EdTech Unwrapped

In our working lives, we’re always using the sum total of our knowledge, so how can we make all the STEM subjects dance together in the classroom too?

From student-led initiatives to integrated lesson planning, Kelli List Wells and Jeff Huart have a plethora of uses for EdTech in crafting the integrated curriculum of the future!

Explore how STEM is being transformed to prepare students for tomorrow’s world, in today’s episode of EdTech Unwrapped.

This episode covers

• Integrated STEM education, connecting subjects together rather than teaching them in isolation
• Uses for AI in supporting teachers through lesson planning, differentiation, and new learning tools 
• Professional development strategies among educators
• How practical uses of STEM subjects and data can make lessons more engaging
• Allowing students to lead the conversation on the classroom of the future

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/

Kelli List Wells

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-list-wells-3ab43a6/

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

Educational strategy in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a HUGE transformation, and Ibrahim Alotaibi is central to its tech-driven vision for the future…

From AI-native students to innovative feedback channels, his work with Talemia as General Director of Strategy gives us a glimpse into the next-gen approach to teaching - join us on EdTech Unwrapped as we venture into the classroom of 2030!

This episode covers

• The Vision 2030 transformation of education in Saudi Arabia
• An increasing embrace of digital technologies and artificial intelligence
• The holistic approach to accommodating SEN students, preparing them for independence and integration into society
• Talimia's strategic role in educational development
• The emphasis on feedback channels for students, teachers, and parents to continuously enhance the quality of education in Saudi Arabia

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/

Ibrahim Alotaibi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahim-a-9314492a/

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

We’ve heard from school professionals in remote locations, but maybe none quite so secluded as the Shetland Islands…

Being a self-sufficient system in a region with 23,000 inhabitants presents unique and fascinating educational challenges for Neil Beattie and the Shetland Islands Council.

On EdTech Unwrapped this week, we explore the lifestyle of such a close-knit community, and how collaboration is central to their school system.

This episode covers

• The challenges with education on remote islands with limited resources
• How a strong community spirit helps Shetland overcome logistical challenges
• Creative solutions for building a sustainable local economy
• How technology and collaboration bridges the gap between remote island communities and mainland educational standards

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/

Neil Beattie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-beattie-6aa27952/?originalSubdomain=uk

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

Students with autism are too often left without a voice - that’s a challenge for which Renad Academy has some exemplary solutions…

Over the school’s 9 years, they’ve become Qatar’s shining beacon of SEN learning, thanks in no small part to this week’s guest, Curriculum Coordinator Joe Norton!

Join us as we explore how to best accommodate students with autism, the essential personalisation that helps them to connect, and the future prospects that Renad Academy creates for its students. 

This episode covers

• The use of communication devices and AI to give students with autism a voice and agency
• Leveraging generative AI to create personalised learning content tailored to students' interests and abilities
• Renad Academy’s focus on community-based instruction to help students with autism develop real-world skills 
• Future opportunities for students with autism, from employment to post-secondary education

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/

Joe Norton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-norton-2b386854/

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

Struggling schools have become beacons of excellence in Sharjah, and behind such transformation has been a new, exciting, dynamic organisation called SPEA!

The Sharjah Private Education Authority is creating collaboration and growth, thanks to our guest this week, Ziad Shatat, who’s their Director of Continuous Development.

Join us this week to explore how SPEA handles such a diverse educational landscape, builds trust with school leaders, and creates human-led tech experiences.

This episode covers

• Technology adoption in Sharjah schools accelerating as a result of Covid
• Raising education quality through collaboration, trust-building, and supporting schools, rather than passively monitoring them
• The diverse educational landscape in Sharjah spanning over 200,000 students from 100+ nationalities
• SPEA's focus on the ongoing enhancement of educational institutions
• Balancing technological enablement with human interaction

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!

Ziad Shatat

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

Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA)

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharjah-private-education-authority/

Duncan Verry

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

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

Tech is a transformative tool for learners and educators alike, but in the midst of digital evolution, no one can be left behind.

