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Discover how Taskmaster Club has been adapted for schools to build confidence, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience among students. Hosted by Philippa Wraithmell, this episode features insights from educators implementing the program across primary and special needs schools, highlighting the power of fun in education Taskmaster Education – Creativity, Confidence, and Learning Through Play In this episode, we explore how Taskmaster Education is being brought into schools—transforming a much-loved TV format into a powerful learning experience that builds creativity, resilience, and real-world skills. What we cover: From screen to school: The key differences between the original TV show and its educational adaptation—retaining the magic, while creating a more positive, inclusive, and resilience-focused environment for students. Making it work in schools: Practical ways educators are implementing Taskmaster, from lunchtime activities to after-school clubs—ensuring accessibility and engagement for all students. Engagement beyond the classroom: The role of video, team dynamics, and even social media in capturing student interest and bringing families into the learning experience. Building real-world skills: How tasks naturally develop communication, persuasion, lateral thinking, and problem-solving—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Confidence in action: Stories of students growing in confidence, taking ownership of their learning, and independently completing challenges they may once have avoided. Connecting school and home: The impact of parental involvement and community engagement, with learning continuing beyond the school gates. The power of play and failure: Why fun matters—and how embracing failure helps to build a genuine growth mindset in students. Creative challenges that inspire: Unique prize tasks that encourage imagination and personal expression—from building inventive structures to creating meaningful, memorable gifts. Unexpected outcomes: From students feeling confident enough to be silly, to developing deeper critical thinking—what happens when learners are given permission to explore and experiment. Guests Richard Sandle-Keynes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-sandle-keynes-b158aa32/ Nicki Cotter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-cotter-64659025a/ Poppy Bond Stephen Candy: https://www.instagram.com/stephencandyphotography/ Ali Struthers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-struthers-573558b3/ James Blake-Lobb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-blake-lobb/ Key Topics Adapting Taskmaster for Education Benefits for Special Needs Students Building Confidence and Resilience Teamwork and Communication Skills Real-World Problem Solving Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Taskmaster Club 04:32 Adapting Taskmaster for Special Needs Education 09:15 The Role of Fun and Creativity in Learning 12:53 Building Community and Parental Engagement 17:49 Fostering Skills Through Taskmaster Club 22:24 Communication and Teamwork in Taskmaster Club 26:48 The Impact of Prize Tasks on Learning 31:13 Conclusion and Reflections on Taskmaster Club   Resources Taskmaster Club Official Website - https://taskmastereducation.com/  Taskmaster Club: https://taskmastereducation.com/news/tm-club-2  Taskmaster Education Resources on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@taskmastereducation 

#322: Safeguarding in the Age of AI: Who's Responsible? In this engaging conversation, Sponsored by Hachette Learning Academy, Laura Knight discusses her extensive experience in education and her focus on integrating technology effectively within the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to EdTech, addressing not only the pedagogical aspects but also the emotional and social well-being of students. The discussion delves into the challenges of safeguarding in the digital age, the significance of scenario-based learning, and the ongoing debate surrounding screen time and digital engagement. Laura advocates for a shift in educational practices to better prepare students for the complexities of the digital world, highlighting the need for self-regulation, digital literacy, and a collaborative effort between parents and educators. The conversation concludes with insights from Laura's white paper, which outlines three key pillars for fostering digital responsibility in children: capability, conscience, and courage. Key Takeaways Laura Knight emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to EdTech. Safeguarding in the digital age is a shared responsibility among educators and parents. Screens themselves are neutral; the focus should be on the content accessed. Teaching self-regulation and digital literacy is crucial for young people. Generational differences impact how technology is perceived and used. The need for change in educational approaches is urgent and necessary. Digital ecosystems significantly influence children's learning and relationships. Peer support among parents can enhance digital literacy discussions. The three pillars of digital literacy are capability, conscience, and courage. Education must prepare children to thrive in a digital world with integrity.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Laura Knight and Her Work 02:55 The Holistic Approach to EdTech 06:12 Navigating Safeguarding in the Digital Age 09:04 The Reality of Cyber Attacks in Schools 12:03 The Debate on Screen Time and Digital Engagement 17:49 The Importance of Self-Regulation in Digital Spaces 25:04 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Parenting 28:01 The Generational Gap and Digital Disempowerment 30:12 Addressing the Digital Divide: Strategies for Change 36:54 Early Conversations: Building Foundations for Digital Literacy 37:51 Synthetic Intimacy: The Dangers of AI Relationships 45:22 Educating for Digital Life: The Three Pillars of Capability, Conscience, and Courage Laura Knight Linkedin Hachette Learning and Professional Development  Overview Hachette Learning Professional Development combines an established and expansive suite of books, guides, courses, and community opportunities that empower educators to take ownership of their teaching practice. The Professional Development includes Teaching WalkThrus, Hachette Learning Academy, Teacher Training Webinars, and, as of July 2025, Hachette Learning Professional Development Publications, formerly John Catt. For more than 60 years, John Catt has established itself as a highly regarded professional development publisher, earning the trust and loyalty of thousands of teachers around the world. Bringing all Hachette Learning Professional Development under one umbrella is a testament to our evolving mission to serve educators worldwide.

