The Edtech Podcast

Todays Episode
In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa is joined by Harri Davies, UK Head of Growth at Imovem, to explore how careers guidance needs to evolve for a generation growing up in the fourth industrial revolution.
Harri shares Imovem's mission to support young people, including those not in education, employment or training, by helping them build confidence, understand their strengths, and see a wider range of future possibilities. The conversation explores how too many students are still placed into narrow boxes — academic or practical, university or apprenticeship, traditional career or alternative path — and why this no longer reflects the reality of today's changing world of work.
Together, Philippa and Harri discuss the role of AI in helping young people map their interests, passions, personality and learning preferences to future career pathways. Harri explains how Imovem's careers copilot uses personalised insights, live labour market data, and access to thousands of potential roles to help students connect what they are studying now with the lives and careers they may want to build.
The episode also looks at the pressures facing teachers, careers leads and parents as they try to support young people through an increasingly complex landscape of apprenticeships, university routes, emerging industries, portfolio careers and AI-driven change. Harri highlights the importance of making careers information more accessible, engaging and practical, while giving teachers richer insight to support meaningful one-to-one conversations.
This is a timely conversation about aspiration, agency, social impact and future skills. It asks how education can move beyond outdated assumptions about success and instead help every young person explore who they are, what they care about, and where they might thrive.

About the Guest
 
Harri is a fractional education leader with experience spanning social mobility, EdTech and upskilling young people.
 
A former lawyer, in his role as UK Head of Growth at imovum, he works with schools to navigate increasingly complex career pathways. His work explores how psychology and emerging technology can help pupils feel confident about their future.
 
Head of Growth for imovum: an AI co-pilot for students aged 13-18, used by 100,000 pupils across the UK, Middle East and India
Worked with young people for 8 years: building their confidence and coaching/mentoring them to secure best in class graduate/junior city careers
Guest Lecturer at Oxford International Education Group - simplified neuroscience for 15-17 year olds paired with AI co-pilot demonstration
Keynote speaker and panellist at legal industry events sponsored by Clifford Chance, A&O Shearman
NED at University of Bristol, launching the future of work series 'Building a Company of 1' to help students with post graduate prospects as portfolio workers

Find them at
imovum LinkedIn
imovum Instagram
Harri LinkedIn
Harri Instagram

AI, Sovereignty and the New Education Divide
In this thought-provoking episode of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Tom Orrell and Cameron Mirza about education, AI, global development and the growing divide between countries that can shape technological change — and those at risk of having it shaped for them.
Tom, Deputy Director of Programs at Development Gateway, brings a background in human rights law, digital policy, sustainable development and humanitarian action. Cameron, Chief of Party for the Assas programme in Jordan, brings deep experience from the UK Department for Education and large-scale education reform across the Middle East. Together, they explore how their different professional routes have led to a shared focus on equity, ethics, implementation and meaningful system change.
The conversation begins with the human story behind their work: family connections to teaching, personal motivations, and the values that have shaped their careers. Cameron reflects on how his mother's work as a primary school teacher continues to influence his commitment to early-grade education, while Tom shares how his own route through human rights, law and digital policy shaped his belief in critical thinking, rights and international cooperation.
At the heart of the episode is the Assas programme in Jordan, which focuses on improving early-grade literacy and numeracy outcomes for young learners. Tom and Cameron discuss why foundational education matters not just for academic success, but for long-term life chances, economic development, health outcomes and social prosperity.
The discussion then moves into the realities facing education systems globally. Cameron highlights the scale of the current learning crisis, teacher shortages, student debt, cost-of-living pressures and the increasing strain on public systems. Tom builds on this by exploring how AI and emerging technologies are accelerating change — but not always in a positive direction. AI, he argues, is not inherently good or bad; it is an acceleration force that can deepen harm or expand opportunity depending on the choices made around governance, policy and implementation.
A key theme throughout the episode is sovereignty. Tom and Cameron unpack why AI sovereignty is no longer just about where data is stored. It is also about computing power, local infrastructure, culturally relevant datasets, language, regulation, national priorities and the ability of countries to make informed decisions about the tools they adopt. This raises difficult questions about global inequity, especially when most AI models are developed by a small number of countries and companies, while many lower-income nations lack the infrastructure or policy capacity to shape the direction of AI on their own terms.
The episode also examines the danger of technology being treated as a quick fix for complex system problems. Cameron argues that the countries most likely to thrive in the next phase of innovation will not simply be those with the most money, but those able to build strong innovation governance systems — connecting government, regulators, universities, private sector partners, infrastructure, entrepreneurs and policymakers into trusted, coordinated systems.
Tom and Cameron also discuss their work with sandboxes in Jordan, exploring how countries can safely test new technologies, understand trade-offs, and make choices that align with their own educational, cultural and national priorities. They emphasise that effective innovation is no longer just about technology; it is about coordination, trust, sequencing and the ability to cut through noise.
The final part of the conversation turns to leadership. Cameron argues that leaders now need a systems mindset, ethical judgement, entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to operate in ambiguity while staying close to the realities on the ground. Tom reinforces the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, communication and human connection in an age where technology is becoming increasingly dominant.
This episode is a sharp, honest and deeply human conversation about the future of education. It challenges the hype around AI while recognising its potential, and asks what it will take to ensure that technological transformation strengthens education systems rather than widening the divide between them.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds
04:13 Shared Vision and Collaboration
08:24 The Assas Program: Transforming Education in Jordan
12:56 Personal Motivations and Educational Impact
17:03 Current Challenges in Global Education
21:27 The Role of Technology in Education
25:56 Navigating Policy and Governance in Education
30:27 Leadership in Education: Skills for the Future
42:04 Sparkling_Chime_Transition.wav
42:10 NEWCHAPTER