As AI continues to empower classrooms in Texas, Dr Mary Jane Hetrick takes us behind how they’re nurturing creativity, critical thinking and technical expertise across the board!

This episode covers

• Technology's role in personalised learning, creating individualised learning programmes
• The  importance of peer-to-peer learning and dedicated technology training for educators
• The potential of artificial intelligence to reduce teacher workload and enhance students’ experiences
• Challenges around digital equity and technology adoption in rural settings
• Developing critical skills like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking that cannot be measured by traditional assessment methods

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 Mary Jane Hetrick

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

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

Dr Mechiel Rozas is not your ordinary Superintendent, because the organisation she heads up is Not Your Ordinary School…

This charter school in Texas is reimagining learning for a huge roster of students, and using technology at scale as a strategic partner in the education process.

Dr Rozas joins us on EdTech Unwrapped as we share how charter schools can unlock unprecedented experiences, how NYOS deploys tech across such a wide workforce, and the unique logistical challenges they’re overcoming…

This episode covers

• Innovation as a charter school, offering small class sizes, looping teachers, and a commitment to civic engagement
• NYOS’ no-compromise implementation of one-to-one devices for students
• Student leadership and student voice as a priority, valuing the opinion of digital natives
• Keeping global career doors open for students 
• The ongoing challenge of school funding, and how AI might streamline administrative tasks to help relieve that strain

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!

Dr Mechiel Rozas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mechiel-rozas-00454955/

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

The genie’s out of the bottle with AI in education, but how will technology create more human experiences for learners?

John Jones is the Director of Innovation at RGS Worcester, and in EdTech Unwrapped he reveals how schools are transforming learning through smart technology integration and AI literacy on an international scale. 

Discover how to overcome teacher resistance to new tech, and gain insights into responsible AI use in classrooms - unlock the future of education in this game-changing episode of EdTech Unwrapped! 

This episode covers

• RGS Worcester's strategic approach to embedding digital tools, focusing on meaningful implementation and teacher professional development
• AI literacy and responsible use of tools from teachers and students
• Creating tailored technology training that addresses individual teachers’ needs
• Critical thinking skills for the digital age
• Balancing technology and human interaction

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/

John Jones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-jones-74795241/

RGS Worcester

https://www.linkedin.com/school/rgs-worcester/

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

In a jungle of misinformation and AI mistakes, how are we preparing the next generation to dodge the deceit and use technology for good?

Alice Whitby’s razor-sharp insight into the real-world impact of EdTech comes from her stellar career, which now sees her responsible for teacher development at Oasis Community Learning!

From smashing stereotypes around girls in tech roles, to bringing critical thinking to the forefront of education, see the EdTech world through Alice’s eyes on EdTech Unwrapped…

This episode covers

• How digital tools are integrated across Oasis Community Learning schools
• The importance of teaching students to critically evaluate online information, particularly around AI and misinformation
• Gathering student perspectives on technology, particularly focusing on safeguarding girls and addressing equity gaps in tech access
• The decline in computing hours in schools and the ongoing struggle to engage students in tech-related subjects
• How technology can support responsive teaching through real-time feedback

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/

Alice Whitby

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-whitby-29149a50/

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

There’s more educational data at our fingertips than ever before, so teachers of the future: you’d better use it wisely…

Dr JoAnn Fey is Superintendent of a huge school district that’s breaking boundaries and transforming classroom opportunities for underprivileged pupils.

She’s also the latest guest on EdTech Unwrapped, taking us on the journey to futureproofing the learning of over 43,000 students!

This episode covers

• Technology’s transformation of education from basic email systems to advanced AI integration
• Digital equity and access issues being exposed, particularly during Covid
• AI's potential to help teachers with grading, lesson planning, and personalised instruction
• The unique nature of Killeen ISD as it serves its large military community 
• The importance of training teachers to effectively use tech as a tool for learning

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 JoAnn Fey

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joann-fey-11923163/

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