The Edtech 2018 A celebration of the people, products and projects shaping Education Technology across the UK - The Education Foundation
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The Edtech 2018 A celebration of the people, products and projects shaping Education Technology across the UK
There are so many reasons to be optimistic about
the possibilities for technology across education.
Edtech is increasingly supporting improved outcomes
across England and internationally, and in my short
time as Secretary of State for Education I have
already seen how it can support and transform
education at every step of the journey.
Technology offers educators a wealth of
Celebration
opportunities to support effective and proven
teaching practices as well as increased support
for themselves, their institutions, and their students.
However, we know it can sometimes be difficult to
implement new technology or gain access to the
evidence and equipment educators need. The
Ambition
benefits of digital technology are often seen as
innovation that only digital experts can achieve,
but that shouldn’t be the case. This is why the
sector must come together to support this change.
The work of inspirational leaders across the sector
Inspiration
who are working tirelessly to support education,
will be fundamental in ensuring the wider realisation
of the opportunities presented by technology to
support improvements across the breadth of our
education system.
I welcome this new initiative to highlight and
celebrate many of the people, products and
projects that have most impacted education.
Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP
Secretary of State for Education
The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
Welcome to the Edtech 50
The Edtech 50 is a celebration of the people, The Edtech 50 has been chosen from a mixture of It gives me great pleasure to introduce the Edtech About Jisc
products and projects shaping this dynamic public nominations and the insight of our judging 50 – the best of the UK’s excellent education
and growing sector across the UK. panel. It has been a challenging and exciting technology people, products and projects, Jisc provides digital technology and resources to
process. Such was the scale, quality and richness selected by a judging panel of expert educators the UK’s higher education, further education and
The Government’s Digital Strategy, published in of nomination that this celebration contains fifty and industry leaders. skills sectors. They are seeking to make the UK the
February 2017, said this about our sector: sections; but has, as you will read, over fifty mentions most digitally advanced education and research
of people, products and projects. It is not quite an When done right, edtech has the potential to nation in the world.
“Education technology is one of the fastest growing Edtech 100 – maybe next year – but we have also transform lives for the better, helping people from
sectors in the UK, accounting for 4% of all digital included important judges' commendations and disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their full Jisc plays a pivotal role in the development,
companies, and UK businesses have become world 'ones to note' across all sections. potential, and helping us to build the digital skills adoption and use of technology by UK universities
leaders in developing innovative new technologies base that will be so critical to the UK’s global and colleges. They put students at the heart of
for schools. The potential benefits when I hope that the Edtech 50 helps us all celebrate a competitiveness in the years to come. everything they do to deliver technology solutions
implemented correctly are considerable, both in wonderful sector, recognise too the benefits of for teaching and learning, making their experience
teaching and in school administration. We want to education technology and acknowledge the At Jisc we are very excited about sharing examples better.
make sure our pupils, their parents and teachers economic advantages of the growing edtech of good practice in education technology, working
are able to make use of these opportunities.” sector to the UK economy. with edtech startups to accelerate their businesses, The crown jewel of Jisc’s support is Janet, a secure,
and supporting projects that are exploring innovative state-of-the-art network infrastructure that they
The Edtech 50 would not have been possible without Thanks to the Education Foundation team, including uses of edtech. The Edtech 50 show us how education own, manage and operate, which spans all four
our superb and distinguished judging panel that Joy Voysey and particularly, Russ Darbon who technology can be a catalytic force for digital nations of the UK.
include: Mark Anderson (ICT Evangelist), Sky Caves, managed this project. And thank you to Paul innovation in teaching and learning in partnership
(Basingstoke College of Technology), Sherry Coutu Feldman and the team, whose support for UK and collaboration with teachers and learners.
(Entrepreneur and Investor), Ian Fordham (Microsoft education technology and the Edtech 50 in
UK), Steve Frampton (Portsmouth College), Martin particular has been important. Edtech UK Paul Feldman
Hamilton (Jisc), Claire Price (Chepstow School), in partnership with Jisc are working together CEO, Jisc
Dan Sandhu (Entrepreneur and Investor), Shahneila to support and develop the British education @jisc
Saeed (UKIE), Bukky Yusuf (Teacher), Mark Martin technology sector.
