The Edtech Podcast

Join Stephen Hodges, CEO of Effekta, as he discusses the revolutionary role of AI teaching assistants in regions facing teacher shortages. Adam Huh Dam, co-founder of Stick'Em, highlights how smartphones can deliver essential STEAM education even in low-resource settings. Payal Patel from Digital Bridge emphasizes the need for parents to embrace technology purposefully, advocating for teaching self-regulation over bans. Together, they argue that rather than fearing devices, we should leverage them to transform engagement and opportunity in education.

A panel of innovative recent graduates, including Selma Trogh, Saad O'Sal, and Faye, share groundbreaking projects developed during their training at Accenture Academy. They reveal a voice-recognition app designed to track emotional patterns, addressing the alarming rate of undiagnosed mental health issues. The team also discusses a financial AI advisor that helps users budget and set goals. They emphasize the importance of user research and adapting projects to meet real-world needs, along with a pivotal piece of advice from a two-star General that transformed their perspective.

In this discussion, Jayna Devani, International Education Lead at OpenAI, dives into how ChatGPT is revolutionizing learning across the globe. She highlights collaborations with institutions like Oxford University, illustrating how AI can personalize education and enhance creativity. Jayna showcases students using ChatGPT for career coaching and startups, while also stressing the importance of inclusive, human-centered AI. The conversation wraps up with exciting insights into future innovations like agentic AI and deeper educational integrations.

Morgan Whitfield, an advocate for equity and adaptive teaching with international experience, discusses her book, Gifted. She shares a poignant story about a student named Luca, revealing the hidden potential within those labeled as 'average.' Morgan critiques exclusive gifted programs and emphasizes the importance of recognizing every child's learning journey. Through personal reflections on her son’s experiences, she encourages educators to shift from outdated methods to inclusive, adaptive strategies, viewing education as a vast ocean of possibilities for all learners.

Dr. Nicole Ponsford, a former teacher turned EdTech founder and researcher, shares insights from her work with the GEC intersectional inclusion platform. She explores why intersectionality is crucial in education and discusses her innovative 'kaleidoscopic data' approach that captures real lived experiences. Findings reveal which groups, like single-parent families, feel less belonging in schools. Nick emphasizes the importance of data literacy and qualitative voices in shaping inclusive policies. Discover how to join the movement of 26,000 voices seeking meaningful change.

What if the universities of the future had no walls, no lecture halls, and no stressful exams? In this episode, Philippa Wraithmell speaks with James Newby(President & CEO, NMITE – New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering, UK) and Dr Thomas Funke (Founding President, Tomorrow University, Germany). They explore how higher education is evolving, moving away from rigid traditional systems towards models of learning that are more human, challenge-based, and aligned with the future of work. From hands-on learning and mission-driven education to the development of emotional intelligence and lifelong learning, this conversation reveals how new universities are preparing graduates who are not just intelligent, but adaptive, creative, and empathetic. Tune in if you're curious about: Innovation in higher education and the future of universities The future skills needed in the workplace Mission-based learning and global learning communities How technology is transforming the way we teach and learn Find inspiration to rethink, relearn, and reimagine what "university" means in the digital age.

This episode explores the science of long-term memory and "time-sequenced learning", a neuroscience-based instructional approach that helps students retain knowledge deeply and efficiently. Simon explains how the technique was inspired by research showing that firing synapses in a particular sequence chemically strengthens memory — "tattooing" information into the brain. This method, initially tested in schools and later scaled digitally, can compress weeks of traditional instruction into an hour while improving retention and confidence. He and Philippa discuss: The neuroscience behind learning sequences. Evidence from studies showing comparable or better results than months of traditional lessons. Applications for corporate training, police and medical education, and GCSE Physics. Broader questions about rethinking schools, exams, and what true learning means — shifting focus from rote memorisation to curiosity, creativity, and mastery.

Hugh Viney, Founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy, discusses revolutionizing online education. He outlines how the academy, born from lockdown challenges, prioritizes flexibility and community. Hugh highlights the unique needs of students thriving in his model, including those with mental health challenges and elite athletes. The conversation dives into Minerva's innovative curriculum, teacher retention strategies through a supportive culture, and plans for expansion in the Middle East. Ultimately, it’s an inspiring look at how virtual learning can foster real connections.

In this conversation, Abdul Chohan, VP of Learning at Showbie and former principal with global expertise, shares transformative insights from India’s classrooms. He discusses the shift from traditional, exam-driven methods to innovative, learner-centered approaches. Notably, schools are now blending CBSE, IGCSE, and IB curricula. Abdul highlights how teachers embrace professional growth and how rural students are teaching digital skills at home, showcasing India’s fearless, resourceful educational culture positioned to lead global innovation.

This episode features Sidney Sutton, Digital Learning Lead at Oberoi International School, Mumbai, in conversation with Philippa Wraithmell. Together, they discuss the transformation of education and EdTech across India over the past decade. Sidney reflects on the country's deep cultural respect for education, the growth of collaborative teaching communities, and the infrastructure foundations required to make technology integration sustainable. He outlines India's emerging role in AI and homegrown EdTech innovation, as well as how schools are approaching ethical AI, digital citizenship, and responsible adoption of new technologies. The conversation highlights a central theme: how educators can balance innovation with intention, keeping learning, relationships, and human connection at the core of technology-driven education.