EdTech Unwrapped

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 education
• The integration of modern IT systems and cybersecurity within a multi-academy trust
• Careful transition from legacy systems to innovative platforms
• Thoughtful and cautious adoption of AI tools to ensure privacy, data security, and a measured roll-out
• Importance of gathering evidence of technology's impact through both quantitative and qualitative feedback from teachers, students, and parents
• Ongoing plans for infrastructure investment and closer curriculum-technology alignment

Looking 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 educators
• The importance of demonstrating both the usefulness and ease of use for technology adoption
• The impact of AI and digital tools on time management, assessment, critical thinking, and academic integrity in universities
• The value of student voice and feedback in shaping the integration and responsible use of technology 
• Collaborative initiatives and ongoing projects that promote AI integration

Looking 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 Google
• The role of planning, teacher involvement, and overcoming resistance to change
• Using technology to monitor and guide digital behaviours, assisting with safeguarding and student wellbeing
• Thoughtful evaluation and cautious adoption of AI platforms in schools
• Sharing best practices and collaborating with other schools internationally, while adapting approaches to different cultures and demographics
• How technology promises to personalise learning, support special educational needs, and involve students in shaping the school's tech landscape

Looking 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 priorities
• Building teacher confidence and competence for meaningful technology integration
• Safe and policy-driven adoption of AI
• Digital accessibility & inclusion for students with SEND and EAL needs
• Collaboration & knowledge sharing throughout schools within a trust

Looking 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 skills
• Challenges and strategies for training teachers to keep pace with rapidly evolving EdTech
• Streamlined, consistent digital ecosystems in schools to reduce cognitive load for students
• How leaders create a positive environment for AI adoption
• Security, student wellbeing, and the risks of over-dependence on AI

Looking 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/

The 3-18 Education Trust has a huge role in unifying their schools’ approach to EdTech, and heading up that mammoth task is Director of IT, Tim Goodman!

Harnessing data to create a better environment for teachers and learners has never been more possible, but only when schools are empowered as they are within the trust…

So join Tim, chatting with Duncan Verry, and explore what turns data points into progress, and how collaboration and passion transforms classrooms across the trust’s schools!

This episode covers

• Integrating technology across a growing multi-academy trust
• The challenges and benefits of migrating schools onto a single technology stack
• Leveraging AI and data intelligence platforms to improve decision-making across diverse school systems
• The importance of professional development and ongoing training for educators
• Collaboration, shared learning, and open communication both within the trust and with external partners 
• Balancing centralisation with respect for individual schools’ autonomy

Looking 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/

Tim Goodman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itme/

Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

The Wisconsin Dells is a rural district with a unique draw for tourists, so how does a small school district use technology to make a splash?

Hugh Gaston is the fantastic Director of Digital Learning and Technology, and with his unique journey from Principal to tech leader, he’s able to bridge the gap between the sceptics and the innovators!

Join us to explore how the School District of Wisconsin Dells  has set its sights on a horizon of innovation in this week’s EdTech Unwrapped…

This episode covers

• Technology challenges in a rural district, with limited internet service providers and a diverse student population
• Overcoming friction towards AI integration 
• How Wisconsin Dell handles challenges around funding and upgrading technology infrastructure
• Hugh’s experience as a former principal, giving him a unique perspective on technology implementation, bridging the gap between administrators, teachers, and tech staff
• How EdTech unlocks professional development opportunities

Looking 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/

Hugh Gaston

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-gaston-09700447/

Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s bold educational outlook for the territory, but how does an entire country coordinate its efforts to revolutionise education?

Dr Nasser Aluwaishiq is on the cutting edge of how EdTech integrates with the human-driven schooling that’s core to a balanced curriculum.

He brings us an inside look at how students are being prepared for a broad, diverse future, and how teachers can be best equipped to deliver that vision…

This episode covers

• Vision 2030 at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s balanced approach to educational reform
• Strategically implemented technology to support teachers, reduce workload, and enhance learning
• AI’s careful integration, while encouraging students to learn critical thinking skills as they evaluate AI-generated information
• Teachers’ professional development in emerging technologies 

Looking 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 Nasser Aluwaishiq

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasser-aluwaishiq/

Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

In this very special episode of EdTech Unwrapped, we're joined by not one, but three guests to dive deep into technological transformation across Southeast Asia’s classes!

From personalised learning experiences to shifting value towards skills rather than knowledge, this week’s episode features the keen insight of Jeanne Denyer, Thanbeer Kaur & Osama Younes - all members of the Bett Asia Advisory Board.

This episode covers

• Schools’ rapid embrace of tech change in Southeast Asia
• Ethical and privacy concerns around the responsible use of AI
• Personalised learning solutions, particularly for students with diverse learning needs and skill levels
• The shift from knowledge acquisition to developing professional skills that prepare students for an unpredictable future
• Balancing innovation and human connection

Looking 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/

Jeanne Denyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-denyer-632180214/

Osama Yunes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-yunes/

Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/

Marlo Gaddis has been an educational tour de force throughout her career, which paid dividends when Covid put her skills as a CTO to full use…

The Wake County Public School System adapted to the time, but the REAL work began long before that… 

This week’s EdTech Unwrapped draws on Marlo’s remarkable expertise to explore how to introduce personalised learning, technology’s limits in doing so, and why AI shouldn’t be the scapegoat for cheating in modern schooling!

This episode covers

• How COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation and quickly upskilled teachers in technology use
• The growing recognition of digital and AI literacy as essential skills 
• Prerequisites for personalised learning with EdTech
• Technology as a tool, rather than an all-encompassing solution

Looking 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!

Marlo Gaddis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgaddis/

Duncan Verry

https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-verry-aa44175/

Discover Bett: https://uk.bettshow.com/