(Educator), Peter O’Rourke (University of Suffolk)
and Chair: Ty Goddard (Education Foundation and Someone said to me, the #Edtech50 is like a love
Edtech UK). letter to the sector. And like all letters we may have
left things out or even words unsaid – as chair of the
Edtech UK is a strategic body, established by the judging panel those oversights are mine.
Education Foundation, to help accelerate the growth
of the UK’s education technology sector across the Ty Goddard
UK and globally. Our reports, strategic policy work, Director, Education Foundation
lobbying, community events and networks help Edtech UK
to connect and nurture this sector. ty@ednfoundation.org
@EdnFoundation
We’re confident that our work and that of others @EdtechukHQ
will see a powerful and joined up approach across
Government. The Department for Education’s
(DfE) new edtech team have been energetic in
communicating the benefits of edtech. There is
positive work on digital skills at DCMS with recent
announcements in the budget. The welcome
Industrial Strategy from DBEIS puts emphasis
on Future Sectors. Barriers to the growth of the
education and learning technology sector also
need to be removed to accelerate the education
technology economy here at home and for our
UK exports with DIT.
2 3
The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
The Judges a NED of Zoopla and the London
Stock Exchange Group. She also
serves on the Advisory Board of
Linkedin.com.
Mark Anderson Philanthropically, she supports
@ICTEvangelist the Prince's Trust, the Crick
Former school leader with more Institute and serves on the
than twenty years of experience Harvard Business School
in the classroom and leading European Advisory Council.
successful faculty departments. Sherry was appointed
Led on the teaching and learning Commander of the Order of the
and delivery on one of the earliest British Empire (CBE) for services
1:1 rollouts at Clevedon School. to entrepreneurship in the New
Mark is a popular keynote Year's Honours List 2013, author
speaker, strategic consultant of 'The Scale-up Report' on UK
and trainer. He is a passionate economic growth.
advocate for the purposeful use
of technology linked to pedagogy. Ian Fordham
The
With more than two decades @ianfordham
of classroom experience, Ian Fordham is Director of
he recognises the power and Education of Microsoft and leads
importance of student voice their work with schools, colleges,
in developing sound practice. universities and other learning
An Apple Distinguished Educator, institutions across the UK. He was
Judges
Google Certified Innovator, formerly CEO of Edtech UK and
Microsoft Certified Educator Co-founder of The Education
nd expert in mobile learning Foundation, worked for and
and associated pedagogies. advised a number of national
education charities and is a
Sky Caves former teacher.
@SkyCaves19
Sky is a Learning Technology Steve Frampton MBE
Apprentice at Basingstoke Since 2005, Steve has been
College of Technology working Principal of Portsmouth College.
as a part of the in-house digital Winner of the AoC Beacon for
team, BCoT Digital, to curate, Collaboration. The director
research, train and assist with the of several local community
implementation of digital tools charities, including Business
throughout the college. She also South, PiTC (community arm
works closely with Specialist of Portsmouth Football Club),
Provision and, as of this year, President of Portsmouth D o E
has been curating self-directed and Chair of King Richards
learning resources for our Level 1 School Trust, he was recently
Future Pathways students’ appointed to the national board
blended learning. of Association of Colleges,
national AoC Sport Board,
Sherry Coutu and the ETF (PSPEP). 2016 saw
@scoutu Steve and the college featured
Sherry Coutu is a former CEO in the business and leadership
and angel investor. She chairs bestseller by Chris Lewis “Too
Founders4Schools and is a Fast to Think”. Aptly christened
non-executive member of “The BFG” within these pages,
Cambridge University (Finance a reputation for innovation and
Board), Cambridge Assessment, creative thinking was further
Cambridge University Press and reinforced.
