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 and digital engagement. Laura advocates for a shift in educational practices to better prepare students for the complexities of the digital world, highlighting the need for self-regulation, digital literacy, and a collaborative effort between parents and educators. The conversation concludes with insights from Laura's white paper, which outlines three key pillars for fostering digital responsibility in children: capability, conscience, and courage.

Key Takeaways
Laura Knight emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to EdTech.
Safeguarding in the digital age is a shared responsibility among educators and parents.
Screens themselves are neutral; the focus should be on the content accessed.
Teaching self-regulation and digital literacy is crucial for young people.
Generational differences impact how technology is perceived and used.
The need for change in educational approaches is urgent and necessary.
Digital ecosystems significantly influence children's learning and relationships.
Peer support among parents can enhance digital literacy discussions.
The three pillars of digital literacy are capability, conscience, and courage.
Education must prepare children to thrive in a digital world with integrity.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Laura Knight and Her Work
02:55 The Holistic Approach to EdTech
06:12 Navigating Safeguarding in the Digital Age
09:04 The Reality of Cyber Attacks in Schools
12:03 The Debate on Screen Time and Digital Engagement
17:49 The Importance of Self-Regulation in Digital Spaces
25:04 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Parenting
28:01 The Generational Gap and Digital Disempowerment
30:12 Addressing the Digital Divide: Strategies for Change
36:54 Early Conversations: Building Foundations for Digital Literacy
37:51 Synthetic Intimacy: The Dangers of AI Relationships
45:22 Educating for Digital Life: The Three Pillars of Capability, Conscience, and Courage
Laura Knight Linkedin
Hachette Learning and Professional Development 
Overview
Hachette Learning Professional Development combines an established and expansive suite of books, guides, courses, and community opportunities that empower educators to take ownership of their teaching practice. The Professional Development includes Teaching WalkThrus, Hachette Learning Academy, Teacher Training Webinars, and, as of July 2025, Hachette Learning Professional Development Publications, formerly John Catt. For more than 60 years, John Catt has established itself as a highly regarded professional development publisher, earning the trust and loyalty of thousands of teachers around the world. Bringing all Hachette Learning Professional Development under one umbrella is a testament to our evolving mission to serve educators worldwide.

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 support students, teachers, and parents.
The platform is recognized as the most trusted education brand.
AI is increasingly used by students for homework and revision.
Media literacy is crucial in combating misinformation.
Engaging content is essential for effective learning.
Personalized learning experiences are a future goal for BBC Bitesize.
Teachers are beginning to embrace AI as a useful tool.
The importance of critical thinking skills in education is emphasized.
BBC Bitesize aims to empower students through engaging formats.
Future resources will include support for parents regarding AI. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to BBC Bitesize and Its Evolution
03:46 Supporting Students, Teachers, and Parents
06:46 The Role of AI in Education
09:29 Empowering Students with AI Knowledge
12:25 Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
15:10 Teacher Support and Resources
17:54 Engaging Students with Innovative Content
20:47 Future of BBC Bitesize and Personalization
34:00 Sparkling_Chime_Transition.wav
34:07 Evolving Education: The Role of BBC Bitesize
34:37 Empowering Young Minds: Critical Thinking and AI
35:02 NEWCHAPTER
Referenced information 
Cerys Griffiths - Head of BBC Bitesize 
Bitesize Guide to AI
BBC Bitesize and 5 Live Teen Summit Survey

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
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:
LinkedIn
 
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.

