sponsored by Nord Anglia Education.

Today we’re going to look ahead to the near and far future of AI in education, and ask what might be on the horizon that we can’t even predict, and what we can do as humans to proof ourselves against disruptions and innovations that have, like the Covid pandemic and ChatGPT's meteoric rise, rocked our education systems, and demanded we do things differently.

Guests:

• Lord David Puttnam, Independent Producer, Chair, Atticus Education
• Timo Hannay, Founder, SchoolDash

Talking points and questions include: 

• Slow Reaction to AI: Despite generative AI's decade-long presence and EdTech's rise, the education sector's response to tools like ChatGPT has been surprisingly delayed. Why?
• Learning from Our AI Response: Can our current reaction to generative AI serve as a case study for adapting to future tech shifts? It's a test of our educational system's resilience
• AI's Double-Edged Sword: With ChatGPT's rapid rise, are EdTech companies risking harm by using AI without fully understanding it? Think Facebook's data misuse in the Rohingya massacre
• Equipping Teachers for AI: Who can educators trust for AI knowledge? We need frameworks to guide them, as AI literacy is now as crucial as internet literacy
• Digital Natives ≠ AI-Ready: Today's youth grew up online, but does that prepare them for sophisticated, accessible AI? Not necessarily

Karine and Rose meet this week to discuss Ofsted ratings, how AI can transform teachers' day-to-day tasks, and interview friend and colleague Dr Fiona Aubrey Smith on the recent publication of her book: From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the Way We Think About Digital Technology.  Aimed at teachers and leaders looking to create greater impact on teaching and learning through the use of digital technology in schools, From EdTech to PedTech translates research on the effective integration of digital technology in education into relevant, accessible, and practical guidance for teachers and school leaders.  This much-needed handbook bridges the gap between knowing ‘what works’ and knowing how to make it work for you and your learners.

Ofsted's rating can be transformative and catastrophic.  Given Karine's experience as a headteacher, what does she think of its one-word proclamations?  Also under discussion is the DfE's call for submission of evidence regarding the opportunities and risks of AI in education, and their recently published report on generative AI, available to view below.

Material discussed in this episode includes:

• • • From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the Way we Think About Digital Technology
    • UK Department for Education: Generative AI in Education: Departmental Statement
    • Institute for Ethical AI in Education: Final Report
    • OECD: Empowering Young Children in the Digital Age
    • Machine Learning & Human Intelligence 

To get the latest insights, trends and developments on AI for Education, subscribe to EVR's new fortnightly publication: The Skinny on AI for Education

Welcome to the fifth episode of our What Matters in Edtech series, supported by Bett. This series is all about the things that matter in education, and how and when tech might help.

Thank you to pi-top for sponsoring this week's episode. 

This episode is all about Innovation. 

What is innovation? How can it be measured and sustained? How can a culture of innovation be developed, and what examples of pedagogical and technological innovation have come to the fore in recent years? We speak to entrepreneurs, ecosystem developers, academics and educators about the role of innovation and hear about how innovation is evolving in virtual reality in Singapore, career technical education in the US, STEAM education in Belgium, and real-world problem-solving in Bhutan. Plus, why educators are inherent innovators and more about the edtech innovation testbed here in the U.K. Phew! 

You can follow the conversation using #edtechpodcast and #Bett2020

People

• Sophie Bailey is the Founder and Presenter of The Edtech Podcast | Twitter: @podcastedtech
• Nancy Wilkinson, Senior Programme Manager - Education, Nesta | Twitter: @NancyWilko
• Dr Peter David Looker, formerly Head, Teaching, Learning and Pedagogy Division, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, now Chief Learning Officer, Eon Reality | Twitter: @peterloo51
• Niko Lindholm, Program Director, Eduspaze (formerly XEdu) | Twitter: @nikolindholm
• Jesse Lozano, Co-founder and CEO, pi-top | Twitter: @GetPiTop
• Thomas Thoss, M.Ed., Enterprise Networks Instructor, Orange Technical College - Mid Florida Campus | Twitter: @ocpsotc
• Garland Green, IT Director at International School of Brussels (ISB) | Twitter: @ggreenaz
• Karma Lhakyi, Director, Fablab Bhutan
• Tsewang Lhundup, Research & Development Engineer, Fablab Bhutan

Show Notes and References  

Check out https://theedtechpodcast.com/edtechpodcast for the full show notes 

Tell us your story

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Record a quick free voicemail via speakpipe for inclusion in the next episode. Or you can post your thoughts or follow-on links via twitter @podcastedtech or via The Edtech Podcast Facebook page or Instagram.

Welcome to the next episode of our #voctechpodcast series!