4 5
The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
2017 saw Steve’s extensive Mark Martin Claire Price Dan Sandhu
career recognised with the @urban_teacher @chepstowhead @dansandhu
awarding of a MBE for Services Mark Martin is recognised for his Claire has been Headteacher Dan has worked extensively in
to Education. insight and passion for education of Chepstow School since 2012. Skills, Education and Education
and technology. He has taught During this time, student outcomes Technology in the UK, US, Europe,
Ty Goddard ICT for over 10 years and has have risen significantly. Prior to Australia, Canada and India as an
@ty_goddard become an expert in helping this post, she was Vice Principal of investor, executive, mentor and
Ty Goddard is the Director of teachers and schools use a large inner city comprehensive advisor. After stints at PwC and
the Education Foundation and technology to improve teaching school in the South West which Mitsui, Dan co-founded a London
Edtech UK – a new strategic body and learning. Mark is an was judged outstanding in 2011. based technology outsourcing
launched in 2015 to accelerate international speaker travelling Claire is an advisor for the business, backed by venture
the edtech sector in Britain and to different countries inspiring Education Foundation, and led capital, which grew, to a team
globally. He is recognised as one educators to become better a Policy Forum for Wales last of 2,500 across Europe.
of the UK’s leading experts on facilitators. Also Mark is actively summer with the Foundation. Dan seed funded Youth4work,
education reform and is a regular involved in the UK tech sector, Chair of the LA Strategic which is a vocationally focused
commentator on the future of supporting tech companies and Partnership Group, which is a assessment platform. He was
education in the media. promoting cultural diversity multi-agency team supporting Chairman and CEO of Digital
Ty worked as an adviser to within organisations. vulnerable children, young people Assess, recently sold, following
the Department for Education and families. Member of the EAS an operational and capital
on Extended Schools and was Peter O’Rourke Headteacher Strategy group. restructure over 18 months.
Founder and Director of the @ruairc_com In addition to these roles, I am Dan was recently voted as one
British Council for School Director of IT at the University the leader for WomenEd in Wales, of Education Technology’s most
Environments; Managing Director of Suffolk. Peter is an active a DfE Women’s Coaching Pledge influential leaders globally. He is
of the award winning design contributor to the wider coach and a Lead Mentor for the a regular speaker at education
company School Works; and technology landscape in newly-established Chartered technology forums and has
Strategic Community Manager at Higher Education with roles on Teacher Programme. authored numerous articles.
Brighton and Hove City Council. the Executive Committee of
Before this he was an elected UCISA (ucisa.ac.uk) and as its Shahneila Saeed Bukky Yusuf
Chair of Education at Lambeth representative on the HESA @Shahneila1 @rondelle10_b
Council and worked as the UK Data Futures Programme Board. With over 20 years of experience Bukky Yusuf is a Secondary
and European Political Advisor for Peter is a regular blogger and in Computing education, Shahneila Science teacher, consultant and
the NSPCC; National Campaigns contributor to industry and has seen the changes to the qualified coach. She has spent
Co-ordinator for SCOPE. He was sector events. computing curriculum from many over a decade in London schools,
voted onto the Evening Standard In a career spanning the arrival perspectives. As a teacher and teaching Science.
1,000 most influential people in of the green screen VDU in Head of Department she led Bukky has been a leader in
London list over three years and Mainframe computer rooms her department’s transition to the field of educator professional
is also a Tech London Advocate. and 1-2-1 "computer" schemes in computing several years ahead of development and educational
schools, colleges and universities, government changes. As a founding technology training.
Martin Hamilton Peter has worked in both the Computing At School Board Bukky uses her experience
@martin_hamilton private and public sectors, Member she helped develop the with professional development,
Martin Hamilton is a Futurist for with a focus on the application Computing Programmes of Study. technology integration and
education technology charity of technology as opposed to the In 2014 Shahneila joined Ukie effective pedagogical strategies
Jisc. He leads the Future and technology itself. Peter believes (UK Interactive Entertainment to help teachers adopt mobile
Emerging Technologies team, that partnership, underpinned by Association) to become Head learning enviroments that aid in
which looks at research and knowledge exchange, between of Education and Director for the class and out of hours learning.
education applications of new education and industry is vital to Digital Schoolhouse programme. She is an innovator in 1:1
technologies such as virtual and driving digital innovation. Author of Hacking the Curriculum: classroom implementation.
augmented reality and brain Peter is a member of the Creative Computing and the Bukky serves as an Education
computer interfaces. Martin is British Computer Society (MBCS), Power of Play, Shahneila’s work Board member of Innovate
particularly interested in the a school governor, a trustee of around using play-based My School.
potential of education technology the Creative Computing Club learning to teach computing
to improve retention and Charitable Foundation. Interested in the Digital Schoolhouse
outcomes, and to support and in photography and is a Liverpool programme continues to
transform teaching and learning. FC supporter. receive increasing recognition.
