EdTech Unwrapped: Lessons from Leaders (Bett)

Have you been wondering what the future of Higher Education will look like? What role does technology play in that future? And of course, we can’t forget about AI. How much is AI really going to affect our working lives as educators?

I'm Mary Lloyd, Brand and Insight Manager at Ahead by Bett, and I’m your host of 'EdTech Unwrapped' - the game-changing new podcast peeling back the layers of education and technology to answers some of the BIG questions in higher education.

We’ve got a great line-up of guests who are super keen to share their wisdom – Higher Education leaders and innovative thinkers who are shaping the future of learning.

Sit back and relax as we take you on a journey through the dynamic landscape of EdTech. We'll dive into discussions that explore the very essence of education.

Whether you're an educator, work in professional services, a student, or someone just passionate about the transformative potential of EdTech, 'EdTech Unwrapped' is your compass in the ever-changing landscape of education. 

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

Welcome to the series premiere of EdTech Unwrapped - we’re kicking off this brand new podcast with a look at AI’s impact on educators’ lives.

Who better to join us for a look at the tangible effects of these new technologies than Cambridge Scholar and TEDx speaker, Dr Philippa Hardman.

In this first episode, we break down the adoption of artificial intelligence in higher education, who should lead the uptake, and the biggest opportunities and threats to the education sector.

This episode covers

• Dr Philippa’s initial interest and research into AI
• Who should lead the adoption of new technologies
• Educating ourselves and others about AI
• Dangers associated with the speed of procuring new solutions
• How we might need to change our default pedagogy for the future

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

Welcome to this special episode of EdTech Unwrapped, recorded live at our first Ahead by Bett Tour at Bournemouth University - the first of many!

We brought the conversation around AI in education to three incredible experts - Paddy Sheppard (Senior AI Specialist, Jisc), Darryll Colthrust (Co-Founder & CTO, CHAPTR) and Kaouther Kooli (Associate Professor in Marketing, Bournemouth University).

Join us to relive the event, where we looked at the ethics & safety of using AI in universities, how assessments might need to adapt to our future use of AI, and the tech gap that currently exists between business and higher education.

This episode covers

• How to define AI and its proper use in education
• Differing strategies to implement new technologies
• The current lack of ethical frameworks surrounding AI’s use
• Which AI skills students should actually be learning
• Understanding the future in which AI creates all-new careers

Darryll Colthrust: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryll-colthrust/
Kaouther Kooli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaouther-kooli/
Paddy Shepperd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddy-shepperd-61a0a211a/

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

There are nuances to AI which most might miss, but those little details are what make it so powerful in the hands of leading AI Strategist, Katie King.

Katie is a Top 10 AI Influencer for 2023; a voice of reason in a world where higher and further education is catching up to other sectors in its use of AI, for both staff and students…

Join us on EdTech Unwrapped, as we break down how educators and learners can begin to harness the power that artificial intelligence continues to bestow in education.

This episode covers

• AI’s varied subtypes and how their application differs
• The current trajectory of AI in EdTech
• What education can learn from the implementation of AI into other sectors
• Balancing new tools with safe and ethical practices
• How jobs of the future will change as a result of AI, and how education should adapt

Katie King
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieeking/
https://www.aiinbusiness.co.uk/

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

The parallels that sport shares with much of life are often worth exploring, as we learn principles that we can take into our own field - such is true of the transformation we’ve seen in English Cricket.

From capitalising on emerging technologies to using the latest in AI to create more tailored experiences, we put a sporting spin on the EdTech Unwrapped podcast this week with Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket.

Rob joins hosts Mary Lloyd and Mel Gomes to discuss the intersection between his sporting success and how that may translate into the EdTech space.

This episode covers

• The power of positivity in creating a mindset shift
• Imparting wisdom and experience while allowing people to take their own path
• Other forms of success than purely academic prowess
• Nurturing a culture of continuous improvement
• How to communicate a high-level vision across a large team

Mel Gomes
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-gomes-16a62420/

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

It’s no secret that students use AI, and it’s sometimes encouraged - but does it mean they’re losing the power of critical thinking?

