In this episode of the podcast, we are super pleased to be able have another thought-provoking conversation, this time with Ian Timbrell, another Crown House Publishing author. Ian has written a brilliant book, More Than Flags and Rainbows, so we sit down to chat about the future of education, focusing on the importance of true inclusion, cultural change, and creating safe spaces for all students. Ian shares his journey from teaching to founding a not-for-profit organisation aimed at training sc...
Aug 18, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 305
In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Ben's fellow Accringtonian, Professor Andy Hargreaves to discuss the complexities of education, focusing on student engagement, the impact of teachers, and the importance of identity and belonging in the learning process. Andy shares his personal journey from Accrington to Canada, highlighting the role of influential teachers in shaping his career. The conversation delves into the challenges of absenteeism, the dimensions of student e...
Aug 11, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 304
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome another Crown House Publishing author, Leonie Briggs, the director of Amaze Lab, to discuss the future of education, particularly in the realms of STEM and STEAM. Leonie shares her journey from veterinary practice to education, her passion for creating engaging learning experiences, and her new book, 'Make Your Own Rainbow.' The conversation explores the importance of creativity, play, and real-world applications in learning, as well as the community en...
Aug 04, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 303
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Tom Hooper, founder of Third Space Learning, to discuss the evolution of tutoring from human-led to AI-driven models. Tom shares insights on the effectiveness of one-to-one tutoring, the importance of equitable access to education, and the role of teachers in integrating AI into learning environments. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to transform educational outcomes, particularly for at-risk learners, while emphasising the need for...
Jul 27, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 297
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome John Tomsett, an experienced educator and author. John shares his journey from head teacher to educational consultant, emphasising the importance of understanding teaching through a global lens. The conversation delves into the significance of checking for understanding in the classroom, the challenges of a content-heavy curriculum, and the role of expectations in education. John discusses his latest books, which highlight the traits of truly great teac...
Jul 21, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 297
In this milestone 300th episode of the podcast, we reflect on the journey, the evolution of education, and the importance of community. We discuss the key trends in education that we shared at Uprising25, the need for a shift in assessment methods, and the concept of agency with guardrails to foster independent thinking in students. The conversation unapologetically focuses on the necessity of redefining the purpose of education to prepare learners for a complex world, advocating for a system th...
Jul 14, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 300
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by the wonderful Emma Darcy, a prominent figure in EdTech, discussing her journey, the importance of community and networking, and the transformative role of AI in education. Emma shares insights on the Apps for Good initiative, emphasising the need for schools to adapt to the changing landscape of technology and student engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of professional generosity, the value of community support, and the necess...
Jul 07, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 297
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Christian Turton, the EdTech Lead at Chiltern Learning Trust. We discuss the evolving role of technology in education, particularly the integration of AI. Christian shares insights on the Department for Education's recent guidance on Generative AI in schools, emphasising the importance of safe and effective use. The conversation highlights the positive reception among educators of the AI toolkits he has developed and the need for a shift in mindset towa...
Jun 30, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 298
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Matt Bowman, founder of OpenEd, to discuss the evolution of education and the importance of personalised learning. We explore how traditional education systems are failing to meet the needs of diverse learners and the role of technology, particularly AI, in shaping the future of education. Matt talks about the need for parents to take an active role in their children's education and the importance of creating engaging learning environments that fo...
Jun 23, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 297
In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we chat with the wonderful Meagan Alfano all the way from Edmonton, Canada, who shares her insights on the importance of STEM education, the role of fun and creativity in learning, and innovative teaching practices such as design thinking and the use of micro:bit technology. Meagan discusses her journey in education, the challenges and shifts in the Canadian education system, and the need for educators to inspire and engage students. The conversation ...
Jun 16, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 296
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome back Louise Jones, the Chief Community Officer at ThingLink. We discuss her journey in education technology, the significance of multi-modal learning, and the shift from measuring attendance to engagement in educational settings. Louise talks passionately about the importance of accessibility and compassion in communication, sharing a case study of Mitsubishi Electric's innovative training solutions that utilises immersive experiences to train future en...
Jun 09, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 295
In this episode of the podcast, we have the awesome privilege of being joined by none other than Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE and former White House Education Adviser. We discuss the future of education and the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences. The conversation explores the importance of thoughtful tech integration (or not integration as you will hear Richard say!), the need for innovative teaching practices, and the significance of preparing students for a digital world. Ric...
Jun 02, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 294
In this episode of the podcast, we review six recent episodes, discussing key themes in education, including the future of EdTech, the importance of community, the role of AI, and the need for change in educational leadership. We reflect on super insightful conversations with various guests, emphasising the need for agency, choice, and responsible use of technology in education. The episode also features book reviews and a look back at the podcast's journey as we approach our 300th episode. Chap...
May 25, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 293
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Professor Mike Sharples, an expert in educational technology, to discuss the evolving landscape of education, particularly in relation to AI and online learning. Mike is Emeritus Professor of Educational Technology at The Open University. We explore the history and impact of the Open University, the importance of pedagogy in integrating technology, and the potential of AI to enhance learning experiences. The conversation also addresses the challen...
May 19, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 292
In this episode of the podcast, it is just Steve as Ben is away on his jetsetting adventures! But it's not just one Steve; we get a double Steve whammy as he is joined by Steve Baker, a seasoned educator and author. Steve lives in Anglesey, North Wales with his wife Sian. After a long career in education, from which he is semi-retired, he wrote his highly acclaimed non-fiction title, That Behaviour Book , which won book of the year in the Teach Secondary awards in 2023. As a life-long comedy fan...