6 7
The Edtech 2018
The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
Sam Chaudhary Dr Ross Parry The Maths x 5
People www.classdojo.com @rossparry Andrew Hall
@samchaudhary_ Appointed in late 2016 as the sumdog.com
@ClassDojo University of Leicester’s Deputy @AndySumdog
Naimish Gohil San Francisco based, British Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Digital) to Colin Hegarty
www.showmyhomework.com co-founder with Liam Don of lead the institution’s ‘digital by hegartymaths.com
@Team_Satchel ClassDojo – positive behaviour default’ approach. This ‘whole @hegartymaths
Founder and CEO of edtech firm, management software – growing system’ method aims to ensure Bruno Reddy
Satchel, based in Stratford, and popular education technology that technology is used to enhance mrreddy.com/blog
London Borough of Newham. used by over 35 million teachers, learning and teaching, facilitate @MrReddyMaths
Naimish quit teaching and began parents and students in over 90% innovative research, communicate Tom Minor and Nicola Chilman
coding to create a product that of US schools, and 180 other better and improve efficiency in doodlemaths.com
made the homework process countries. Ty Goddard, Edtech management and administration @DoodleMaths
better. Starting out with a team UK, says, “To visit and talk with activities. There is an energy and We may not need to visit
of three, Satchel is now a business Sam and his team is to hear the frankness about Ross that will Singapore for maths mastery,
of 50 people, with its technology growth story of UK education help unlock some of the digital if these maths edtech heroes
used by 1,500 schools in 23 technology, in all its twists and challenges across higher education. succeed. Andrew from
countries. Its flagship app, Show turns to becoming a world leader.” Academic, author, researcher and Edinburgh-based, Sumdog,
My Homework, enables teachers winner in 2012,’14 and ‘17 of the to global teacher prize-
to manage homework efficiently, Duncan Wilson Students’ Union ‘superstars’ and nominated Colin Hegarty,
while appealing to students (and www.edukey.co.uk ‘I Love My Academic’ Awards, to Bath-based, Tom and Nicola
parents) for its ability to be @Classcharts Ross has also chaired the from Doodle Maths, to guitar-
accessed on their personal Duncan was a secondary school Museums Computer Group. rocking, Times Tables, Bruno;
platforms. Recent developments: teacher for 16 years and founded these are the people helping
content delivery, with education EduKey, now part of TES, in 2010 Bethany Koby to power the Maths UK revival.
publishers, Collins, and an online with Gintas Sasnauskas. Key www.techwillsaveus.com
tutoring service. products include, Provision Map, @bethanykoby Katy Potts
designed to assist SEN/ALN Bethany is Chief Executive and @katypotts
Vikki Liogier Co-ordinators with reviews of the co-founder, with Daniel Katy Potts has worked for Islington
www.bdigifab.com interventions and Class Charts Hirschmann, of Technology Council since 1999, developing
@vikkiliogier providing data rich seating charts. Will Save Us. Creating STEM play digital education services to
Vikki Liogier, recently appointed, Based in Fishguard, West Wales, experiences through digital and schools and families. She is
Head of Learning Technologies Edukey employs local people, often physical toys that support young responsible for a highly
at the Education and Training ex-students and Duncan is generous people to learn about technology subscribed service in Islington
Foundation. Founded her own with his time, when not out on the and coding. Bethany is generous and across London, in partnership
consultancy, BdigiFAB. As Head water, to build the edtech sector with her time, articulate and a with clusters of lead schools,
of Digital, Literacy, Voice and across Wales and beyond. successful edtech business- teachers and digital leader
Innovation at Epping Forest builder and creator. pupils. Works closely with key
College, she and her team Martin McKay technology and education
transformed the teaching www.texthelp.com/en-gb/ Vivi Friedgut organisations, to promote and
and learning environment. @texthelp @ViviFriedgut share good practice at events
The pioneering use of Digital Founded Texthelp, a Northern Realising that too many people hosted in Tech City or at the
Voice Experts (DVX) as digital Ireland global edtech assistive are slaves to their debt instead Emirates (the venue for Islington
ambassadors gained national technology success story, providing of masters of their money, Vivi Computing Celebration, 2018).
