The Edtech Podcast

Harvey Trump, an Educational Consultant based in Egypt, shares valuable insights on AI integration in schools, highlighting its challenges and potential. Avani Higgins, Director of School Improvement, discusses strategies to enhance teaching efficiency amid digital inequalities. Together, they explore the importance of critical thinking and digital literacy skills, caution against misuse of AI, and advocate for robust training for educators. The conversation emphasizes a balanced approach to adopting technology, ensuring it enhances learning while safeguarding students.

In a thoughtful discussion, Adam Webster, Deputy Head at Caterham School and CEO of Sphinx AI, Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching at Basingstoke College of Technology, and Chris Goodall, Head of Digital Education at Bourne Education Trust, explore the integration of AI in UK schools. They tackle the balance between AI benefits and risks, the need for comprehensive educator training, and the evolving assessment methods. Emphasizing strong leadership, they discuss strategies for fostering an inclusive environment and maintaining the human touch in learning.

Emma Darcy, Director of Technology for Learning at Denbigh High School, and Sarah Buist, Head of Digital Strategy at Royal Grammar School Newcastle, delve into the complex role of AI in education. They discuss the varied adoption of AI in UK schools and the need for proactive strategies to tackle its risks, including biases and safeguarding concerns. The importance of comprehensive training for teachers and leaders is emphasized to ensure effective integration. They also explore real classroom experiences with AI, highlighting the challenges for different age groups.

In the second episode of a two-part miniseries on risk management, risk mitigation and risk assessment in AI learning tools, Professor Rose Luckin is away in Australia, speaking internationally, so Rowland Wells takes the reins to chat with Dr Rajeshwari Iyer of sAInaptic to hear her perspective on risk as a developer and CEO. View our Risk Assesments here: https://www.educateventures.com/risk-assessments In the studio: Rowland Wells, Creative Producer, EVR Rajeshwari Iyer, CEO and Cofounder, sAInaptic Talking points and questions include: Who are these for?  what's the profile of the person we want to engage with these risk assessments?  They're concise, easy-to-read, no technical jargon.  But it's still an analysis, for people with a research/evidence mindset.  Many people ignore it: we know that even learning tool developers who put research on their tools ON THEIR WEBSITES do not actually have it read by the public.  So how do we get this in front of people?  Do we lead the conversation with budget concerns?  Safeguarding concerns?  Value for money? What's the end goal of this?  Are you trying to raise the sophistication of conservation around evidence and risk?  Many developers who you critique might just think you're trying to make a name pulling apart their tools.  Surely the market will sort itself out? What's the process involved in making judgements about a risk assessment?  If we're trying to demonstrate to the buyers of these tools, the digital leads in schools and colleges, what to look for, what's the first step?  Can this be done quickly?  Many who might benefit from AI tools might not have the time to exhaustively hunt out all the little details of a learning tool and interpret them themselves?  Schools aren't testbeds for intellectual property or tech interventions.  Why is it practitioners' responsibilities to make these kind of evaluations, even with the aid of these kind of assessments?  Why is the tech and AI sector not capable of regulating their own practices? You've all worked with schools and learning and training institutions using AI tools.  Although this episode is about using the tools wisely, effectively and safely, please tell us how you've seen teaching and learning enhanced with the safe and impactful use of AI

Dave Turnbull, the Deputy Head of Educator AI Training at Educate Ventures Research, shares insights on the importance of risk assessments for AI learning tools in education. He discusses who these assessments are for and their accessibility for educators. The conversation highlights ethical risks, data privacy, and the need for clear communication about AI tools. They explore the challenges educators face when integrating AI while ensuring student safety, emphasizing the shared responsibilities of developers and educators in fostering effective use of AI technologies.

Michael Larsen, CEO of Studiosity, focuses on AI-powered support for students. Sally Wheeler, a leader in higher education at Birkbeck, shares insights on student agency and critical thinking. Ant Bagshaw, Executive Director at the Australian Technology Network, discusses policy adaptations for AI in education. They explore student expectations regarding AI in assessments, the potential for instant feedback, and the importance of collaboration between institutions and AI developers. The conversation also emphasizes the need for ethical considerations and diversity in AI applications.

Timo Hannay, founder of SchoolDash, and Lord David Puttnam, independent producer and former member of the House of Lords, dive deep into the future of AI in education. They explore the slow reaction of educational institutions to generative AI, urging adaptability for tech shifts. The duo discusses the double-edged sword of AI tools and stresses the critical need for teacher training in AI. They also highlight the importance of building trust in AI, emphasizing a collaborative approach to foster innovation and resilience in educational practices.

Discussing AI's potential for equity in education, guests Richard Culatta, Sugata Mitra, and Emily Murphy explore how AI can bridge educational gaps, provide early interventions, and enhance accessibility. They tackle the challenges of traditional assessment methods and the transformative shifts AI can bring to education, emphasizing the importance of context and proper deployment in schools.

Experts from the OECD, Nord Anglia Education, and Tes discuss global perspectives on AI in education. Topics include the varied approaches to AI integration worldwide, empowering teachers in the age of AI, promoting knowledge creation in education, and addressing concerns and optimism about AI's impact on personalized learning.

Dr. Steve Fleming and Jessica Schultz discuss the intersection of AI, metacognition, and neuroscience in education. They explore the importance of leveraging AI tools for understanding brain functions, integrating AI in teaching, and developing metacognitive skills like adaptability and empathy. The discussion also touches on the significance of intentional learning experiences and the risks of over-relying on AI in education.