Advertise on podcast: EdTech Unwrapped

Welcome back to EdTech Unwrapped, and to a new series: ‘Inside the Classroom’, which explores experiences, realities, and the opportunities and challenges of using technology in education today. In this episode we go beyond the excitement of discovering new tools at Bett, and get into the reality of how schools actually choose, trial, and adopt technology.  Emily Hobson from Oasis Community Learning talks candidly about running a one‑to‑one digital strategy across 37 primaries, and what evidence she trusts most, while Mike Forshaw from EdTech Impact shares what the data really says about usability, workload, and impact.  This episode covers How schools move from being attracted to tools at events like Bett to actually trialling, implementing, and embedding themTension between wanting robust, contextual evidence and the lack of long‑term studies for new and AI‑driven toolsEase of use and workload reduction as decision drivers, and what risks being de-prioritised as a resultThe push towards consolidated stacks, open APIs, real‑time analytics, and better visibility across toolsAI data use, MIS integration, and how both schools and vendors need to streamline due‑diligence and buyingMike Forshaw https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeforshaw/ Emily Hobson https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hobson-16b586120/ Duncan Verry https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Watch this episode on YouTube HERE! AI has raced into classrooms faster than many school systems can keep up, but has it genuinely made teachers’ lives easier, or simply added complexity to their day?  As we return to kick off a brand new series of EdTech Unwrapped, Duncan sits down with Lenovo’s Senior Strategist for Education, Delia DeCourcy, to unpack the latest BETT “AI in Education 2026” report and what it really tells us about adoption in the classroom.  They explore why teacher use of AI has surged from under 30% to almost 80%, yet two in five schools still have no policy or training in place - all this, plus workload, cheating, AI PCs, data security, and ushering in a sustainable phase of AI in education. This episode covers AI adoption vs institutional readinessWorkload, time and whether AI truly creates efficiencyRedesigning assessment around new methods of cheatingAI literacy, student use and teacher guiltBuilding capacity and culture around AI confidenceAI PCs, security and hybrid AIDuncan Verry https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/ Delia DeCourcy https://www.deliadecourcy.com/ https://uk.bettshow.com/speakers/delia-decourcy https://www.linkedin.com/in/delia-decourcy-45819317/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Tech is at the heart of tomorrow’s classroom, and nobody could be a greater custodian for the classroom of the future than Jacob Woolcock. From the accessibility features unlocking learning, to empowering teachers to step outside their comfort zone with EdTech, he’s a real role model for today’s primary students to become better learners through technology! This episode rounds off a special mini-series recorded live at Bett, and it’s an inspiring look at how to prepare students and educators for the innovations that we don’t even know exist yet… Mary Lloyd https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryflloyd/ Jacob Woolcock https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobwoolcock/ https://www.jacobsquick.tips/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

From one teacher at the start of a school’s 1-to-1 device journey, to another whose whole 22-school MAT is sharing the gains of these devices, this podcast is a special one… Rather than chase the shiny tool, and get devices for the sake of it, George Barlow and Dan Blundred focus on the pedagogy behind their progress with EdTech. They’re our special guests on this episode of EdTech Unwrapped, packed with ideas on how small, thoughtful changes can make HUGE time-savings for teachers across a MAT. Mary Lloyd https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryflloyd/ George Barlow https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebarlow25/ Dan Blundred https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-blundred-75a449247/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Tech literacy doesn’t have to be difficult, especially with the help of incredible digital communities like those you’ll find at Bett! Amanda Pickard and Poppy LeMar see teachers as EdTech leaders in the classroom, and they’re making it accessible for educators at ALL skill levels, so that every student embraces tomorrow’s technology. Join us for this special episode of EdTech Unwrapped for a look at the invaluable communities Bett builds, and what they share to help others embrace a confident mindset around digital tools in the classroom. Mary Lloyd https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryflloyd/ Amanda Pickard https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-brougham-pickard-77635131/ Poppy LeMar https://www.linkedin.com/in/poppy-lemar-pink/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Out of all the CPD that Meg Brough gives out and receives, it’s the Bett Show that gives her so much to take into the year ahead! She’s building a digital strategy to help teachers work smarter, not harder, and the conversations and convention stands are among the best sources of inspiration for her work at Perth and Kinross Council.  Join us LIVE from the Bett Show floor as Meg shares how she creates sustainable digital transformation, and what she’ll take away from this year’s show. Mary Lloyd https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryflloyd/ Meg Brough https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-brough-163b39201/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