Summary In this conversation, Cerys Griffiths, head of BBC Bitesize, discusses the evolution of the platform, its role in supporting students, teachers, and parents, and the integration of AI in education. She emphasizes the importance of media literacy, the need for personalized learning experiences, and the ongoing efforts to engage both students and teachers in meaningful ways. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and the commitment of BBC Bitesize to remain a trusted resource in the educational landscape. Takeaways BBC Bitesize has evolved to support students, teachers, and parents. The platform is recognized as the most trusted education brand. AI is increasingly used by students for homework and revision. Media literacy is crucial in combating misinformation. Engaging content is essential for effective learning. Personalized learning experiences are a future goal for BBC Bitesize. Teachers are beginning to embrace AI as a useful tool. The importance of critical thinking skills in education is emphasized. BBC Bitesize aims to empower students through engaging formats. Future resources will include support for parents regarding AI.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to BBC Bitesize and Its Evolution 03:46 Supporting Students, Teachers, and Parents 06:46 The Role of AI in Education 09:29 Empowering Students with AI Knowledge 12:25 Media Literacy and Critical Thinking 15:10 Teacher Support and Resources 17:54 Engaging Students with Innovative Content 20:47 Future of BBC Bitesize and Personalization 34:00 Sparkling_Chime_Transition.wav 34:07 Evolving Education: The Role of BBC Bitesize 34:37 Empowering Young Minds: Critical Thinking and AI 35:02 NEWCHAPTER Referenced information  Cerys Griffiths - Head of BBC Bitesize  Bitesize Guide to AI BBC Bitesize and 5 Live Teen Summit Survey 

