The Edtech Podcast

In this episode, our host Philippa Wraithmell is in conversation with Alina Sava, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, discussing Alina's journey in education and the transformative role of AI in the sector. She emphasizes the importance of equity in education, the necessity of lifelong learning, and the evolving curriculum that incorporates critical thinking. Alina highlights the need for governments to create frameworks for AI integration while ensuring that teachers remain central to the learning process. The discussion also touches on the potential digital divide in AI access and the importance of preparing students for an AI-driven world. Are you an educator or innovator interested in how technology is shaping the future of learning? Bett UK 2026 is the world's leading EdTech event, taking place from 21 to 23 January 2026 at ExCeL London. It brings together more than 35,000 educators, policymakers, education leaders, and EdTech innovators from around the world, alongside 600+ exhibitors and hundreds of expert speakers. Bett UK showcases the latest innovations in education technology, with hands-on demos, Tech User Labs, TableTalks, and the Connect @ Bett programme designed to foster meaningful collaboration between decision-makers and solution providers. With a strong focus on themes such as AI in education, inclusion, and the future of learning, Bett UK continues to be a key global platform for inspiration, insight, and transformative conversations in education. Come to Bett 2026 and listen to the full episode to explore what needs to change now and what the future of learning could look like if we get it right.

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.

In many Western classrooms, the mobile phone is viewed as the "forbidden fruit", a primary source of distraction that must be banned, confiscated, or locked away in magnetic pouches. Teachers and parents alike are exhausted by the constant battle over "screen time," whilst struggling to engage students in an education system that hasn't evolved in decades. Lectures are often unengaging, leading students to drift away, yet we blame the device rather than the delivery. Is this prohibitive approach a catastrophic mistake? Stephen Hodges warns that Western nations risk being "digitally leapfrogged" by developing economies. In regions like rural Uganda or Brazil, the student's personal mobile is not a toy; it is a lifeline to quality education amidst a massive shortage of qualified teachers. By demonising the technology our children use most, we risk missing "the biggest opportunity in education that we've seen in millennia". Furthermore, focusing solely on restricting minutes creates unnecessary conflict at home, failing to teach the critical self-regulation skills young people desperately need. This episode of The EdTech Podcast offers a way forward by shifting the narrative from "Screen Time" to "Screen Purpose". Philippa Wraithmell sits down with three experts to explore how we can embrace technology rather than fight it: Tune in to discover why the device in your pocket might just be the most powerful educational asset we have.

Can an AI detect your sadness? 🤔 This episode will change how you think about mental health and finance. We're at Saudi Learn speaking to the next generation of innovators! Hear from the brilliant minds behind: · Voice Recognition for Mental Health: A powerful app that charts your emotional patterns and spikes. They tell us why this is CRUCIAL 50% of people worldwide are walking around undiagnosed. · The AI Finance Advisor: We meet the team who spotted a "desperate need" for financial help, leading them to build a bot that helps track everything from buying an iPhone to a new house. But the real secret to their success? The incredible Accenture Academy where they learned to stop building what they wanted, and start building what the user truly needed. Tune in now to discover the #1 piece of advice they received from a two-star General that completely shifted their project perspective... you won't believe who he was!

In this episode, Jayna Devani - International Education Lead at OpenAI, shares how ChatGPT has rapidly become one of the most widely used learning tools in the world and how OpenAI is partnering with educators, universities, and governments to support responsible, equitable AI adoption. She discusses real examples from institutions like Oxford University and national initiatives like Estonia, showing how AI can enhance learning through personalization, creativity, and teacher-led innovation. Exploring how students are using ChatGPT as a study partner, coach, and career companion, and how educators are redesigning learning experiences with AI. Jayna also highlights the importance of working with teachers, parents, and students to ensure AI remains a human-centered tool. The conversation closes with a look at what's ahead: AI agents, multimodal learning, and deeper integrations that could transform the future classroom, all guided by OpenAI's mission to ensure AI benefits everyone. Resources from the show ChatGPT Edu, 100 chats compiled by students, for students University educators, OpenAI Academy. Follow ChatGPT for Education on LinkedIn and Substack for updates and community insights.