AI’s use in education on both sides of the coin is an evolving beast, and through her work and research, Dr Chahna Gonsalves has had her finger on the pulse for years.

Dr Chahna’s insights on the technological future of education are hugely eye-opening, and she shares her uniquely detailed take on the impact of AI on critical thinking skills in this episode of EdTech Unwrapped!

This episode covers

• Dr Chahna’s path into education, and first interest in AI
• A vision of what successful AI integration looks like
• Which skills are in highest demand for today’s students going forward
• Whether students’ critical thinking is switched on or off when using AI tools
• How the use of AI will change marking rubrics based on what academics are trying to assess and teach

Dr Chahna Gonsalves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chahna-gonsalves/

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

Is a student born creative, or can creativity be taught? 

It’s a challenging question, but the right tools in the classroom to unlock the creative spark could make all the difference, and that’s where Petia Maximova and Canva come in…

Petia is bringing Canva to Higher Education in a way that promises to unlock the innate creativity in all of us - she joins us on EdTech Unwrapped to share how it’ll change education for future generations.

This episode covers

• Whether creativity is innate or can be taught and nurtured
• The positive impact that Canva has had on the schools and universities its affected so far
• The value of Higher Education being in the quality of the broader skills you learn

Petia Maximova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petia-maximova/
Canva: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canva/

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

We’re at a perfect time of year for educators to use the latest in technology to level up, where the new academic year brings a chance to start anew!

Google and Microsoft continue to announce huge features perfect for teachers and learners alike, and highlighting some of the most innovative on this episode of EdTech Unwrapped, we’re joined by Wavenet’s Sally Hodgson and Karen Oliver.

Join us as we learn of the top tools for educators, how teachers can better acclimatise to new systems, and the transformative tech starting vital conversations among students.

This episode covers

• An end-of-term checklist perfect for any teacher to prepare for the new year
• The top recent EdTech innovations worthy of note for all educators
• Resources for teachers trying to familiarise themselves with new systems
• The value of lifelong learning and personal development

Sally Hodgson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-hodgson/
Karen Oliver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-oliver-52bb59279/
Wavenet: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wavenet_2/

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

Welcome to a new series of EdTech Unwrapped: Lessons from Leaders - brought to you by Bett, supported by SMART.

In this series we’re bringing you the insights and experiences of 40 leading educators from around the world.

I’m your host Duncan Verry, Portfolio Director at Bett. With over 17 years experience in education and education technology both in schools and as a solution provider, I am excited to hear more from frontrunning voices. 

On each episode, you’ll hear from pioneers in education and EdTech - we’ll explore the growing, evolving impact of technology on students, educators, and learning experiences.

Technology is helping us to solve some of the biggest challenges facing the education sector, and throughout this series you’ll discover how digital transformation and AI-powered tools are helping to deliver a better, bolder future for the next generation.

We’re proud to share that the series is supported by SMART, the world leader in interactive technology whose mission is deeply aligned with the challenges and innovations shaping education today.

Whether you’re an educator, decision-maker, tech-enthusiast, or you’re fascinated by the future of education, this series of EdTech Unwrapped is for you.

You can catch new episodes of EdTech Unwrapped: Lessons from Leaders weekly, so follow the show wherever you access your podcasts to be the first to hear from our forward-thinking guests.

Join us for the new series of EdTech Unwrapped - Unwrapping the big tech questions in education.

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time. After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here! 

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

Welcome to EdTech Unwrapped: Lessons From Leaders - the new series bringing you the insights and experiences of 40 leading global educators.

The series premiere features the fantastic James Browning, whose commitment to forward-thinking learning experiences is evident in his role as COO of Lift Schools.

We delve into James’ journey into education, his vision for a classroom of the future, digital strategy at scale, and how technology only works with the right support.