recognition. Vikki has been literacy support to students and Friedgut founded Blackbullion. She specialises in Online Safety,
part of Jisc’s Change Agents educators in schools, colleges com by building on her finance- sits on the UK Safer Internet
Network initiative. ‘An innovator and universities. Martin was related presentations on campus Centre Advisory Board and last
of numerous and fantastic awarded a well-deserved Lifetime across the UK. Within two years, year was announced as London’s
projects, a true visionary with achievement award from the Viv headed up an online and Local Champion 2017. Spear-
learners’ best interests at heart,’ International Dyslexia Association inter-active education platform headed introduction of ‘Kids
says judge Sky Caves. in 2017 which also shows the power which provides impactful and Judge’ Bett event.
of the product to support people effective financial education in
with learning difficulties, dyslexia partnership with 24 universities. In
or visual impairments, as well as a the words of one of our esteemed
range of English Language Learners. judges: “Yep, it kicks ass!”
10 11
The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
James Kieft The Funders – Melissa Highton The Educators x 11
www.james-thinks-its-worth- Six of the Best thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/melissa/ Kellie Williams
a-look.blogspot.co.uk Richard Taylor @HoneybHighton @kellie_digital
@james_kieft mediataylor.com Melissa is Assistant Principal Kellie, is a ‘teacher geek
James has worked as a teacher @dick_taylor for Online Learning at Edinburgh passionate about digital learning.’
across Further and Higher Bhav Singh University and Director of This committed educator is a
Education for over 15 years sandboxandco.com Learning, Teaching and Web digital schools pioneer for the
and is now Group Learning Saul Klein OBE Services. Her particular interests Welsh Government and teaches
and Development Manager at localglobe.blogspot.co.uk include digital skills, 21st century at Cornist Park Primary School.
Activate Learning, overseeing the Omidyar Network curricula, Open Educational Kellie is a GwE (bilingual School
development of teaching staff omidyar.com Resources and research-led Effectiveness and Improvement
through their Beacon award- Founders Factory teaching and online media. Service for North Wales)
winning staff development Co-founder, Brent Hoberman A vocal champion of open Digital Leader. @GwEDigidol –
programme – Pass it On. A joint foundersfactory.com education, Melissa was Cefnogi addysgu a dysgu drwy
runner up in the ALT Learning @brenthoberman instrumental in the University ddefnyddio technoleg ddigidol
Technologist of the Year Award Emerge Education of Oxford’s podcasts project yng Ngogledd Cymru.
in 2014. James Kieft hosts his own www.emerge.education prior to moving to Edinburgh. José Picardo
website and blog. Judge Sky @emergelab This project resulted in over @josepicardo
Cave comments: “His blog is the There’s a developing investor 21 million podcast downloads Deputy Head teacher at
first go-to resource I recommend eco-system exploring different via Apple’s iTunes. Hampshire Collegiate School,
to anybody starting their journey methods to pump prime, José’s main interests include
on exploring educational co-own and accelerate Laura Paterson combining pedagogy, curriculum
technology… making Ed Tech our UK edtech businesses. @SCi_TechEDU and technology to produce great
accessible to all, including easy Dick Taylor has long supported Digital leader/ schools ICT Skills teaching and learning. Maintains
access for students with learning early UK edtech and is trainer and Microsoft Certified own website and his new book,
support needs.” recognised for his early stage Educated for Fife Council and Using Technology in the
investment. Bhav Singh, from schools across Fife. Builds the Classroom, has just been
Paul Rose Sandbox has invested into large tech community with warmth. published by Bloomsbury.
www.youteachme.co.uk Edutainment deals and Founders Osi Ejiofor
@YouTeachMe Factory builds and scales early Bertie Hubbard www.osistechtips.com
Founded YouTeachMe in 2012 stage companies in-house. www.mytutor.co.uk @osistechtips
as a serving head teacher. Paul’s Saul Klein, now a partner of @Bertie_Hubbard Assistant head, teacher of STEM
enthusiasm, plus an excellent LocalGlobe has invested, @MyTutor and Founder of Osi’s Tech Tips.