The Future of AI in Education: Ethical Innovation and Leadership with Rita Bateson - A Hachette Learning sponsored Episode. Join us as Dublin-based expert Rita Bateson shares insights on how educators and school leaders can harness AI's potential responsibly. From sustainability concerns to governance frameworks, discover practical strategies for integrating AI ethically in education to protect students and empower teachers. In this episode: The critical importance of sustainability and data center impact on AI's future How AI influences teaching practices and assessment reform Strategies for effective AI governance within schools Addressing ethical considerations and safeguarding student data Insights from Rita's extensive background in curriculum design and school leadership Practical frameworks for responsible AI deployment The emotional and social implications of AI for students and teachers Emerging trends and future scenarios in AI-driven education The importance of teacher agency, resilience, and human-centered values in AI integration Resources and tools to support schools in developing AI literacy Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to AI and education's ethical landscape 00:31 - Rita Bateson's background and expertise 01:14 - Sustainability challenges posed by data centers in Ireland 01:53 - The environmental impact of AI models like Claude, Gemini, and OpenAI 02:18 - The importance of teaching students discernment in AI use 02:57 - Developing language around AI ethics and evaluation stations 03:45 - Balancing AI benefits with energy consumption concerns 04:38 - Faith in human feedback and the value of teacher-student relationships 05:17 - The role of school leadership in modeling responsible AI behaviors 05:34 - Sustainability and energy considerations in AI-generated content 06:22 - Risks and opportunities in AI dependency 07:21 - The transformative potential of AI in assessment and workplace readiness 07:50 - Leadership guidance in AI strategy and governance 08:18 - Integrating AI governance into school policies 08:49 - Rita's background in curriculum development and assessment 09:40 - The evolution of AI debates in education 10:22 - Challenges of misinformation, hallucinations, and bias 11:20 - Legal, privacy, and cybersecurity risks for schools 11:48 - Protecting student identities and images with responsible data use 12:23 - Teaching digital literacy and algorithmic immunity 13:01 - Embodiment, experiential learning, and non-screen-based AI education 13:51 - The importance of digital and AI strategies aligning 14:18 - Key leadership advice: Invest in understanding AI 14:41 - Reimagining opportunities for professional growth 15:58 - The power of cautious optimism and reflection 16:53 - Celebrating uniqueness and human voice amidst AI proliferation 17:07 - Encouraging productive struggle and resilience in students 18:14 - Clear rules and deliberate use of AI in classrooms 18:48 - Rita's book: scenarios, experiments, and case studies in ethical AI use 19:15 - Sentiment analysis, micro-moments, and voice recognition in AI 20:11 - Potential of world models and immersive environments 20:50 - Opportunities for specialized subjects and student-led world-building 22:23 - Preparing students with digital literacy for future skills 23:41 - Balancing sustainability and responsible use in AI deployment 24:46 - The importance of evaluation and teacher agency 25:56 - Resources: free AI courses and tools from Ablama Learning 26:44 - The significance of protecting and amplifying educators' voices 27:12 - Historical perspective: Dublin's intellectual legacy and innovative spirit 27:44 - Closing thoughts: the role of educators in safeguarding sacred texts of knowledge 28:02 - Final words and gratitude Resources & Links: Ablama Learning - AI Literacy Resources Free AI courses Hachette Learning Academy  Books from Hachette Learning by Rita Bateson Connect with Rita Bateson: LinkedIn   This episode spotlights how responsible leadership, grounded in ethics and sustainability, can steer the future of AI in education. Embrace the opportunities while safeguarding our planet and student futures.

Unlocking the Power of Data in Education: Insights from the EdTech Podcast Explore how innovative data collection and analysis are transforming school leadership, student engagement, and outcomes. This episode highlights practical examples of how schools worldwide harness data to improve decision-making, boost engagement, and personalize learning experiences. Discover the future of data-driven education and key strategies for maximizing its impact. Key Topics The evolution of educational data over the last decade How engagement surveys like TEP provide granular, trustworthy insights The role of benchmark data in guiding school improvement efforts Using data for real-time decision making versus post-event analysis The impact of mobility and diversity on school data interpretation Encouraging a school culture of curiosity and continuous improvement through data The ethical use of data as a tool for enhancement, not judgment Future trends: AI, interoperability, and proactive data strategies Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest insights 00:32 - The importance of trustworthy and granular engagement data 01:20 - How the Engagement Platform (TEP) measures staff, student, and parent voice 02:42 - Linking engagement data to school outcomes like attendance and academic results 03:29 - The significance of benchmarking and comparability across schools and regions 04:55 - Overcoming challenges of data collection in high-mobility environments 06:19 - The power of data to inform targeted strategies and reduce emotional bias 07:23 - The three broad domains of TEP: cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement 09:00 - How data supports understanding student agency and decision-making 11:51 - Use cases of data in Australian and Middle Eastern school contexts 13:45 - Addressing regional differences and school strategies informed by data 15:23 - Linking engagement measures to academic achievement and school retention 16:52 - Managing disruptions due to mobility and diverse student populations 22:12 - Communicating data insights to families for transparency and trust 25:27 - The importance of tracking trends through frequent surveys vs single snapshots 30:32 - Identifying critical points of engagement decline and school transition data 33:02 - Benchmarking confidently: timing, comparability, and contextual factors 37:10 - The role of technological ease and usability in data success 42:46 - The future of data: proactive, forward-looking, and AI-enhanced analysis 46:07 - Building a data culture for continuous improvement rather than judgment 48:08 - The potential of AI to deepen school data insights and efficiency 49:14 - Final thoughts on the strategic use of data to support school growth Resources & Links Engagement Platform (TEP) — Official website https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-jerrim-65499382/ — Professor John Jermain's profile Dan O'Riley https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-o-reilly-50061441/ Dr Chris Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wilson-45538017b/ School Engagement and Wellbeing Research — Publications and papers linked to the insights discussed Connect with the Guests: Dr. Chris Wilson — LinkedIn | Twitter Dan O'Reilly — LinkedIn Professor John Jermain — UCL Profile

