EdTech People

🎤 Ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of managing school tech? You're not alone! In this episode, we dive into the complexities of CCTV management in schools. From access control to privacy concerns, we unravel how to effectively navigate this digital landscape. With the rise of technology, ensuring that everyone knows the policies and follows them is crucial. Still figuring out how to balance...

In the first of our new Edtech People Sessions format - join regular hosts Matthew Setchell and Jack Marshall and our panel to discuss all things Cyber Security in Education. From the basics - "What is Cyber Security?" to understanding if there is a single solution that can fix all your cyber security issues (there isn't) and so what can you do to make it less risky? Panel: Ian Stock...

After a little issue with Jack's macbook being rubbish, we pick up a conversation around CyberSecurity in edtech. We ponder the impact, how we would react, and if schools are doing enough Plus - a very big announcement from Jack... Email: mail@edtechpeople.co.uk

Join Matthew and Jack as they explore the latest in EdTech, including school data benchmarking, AI integration, filtering systems, and the challenges of implementing technology in education. Gain insights into strategic planning, accessibility tools, and future trends in educational technology.

Most schools depend heavily on cloud services, but what happens when they go down? From system outages to financial crises — revealing how educational institutions can prepare for the inevitable disruptions. Plus, we explore the growing financial pressures facing multi-academy trusts, with insights into how budget constraints impact IT decisions — from hardware refresh cycles to leasing versus buy...

Matt and Jack discuss the recent changes to the DfE Technology Standards, including around Wifi, discuss banning phones in schools and if it will make any impact (it won't) and IT Strategy.

Meet Matt & Jack, as Edtech People switches to a fortnightly format, where we will pick some cool things to talk about and keep the episodes short and sweet (ish) Join Matthew and Jack as they explore the evolving landscape of education technology, AI integration, project management, and the future of IT roles in schools and trusts. This episode offers insights into cloud migration, AI tools,...

In this episode, Joshua Perry discusses the evolution of Management Information Systems (MIS) in education, highlighting key market changes, the shift to cloud technology, and the role of AI. He shares insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by MIS vendors and the impact of these systems on schools.

In this episode, Matthew Setchell interviews Shayne Grove, Chief Sales Officer at Schools Broadband, discussing the evolution of school connectivity, the impact of multi-academy trusts, and the challenges of security and safeguarding in educational IT systems. They explore the rise of alternative networks, the implications of BYOD policies, and the potential of AI in education. The conversation al...

In this episode of EdTech People, Matthew Setchell interviews Imogen Ley-Clowes, a branding expert in the educational technology sector. They discuss the importance of branding, marketing strategies tailored for educational audiences, and the role of trust and authenticity in building a brand. Imogen shares insights on rebranding challenges, the significance of thought leadership, and how AI is tr...

In this episode of EdTechPeople, Matthew Setchell speaks with Jack Marshall, the Senior IT Operations Manager at DRB Ignite. They discuss the evolving role of IT in education, the importance of practical experience over formal qualifications, and the need for a supportive team culture. Jack shares insights on learning by doing, the value of mentorship, and the challenges of career progression in I...

In this episode of EdTech People, host Matthew Setchell welcomes James Paveley, who shares his journey in educational technology, discussing his experiences with managed services, the importance of building trust in IT relationships, and the role of school business professionals. They delve into the challenges of cybersecurity in schools, the significance of data management, and the future of IT i...

In this episode of EdTech People, host Matthew Setchell speaks with Brett Griffin, founder of Pupil Progress, about the challenges and innovations in educational technology. Brett shares his journey from being a teacher to creating a platform that simplifies data tracking and monitoring for schools. They discuss the importance of technology in reducing teacher workload, the challenges of implement...

In this episode of Ed Tech People, Matthew Setchell interviews Carl Curless, head of data and analytics at the Endeavour Learning Trust. They discuss the evolving role of data in education, particularly within multi-academy trusts, and the transition from traditional systems like SIMS to cloud-based management systems such as Arbor. Carl shares insights on the importance of data visualization, sta...

In this episode of EdTech People, Chris Byers discusses the evolution of educational technology in schools, starting from the National Grid for Learning project to the current landscape dominated by cloud technology and cybersecurity challenges. The conversation explores the impact of academy groups on IT management, the shift towards cloud solutions, and the importance of effective backup strateg...

Summary In this episode of EdTechPeople, Matthew Setchell interviews Phil Wakeman, the Regional ICT Manager for Academy Transformation Trust. Phil shares his extensive experience in the education technology sector, discussing the challenges and opportunities in managing IT services across multiple academies. The conversation covers topics such as funding challenges, the importance of infrastructur...

In this episode of Ed Tech People, host Matthew Setchell speaks with Maria Smith, the founder of Admicity, a software solution designed to streamline school administration processes. Maria shares her journey from working as an admissions officer in a school to identifying the inefficiencies in the system and creating a product that automates workflows, enhances parental engagement, and integrates...

In this episode, Matthew Setchell speaks with Tim from Secure Schools about the critical role of cybersecurity in education. They discuss the unique challenges schools face in securing their digital environments, the importance of implementing effective cybersecurity measures, and the need for a cultural shift within schools to prioritise cybersecurity. Tim emphasises the risks associated with ina...

In this episode of Ed Tech People, Matthew Setchell interviews Caroline Pardoe, an assistant head at Blue Coat School, discussing her journey in EdTech, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caroline shares her experiences of navigating the challenges of digital transformation in education, the importance of collaboration and digital tools in the classroom, and the impact of budget constraint...

In this episode of EdTech People, Matthew Setchell interviews Phil Birchinall, Senior Director of Immersive Content at Discovery Education. Phil shares his extensive journey in EdTech, starting from the classroom to his current role, emphasizing the importance of creating engaging educational content that sparks curiosity among students. He discusses the mission of Discovery Education, the role of...

In this episode of EdTechPeople, host Matthew Setchell engages with Abid Patel, IT Director at Newham Community Learning, discussing his journey in educational technology, the evolution of IT roles in schools, and the challenges faced in staffing and budgeting. They explore the importance of continuous learning, the competition between Google and Microsoft in education, and the need for digital li...

In this episode of EdTechPeople, Matthew Setchell interviews Tom Newton, VP of Product at SmoothWall, discussing the evolution of education technology, the importance of safeguarding in schools, and the challenges faced in the industry. Tom shares his journey from software development to product management, emphasizing the need for community and collaboration in EdTech. The conversation also touch...

Summary In this episode of EdTech People, host Matthew Setchell interviews Jake, an IT professional with a unique journey from retail to education technology. Jake shares his experiences in IT support, discussing the diverse challenges faced in educational settings, the importance of customer interaction, and the shift towards more efficient help desk practices. The conversation also touches on th...

Nadio Granata is the founder of The AI Collective: a network of AI curious connections from school leavers to Thought Leaders - and brings unique insight to AI in general, and the use of AI in Education

On this episode we are joined by Maggie Layfield, Vice President of Sales, Americas at NetSupport Inc. Maggie brings a fantastic insight to edtech's role in the classroom over in the states - and how Covid has affected it's successful growth, as well as the potential of AI