The tools to create a more practical, accessible classroom for SEND students are closer to your fingertips than you might think… One of Bett 2026’s speakers, Claire Harrison, described an ‘assistive technology toolkit’; a phrase that rings true for SEND specialists Dr Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman. The duo join us LIVE from the show floor to discuss the SEND Village at Bett, EdTech & AI’s involvement in SEN teaching, and advice for any SENDCOs incorporating AI and EdTech into their schools! Mary Lloyd https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryflloyd/ Dr Sarah Moseley  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sarah-moseley-a7a32646/ Ginny Bootman https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-bootman-0b7436184/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Welcome to a VERY special mini-series of EdTech Unwrapped, recorded LIVE at the Bett Show 2026! We’ll be catching up with educators and EdTech professionals from the show floor, exploring the tech changing our classrooms before it’s even in our hands yet. This mini-series kicks off with the lovely Amy Fraser, who you might know as The Geordie Teacher from her fantastic social content. She talks us through how Canva’s new tools create meaningful experiences, and why the careful transition to new systems will be the key to letting teachers simply teach! Mary Lloyd https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryflloyd/ Amy Fraser https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyfraser2000/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Welcome to a VERY special two-part edition of EdTech Unwrapped: Lessons from Leaders, where we pause to reflect on the standout themes and powerful ideas shaping the future of education technology.  This week’s EdTech Unwrapped: Lessons from Leaders is the conclusion of the two-part episode, highlighting some of the leading ideas from the series so far. We turn attention to students’ learning, exploring how their understanding of tech & AI plays into EdTech strategies, and the role of students’ voices in shaping it. This episode covers The rapid adoption of AI and digital tools among students, outpacing many educators The essential role of critical thinking and digital literacy in helping students safely use new technologiesStreamlining digital ecosystems in schools, with a focus on single sign-on and minimising cognitive loadThe significance of understanding digital economies such as influencer culture, and how these trends are shaping students’ livesBuilding effective digital strategies by fostering collaboration between educators and studentsLooking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.  After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here! Duncan Verry https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/ Alice Whitby https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-whitby-29149a50/ John Jones https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-jones-74795241/ Dr Alexandra Read https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-read/ Reasat Chowdhury https://www.linkedin.com/in/rchowdhury/ David Olinger https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidolinger/ Praveen Raju https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkalidindi/ Sushma Bharath https://www.linkedin.com/in/sushma-bharath-5776341/ James Browning https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrowning22/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Welcome to a VERY special two-part edition of EdTech Unwrapped: Lessons from Leaders, where we pause to reflect on the standout themes and powerful ideas shaping the future of education technology.  In this first part, we shine a spotlight on teachers, exploring how EdTech and AI are not just revolutionising student learning, but transforming the teaching experience itself.  Duncan guides us through a dynamic selection of best bits from across the series so far, with pointers on not just what technologies are ideal for teachers, but why they can no longer be ignored, and how to integrate them effectively. Be sure to return for the second part of this episode, where we’ll be shining a spotlight on how EdTech affects the student experience. This episode covers Empowering teachers with EdTech and AI to reduce workload, enhance wellbeing, and reclaim teaching timeThe role of structured training, support, and collaborative thinking in successful technology adoptionReal-world classroom strategies, including using real-time data and digital tools for more effective and efficient teachingBuilding trust and partnerships between educators and EdTech developers to address practical challenges and innovate responsiblySafeguarding student and staff data by adopting secure, ethical AI tools with clear guidelines and ongoing educationLooking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.  After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here! Duncan Verry https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/ Dr Mary Jane Hetrick https://www.linkedin.com/in/foundationlogicllc/ Danielle Lewis-Egonu https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-lewis-egonu-94304267/ Cheryl Shirley https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-shirley/ Tim Goodman https://www.linkedin.com/in/itme/ Chris Hillidge https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hillidge-stem-director/ Rory Vokes-Dudgeon https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-vokes-dudgeon-41936a164/ Ash Mudaliar https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-mudaliar/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

At a time where industry titans like Jaguar Land Rover and M&S can be hit by cyber attacks, safe implementation of tech systems should be a top priority for ALL schools. The Dean Trust’s Mike Ward has been instrumental in leading a strategy which sees a trust capable of implementing safe, smart technologies in just 48 hours… Working at speed is one thing, but bringing students, parents and educators along on that journey is another, so join us on EdTech Unwrapped to explore how The Dean Trust is able to achieve all this across its 13 schools. This episode covers Strategic and pragmatic technology transformation in educationThe integration of modern IT systems and cybersecurity within a multi-academy trustCareful transition from legacy systems to innovative platformsThoughtful and cautious adoption of AI tools to ensure privacy, data security, and a measured roll-outImportance of gathering evidence of technology's impact through both quantitative and qualitative feedback from teachers, students, and parentsOngoing plans for infrastructure investment and closer curriculum-technology alignmentLooking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.  After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here! Duncan Verry https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/ Mike Ward https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-ward-miet-citp-cisa-8993484a/ The Dean Trust https://thedeantrust.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-dean-trust/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