Summary   This conversation delves into the critical topic of online safety for children, featuring insights from experts in the field. The discussion covers the impetus behind the Online Safety Act, the roles of organizations like Ofcom and LGfL, and the importance of empowering parents and schools to foster safe online environments. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by technology, including AI, and emphasizes the need for continuous communication between parents and children regarding online safety.   Takeaways The Online Safety Act was prompted by tragic incidents involving children. Empowering parents and schools is crucial for online safety. Children's experiences online often differ from their parents'. Continuous communication about online safety is essential. Technology is an integral part of children's lives today. AI poses new risks that need to be addressed. Schools should engage parents creatively in online safety discussions. Risk assessments are vital for companies serving children. Children need to be educated about the risks of online content. Regulators must hold companies accountable for user safety. key  topics Legislation and regulation of online safety (Online Safety Act, Ofcom's role) Impact of AI and algorithms on children's online experiences Parental and educational strategies for online safeguarding Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Online Safety and the Guests 03:51 The Impetus Behind the Online Safety Act 05:35 Support from LGfL for Schools and Parents 08:14 The Role of Parents in Online Safety 10:59 Ofcom's Regulatory Role and Responsibilities 13:34 Impact of Algorithms on Children's Online Experience 16:21 Engaging Parents in Online Safety Discussions 18:06 Children's Experiences and Parental Awareness 20:06 Overcoming Parental Barriers to Online Safety Conversations 22:30 The Future of Social Media Regulations 24:38 Empowering Parents and Educators for Online Safety 26:57 Empowering Parents with Resources 28:30 Regulatory Frameworks and Company Accountability 33:40 School Policies on Technology Use 41:45 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education 47:39 Envisioning a Safer Digital Future 49:57 The Importance of Online Safety in Education 51:04 Navigating the Challenges of AI and Online Safety Resources Online Safety Act (UK) - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/29/enacted  Ofcom's Online Safety Framework - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety  UN Rights of the Child in Digital - https://www.un.org/en/rights-of-the-child  UNICEF Digital Child Safety Initiatives - https://www.unicef.org/child-rights/digital-safety  LGFL Safeguarding Resources - https://lgfl.net/Safeguarding/saferesources  Australian Online Safety Laws - https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/children-and-teenagers/online-safety  Ofcom's Research on Children's Online Experiences - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/children-online  Global Regulatory Cooperation on Digital Safety - https://www.ituc-csi.org/global-cooperation-digital-safety The resource I referenced is the Parent Online Safety Toolkit for schools – available to download at https://parentonlinesafety.lgfl.net/  

