#320 AI in Education: Governance, Ethics and Sustainability
Release Date: 03/20/2026
#322: Safeguarding in the Age of AI: Who’s Responsible?
The Edtech Podcast
#322: Safeguarding in the Age of AI: Who’s Responsible? In this engaging conversation, Sponsored by Hachette Learning Academy, Laura Knight discusses her extensive experience in education and her focus on integrating technology effectively within the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to EdTech, addressing not only the pedagogical aspects but also the emotional and social well-being of students. The discussion delves into the challenges of safeguarding in the digital age, the significance of scenario-based learning, and the ongoing debate surrounding screen time...
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#321 Navigating the Future of AI Education with BBC Bitesize
The Edtech Podcast
Summary In this conversation, Cerys Griffiths, head of BBC Bitesize, discusses the evolution of the platform, its role in supporting students, teachers, and parents, and the integration of AI in education. She emphasizes the importance of media literacy, the need for personalized learning experiences, and the ongoing efforts to engage both students and teachers in meaningful ways. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and the commitment of BBC Bitesize to remain a trusted resource in the educational landscape. Takeaways BBC Bitesize has evolved to...
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#320 AI in Education: Governance, Ethics and Sustainability
The Edtech Podcast
The Future of AI in Education: Ethical Innovation and Leadership with Rita Bateson - A Hachette Learning sponsored Episode. Join us as Dublin-based expert Rita Bateson shares insights on how educators and school leaders can harness AI's potential responsibly. From sustainability concerns to governance frameworks, discover practical strategies for integrating AI ethically in education to protect students and empower teachers. In this episode: The critical importance of sustainability and data center impact on AI’s future How AI influences teaching practices and assessment reform ...
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#319: The Future of Education Data: Trends and Tools which Empower
The Edtech Podcast
Unlocking the Power of Data in Education: Insights from the EdTech Podcast Explore how innovative data collection and analysis are transforming school leadership, student engagement, and outcomes. This episode highlights practical examples of how schools worldwide harness data to improve decision-making, boost engagement, and personalize learning experiences. Discover the future of data-driven education and key strategies for maximizing its impact. Key Topics The evolution of educational data over the last decade How engagement surveys like TEP provide granular, trustworthy insights The...
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#318 The Future of Child Online Safety: Insights from Ofcom & LGfL
The Edtech Podcast
Summary This conversation delves into the critical topic of online safety for children, featuring insights from experts in the field. The discussion covers the impetus behind the Online Safety Act, the roles of organizations like Ofcom and LGfL, and the importance of empowering parents and schools to foster safe online environments. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by technology, including AI, and emphasizes the need for continuous communication between parents and children regarding online safety. Takeaways The Online Safety Act was prompted by tragic...
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#317 Agility in Action: Schools Responding Across the Middle East
The Edtech Podcast
Summary This conversation explores the current challenges faced by educators in the Middle East amidst ongoing conflicts and the transition to remote learning. Experts discuss the importance of mental health, community support, and effective communication strategies to navigate these turbulent times. They emphasize the need for structured learning, the role of technology, and the significance of cybersecurity in education. The dialogue highlights the collective responsibility of educators to support students and families while maintaining their own wellbeing. Takeaways The education community...
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#316 Navigating EdTech: Inclusion, Investment, and Student Safety
The Edtech Podcast
We begin this episode with Laurie Forcier and Pablo Langa from EDT & Partners, who share their insights on global education strategy and the impact of artificial intelligence amid today’s shifting geopolitical landscape. Next, Graham Feek from Greenwood Academies Trust highlights an important warning regarding potential hardware supply shortages in the education sector. He also emphasizes that schools must begin shifting their culture in how they view technology as an investment that drives efficiency, rather than merely an expense. The conversation continues with Jarno Aantjes from...
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#315 Bett: Global AI, Connected Ecosystems, Iterative Strategy
The Edtech Podcast
We kick off this episode with Neelam Parmar, who shares her insights on digital transformation and the integration of AI within global education systems. Neelam highlights how different regions are leading technological innovation, from online safety standards in the UK and AI-driven healthcare efficiency in China, to groundbreaking tech testbeds in the Middle East. Next, we turn to Derek Devine from Clever, who shares his unique career journey transitioning from a wedding planner to the world of EdTech. Derek explains how the Clever platform is alleviating the burden on schools worldwide by...