This episode covers

• How digitally mature schools show what’s possible for other educators
• The areas of teaching most strongly changed by technology
• School policies and student voices around AI
• The critical importance of proper tech implementation in schools

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy.
Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

In a classroom of the future, real-time technologies look set to enhance the teaching experience for educators and learners alike.

Leading the way towards the digital future of our classroom environments, LEO Academy Trust’s Cheryl Shirley is an expert in building digital confidence in teachers - an essential step in bringing schools into the next digital age.

Cheryl joins us on EdTech Unwrapped this week to share her insight into how technology can be best implemented, the importance of AI strategies, and why we need to bring students and teachers together on the journey of tech evolution.

This episode covers

• Building digital confidence among teachers without implementing ‘technology for technology's sake’
• How real-time data insights and casting technology can make lessons more efficient and dynamic
• Developing a culture of innovation, and collaboration around technology integration
• Evolving the physical classroom environment to better reflect modern workspaces
• Students’ involvement in technology strategies

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

Duncan Verry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/
Cheryl Shirley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-shirley/
LEO Academy Trust: https://www.leoacademytrust.co.uk/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

When it comes to technology being integrated in education, India is a real powerhouse, and Dr Arunabh Singh has a wealth of experience with the Ministries of Education and Standards in India.

That’s why it’s a privilege to explore Dr Singh’s work as a Director at the Nehru World School and the Healthy Planet Schools, to discover how best to teach educators new technologies, the student voice in digital strategy, and the challenges faced in creating a multigenerational campus.

This episode covers

• The challenges that accompany the creation of a multigenerational campus
• Taking a smart approach to embracing devices in the classroom
• Using student voice in shaping digital strategy
• How to build and maintain teachers’ confidence in new technologies

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

Duncan Verry
https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/
Dr Arunabh Singh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/singharunabh/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

Students with special educational needs are an essential group to consider when tailoring learning experiences, so how is technology making that process more effective than ever?

Abingdon House School is a wonderful example of a school empowering learners and teachers alike through technology, and Headteacher Rory Vokes-Dudgeon joins us on EdTech Unwrapped to talk us through their forward-thinking approach to technology in a diverse learning environment.

This episode covers

• How we can leverage technology to increase accessibility and personalise learning for students with diverse needs
• The importance of evidence-based practice and staff development when implementing new digital tools
• Taking a cautious, exploratory approach to integrating AI technologies
• Using technology to enhance staff impact rather than replace teachers
• Challenges around incorporating student voice into the school's AI strategy, particularly in a specialist school such as Rory’s

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time. 

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

Duncan Verry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/

Rory Vokes-Dudgeon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-vokes-dudgeon-41936a164/

Abingdon House School: https://www.abingdonhouseschool.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/abingdon-house-school/

Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

New York City went from banning AI in schools, to leading its usage through innovative, proprietary new tools, and at its cutting edge in NYC is Reasat Chowdhury.

Reasat shares the fascinating journey behind how the district has navigated the complexities of emerging technologies, how the educational experience is enhanced for educators & students, and future ambitions for a tech-enabled education.

This episode covers

• Leveraging data and predictive analytics to improve student outcomes and enable early intervention
• Proprietary AI-powered tools to address specific needs of the NYC public school system
• Balancing the use of external AI technologies with building in-house solutions that bring more data privacy
• The pedagogical applications of AI to support teachers and students, combined with operational efficiency improvements

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time. 

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

Duncan Verry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/

Reasat Chowdhury: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rchowdhury/

NYC Department of Education: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nyc-department-of-education/

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

New technologies are a chance to ignite a love of STEM subjects in the next generation of students, and at the Girls’ School Day Trust, Dr Alexandra Read is doing exactly that.

Coordinating technical strategy and innovation across 25 schools, Alexandra gives us a fascinating insight into the power of teacher-to-teacher collaboration, how AI is seen differently through a girl’s lens, and the GDST’s pioneering work in empowering young women in STEM.

