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Innovations in EdTech: Insights from BETT UK

On Thursday, 23rd January, I was invited to Bett UK to interview some incredible companies leading the way in education technology. I had the chance to sit down with Jamf, a company helping schools and businesses manage Apple devices, RM, a UK-based provider of tech solutions supporting IT infrastructure in schools, and Kahoot!, the interactive quiz platform that’s transforming how students engage with learning. It was such a privilege to speak with these innovators about how they’re reshaping education.

I also connected with two other amazing exhibitors: I Can Compose, a platform empowering students to explore music composition, and Eduflix, which offers high-quality educational videos and resources for both teachers and students. It was inspiring to hear how these companies are enhancing the learning experience, and I can’t wait to share those conversations with you.

If you’d like to see more from my visit to Bett, I’ve also posted a video on the Education on Fire YouTube channel. Be sure to check it out for a closer look at the event and to hear more from the incredible companies I interviewed.

00.00 Intro

01:25 Jamf

12:58 RM

26:45 Kahoot

43:26 I Can Compose

45:06 EduFlix

Takeaways:

  • The podcast episode features interviews with innovative companies at BET UK, focusing on education technology.
  • Jamf is providing solutions for managing Apple devices in educational settings, enhancing both security and usability.
  • Kahoot is revolutionizing learning engagement through interactive quizzes and game-based learning environments.
  • Ediflix offers a comprehensive educational video library specifically designed for supporting teachers and students alike.
  • The conversation emphasizes the importance of personalized learning and the individual needs of students in educational technology.
  • The integration of technology in education is not merely about devices but also about enriching the learning experience for all students.

Links referenced in this episode:

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Transforming Language Acquisition: Insights from Wall Street English

Wall Street English is the leading provider in hybrid English language education with over 350 learning centers in 35 territories across the globe. Since its foundation 1972, it has provided tuition to over three million adults with over a million classes delivered every year through its language centers and digital classroom.

Wall Street English combines a proven and effective blended learning methodology with a scalable business model to capitalize on the growth potential of adult English language learning, including both center-based and online training. This includes corporate and enterprise solutions that provide effective, flexible English language training to business.

Now Wall Street English has courses for young people that include:

English for your child, Teens English course, Teen course plans

My conversations is with James Mc Gowan, PhD 

Chief Executive Officer at Wall Street English

Takeaways:

  • The importance of accessibility in education allows learners to engage with content at their own convenience, ensuring a tailored learning experience.
  • Fostering a supportive environment wherein peers can correct and learn from each other enhances the educational journey significantly.
  • Understanding that it’s acceptable to experience failure is crucial for personal growth and reflection in the learning process.
  • Empowering learners to take ownership of their learning journey is essential for achieving tangible outcomes in their lives.
  • The integration of technology into learning must be complemented by human connection to ensure students feel supported and understood.
  • Creating an atmosphere that encourages curiosity and experimentation in language learning leads to greater engagement and long-term retention.

Website

www.wallstreetenglish.com

Social Media Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mc-gowan/

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Empowering Futures: How Badock’s Wood E-ACT Academy Shapes Young Minds

Jonathan Arthur is the Executive Headteacher of Badock’s Wood E-ACT academy and discusses the complexities and rewards of modern education. Jonathan articulates that while the educational landscape is more challenging than ever, it remains profoundly gratifying to enact positive change in students’ lives.

He emphasises the importance of cultivating a nurturing environment where aspirations are not merely raised but made achievable through support and commitment. He highlights the necessity of building a learning culture that fosters continuous growth for both educators and students.

Jonathan passionately advocates for the integration of technology in the classroom, asserting that it should be embraced and used to equip children with the skills necessary for the future. Community engagement is important with schools serving as central hubs that inspire and empower their local populations.

Jonathan’s insights into behaviour management reveal his belief that all behaviour is a form of communication, often indicative of underlying discomfort or distress. He encourages educators to approach behavioral challenges with empathy and understanding, fostering an environment where students feel safe and respected.