Episode Summary
In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, we explore how schools, families and EdTech providers can better support children's wellbeing, inclusion and safety in an increasingly digital world.
Louise Dawson shares insights on inclusive education, personalised learning, safeguarding, data protection and the importance of belonging and connection in every learning environment. She highlights how technology can support diverse learners when implemented strategically, with clear policies, strong teacher preparation and a community-wide understanding of digital responsibility.
Harrison Parker, Executive Vice President of Linewise, joins the conversation to discuss student wellbeing, screen time, digital distractions, cyberbullying, AI chatbots and the growing challenges schools and parents face in managing children's online lives. He explains how Linewise supports schools and families with tools that help monitor, manage and guide technology use, while reducing friction between children, parents and educators.
Together, these conversations explore a vital question for education today: how do we ensure technology empowers learning, protects children and strengthens connection, rather than creating greater risk, distraction or exclusion?
Action Items
Review and update safeguarding policies to reflect current EdTech use, AI risks and digital wellbeing concerns.
Ensure data protection and privacy principles are embedded into EdTech procurement and implementation.
Develop a whole-school strategy for technology use that includes inclusion, safeguarding, teaching and learning, and parent engagement.
Provide staff training on classroom technology management, digital distractions and emerging AI-related risks.
Support parents with practical tools and guidance for managing screen time at home.
Create opportunities for families, schools and students to discuss healthy digital habits together.
Use data trends to identify early signs of harmful online behaviour, cyberbullying or wellbeing concerns.
Embed digital literacy into the curriculum so students understand both the opportunities and risks of technology.
Key Topics
Digital wellbeing and student safety
Inclusive education and personalised learning
Safeguarding and data protection in EdTech
Screen time management at home and school
Digital distractions and classroom management
AI chatbots, cyberbullying and emerging online risks
Parental involvement in digital safety
Technology as a support for diverse learners
Teacher preparedness and strategic EdTech implementation
Community, belonging and connection in digital education
Using data to identify harmful trends and support intervention
Collaboration between schools, parents and EdTech providers
Guest Names
Louise Dawson - Louise Dawson Professional and Management Development Training www.louisedawson.com
Harrison Parker, Executive Vice President, Linewise https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-parker-02951921 
Linewise: https://www.linewize.com/ 
Key Frameworks and Concepts
Universal Design for Learning
Data Protection Principles
Digital Safeguarding
Screen Time Management
Digital Literacy
Parent-School Partnership
AI Risk Awareness
Whole-School EdTech Strategy
 
Chapter Outline
00:00 – Introduction to Inclusive Education and Digital Wellbeing
Setting the scene for a conversation about EdTech, inclusion, safeguarding and student safety.
03:06 – The Role of EdTech in Supporting Learning
Louise Dawson explores how technology can support diverse learners and enable more personalised learning experiences.
05:48 – Challenges in Implementing Technology in Classrooms
Discussion around teacher confidence, strategic planning and the risks of poorly implemented EdTech.
08:36 – Teacher Preparedness and EdTech Integration
Why training, clarity and purpose matter when introducing technology into learning environments.
11:23 – Data Protection and Safeguarding in EdTech
Exploring the importance of safeguarding, privacy and accountability in digital education.
14:14 – The Importance of Community and Connection
Louise reflects on belonging, inclusion and the role of relationships in supporting young people.
17:03 – Navigating Technology Use at Home
How schools and families can work together to support healthy technology habits.
20:16 – Introduction to Harrison Parker and Linewise
Harrison shares his journey into education and the mission behind Linewise.
23:17 – The Evolution of Technology in Education
How classroom technology has changed and what this means for students, teachers and parents.
27:47 – Digital Distractions and Screen Time Challenges
Exploring the impact of phones, apps and always-on access on learning and wellbeing.
30:10 – Classroom Management and Technology Integration
How schools can manage devices in a way that supports teaching rather than creating friction.
32:23 – Empowering Parents with Technology
Why simple, practical parental tools are essential for creating healthier digital boundaries.
34:17 – Positive Trends in Student Behaviour
How monitoring and management tools can help reduce harmful events and support earlier intervention.
38:00 – AI, Cyberbullying and Emerging Online Risks
The rise of AI-generated harm, voice replication, chatbots and new safeguarding challenges.
43:42 – Future Directions in EdTech and Child Safety
The need for collaboration between families, schools, policymakers and technology providers.
Resources
UAE Law on Digital Safety – https://example.com/uae-digital-safety-law
Inclusive Education Strategies – https://amazon.com/inclusive-education-strategies
EdTech Safeguarding Guidelines – https://example.com/edtech-safeguarding

Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of education with Ben Whitaker, known as the Ideas Guy. With a background in religious studies and a passion for edtech, Ben dives into the importance of critical thinking, the role of AI, and how technology can transform teaching and learning. This episode offers insights for educators, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of education.
Main Content 
Ben Whitaker's journey from religious studies teacher to edtech influencer and co-host of the eduFuturist podcast
The evolution of Religious Education (RE) and its discursive, philosophy-based approach that fosters deep discussions
How skills like critical thinking and examining multiple viewpoints are vital across different disciplines
The origins and development of the eduFuturist podcast, focusing on future education and its broad scope beyond schools
The ongoing challenge of educational technology usage: why some teachers still don't use simple tools effectively
Debunking the myth that technology in education is less effective than traditional methods
The concept of a "wolf pack" in education: collaboration and community as the strength of future learning ecosystems
How AI and edtech won't replace teachers but will be embraced by those who adapt to change
The importance of balancing knowledge and skills, core and extracurricular activities, and a holistic approach to education
Future visions: a "pick-and-mix" model where parents and students have increased control over personalized learning pathways
The influence of environment and personalization in student success, emphasizing diverse educational settings
Ben's new book, "The Ideas Guy," showcasing insights from influential thinkers to inspire lateral thinking
The power of understanding and managing neurodiversity like ADHD in education and the idea of superpowers in unique thinking styles
Insights from Ben's international travel, including conferences in Cape Town and Bucharest, and the importance of global community building
Upcoming initiatives: eduFuturist awards, regional community building, and ongoing projects to shape future education
Track List
00:00 - Introduction to Ben Whitaker and his journey from religious studies teacher to edtech advocate
00:13 - The evolution of Religious Education and its discussion-driven approach
00:50 - The role of critical thinking and diverse viewpoints in teaching and leadership
02:04 - How education's future is shaped by community and collaboration
03:41 - The influence of diverse experiences in edtech, including coaching and speaking engagements
04:03 - The origins of eduFuturist and its focus on future and current educational challenges
06:03 - Why some educators still underutilize simple edtech tools
07:20 - Addressing misconceptions about technology and learning effectiveness
09:07 - The recurring themes and trends in edtech over the past decade
09:46 - The "wolf pack" concept: strength in collective effort in education
10:04 - Edtech's role in replacing or augmenting teachers, and the future of tech adoption
11:12 - Balancing dichotomies in education: knowledge vs skills, core vs extracurricular
11:56 - The concept of a "pick-and-mix" flexible education system
12:23 - How parent-controlled, holistic education models could revolutionize learning
13:06 - The importance of matching schooling environments to individual needs
14:03 - Rethinking traditional schooling and embracing tailored learning pathways
15:18 - Resources and updates: eduFuturist awards, upcoming book, and community initiatives
16:13 - The roadshow's impact and future plans for regional engagement
18:18 - Ben's latest book, "The Ideas Guy," and how it encourages lateral thinking
20:21 - Selecting influential thinkers and learning from diverse perspectives
22:29 - Ben's work beyond edtech in leadership and inclusion, including managing ADHD and neurodiversity
24:10 - The importance of self-understanding and support for neurodiverse learners and educators
26:54 - Framing ADHD as a superpower, tools for managing it, and the journey of self-acceptance
29:38 - Future directions for eduFuturist, community building, and ongoing projects
30:30 - The most inspiring projects and international visits like South Africa and Bucharest
32:47 - How to get involved with the eduFuturist awards and community
33:16 - Final thoughts: the importance of innovation and collaboration in shaping education's future
Resources and Links
The Ideas Guy Book: theideasguy.io/book
Pick n Mix book waitlist: https://www.crownhouse.co.uk/picknmix-education
All things Edufuturists: edufuturists.com
All things The Ideas Guy: theideasguy.io