European Schoolnet Podcast

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we delve into how schools can cultivate meaningful and ethical data use to drive improvement and informed decision-making. We are joined by Prof. Dr. Kim Schildkamp (University of Twente) and Professor Jan Vanhoof (University of Antwerp) to discuss how data can support school development, the importance of data literacy, and how professional learning and inspection feedback can serve as powerful entry points for reflective practice. Together, they unpack the misconceptions around data use and highlight how a culture of curiosity and collaboration can make data truly work for schools.

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we delve into how artificial intelligence is transforming education and its implications for children’s rights.We speak with Sonia Livingstone and Dr. Ayça Atabey from the Digital Futures for Children Centre (a collaboration between the London School of Economics and the Five Rights Foundation) about their recent report, 'A Child Rights Audit on Gen-AI in EdTech'. Together, they discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI tools into schools.

In this episode, we travel to Luxembourg to explore how the Future Classroom Lab model is being brought to life in a national context. Our guests, Sarah Monfils and Chris Krier from the Institut de Formation de l'Éducation Nationale, share how schools are navigating linguistic diversity, supporting teacher development, and integrating digital tools and AI with purpose. Tune in to hear how Luxembourg is turning challenges into opportunities, and what its experience can teach the rest of Europe.

How are schools in Finland and Denmark rethinking learning environments to better prepare students for the future? In this episode, we are joined by Sampo Forsström, educational developer at the University of Eastern Finland, and Martin Thun Klausen, pedagogical IT consultant at University College Copenhagen. Both are national ambassadors for the Future Classroom Lab (FCL), a model that promotes innovation in education across Europe.Together, they discuss how the FCL approach is being implemented in their countries, from teacher training and educational technologies to the design of flexible, interactive learning spaces. The conversation also explores the importance of national strategies, local autonomy, and teacher engagement in scaling change. As they reflect on successes and challenges, we get a glimpse into what it takes to build future-ready schools in practice.

In this episode of the European SchoolNet Podcast, we explore how emerging technologies, especially AI-powered social robots, are transforming education and fostering inclusive learning environments. Joined by Eirini Simeonidou, author of the latest Perspective Paper on Inclusive Digital Education, we discuss the role of social robots in supporting students with special needs, how AI tools help teachers adapt learning for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities, the digital divide and ways to ensure technology benefits all students, as well as the ethical and privacy concerns surrounding AI in education. We also dive into key policy recommendations to create more inclusive digital classrooms. Want to learn more? Download the full Perspective Paper: "Inclusive Digital Education – The Role of Social Robots" on the European SchoolNet website: http://www.eun.org/resources/detail?publicationID=2701. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe for more insights on the future of education!