As with all new EdTech, we need to consider two things: its impact in the classroom, and its impact on students’ brains - for better, and for worse… As this week’s guest on EdTech Unwrapped warns, digital tools are able to create a sense of ‘cognitive offload’ which switches off students’ critical thought processes. Dare Pitan is the Digital Education Lead at the University of Birmingham Dubai, and this week he takes us through how students and educators are shaping a strategy which enhances students’ engagement, rather than eroding it. This episode covers Overcoming resistance and fostering acceptance of digital technology among educatorsThe importance of demonstrating both the usefulness and ease of use for technology adoptionThe impact of AI and digital tools on time management, assessment, critical thinking, and academic integrity in universitiesThe value of student voice and feedback in shaping the integration and responsible use of technology Collaborative initiatives and ongoing projects that promote AI integrationLooking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.  After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here! Duncan Verry https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/ Dare Pitan https://www.linkedin.com/in/dare-pitan/ University of Birmingham Dubai https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-birmingham-dubai/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

What does it take to make the huge migration from one EdTech ecosystem to another? How do you bring everyone together for that transition, and leave no student or teacher behind? Chrishantha Dias is Director of IT at North London Collegiate School Dubai, and as he headed up their school's journey from Microsoft to Google, the focus on teacher involvement and strategies for overcoming resistance during the transition was second-to-none.  Join Chrish in conversation with Duncan on EdTech Unwrapped this week as they also delve into integrating AI and generative technology with privacy at the core, teacher empowerment,and how to showcase tech for good. This episode covers Strategies for migrating from one system to another, as North London Collegiate School Dubai did from Microsoft to GoogleThe role of planning, teacher involvement, and overcoming resistance to changeUsing technology to monitor and guide digital behaviours, assisting with safeguarding and student wellbeingThoughtful evaluation and cautious adoption of AI platforms in schoolsSharing best practices and collaborating with other schools internationally, while adapting approaches to different cultures and demographicsHow technology promises to personalise learning, support special educational needs, and involve students in shaping the school's tech landscapeLooking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.  After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here! Duncan Verry https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/ Chrishantha Dias https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishanthad/ North London Collegiate School Dubai https://www.linkedin.com/school/north-london-collegiate-school-dubai/ https://nlcsdubai.ae/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

The Creative Education Trust is pioneering technology adoption across 17 schools, and it’s the collaboration between each which drives EdTech forward for all. Ash Mudaliar, Director of IT and EdTech at the trust, joins us for a dive into their strategies for empowering countless students and educators across the country. We’ll explore frameworks for tech adoption, how to inspire teachers’ confidence, and how individual schools sharing their experiences can filter through to an entire trust. This episode covers Strategic development of EdTech in line with educational prioritiesBuilding teacher confidence and competence for meaningful technology integrationSafe and policy-driven adoption of AIDigital accessibility & inclusion for students with SEND and EAL needsCollaboration & knowledge sharing throughout schools within a trustLooking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.  After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here! Duncan Verry https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/ Ash Mudaliar https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-mudaliar/ Creative Education Trust https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-education-trust/ https://www.creativeeducationtrust.org.uk/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

What does it mean to truly prepare students and teachers for a world shaped by digital innovation and AI? O’Dea High School is building digital literacy from the ground up, training educators to thrive alongside their students, fluent in the tech that matters most. David Olinger, Director of Digital Strategy, joins us on EdTech Unwrapped with his candid insights on the challenges and opportunities of AI in the classroom, leaders’ roles in tech adoption, and why wellbeing remains at the heart of every decision! This episode covers The importance of preparing students for future readiness, including both digital and life skillsChallenges and strategies for training teachers to keep pace with rapidly evolving EdTechStreamlined, consistent digital ecosystems in schools to reduce cognitive load for studentsHow leaders create a positive environment for AI adoptionSecurity, student wellbeing, and the risks of over-dependence on AILooking at your school’s digital strategy? SMART’s free EdTech assessment tool is designed to help you ask the right questions and have the right conversations for an aligned, cohesive digital strategy that will stand the test of time.  After answering the questions in the quiz, you will receive an immediate, individual comprehensive report filled with precise recommendations designed to enhance and refine your school’s digital strategy. Get started aligning your digital strategy here! Duncan Verry https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/ David Olinger https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidolinger/ Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/