Summary This conversation explores the current challenges faced by educators in the Middle East amidst ongoing conflicts and the transition to remote learning. Experts discuss the importance of mental health, community support, and effective communication strategies to navigate these turbulent times. They emphasize the need for structured learning, the role of technology, and the significance of cybersecurity in education. The dialogue highlights the collective responsibility of educators to support students and families while maintaining their own wellbeing. Takeaways The education community is vital during crises. Mental health support is crucial for both students and teachers. Clear communication channels are essential for effective remote learning. Cybersecurity awareness is increasingly important in education. Flexibility in teaching methods can enhance student engagement. Community support networks can provide valuable resources and reassurance. Educators should prioritize their own wellbeing to better support others. Structured learning helps maintain a sense of normalcy for students. Inclusion practices must adapt to current challenges. Sharing best practices among educators can lead to improved outcomes.   Chapters   00:00 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects on the Brain 06:05 Practical Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety 09:16 Introduction and Context of Online Learning in Bahrain 15:10 Navigating Technology and Resources in Education 21:40 Introduction to Ivan's Journey in Education 27:51 The Importance of Wellbeing in Online Teaching 31:57 Introduction and Current Situation in Saudi Arabia 39:11 Learning from Global Educational Communities 41:30 Introduction to Julia Knight and Her Role 49:52 Understanding Unique Community Needs in Education 52:28 Introduction to Inclusion in Education 58:32 Safeguarding and Vulnerability in Education 01:02:50 Introduction to the Current Educational Landscape 01:04:55 Navigating Distance Learning Challenges 01:08:37 Strategies for Parents and Educators 01:12:01 The Importance of Structure in Education 01:13:07 Introduction to BSME and Current Challenges 01:16:03 Community Support and Communication Strategies 01:19:10 Well-being and Mental Health Initiatives 01:22:12 Advice for Schools and Educators Dr Catherine O'Farrell www.incluzun.com https://www.instagram.com/incluzunme/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071126186624 https://www.linkedin.com/in/katescc/ www.incluzun.com https://www.instagram.com/incluzunme/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071126186624 https://www.linkedin.com/in/katescc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-knight-mcct-a558a11a1?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios  https://www.cois.org/about-cis/perspectives-blog/blog-post/~board/perspectives-blog/post/supporting-students-impacted-by-the-conflict-in-the-world   From Clemmie Stewart Shannon Parfitt: Tom Percival books are great, they are all based on different emotions and help children to relate to the story and talk about their own feelings  Oak Academy for online learning may help to reduce workload and planning time. It's based on the British Curriculum. https://www.thenational.academy/lp/how-to-use-Oak-in-3-easy-steps-b 1. 🧠 Mental Health & Anxiety Support For Children: Use the '3-3-3 Rule' to ground them (name 3 things they see, 3 sounds they hear, and move 3 parts of their body). Organizations like ABC Center Riyadh and Aspris Wellbeing Centre offer specialized child-friendly CBT and emotional support. For Adults: The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) provides a directory of licensed providers. Their 'Qareebon' app is an excellent resource for immediate mental health self-assessment and guidance. Sarah Johnson: I've worked a lot yesterday to get some more free resources relating to war on my website There is no charge, please use them as is helpful for you and your communities https://lnkd.in/eTJP4wtz Louise Dawson https://www.linkedin.com/posts/louiseinclusion_things-feel-different-arabic-activity-7434505285802672128-epYK?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAZ-4IgB7NeHtFDKodx9z7IIo3hZafNjeOo Julie Knight  Ivan Langton Meet link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/16KLND4P4Z1-2A6FQP4vNWZo3TQNyOg05/view?usp=sharing Google vids to record content or make content - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1myPhqdcFh5vmhiG1MKmZOkLg5bTZ7Kq7/view?usp=sharing Canva code - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eIXPZ12SQbvV431bg9dYuWfxzwpHN44n/view?usp=sharing Google assignments - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OaV3qdL3xsW2bqp9jk9s_zExBxylhjWV/view?usp=sharing https://www.linkedin.com/in/misterel/ debra forsyth   https://www.bsme.org.uk/ https://www.cobis.org.uk/ Jeffrey Smith   

We begin this episode with Laurie Forcier and Pablo Langa from EDT & Partners, who share their insights on global education strategy and the impact of artificial intelligence amid today's shifting geopolitical landscape. Next, Graham Feek from Greenwood Academies Trust highlights an important warning regarding potential hardware supply shortages in the education sector. He also emphasizes that schools must begin shifting their culture in how they view technology as an investment that drives efficiency, rather than merely an expense. The conversation continues with Jarno Aantjes from ReadSpeaker, who explains how their text-to-speech technology supports the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach in creating more inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students and additional language learners. Complementing this discussion, Katie Freeman from Internet Matters underscores the importance of media literacy and online safety for children. She also stresses the need for schools to transition toward safer, more protected AI usage approaches by 2026. Although Bett UK 2026 has concluded, innovation in education never stops. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore event highlights and stay connected with the global education community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum — visit https://www.edmentum.com/ — and fully supported by the Bett team.