Education is not just a profession but a lifelong vocation that requires passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of each child’s future.

Takeaways:

  • Education currently presents immense challenges, yet it remains an unparalleled vocation within society.
  • The privilege of impacting lives and fostering aspirations in children is a daily reward for educators.
  • Inspiring children to believe that their dreams are achievable is essential for their development.
  • A culture of learning must be cultivated within schools, reflecting the continuous growth of educators.
  • Technology should be embraced as an educational tool, promoting safety and future readiness among students.
  • The importance of modeling expectations and being visible within the school environment cannot be overstated.

Website

https://badockswoodacademy.e-act.org.uk/

https://ilminsteravenueacademy.e-act.org.uk/

Teachers at Badock’s Wood use technology from ONVU Learning to record their lessons, share with colleagues and improve their teachingwww.onvulearning.com

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Understanding Left-Handedness in Education: A Conversation with Mark Stewart

How do we support left-handed children in a predominantly right-handed world? Mark Stewart, founder of Left n Write Ltd, shares his journey and insights on the unique challenges faced by left-handed individuals, particularly in educational settings. With over 1 million left-handed children in schools across England, Mark emphasizes the lack of awareness and training for educators on how to assist these students effectively.

Mark started his small business about 30 years ago as a result of trying to find left-handed scissors for his youngest son when he was 4.

Mark’s wife Heather had no training in helping left-handed children during her Teacher Training so they started to campaign with their left-handed MP, Peter Luff, to change the Education system to be proactive rather than passive.

They had meetings with Ministers, questions and a 30 minute adjournment debate in the House of Commons, produced a training video in 1999 (now downloadable/interactive and was updated last year) as well as writing an information/activity book titled “So You Think They’re Left Handed?” and 3 books titled “Left Hand Writing Skills”. We have also produced other resources specifically for left-handed children in education. Over the years I have run over 200 training workshops.

In 2021 Mark co founded and is co-chair of a global group called “LEFT-IN” Left-Handers Education Forum and Training International Network (left-in.org) with the aim to improve the information and education available to the educators of left-handed children around the world.

Takeaways:

  • There are over 1 million left-handed children in schools in England, yet teacher training lacks essential support for them.
  • Simple adjustments, like seating arrangements in classrooms, significantly benefit left-handed children and their right-handed peers.
  • Left-handed children face unique challenges in a right-handed world, emphasizing the need for awareness and adjustments.
  • The lack of data on left-handed children in education hinders understanding their needs and potential challenges.
  • Mark Stewart encourages parents to advocate for left-handed children in schools to ensure they receive adequate support.

Website

www.leftshoponline.co.uk

Social Media Information

Facebook.com/LeftnWrite

Instagram: leftshoponline

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-stewart-52271020

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Navigating Tough Conversations: Shelby Kretz on Talking Social Justice with Kids

Dr. Shelby Kretz is the creator of Little Justice Leaders, an organization that provides social justice education resources for educators and families. Shelby earned her Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, and her research explores social justice education at the elementary school level. Over the past decade, Shelby has worked with thousands of parents, teachers, and school leaders to bring social justice education to elementary aged kids.

She emphasizes that biases begin to form as early as three years old, making it crucial for educators and parents to have resources that support age-appropriate conversations about complex topics such as race, gender, and disability justice.

With a focus on collaboration and continuous learning, this conversation underscores the significance of fostering critical thinking and empathy in children as they navigate today’s multifaceted world.

Takeaways:

  • Parents and educators must engage young children in conversations about social justice early.
  • Little Justice Leaders provides resources for teachers to address complex social issues effectively.
  • The shift to digital resources allows for more accessibility and affordability in education.
  • Building a supportive community among educators fosters collaboration and shared learning experiences.
  • It’s crucial to keep up with changing language and terminology surrounding social justice topics.
  • Creating a curriculum that evolves with students ensures they grasp the principles of justice.

Website

www.littlejusticeleaders.com

Social Media Information

@littlejusticeleaders on IG, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

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