This episode covers

• Alexandra's journey from teaching in Florida to becoming Head of Learning Technology at the GDST
• The importance of context and bespoke solutions in integrating technology across schools within a trust
• How professional development and teacher-to-teacher collaboration builds confidence in new technologies
• The integration and use of AI in education, with a focus on empowering girls and young women in STEM
• Alexandra's vision for the future of technology in education

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time. 

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

Duncan Verry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/

Alexandra Read: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-read/

GDST (The Girls’ Day School Trust): https://www.gdst.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gdst/

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

While some schools shy away from technology in its early phases, others can embrace it to take a monumental step forward for both students and educators.

Praveen Raju is a Founder of Suchitra Academy near Hyderabad, and as a former software developer his approach to leading a school is unsurprisingly innovative, embracing all that the latest technology can offer.

This episode covers

• Praveen's unexpected transition from software into founding an innovative school
• Suchitra Academy's focus on strong culture and core values 
• Making the rapid pivot to online learning during the pandemic
• Supporting teachers' emotional and technical needs during the shift to remote teaching
• Pioneering the use of AI tools to enhance both the learning experience and the logistics behind the school’s operation

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time. 

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

Duncan Verry

https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/

Praveen Raju

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkalidindi/

Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

When we work together, we may find success takes longer, but we go further - this is how the implementation of new technology stands the test of time.

Collaboration is a key tenet for Dr Hector Montenegro, whose vast amount of expertise is distilled into his new role advising school systems across North and South America.

Join us on EdTech Unwrapped as we explore effective tech implementation, disparities between school districts in tech access, and how a collaborative approach is essential to EdTech’s successful implementation.

This episode covers

• The critical gap between acquiring educational technology and effectively implementing it in classrooms
• Maintaining human connection and relationship-building while incorporating new technologies
• Disparities in technology access between school districts, which were exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic
• Introducing a more collaborative, collective approach to learning and technology adoption
• The growing disconnect between current educational practices and the skills required in the modern workplace

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time. 

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

Dr Hector Montenegro

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-montenegro-ed-d-a1818a19/

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Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

SEN students need their own approach to learning, and EdTech has never been better for delivering an individualised experience that resonates with them.

At the core of Outcomes First Group is the need to design a learning environment tailored to students’ success, and our guest this week Dr Rebecca Lawton draws on a wealth of experience as a regional advisor, inspector, and leader.

Join us on EdTech Unwrapped to explore how technology can immerse students in real world scenarios, resonate with their needs, and reframe its weaknesses as creative strengths.

This episode covers

• Technology as an enabler for SEN students, helping them experience and navigate real-world scenarios
• The importance of adapting technology to specific school and student needs, with ‘champions’ to drive and support tech implementation
• Cautious and strategic uses of AI, and reframing its drawbacks as features
• Prioritising student voice and feedback in technology selection
• The need for EdTech that resonates with students' interests and learning styles

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time. 

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

Duncan Verry

https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/

Dr Rebecca Lawton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccalawton/

Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/

When Covid forced technology upon us all, and the democratisation of tech has equalised our access to cutting edge tools, what do the best schools do to set themselves apart?

In a school system as vast and advanced as India’s, it’s fascinating to see how emerging technologies continue to impact both academic and operational aspects of education.

Who better to explore this with than Sushma Bharath from The Association of International Schools of India - join us for this in-depth exploration of EdTech in Bangalore and beyond, on episode 10 of EdTech Unwrapped.

This episode covers

• The impact of technology on both the operational and the academic aspects of education in India
• Understanding content creation and the influencer economy as a viable future
• The gap between teachers’ understanding of digital platforms and students’ tech-first learning styles
• The growing democratisation of technology in India

Looking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time. 

After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here!

Sushma Bharath

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sushma-bharath-5776341/

Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Discover SMART: https://www.smarttech.com/education

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-technologies/