We kick off this episode with Neelam Parmar, who shares her insights on digital transformation and the integration of AI within global education systems. Neelam highlights how different regions are leading technological innovation, from online safety standards in the UK and AI-driven healthcare efficiency in China, to groundbreaking tech testbeds in the Middle East. Next, we turn to Derek Devine from Clever, who shares his unique career journey transitioning from a wedding planner to the world of EdTech. Derek explains how the Clever platform is alleviating the burden on schools worldwide by providing accessible, free technology for educators and students. Rounding out the conversation, Kat Couchie from NetSupport joins us to discuss the strong sense of community at Bett this year, including the fantastic energy at the Women in EdTech events. Kat also emphasizes the crucial renewed focus on inclusion and support for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), reminding us that any use of technology in the classroom must always be driven by strong pedagogical reasons to truly support student development and needs. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, innovation in education never stops. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the event's highlights and stay connected with the global education community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum—visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/—and fully supported by the Bett team.

In this episode, we welcome Edward Fitzpatrick, CEO of Conflow Power, to discuss the revolutionary "iLamp." Edward explains how he is transforming the humble street light from a "dumb," single-use utility into a smart, multi-functional device likening the shift to the evolution from a simple watch to a smartphone. He details the groundbreaking battery technology behind it, which allows these lamps to function off-grid by harvesting ambient energy, effectively creating a self-sustaining power source on every street corner. The conversation expands into the critical intersection of energy and Artificial Intelligence. Edward introduces the concept of "AI Factories"—off-grid data centers powered entirely by renewable sources. He argues that as AI's power consumption skyrockets, the traditional grid cannot cope, necessitating a move to decentralized power solutions that can rejuvenate rural areas and farms while supporting the next generation of computing without environmental cost. Finally, Edward highlights the immense educational potential of this technology, inviting schools and universities to witness these innovations firsthand at their site in Warwickshire. He believes that seeing "live physics" and tangible coding applications can inspire a new generation of engineers. You can learn more about these projects at ilamp.com, conflowpower.com, and aifactories.com

In this episode, we explore the intersection of technology, scalability, and human connection. We begin with Peter Lancet from My Trencher, who discusses the "numbers game" university career services face. He explains how his platform provides an "operational layer" that allows small teams to support thousands of students, moving from reactive advice to strategically identifying and assisting those most at risk. The conversation then deepens with Doug Delpha, a Professor at the University of Strasbourg and AI Engineer. Doug advocates for a return to the "Aristotle and Plato" style of mentorship, arguing that while teachers must become AI-proficient, their primary role is to be a protected human figure who can handle sensitive student crises that chatbots simply cannot. Crucially, Doug also issues a wake-up call regarding digital sovereignty, challenging international institutions to build "elasticity" into their systems rather than relying blindly on American infrastructure that could be impacted by geopolitical shifts or outages. We then turn our focus to the administrative side of inclusion with Andy Bell from Trellis. A winner of the CivTech award in Scotland, Andy shares how his team is using AI to alleviate the paperwork burden in Special Educational Needs (SEND) departments. By transcribing meetings and automatically creating first drafts of child plans, Trellis is helping councils and teachers reclaim valuable time, allowing them to focus less on administration and more on the students who need them most. Ready to learn more about the future of learning? This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway and Edmentum. Discover how they are transforming education by visiting https://www.everway.com/ and https://www.edmentum.com/.