product, has allowed many co-founded and supported Co-founder with James Grant, Osi has taught in Computing and
schools to improve. This system UK education technology and CEO at MyTutorWeb. ICT for over 7 years across three
disseminates good practice and extensively and the team at Connects school pupils to London boroughs, developing the
allows a wide community of Omidyar Network grow in university students from the use of technology across Primary
children and adults access to reputation for sound values and Russell Group of universities for Education. His YouTube channel
make use of teaching videos investment. Emerge Education high impact one-to-one tuition provides people with simple tech
to promote learning. The needs play a role with an edtech via a live online learning space, tips to help them use features of
of SEND students, not always accelerator, partnering with equipped with live video and their devices that are readily
addressed within Ed Tech, are Jisc on the Edtech Launchpad – interactive whiteboard. Sessions available and free. As judge
factored in, including the creation a seed fund in collaboration with recorded for future reference. Mark Martin said, “Osi is a
of SEN specific video-based ‘venture partners’ (investors). Nominated with co-founder, visionary person who is always
materials to enhance learning and Also run Edspace, a dedicated James Grant for ‘Forbes 30 pushing for innovation within
up-skill staff. Succinct comment co-working space for the under 30 Europe Social the education sector”.
from panel judge, Steve Frampton education community. Entrepreneurs 2018.’ Ian Phillips
MBE, Principal Portsmouth www.iscdigital.co.uk
College: “It works!” @IanHabs
@Habsboys
Assistant Head and Director
Computing and ICT at The
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’
School. Ian is chair and a catalyst,
12 13
The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
SAM Labs STEAM Kit
alongside Independent School
Council member associations, of
as underpinning these changes.
Ollie presents and shares
Products uk.samlabs.com
the Independent Schools Digital their journey with frankness @samlab
Strategy Group formed in 2007. and warmth. The SAM Labs STEAM Kit was
He is also part of the Intel Peter Rafferty SpyQuest developed by educators and
visionary network. Welshman www.raff.creativeblogs.net www.spy-quest.com engineers. Incorporating cross-
abroad. @raff31 @SpyQuest curricula lesson plans, intuitive
Dom Norrish Peter is a teacher, #IntelVisionary Unique. Scottish. Online visual flow-based software and
www.educate1to1.org and #GoogleCertified educator. interactive gaming concept, wireless electronic blocks, the
@domnorrish Peter is a global educator living built on sound principles for all STEAM Kit empowers teachers
Dom is the Group Director of in Maghull and ranges across primary and secondary schools. and engages every student to
Technology for United Learning, Europe, USA and South Africa. SpyQuest is an interactive A.R. discover the fun in coding and
Multi-Academy Trust with 60 Carol Allen game and book series. creating. SAM Labs places a strong
schools across the UK. Dom @caroljallen Developed by David Goutcher, emphasis on teacher training,
writes, shares and talks good Advisory Teacher ICT and author, games developer, professional development and
sense on learning technology. Inclusion, formerly at North entrepreneur. Warning! Covert learning outcomes. Supports
He would probably dislike the Tyneside Council, having taught learning may take place on a the tech-hesitant teacher, with
word thought leader. since 1980 in both mainstream, range of topics. Preparing to offer curriculum-based lesson plans
Abbie Davies primary and high, and schools free games to thousands of and hands-on educator support.
holy-name-catholic-primary- for students with severe, schools. Edtech = reading.
school.j2bloggy.com profound and multiple learning now>press>play
In West Wales, she has difficulties. Her work centres on Mindful Education nowpressplay.co.uk
empowered pupils across her creative use of technology mindful-education.co.uk @nowpressplay
school to own their own digital to support communication. @Mindful_Edu_UK An award winning social enterprise
learning, to collaborate with Deborah Kelsey Millar Learning platform by Mindful which fuses wireless technology,
peers far and wide and inspire www.learningwheel.co.uk Education, which facilitates active drama and sound to create
digital learners of all ages to take @DebKellsey learning, with online testing and educational experiences that
that first/next step. Good focus Deborah has thirty years’ analytics… allowing a blended bring the school curriculum to
on Welsh language learning. experience, from teaching to approach to learning within a life. Founded in 2012 by three
Abbie’s superpower: turning digital leadership roles in further range of study options, such as friends, who love learning
digiphobes into digiphiles. and higher education, recently the areas of accountancy and law. but hate sitting down. They
Abdul Chohan joining Grimsby Institute as Group Staff at Mindful Education work discovered they weren’t alone.