This week’s episode throws back to our LIVE recording at Dare to Learn 2019 in Helsinki, Finland, recorded during the same week as HEL we can!, an event on Boosting Skills & Continuous Learning in Europe. With a panel of adult education and corporate training providers, teachers, and eco-system supporters we asked questions such as 'Whose responsibility is upskilling workers?', and 'Are learning economics fit for purpose in corporate learning?'. Listen in for more!

Big thank you to Ufi Voctech Trust for supporting this series and vocational skills development in the UK, through their investments and grants in vocational technology. You can check out their work here.

You can follow the series conversation using #voctechpodcast and #voctech

Happy listening!

People

• Sophie Bailey is the Founder and Presenter of The Edtech Podcast | Twitter: @podcastedtech
• Janne Hietala, Chief Visionary Officer, Valamis | Twitter: @janne_hietala
• Antti Korhonen, CEO, xEdu | Twitter: @anttikorhonen
• Reidar Wasenius, Executive Director, Soprano Plc | Twitter: @ReidarWasenius
• Jenni Huopainen, Pedagogic Teacher, Omnia | Twitter: @Omniasome

Show Notes and References  

Check out https://theedtechpodcast.com/edtechpodcast for the full show notes.

Tell us your story

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Record a quick free voicemail via speakpipe for inclusion in the next episode. Or you can post your thoughts or follow-on links via twitter @podcastedtech or via The Edtech Podcast Facebook page or Instagram.

Hello everyone and welcome to the fifth episode of our "The Edge" series, supported by Salesforce.Org. This series is all about new ways of doing things in Higher Education leadership. 

This week, we are talking about all things student experience. In an effort to dispel the myth of the “traditional student’ we talk to a range of guests about how Universities are adapting to diverse student needs, what support systems should not be taken for granted, and the dual role of tutor and technology in helping students to achieve.  

You can follow the conversation using #EdtechEdge and #edtechpodcast

Happy listening and have a fantastic week!

People

• Sophie Bailey is the Founder and Presenter of The Edtech Podcast | Twitter: @podcastedtech
• Warren Stanislaus, PHD Student at Oxford University | Twitter: @warren_desu
• Seeta Bhardwa, Student Content Editor, Times Higher Ed | Twitter: @THEUniAdvice
• Dr Emily McIntosh, Director of Learning, Teaching and Student Experience, Centre for Academic Practice Enhancement, Middlesex University, Co-Author, Effective Personal Tutoring in Higher Education| Twitter: @emilythemac
• Mukund Desibhatla, Agents of Change Student Leadership Podcast, University of Connecticut
• Sarah Knight, Head of Change, Student Experience, Jisc| Twitter: @sarahknight

Show Notes and References  

Check out https://theedtechpodcast.com/edtechpodcast for the full show notes 

Tell us your story

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Record a quick free voicemail via speakpipe for inclusion in the next episode. Or you can post your thoughts or follow-on links via twitter @podcastedtech or via The Edtech Podcast Facebook page or Instagram. 

Welcome to the fourth episode of our What Matters in Edtech series, supported by Bett. This series is all about the things that matter in education, and how and when tech might help. 

Hello and Happy New Year everyone!!

Our first episode of 2020 is all about Empowering Teachers and Learners. Thank you to Promethean for sponsoring this week's episode. 

In this episode, you'll hear from a range of school leaders, professional development specialists, and techie teachers, about the conditions to empower teachers and learners. We talk teacher time, flexibility and trust, evidence-based practice relevant to particular school context and how to best implement tech that supports T & L.

You can follow the conversation using #edtechpodcast and #Bett2020

People

• Sophie Bailey is the Founder and Presenter of The Edtech Podcast | Twitter: @podcastedtech
• Deirdre Hodson, Policy Officer, European Commission, Across Education, Youth, Sport and Culture | Twitter: @deirdrehodson
• Sarah Horrocks, Director, London Connected Learning Centre | Twitter: @s_horrox
  Cat Scutt, Director of Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching and Learning | Twitter: @CatScutt
• Rachel Ashmore, Head, Promethean Academy, Senior Education Consultant, Promethean | Twitter: @PrometheanUKI
• Stephen Holden, Head Teacher, Tottington Primary School | Twitter: @tps_pri

Show Notes and References  

Check out https://theedtechpodcast.com/edtechpodcast for the full show notes 

Tell us your story

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Record a quick free voicemail via speakpipe for inclusion in the next episode. Or you can post your thoughts or follow-on links via twitter @podcastedtech or via The Edtech Podcast Facebook page or Instagram.

Welcome to the third episode of our What Matters in Edtech series, supported by Bett. This series is all about the things that matter in education, and how and when tech might help. 