In this packed short episode, we sit down with Matt from Canva on Day 3 of Bett 2026 to discuss how the platform has exploded to serve over 120 million monthly active teachers and students worldwide. Matt walks us through the "magic" of their latest features, including his personal favorite, Magic Sort. He explains how this AI-powered tool can instantly organize messy classroom brainstorming sessions into structured topics and documents with just two clicks, offering a massive time-saving advantage for busy educators. The conversation also dives into Canva's ambitious vision for 2026: becoming "truly local". Matt details how they are moving beyond simple translation to ensure design elements authentically represent local cultures and festivals, allowing every student to feel seen. We also hear about major milestones, such as the new partnership to equip every student in Northern Ireland with Canva , and an inspiring story from Thailand where a teacher transformed a dry science curriculum into an engaging, student-led TV show. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, the innovation continues. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the highlights and stay connected with the community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by the Bett UK team.

We kick off this final day at Bett UK 2026 with a splash of joy as Dr. Ali Struthers and James from Taskmaster Education take us inside the "Taskmaster Club." They discuss how the beloved TV format is being used to assess the "unmeasurable" skills like collaboration, lateral thinking, and resilience while teaching children valuable life lessons about fair play and understanding that "not everyone is a winner". Turning to the structural side of education, we navigate the complex world of professional standards with Andy Donachie from The CPD Group, who issues a critical warning about the surge of low-quality, AI-generated training and emphasizes why true credibility must remain rooted in human expertise. Rounding out the episode, Michael Forshaw from EdTech Impact tackles the hidden challenge of "shadow apps," explaining how his new "Digital Audit" service helps schools uncover forgotten subscriptions and shift their focus from buying "shiny" tech to measuring actual evidence and impact in the classroom. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, the innovation continues. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the highlights and stay connected with the community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by the Bett UK team.

We begin this episode with Andrew from the National Literacy Trust, who unveils the "National Year of Reading" campaign in response to a sharp decline in reading enjoyment among children. Andrew argues that in an AI-first world, literacy is more vital than ever, and shares how connecting texts to students' passions from gaming to sports can rekindle their "reader identity." Next, Connor Gaitley from Edmentum shifts the focus to "career-connected learning." Connor discusses how tools like Major Clarity are helping students explore diverse future pathways whether university or apprenticeships ensuring that education meets every learner where they are and closes no doors. We then explore practical AI tools for the classroom with Will from RedPen AI, a former teacher who turned his frustration with workload into innovation. Will explains how his platform bridges the gap between handwritten work and digital assessment, acting as a "second pair of eyes" to track progress without requiring 1:1 devices. Finally, Liz Crawford from Kahoot! joins us to discuss the platform's evolution from a simple quiz tool to an enterprise-ready learning ecosystem. Liz highlights their new AI generation features, deep integration with LMS platforms, and the 200+ independent research studies proving their impact on student outcomes. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, the innovation continues. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the highlights and stay connected with the community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum – visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.

We open this episode with Vicky Merrick, who shares insights from her groundbreaking pilot projects on collaborative assessment. Vicky explains how "comparative judgment" is revolutionizing subjective subjects like Art and Music, allowing teachers to achieve high statistical reliability by comparing student work rather than deciphering complex rubrics. Following Vicky, Mark House from RM broadens the discussion to the "global conundrum" of assessment in the age of AI. Mark argues that we must "measure what we treasure" rather than letting technology dictate values, emphasizing the importance of local context such as honoring rural community values and addressing the disconnect between passing exams and possessing the skills employers actually need. Rounding out the conversation, Nici Foote passionately advocates for bringing "joy" back into learning and ensuring digital inclusion. Nici discusses how tools like Canva are leveling the playing field for neurodiverse students even making complex tasks like timetabling fun and challenges the narrative around phone bans. Instead of bans, she suggests building "analogue communities" for balance while teaching authentic digital skills, and calls for affordable resources to support Teaching Assistants (TAs), whom she identifies as the "missing link" in special education. Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK 2026 at https://uk.bettshow.com/. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.