Imagine a child sitting in the corner of the classroom, written off as 'average' or even disruptive, yet harbouring a remarkable, untouched spark of curiosity within. Morgan Whitfield, educator and author of Gifted, invites us to delve into this poignant reality, where the label of 'gifted' often serves as an exclusionary wall that stifles potential, rather than a bridge to achievement . Through heart-stirring real-life stories, this episode challenges us to stop viewing education as an exclusive competition for a select few and start embracing every child with high, compassionate expectations, ensuring no other 'Luca' is ever left behind . Far more than just theory, this conversation becomes deeply personal as Morgan reveals how her own son's journey transformed her perspective on the uniqueness of how we learn . You will be invited to leave behind old methods that merely categorise pupils, moving towards empowering strategies of adaptive teaching . Prepare to shift your mindset forever: education is no longer about climbing a narrow, exhausting mountain peak, but an opportunity to invite children to explore a vast, boundless ocean where each of them has the right to discover their own depths .

If you've ever felt that education is changing faster than the systems meant to support you, this podcast gives you a clearer and more human way to understand that shift. You'll explore how inclusion, data literacy, AI and school culture can be viewed through a lens that actually reflects real lived experiences. In this episode you join Dr Nicole Ponsford, a former teacher turned researcher and founder of a platform built on more than twenty six thousand voices from schools around the world. Her work challenges long standing assumptions about data, belonging and leadership in ways that might change how you see your own role in education. Each conversation is designed to give you insights you can apply directly, whether you're an educator, school leader, policymaker or edtech professional looking to create real impact. With expert interviews and grounded perspectives, the podcast helps you cut through buzzwords and understand what truly drives meaningful change in schools. Follow the show to stay close to ideas and discussions that can shape the way you lead, teach and contribute to the future of learning. Before you dive in, make sure not to miss the key developments connected to this conversation. These show how the ideas discussed in this episode are already creating real momentum beyond the conversation itself. BETT 2026 Finalist Announcement We're thrilled to share that the Global Equality Collective (GEC) has been named a finalist for the BETT 2026 Transformational Impact Award! Sky News Feature GEC recently appeared on Sky News discussing the launch of the second edition of the Inclusion Index. Watch the short clip here: YouTube Short Read more: Sky News Article Exclusive Offer for School Leaders exclusive 10% launch discount hello@thegec.educationEDTECHPODCAST10 Follow the podcast and turn on notifications so you never miss conversations that can spark new ideas and inspire your next steps in education.

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 Deaby (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: rethinking schools, exams, and what true learning means

In this episode, host Philippa Wraithmell is joined by Hugh Viney, Founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy, to explore how one online school is redefining what learning can look like. What started during lockdown as a response to students thriving outside traditional classrooms has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing accredited online schools. Hugh shares the journey from concept to community, a story shaped by mentorship, wellbeing, and flexibility. Together, Philippa and Hugh discuss how Minerva supports students who struggled in mainstream education, why connection and belonging are central to its success, and how the model is now expanding to reach families across the Middle East. They also unpack what it means to balance innovation with academic rigour, the realities of teaching and learning online, and how culture and kindness have helped Minerva buck the national trend on teacher retention. This is an honest and inspiring conversation about choice, creativity, and the future of education, one that proves being “virtual” can still feel completely real.

This episode of The EdTech Podcast features Abdul Chohan, VP of Learning at Showbie, former chemistry teacher, and international education advisor, in conversation with Philippa Wraithmell. Abdul reflects on his experiences working with schools across India since 2012, tracing the country’s journey from traditional, exam-centered classrooms to innovative, learner-centered environments. He discusses the nation’s growing focus on skills development, employability, and teacher empowerment, alongside striking examples of resourceful EdTech use in both urban and rural contexts. From schools combining CBSE, IGCSE, and IB curricula under one roof to rural students enabling digital literacy within their families, Abdul highlights a culture of resilience, creativity, and fearless experimentation that positions India as a global hub for educational innovation. The conversation invites educators worldwide to rethink barriers and embrace a mindset of possibility — proving that transformation begins with courage, not connectivity.

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.