This week’s episode is all about Wellbeing. Released this year, the Teacher Wellbeing Index 2019 highlighted stress and rising mental health issues across the sector. According to the index, 78% of all education professionals have experienced either behavioural, psychological or physical symptoms due to their work, with 60% not feeling confident that they could talk about mental health issues with their colleagues. 

In this episode, you will hear from a range of school leaders and teachers, wellbeing experts and coaches about what can and is being done to support an everyday approach to self, student and staff care. 

You can follow the conversation using #edtechpodcast and #Bett2020

If you feel overwhelmed the Education Support helpline is free and offers confidential emotional support on 08 triple 000 562561, or go to www.educationsupport.org.uk/

People

• Sophie Bailey is the Founder and Presenter of The Edtech Podcast | Twitter: @podcastedtech
• Ben Commins, Headteacher, Queens Park Primary School | Twitter: @commins_ben
• Maria Brosnan, Co-Founder, Striver | Twitter: @mariabrosnan
• Hannah Wilson, Head of Secondary School Teacher Training, University of Buckingham | Twitter: @ethical_leader
• Dan Roberts, Headteacher, Devonport High School for Boys | Twitter: @Danjjroberts
• Dawn Hallybone, Previously, Wellbeing Connected, Educational Consultant, 2SimpleSoftware | Twitter: @dawnhallybone

Show Notes and References  

Check out https://theedtechpodcast.com/edtechpodcast for the full show notes 

Tell us your story

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Record a quick free voicemail via speakpipe for inclusion in the next episode. Or you can post your thoughts or follow-on links via twitter @podcastedtech or via The Edtech Podcast Facebook page or Instagram.

Welcome to the next episode of our #voctechpodcast series!

This week I’m in conversation with David Shull, Head of Handshake UK and Europe. Handshake work to make the student employability space or “bridge to work” better. In this episode, recorded earlier in the year, David and I chat about starting Handshake, the pain points for employers aiming to recruit students, and creating more opportunities for students no matter where they are located. 

We also have some snippets from Ian Hurd, who was out and about at the recent Ufi Voctech Showcase, chatting to MegaNexus, Nissan and Pembrokeshire College.

Thank you to Ufi Voctech Trust for supporting this series and vocational skills development in the UK, through their investments and grants in vocational technology. You can check out their work here.

You can follow the series conversation using #voctechpodcast and #voctech

Happy listening!

People

• Sophie Bailey is the Founder and Presenter of The Edtech Podcast | Twitter: @podcastedtech
• David Shull, Head, Handshake UK and Europe | Twitter: @dsshull
• Ian Hurd, Reporter and Presenter at The Edtech Podcast | Twitter: @Ian_R_Hurd 
• Richard West, Meganexus @meganexusltd
• Dr Geoff Elliott, Learning and Technology Development Manager, Pembrokeshire College @PembsCollege
• Nissan Manufacturing UK @NissanUK

Show Notes and References  

Check out https://theedtechpodcast.com/edtechpodcast for the full show notes.

Tell us your story

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Record a quick free voicemail via speakpipe for inclusion in the next episode. Or you can post your thoughts or follow-on links via twitter @podcastedtech or via The Edtech Podcast Facebook page or Instagram.

Hello everyone and welcome to the fourth episode of our "The Edge" series, supported by Salesforce.Org. This series is all about new ways of doing things in Higher Education leadership and this week's episode is all about HigherEd & Tech in 2019 and beyond.

In our final #EdTechEdge episode of 2019, we ask Vice-chancellors and Presidents of Universities what their top concerns were in 2019, what they see coming online in 2025 and beyond. Plus, the role of technology in solving some of higher education’s challenges. You’ll hear about Brexit and international academic relations, university and perceived value, funding and mental health and wellbeing, and the online and physical campus.

You can follow the conversation using #EdtechEdge and #edtechpodcast

Happy listening and have an excellent week!

People

• Sophie Bailey is the Founder and Presenter of The Edtech Podcast | Twitter: @podcastedtech
• Jean-Noël Ezingeard, Vice-Chancellor, University of Roehampton, London | Twitter: @VC_Roehampton
• Rachel Gowers MBA, Director, Digital Institute London | Twitter: @StaffsUniDILdn
• Josep A. Planell, President, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya | Twitter: @UOCuniversitat 
• Sigbritt Karlsson, President, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden | Twitter: @SigbrittK 

Show Notes and References  

Check out https://theedtechpodcast.com/edtechpodcast for the full show notes 

Tell us your story

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Record a quick free voicemail via speakpipe for inclusion in the next episode. Or you can post your thoughts or follow-on links via twitter @podcastedtech or via The Edtech Podcast Facebook page or Instagram.