May 12, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 291
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome back for the FOURTH time, the wonderful, majestic, Al Kingsley MBE, a prominent figure in the EdTech space. Alongside Al's personal challenges, we discuss his multifaceted roles in education, and the importance of supporting startups in the EdTech ecosystem. The conversation delves into the slow evolution of education systems, the need for change in educational conversations, and the release of Al's new book, which addresses awkward questions in educati...
May 05, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 290
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined again by Dr Jamie Smith, Executive Chairman at C-Learning and author of the new book The Responsible AI Revolution. Jamie joins us to discuss the intersection of AI and education, emphasising the need for a responsible approach to AI implementation. Jamie introduces his book, which addresses the potential consequences of AI in education and the importance of asking deeper questions about its role. The conversation explores ethical considerations, the...
Apr 28, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 289
In this episode of the podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Lucy and Jonathan Coy, experienced educators and founders of the popular online community, HeadteacherChat. They discuss their journey in education, the challenges faced by school leaders, and the importance of building a supportive community. The conversation highlights the need for connection among educators, the resources available through HeadteacherChat, and the core values that guide their mission to empower school leaders an...
Apr 14, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 285
In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Benjamin Somers, the founder of Recess, a platform designed to revolutionise education by putting kids in control of their learning. They discuss the vision behind Recess, its marketplace for learning, and the importance of safety and moderation in online education. Benjamin shares his personal journey and the purpose driving his mission to create a more engaging and individualised educational experience for children. The conversation emphasises the n...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 287
In this episode of the podcast, we reflect on our recent experiences and interviews, discussing the evolving landscape of education. We explore themes of hope for the future of education, the importance of inclusion and equity, and the role of technology in bridging gaps. The conversation emphasises the need for a collective vision and the importance of listening to student voices in shaping educational practices. We discuss the importance of sustainability in education technology, the need for ...
Mar 31, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 286
In this episode, we are joined by Philippa Wraithmell to discuss the transformative role of technology in education through Philippa's company, Edruption. We explore her journey from teaching to leading educational change, emphasising the importance of understanding the unique needs of each school. The conversation delves into the four pillars of digital education: governance, safeguarding, pedagogy, and innovation, and highlights the necessity of effective digital governance to empower educator...
Mar 24, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 285
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by the lovely Tara Jones from Clever to discuss the evolving landscape of education technology. We explore the importance of cybersecurity, the disparities in student experiences with technology, and the need for personalised learning. The conversation emphasises the significance of creating a supportive digital environment for students, the challenges of screen time, and the necessity of adapting assessment methods to reflect real-world skills. The ...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 284
In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Charlie Radman, the Global Head of Education at HP. We discuss the critical role of technology in education, the importance of partnerships, and the pressing global teacher crisis. Charlie shares insights on HP's commitment to sustainability and digital equity, emphasising the need for critical thinking and digital literacy in today's world. The conversation also touches on HP Futures, a programme aimed at transforming education systems, and the signi...
Mar 10, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 283
In this episode of the podcast, we engage with SL Rao, a design consultant from Optimistic Design. They explore the concept of equity-centred design, emphasising the importance of community involvement in the design process. SL shares their journey from engineering to design, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach in technology and education. The conversation dives into the challenges of implementing equity-centred design and the significance of recognising privilege and bias in the...
Mar 03, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 282
In this episode, we have a collection of the interviews from across Day 2 of BETT 2025. There is an incredible amount of content here from our conversations, including discussions around sustainability, collaboration, mental health & wellbeing, creativity and gamification, as well as hopes for the future of education. And it's double Ben Whitaker at one point - another person with the exact same name who works less than 20 miles from our Ben Whitaker! Chapters 00:00 Evo & Zak Hannan - De...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 3Ep. 281
In this episode, we have a collection of the interviews from across Day 1 of BETT 2025, including some of the conversations we had in our tuxedos at BETT Awards! There is a treasure trove of content here from our conversations, including discussions around inclusion, enabling technology, mental health and wellbeing, as well as hopes for the future of education. Chapters 00:00 Morgan Weisman, Devan Witter & Alon Sacks - Google 28:39 Daniel Sobel, Ben Levy & Joanna Gibbs - Inclusion Discus...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Season 3Ep. 280
In this episode, Ben and Steve reflect on their experiences at the BETT conference, discussing the importance of community, creativity, and collaboration in education. They also review their guests over the last few weeks, including the episode around Ben's book, exploring the concept of schools as ideas factories rather than exam factories. The conversation emphasises the need for spaces that foster creativity and curiosity, the infinite nature of education, and the significance of building sup...
Feb 10, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 279
In this special episode, you can see and hear the presentation that we did at Canva HQ for our Wolfpack Community event in partnership with Clever the night before BETT. It was an incredible gathering of people from all around the UK and beyond, including Germany, India, Poland, Indonesia and the US! We presented around the Trends as well as casting a net out around the 2024-2025 Trends, which we will launch at Uprising 2025 in Manchester on 26th June. The future of education may be pick and mix...
Feb 02, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 278
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Sophie Pickles, who Ben met out in Dubai at a gathering curated by the awesome, Simon Blower. Sophie is an educational consultant and author and discusses her journey in education, focusing on child-led learning and the importance of play in early years education. Sophie shares her experiences transitioning from traditional teaching methods to a more child-centred approach, highlighting the challenges faced in the education system, including parental ex...
Jan 27, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 277
In this episode of the podcast, Steve does a solo interview with Ben about his upcoming book, The Ideas Guy: Unleash Your Inner Genius. They explore the origins of Ben's identity as 'The Ideas Guy', the influences that shaped his thinking, and the importance of authenticity in personal and professional development. The discussion also goes into the metaphor of a dinner party to illustrate how Ben curates ideas and insights from various influential figures, emphasising the need for a structured a...
Jan 20, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 274
