Welcome to the European Schoolnet podcast series, where we explore the intersection of innovation and technology in education. Join us as guest experts share in...
Podcast Episode 10 - Inclusive Digital Education & Social Robots
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!
--------
25:41
Playful Learning, Data Literacy and Wellbeing
Playful learning is not a new idea. However, it has been on the rise in the recent years, perhaps as one counterbalance to the increasing performativity brought about by digitalisation and datafication in schools. Welcome to today's episode, where Vibeke Schrøder and Niels-Peder Osmundsen Hjøllund, both lecturers and senior consultants at the University College Copenhagen, joined us.University College Copenhagen is one the partners of the EU funded project AgileEDU. A project looking at current practices and challenges in using educational data across Europe and building a knowledge base through a literature review, a set of Learning Stories and case studies that are all reviewed and validated through expert workshops and Dialogue Labs. The resource pack will be made publicly available will also be run as a massive open online course (MOOC) on the European Schoolnet Academy platform (https://www.europeanschoolnetacademy.eu/) in spring 2025. One of the case studies (http://agile-edu.eun.org/case-studies) of this project offers an in-depth explanation of playful learning and data use in education, including its obstacles, enablers and decisions affecting these phenomena. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups and desk research have been conducted to gather data for the development of this and other case studies to be published soon in 2025.Agile EDU is a project coordinated by European Schoolnet and with partners from the University College Copenhagen (Denmark), University of Oslo (Norway), Portuguese Ministry of Education (Portugal), Foundation Empieza por Educar (Spain), and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (Sweden); with the French and Slovenian Ministries of Education are associated partners.Find more about the Agile EDU project: http://agile-edu.eun.org/home Discover our Perspective Paper on Playful Learning in the Age of Datafication and Digitalisation: https://kont.ly/perspective-paper13 *Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
--------
40:11
Education in the age of AI
Education in the Age of AI explores how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping teaching and learning. Featuring guests Charles Fadel and Olli-Pekka Heinonen, this episode unpacks key shifts in education—from curriculum updates to fostering critical skills like metacognition and empathy. Learn how to balance AI’s transformative potential with its ethical challenges, prepare students for an AI-driven world, and support teachers in embracing this powerful tool. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of education.
Learn more from Charles Fadel's book, Education for the Age of AI.
--------
34:49
Malta's new Digital Education Strategy
European Schoolnet’s podcast series explores the forefront of educational policy, innovation, and technology across Europe. Each episode brings together experts to discuss significant events, publications, and policy changes that shape the educational landscape.
In this episode, we’re joined by Neil Attard and Rose Anne Camilleri from Malta’s Ministry for Education to discuss Malta’s Digital Education Strategy 2024–2030. They share insights on bridging the digital divide, empowering teachers, integrating digital skills into all subjects, and prioritising online safety. Listen in to see how Malta’s strategy is setting new standards for digital readiness and inclusive education across Europe.
--------
41:23
Building trust and innovation in EdTech
In this episode, Christina Makarona introduces key themes around trust and evidence in EdTech, with a focus on the EmpowerED project's roadmap. Moderated by Beth Havinga, the discussion highlights a significant trust gap between decision-makers and EdTech solutions. Andreas Klausing from Educa Swiss stresses the challenges in decentralised education systems, while Niko Lindholm from Helsinki Education Hub underscores the importance of collaboration to bridge the trust gap.
Welcome to the European Schoolnet podcast series, where we explore the intersection of innovation and technology in education. Join us as guest experts share insights and expertise on key issues on education policies in Europe and beyond. Each episode explores a specific topic, referencing events, publications, or policy changes driving the conversation forward. Designed for education stakeholders worldwide, our series aims to capture the nuanced debates within the education community and broader society. Stay tuned for empowerment and innovation in the evolving educational landscape.
Ireland