The Edtech Podcast

Summary In this conversation, Cerys Griffiths, head of BBC Bitesize, discusses the evolution of the platform, its role in supporting students, teachers, and parents, and the integration of AI in education. She emphasizes the importance of media literacy, the need for personalized learning experiences, and the ongoing efforts to engage both students and teachers in meaningful ways. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and the commitment of BBC Bitesize to remain a trusted resource in the educational landscape. Takeaways BBC Bitesize has evolved to support students, teachers, and parents. The platform is recognized as the most trusted education brand. AI is increasingly used by students for homework and revision. Media literacy is crucial in combating misinformation. Engaging content is essential for effective learning. Personalized learning experiences are a future goal for BBC Bitesize. Teachers are beginning to embrace AI as a useful tool. The importance of critical thinking skills in education is emphasized. BBC Bitesize aims to empower students through engaging formats. Future resources will include support for parents regarding AI. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to BBC Bitesize and Its Evolution 03:46 Supporting Students, Teachers, and Parents 06:46 The Role of AI in Education 09:29 Empowering Students with AI Knowledge 12:25 Media Literacy and Critical Thinking 15:10 Teacher Support and Resources 17:54 Engaging Students with Innovative Content 20:47 Future of BBC Bitesize and Personalization 34:00 Sparkling_Chime_Transition.wav 34:07 Evolving Education: The Role of BBC Bitesize 34:37 Empowering Young Minds: Critical Thinking and AI 35:02 NEWCHAPTER Referenced information Cerys Griffiths - Head of BBC Bitesize Bitesize Guide to AI BBC Bitesize and 5 Live Teen Summit Survey

Rita Bateson, founder of Ablama Learning and author on AI in education, governance and curriculum design. She explores sustainability and data centre impacts of AI. She discusses teaching students discernment, building clear governance and protecting teacher-student relationships. Practical strategies, ethical safeguards and frameworks for human-centered AI in schools are highlighted.

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

Katie Freeman-Taylor, online safety lead helping parents and schools navigate children's digital risks. Jarno Aantjes, accessibility director advancing text-to-speech for diverse learners. Graham Feek, trust technologist shaping procurement, data and safe AI rollout. Pablo Langa, education strategist focused on AI governance and global expansion. They discuss inclusion, hardware risks, AI governance, media literacy and accessible tech.

Kat (NetSupport), former primary teacher now supporting schools with safeguarding and classroom management tools. Derek Devine, Director of Growth at Clever, focuses on rostering, single sign-on and scaling integrations. Neelam Palmer, digital transformation and AI consultant, builds online PD and leadership pathways. They discuss AI as systemic change, practical classroom integration, data-driven personalization and the cost of login friction.

Edward Fitzpatrick, CEO of Conflow Power and creator of the iLamp, builds autonomous solar smart streetlights and off-grid AI infrastructure. He discusses turning streetlights into multifunctional compute and sensor nodes. He explores decentralized power for AI, resilient off-grid data centers called AI Factories, and hands-on educational projects that inspire future engineers.

Andy Bell, co-founder of Trellis creating AI tools to cut SEND admin. Doug Delpha, professor and AI engineer focused on teacher empowerment and digital sovereignty. Peter Lancet, founder of MyTrencher mapping curricula to jobs to scale careers support. They discuss scaling student support, protecting human mentorship while using AI, safeguarding data sovereignty, and automating paperwork to free educators for people-focused work.

Matt from Canva, an EMEA education lead who helps schools adopt Canva, talks about the platform's reach and practical classroom tools. He showcases Magic Sort and whiteboard time-savers. He outlines country-wide rollouts and partnerships, plus plans to make Canva feel truly local with culturally relevant assets.