The Edtech Podcast

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.

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 has a conversation with Al Kingsley to explore those tensions head-on, from what truly defines a good school to why curiosity, human skills, and equitable access to technology matter more than ever. Together, they unpack the uncomfortable questions education often avoids and why now is the moment to rethink learning for a changing world. These conversations don't end with the podcast. Bett UK 2026 is where educators, leaders, innovators, and policymakers from around the world come together to turn ideas into action. From AI and edtech to curriculum and human-centred education, Bett is where the future of learning takes shape. Save the date and join Bett UK 2026 - because meaningful change starts with showing up. Don't miss the chance to experience the innovations shaping the future of education firsthand and be part of this global conversation. For full details and registration, please visit: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Rob Hughes is a doctor, researcher, and co-founder of Tandem, dedicated to creating child-centered generative AI tools. In their discussion, Rob reveals how Tandem is transforming screen time into active parenting through co-creation and shared reading. He emphasizes the importance of keeping human connections in a digital age, addressing the risks of children forming attachments to robots. Rob also touches on the ethical considerations of AI, the need for bias audits, and how thoughtful tech design can foster deeper human interaction, ensuring a brighter future for child development.

In a captivating discussion, Alina Sava, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, dives into her dedication to equity in education. She addresses how AI can enhance our workforce, emphasizing lifelong learning while highlighting the risks of a digital divide. Alina advocates for frameworks that ensure safe AI use in schools and argues that AI will transform teachers into crucial coaching figures rather than replace them. With practical insights and a strong focus on protecting vulnerable learners, Alina shares vital steps for governments to navigate the AI landscape.

Teachers today are genuinely time-poor. Between increasing administrative demands, constant assessment, and the rapid rise of AI, finding professional development that truly fits into a teacher's reality can feel impossible. Too often, CPD remains one-size-fits-all detached from linguistically diverse classrooms and the real challenges educators face every day. When professional learning fails to connect with practice, the impact goes far beyond wasted hours. Essential skills such as oracy, effective EAL strategies, and healthy digital habits are overlooked, contributing to teacher burnout and leaving students ill-equipped for life beyond the classroom. In this podcast episode, we speak with experts from Hachette Learning Academy about a more adaptive, teacher-led approach to professional learning one that prioritises what actually matters. Listen to the full episode to discover a powerful "hidden skill" that could matter more than reading or writing for students' future career success.

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.