This episode gives practical insight into the real challenges facing education leaders in 2026. From AI regulation and global investment trends to hardware shortages and SEND inclusion, the conversation connects strategy with classroom reality. It highlights why digital transformation must focus on student safety, accessibility, efficiency, and measurable impact—not just new technology.
Who This Episode Is For?
This episode is for school leaders, trust executives, policymakers, EdTech founders, SEND professionals, and digital strategy teams. It is especially relevant for those managing AI adoption, cybersecurity, inclusion, media literacy, hardware planning, and long-term education technology investment across K–12 and higher education.
Full Episode Description
This Bett 2026 episode explores how schools and education systems can balance innovation with responsibility.
The conversation begins with Laurie Forcier and Pablo Langa from EDT&Partners. They reflect on how artificial intelligence is maturing in education. The focus is shifting from excitement to governance, regulation, and measurable learning impact. They highlight the importance of global awareness, especially as geopolitical changes influence funding, accessibility standards, and EdTech expansion into new markets.
They also discuss a key shift: schools are asking tougher questions. How does AI improve learning outcomes? How do we govern AI agents in schools? How do we ensure accessibility and inclusion? The message is clear—innovation must connect to strategy, policy, and responsible implementation.
Next, Graham Feek from Greenwood Academies Trust shares a practical warning. Hardware shortages may return to near COVID-level supply challenges due to global chip demand and AI data centre expansion. Schools planning device refresh cycles must act early. He also makes a strong cultural point: technology should be seen as an investment that improves efficiency and redirects resources into teaching and learning—not just a cost line in the budget.
The conversation then moves to inclusion with Jarno Aantjes from ReadSpeaker. He explains how text-to-speech technology supports Universal Design for Learning (UDL). By allowing students to listen to content in natural, human-like voices, schools can better support neurodivergent learners, additional language learners, and students who benefit from multimodal learning. Accessibility improves engagement, comprehension, and learning outcomes.
Finally, Katie Freeman Tayler from Internet Matters highlights the urgent need for stronger media literacy and safer AI usage. Parents are increasingly concerned about misinformation, online safety, and AI chatbots. Katie argues that AI literacy must include teachers, students, and parents. Schools need clearer guidance, better coordination, and stronger safeguarding frameworks as AI becomes embedded in everyday learning.
Across all discussions, one message stands out: digital transformation must be strategic, inclusive, secure, and human-centred.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum and fully supported by the Bett team.
Philippa Wraithmell is an education and digital-learning strategist based in the UAE. As the founder of EdRuption and Digital Bridge, she leads work on digital wellbeing, innovation, and evidence-informed practice. As host of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa explores how technology can elevate teaching, learning, and equitable education across the globe.
Graham Feek is Deputy CEO of Greenwood Academies Trust, one of England’s largest multi-academy trusts. With over 30 years of public sector experience, he oversees operations, estates, and digital strategy, and advocates for technology as a strategic investment in school efficiency and improvement.
Jarno Aantjes is Director of Education at ReadSpeaker. He works across EMEA and LATAM to promote accessibility through text-to-speech technology. Jarno supports schools, universities, and publishers in building inclusive digital environments aligned with Universal Design for Learning principles.
Pablo Langa is CEO of EDT&Partners and a leader in global education strategy and EdTech innovation. With extensive experience in commercial growth and international expansion, he advises organisations on AI governance, market scaling, and digital ecosystem strategy.
Laurie Forcier is Vice President for Strategy at EDT&Partners and a global education expert with over 25 years of experience. She works across K–12, higher education, and workforce skills, advising EdTech companies, governments, and institutions on digital transformation, AI strategy, and organisational alignment.
Katie Freeman Tayler is Head of Research and Policy at Internet Matters, a UK charity focused on children’s online safety. She leads research on media literacy, AI usage, digital risk, and safeguarding, ensuring that parents’ and young people’s voices inform national policy.
#315
Navigating EdTech: Inclusion, Investment, and Student Safety
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Episode Overview
Live from Bett 2026, host Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Laurie Forcier and Pablo Langa from EDT&Partners, Graham Feek from Greenwood Academies Trust, Jarno Aantjes from ReadSpeaker, and Katie Freeman Tayler from Internet Matters. Together, they explore AI strategy, EdTech investment, inclusive design, hardware shortages, and why student safety and media literacy must lead digital transformation in schools.
Key Themes in This Episode
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode gives practical insight into the real challenges facing education leaders in 2026. From AI regulation and global investment trends to hardware shortages and SEND inclusion, the conversation connects strategy with classroom reality. It highlights why digital transformation must focus on student safety, accessibility, efficiency, and measurable impact—not just new technology.
Who This Episode Is For?
This episode is for school leaders, trust executives, policymakers, EdTech founders, SEND professionals, and digital strategy teams. It is especially relevant for those managing AI adoption, cybersecurity, inclusion, media literacy, hardware planning, and long-term education technology investment across K–12 and higher education.
Full Episode Description
This Bett 2026 episode explores how schools and education systems can balance innovation with responsibility.
The conversation begins with Laurie Forcier and Pablo Langa from EDT&Partners. They reflect on how artificial intelligence is maturing in education. The focus is shifting from excitement to governance, regulation, and measurable learning impact. They highlight the importance of global awareness, especially as geopolitical changes influence funding, accessibility standards, and EdTech expansion into new markets.
They also discuss a key shift: schools are asking tougher questions. How does AI improve learning outcomes? How do we govern AI agents in schools? How do we ensure accessibility and inclusion? The message is clear—innovation must connect to strategy, policy, and responsible implementation.
Next, Graham Feek from Greenwood Academies Trust shares a practical warning. Hardware shortages may return to near COVID-level supply challenges due to global chip demand and AI data centre expansion. Schools planning device refresh cycles must act early. He also makes a strong cultural point: technology should be seen as an investment that improves efficiency and redirects resources into teaching and learning—not just a cost line in the budget.
The conversation then moves to inclusion with Jarno Aantjes from ReadSpeaker. He explains how text-to-speech technology supports Universal Design for Learning (UDL). By allowing students to listen to content in natural, human-like voices, schools can better support neurodivergent learners, additional language learners, and students who benefit from multimodal learning. Accessibility improves engagement, comprehension, and learning outcomes.
Finally, Katie Freeman Tayler from Internet Matters highlights the urgent need for stronger media literacy and safer AI usage. Parents are increasingly concerned about misinformation, online safety, and AI chatbots. Katie argues that AI literacy must include teachers, students, and parents. Schools need clearer guidance, better coordination, and stronger safeguarding frameworks as AI becomes embedded in everyday learning.
Across all discussions, one message stands out: digital transformation must be strategic, inclusive, secure, and human-centred.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum and fully supported by the Bett team.
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