#304 Going Viral, with Dan Fitzpatrick

Jan 16, 2026

Dan Fitzpatrick is an educator, author, and AI advisor in education, known for his work on accessibility and ethical AI strategies. He shares his journey from the classroom to global AI leadership, emphasizing how ChatGPT has transformed educational possibilities. The discussion tackles the tension between AI risks and advantages, advocating for courageous decision-making in schools. Dan's strategic advice encourages educators to embrace bold visions while learning from failures, promoting collaboration and innovation in advancing education.

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ANECDOTE

Podcast Beginnings From Classroom Frustration

Dan and a colleague started a podcast to evangelise cloud tech and later the future of education.
That early curiosity about cloud tools seeded his move from teaching into innovation leadership.

ANECDOTE

The Viral Demo That Changed A Career

Dan first noticed ChatGPT-like tools in industry and began experimenting in 2021 before ChatGPT launched publicly.
A simple November 2022 demo of a lesson-plan prompt went viral and transformed his career into advising, writing, and speaking on AI in education.

INSIGHT

Virality Fueled By First-Time Revelation

Viral attention can feel like connection because many teachers see the technology for the first time.
Dan found engaging directly with messages amplified impact but quickly became unsustainable without delegation.

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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