This episode features Hema Mandanna, history teacher and administrator at Mallya Aditi International School, Bangalore, in conversation with host Philippa Wraithmell. Hema reflects on her 27-year teaching journey and the evolution of education technology in India’s tech capital. The discussion covers key themes of teacher autonomy, professional development, and the integration of iPads and accessibility tools that transformed learning for students with diverse needs. Hema recounts how early adoption of EdTech positioned her school to handle challenges such as remote learning and inclusivity, ensuring technology serves pedagogy rather than the other way around. The episode also examines the school’s proactive engagement with AI in education, ongoing teacher training, and how a culture of openness and collaboration fosters confident, critical thinkers. Hema’s story stands as a testament to how innovation and equity can coexist when educators lead with trust, creativity, and compassion.

In this special episode, Philippa Wraithmell is joined by the Digital Futures Group — Gemma Williams, Daren White, Emma Darcy, Gary Henderson, James Garnett, Jonny Wathen (and a shoutout to Abid Patel!) — a collective of leading UK and European educators and edtech voices redefining what meaningful digital transformation looks like. Together, they ask the big questions: Are we truly innovating, or just dressing up old systems in new tech? Do frameworks from the DfE, EU, and OECD genuinely help schools, or add to the noise? Is EdTech narrowing or widening the equity gap? And what must we unlearn if we’re serious about futureproofing education? Expect bold honesty, shared insight, and a challenge to every assumption about what progress in education really means.

Welcome back to a new season of The EdTech Podcast! Our founder, Sophie Bailey, is thrilled to be back, sharing what she’s been up to over the past few years and introducing our brand-new host, Philippa Wraithmell.

We’ve missed you! The EdTech Podcast is back. Join us to hear where Sophie’s journey has taken her, meet our new host, and discover what’s in store for this exciting new chapter.

We've all seen the headlines - AI is revolutionising everything from how students learn to how teachers teach. The promise of personalised learning paths, automated grading, and AI teaching assistants has created a gold rush mentality in education technology. But in our rush to adopt these powerful new tools, are we moving too fast? Today we'll explore why when it comes to AI in education, we need to learn fast but act more slowly and thoughtfully. We'll look at both the tremendous opportunities and serious risks that AI tools present for students and educators. We'll examine where AI can truly add value in education versus where human teachers remain irreplaceable. And most importantly, we'll discuss why comprehensive AI literacy and training is absolutely crucial - not just for educators, but for everyone involved in shaping young minds. Drawing on insights from leading experts on the frontlines of AI in education, we'll provide a framework for thinking about how to implement AI tools responsibly and effectively. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, policymaker or parent, this episode will give you practical guidance for navigating the AI revolution in education. Talking points and questions may include: Guests: Rt. Hon the Lord Knight of Weymouth, Jim KnightRob Robson, ASCL Trust Leadership Consultant

In our third episode on AI in UK schools, Professor Rose Luckin explores AI integration further with two very special guests helping to lead the way with AI in their institutions. Talking points and questions may include: Guests: Harvey Trump,Global Educational ConsultancyAvani Higgins, Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools

In our second episode on AI in UK schools, Professor Rose Luckin explores AI integration further with three very special guests helping to lead the way with AI in their institutions. Talking points and questions may include: Guests: Adam Webster, Deputy Head (Innovation),Caterham School& CEO ofSphinx AIScott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning, and Digital, Basingstoke College of TechnologyChris Goodall, Head of Digital Education,Bourne Education Trust

AI integration in UK schools varies, with some embracing it for tasks like grading and personalised learning, while others avoid it in certain subjects. However, there is no risk-free AI. As these technologies spread in education, proactive strategies are crucial, not reactive ones. Key concerns include AI providing misleading or biased information, generating explicit content without consent, and impacts on true learning if over-relied upon for content generation. Robust safeguarding measures addressing these risks are essential as AI permeates classrooms. Effectively preparing teachers is paramount for successful AI adoption. Comprehensive training is needed not just for educators, but leaders too, ensuring all grasp the opportunities and challenges. Only then can AI enhance learning while keeping a human-centric approach. Talking points and questions may include: Guests: Denbigh High School Royal Grammar School NewcastleEducate Ventures Research