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 role of benchmark data in guiding school improvement efforts
Using data for real-time decision making versus post-event analysis
The impact of mobility and diversity on school data interpretation
Encouraging a school culture of curiosity and continuous improvement through data
The ethical use of data as a tool for enhancement, not judgment
Future trends: AI, interoperability, and proactive data strategies
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest insights
00:32 - The importance of trustworthy and granular engagement data
01:20 - How the Engagement Platform (TEP) measures staff, student, and parent voice
02:42 - Linking engagement data to school outcomes like attendance and academic results
03:29 - The significance of benchmarking and comparability across schools and regions
04:55 - Overcoming challenges of data collection in high-mobility environments
06:19 - The power of data to inform targeted strategies and reduce emotional bias
07:23 - The three broad domains of TEP: cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement
09:00 - How data supports understanding student agency and decision-making
11:51 - Use cases of data in Australian and Middle Eastern school contexts
13:45 - Addressing regional differences and school strategies informed by data
15:23 - Linking engagement measures to academic achievement and school retention
16:52 - Managing disruptions due to mobility and diverse student populations
22:12 - Communicating data insights to families for transparency and trust
25:27 - The importance of tracking trends through frequent surveys vs single snapshots
30:32 - Identifying critical points of engagement decline and school transition data
33:02 - Benchmarking confidently: timing, comparability, and contextual factors
37:10 - The role of technological ease and usability in data success
42:46 - The future of data: proactive, forward-looking, and AI-enhanced analysis
46:07 - Building a data culture for continuous improvement rather than judgment
48:08 - The potential of AI to deepen school data insights and efficiency
49:14 - Final thoughts on the strategic use of data to support school growth
Resources & Links
Engagement Platform (TEP) — Official website
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-jerrim-65499382/ — Professor John Jermain's profile
Dan O'Riley https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-o-reilly-50061441/
Dr Chris Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wilson-45538017b/
School Engagement and Wellbeing Research — Publications and papers linked to the insights discussed
Connect with the Guests:
Dr. Chris Wilson — LinkedIn | Twitter
Dan O'Reilly — LinkedIn
Professor John Jermain — UCL Profile

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 incidents involving children.
Empowering parents and schools is crucial for online safety.
Children's experiences online often differ from their parents'.
Continuous communication about online safety is essential.
Technology is an integral part of children's lives today.
AI poses new risks that need to be addressed.
Schools should engage parents creatively in online safety discussions.
Risk assessments are vital for companies serving children.
Children need to be educated about the risks of online content.
Regulators must hold companies accountable for user safety.

key  topics
Legislation and regulation of online safety (Online Safety Act, Ofcom's role)
Impact of AI and algorithms on children's online experiences
Parental and educational strategies for online safeguarding
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Online Safety and the Guests
03:51 The Impetus Behind the Online Safety Act
05:35 Support from LGfL for Schools and Parents
08:14 The Role of Parents in Online Safety
10:59 Ofcom's Regulatory Role and Responsibilities
13:34 Impact of Algorithms on Children's Online Experience
16:21 Engaging Parents in Online Safety Discussions
18:06 Children's Experiences and Parental Awareness
20:06 Overcoming Parental Barriers to Online Safety Conversations
22:30 The Future of Social Media Regulations
24:38 Empowering Parents and Educators for Online Safety
26:57 Empowering Parents with Resources
28:30 Regulatory Frameworks and Company Accountability
33:40 School Policies on Technology Use
41:45 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education
47:39 Envisioning a Safer Digital Future
49:57 The Importance of Online Safety in Education
51:04 Navigating the Challenges of AI and Online Safety
Resources
Online Safety Act (UK) - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/29/enacted 
Ofcom's Online Safety Framework - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety 
UN Rights of the Child in Digital - https://www.un.org/en/rights-of-the-child 
UNICEF Digital Child Safety Initiatives - https://www.unicef.org/child-rights/digital-safety 
LGFL Safeguarding Resources - https://lgfl.net/Safeguarding/saferesources 
Australian Online Safety Laws - https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/children-and-teenagers/online-safety 
Ofcom's Research on Children's Online Experiences - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/children-online 
Global Regulatory Cooperation on Digital Safety - https://www.ituc-csi.org/global-cooperation-digital-safety
The resource I referenced is the Parent Online Safety Toolkit for schools – available to download at https://parentonlinesafety.lgfl.net/