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#314 Decentralized Power: Fueling the AI Revolution
The Edtech Podcast
In this episode, we welcome Edward Fitzpatrick, CEO of Conflow Power, to discuss the revolutionary "iLamp." Edward explains how he is transforming the humble street light from a "dumb," single-use utility into a smart, multi-functional device likening the shift to the evolution from a simple watch to a smartphone. He details the groundbreaking battery technology behind it, which allows these lamps to function off-grid by harvesting ambient energy, effectively creating a self-sustaining power source on every street corner. The conversation expands into the critical intersection of energy and...
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#313 Bett: Lightening the Admin Load, Strengthening Human Connection
The Edtech Podcast
In this episode, we explore the intersection of technology, scalability, and human connection. We begin with Peter Lancet from My Trencher, who discusses the "numbers game" university career services face. He explains how his platform provides an "operational layer" that allows small teams to support thousands of students, moving from reactive advice to strategically identifying and assisting those most at risk. The conversation then deepens with Doug Delpha, a Professor at the University of Strasbourg and AI Engineer. Doug advocates for a return to the "Aristotle and Plato" style of...
info_outlineThe Future of AI in Education: Ethical Innovation and Leadership with Rita Bateson - A Hachette Learning sponsored Episode.
Join us as Dublin-based expert Rita Bateson shares insights on how educators and school leaders can harness AI's potential responsibly. From sustainability concerns to governance frameworks, discover practical strategies for integrating AI ethically in education to protect students and empower teachers.
In this episode:
- The critical importance of sustainability and data center impact on AI’s future
- How AI influences teaching practices and assessment reform
- Strategies for effective AI governance within schools
- Addressing ethical considerations and safeguarding student data
- Insights from Rita's extensive background in curriculum design and school leadership
- Practical frameworks for responsible AI deployment
- The emotional and social implications of AI for students and teachers
- Emerging trends and future scenarios in AI-driven education
- The importance of teacher agency, resilience, and human-centered values in AI integration
- Resources and tools to support schools in developing AI literacy
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to AI and education's ethical landscape
00:31 - Rita Bateson's background and expertise
01:14 - Sustainability challenges posed by data centers in Ireland
01:53 - The environmental impact of AI models like Claude, Gemini, and OpenAI
02:18 - The importance of teaching students discernment in AI use
02:57 - Developing language around AI ethics and evaluation stations
03:45 - Balancing AI benefits with energy consumption concerns
04:38 - Faith in human feedback and the value of teacher-student relationships
05:17 - The role of school leadership in modeling responsible AI behaviors
05:34 - Sustainability and energy considerations in AI-generated content
06:22 - Risks and opportunities in AI dependency
07:21 - The transformative potential of AI in assessment and workplace readiness
07:50 - Leadership guidance in AI strategy and governance
08:18 - Integrating AI governance into school policies
08:49 - Rita’s background in curriculum development and assessment
09:40 - The evolution of AI debates in education
10:22 - Challenges of misinformation, hallucinations, and bias
11:20 - Legal, privacy, and cybersecurity risks for schools
11:48 - Protecting student identities and images with responsible data use
12:23 - Teaching digital literacy and algorithmic immunity
13:01 - Embodiment, experiential learning, and non-screen-based AI education
13:51 - The importance of digital and AI strategies aligning
14:18 - Key leadership advice: Invest in understanding AI
14:41 - Reimagining opportunities for professional growth
15:58 - The power of cautious optimism and reflection
16:53 - Celebrating uniqueness and human voice amidst AI proliferation
17:07 - Encouraging productive struggle and resilience in students
18:14 - Clear rules and deliberate use of AI in classrooms
18:48 - Rita's book: scenarios, experiments, and case studies in ethical AI use
19:15 - Sentiment analysis, micro-moments, and voice recognition in AI
20:11 - Potential of world models and immersive environments
20:50 - Opportunities for specialized subjects and student-led world-building
22:23 - Preparing students with digital literacy for future skills
23:41 - Balancing sustainability and responsible use in AI deployment
24:46 - The importance of evaluation and teacher agency
25:56 - Resources: free AI courses and tools from Ablama Learning
26:44 - The significance of protecting and amplifying educators’ voices
27:12 - Historical perspective: Dublin’s intellectual legacy and innovative spirit
27:44 - Closing thoughts: the role of educators in safeguarding sacred texts of knowledge
28:02 - Final words and gratitude
Resources & Links:
- Ablama Learning - AI Literacy Resources
- Free AI courses
- Hachette Learning Academy
- Books from Hachette Learning by Rita Bateson
Connect with Rita Bateson:
This episode spotlights how responsible leadership, grounded in ethics and sustainability, can steer the future of AI in education. Embrace the opportunities while safeguarding our planet and student futures.