@abdulchohan Director for Digital Learning closely with colleges, both to So the three got together to
Co-founder of The Olive Tree Technology. She also founded guide them through change and create an educational resource
Free School, Former CEO at Essa Digi Pals, giving students the design new and innovative that uses sound, story and
Foundation Academies Trust opportunity to influence digital media-rich. Mindful Education movement to engage all children.
(itunes.com/essalearning), strategy and vision, and created aims to offer a rich learning
Director of ThinkSimple Ltd, the well regarded LearningWheel experience, combined with Curiscope
Distinguished Educator. Based model of digital pedagogy. flexible options for study. curiscope.com
in Bolton, UK @ed_barton
Ollie Bray Night Zookeeper Curiscope founded in 2016, CEO,
www. kingussiehigh.org.uk www.nightzookeeper.com Ed Barton, is carefully crafting new
@KingussieHigh @nightzookeeper experiences whether it be seeing
Ollie is Head Teacher at Kingussie A fabulous adventure of a digital inside the body or below the sea.
High School – a school with learning tool that inspires writing The Virtuali-Tee is a ‘magic lens’
traditional values but a modern through competitions, fun and the of a T-shirt into another world:
approach – in the heart of the power of story. Lesson plans, a guided tour inside the body.
Cairngorms National Park. Ollie creativity, drawings and the Either use a phone app or VR
and his team have expanded the zookeeper community. And goggles to discover under your
curriculum – to help teach and books and whispering giraffes skin. Developed by Curiscope
motivate students and develop too, obviously. and published by Vive Studios,
work readiness. He says, he’s a the underwater mission, Operation
‘bit of a traditionalist’ and sees Apex, is a joyous follow up. Create
the school’s rich digital ethos bait, scan the reefs and explore
the underwater world.
14 15
The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
Clicker7 – Crick Software Micro:bit saving have already been Little Bridge
cricksoft.com www.microbit.org demonstrated, and success www.littlebridge.com
@Cricksoft @microbit_edu further reflected in a £4.5 million @Little_Bridge
Clicker7, developed by Pocket-sized micro computer Series A investment, the largest A platform of online English for
Northampton based, Crick with motion detection, a built-in to date for an edtech company. Speakers of Other Languages
software, established by compass and Bluetooth. Given Their board is chaired by Howard (ESOL) providing a complete
ex-teacher John Crick in 1993. free to every child in year 7 across Bell, strategic business leader. method for teaching English
Clicker7 is useful and thoughtful UK in 2016. More recent global to primary students (including
literacy support software for focus, aiming to reach 100 million Kano refugee children and other
young people from four upwards. people with upgraded software. kano.me learners) from all around the
Creates differentiated speaking, Since 2016 the Micro:bit @TeamKano world. Carefully structured,
listening, reading and writing Educational Foundation has Inspired by a six year old who motivating activities (covering
activities easily for all pupils. been the responsible agency wanted to make a computer, all 4 skills of listening, speaking,
The introduction of a speech for Micro:bit. It is a UK based providing it was as ‘simple and reading and writing), are provided
bubble allows voice notes and but redistributes the bulk of as fun as Lego’, Kano aims to give that are really fun to do. The
the ability to keep playing back any surplus money generated young people (and the young at children play games, see the
supports memory retention too. into providing free devices to heart) a simple, fun way to make progress they are making – and
Inclusion supports everyone. exceptional micro:bit educational and play with technology, and engage in conversations in English
programmes across the globe. take control of the world around with young learners globally in
Raspberry Pi Zero Big thanks to the BBC and partners. them. Thanks to Kano, you can the safe and fully-moderated
www.raspberrypi.org/products/ build your own computer, learn community ‘DigiPals’ space.
raspberry-pi-zero/ FutureLearn code, plus make art, games and
@Raspberry_Pi www.futurelearn.com music. Adults and kids of all ages Kortext
Smaller version of Raspberry Pi, @FutureLearn have built their first computers, kortext.com
with twice the utility, affordable As we judge the Edtech 50, created flower time-lapses, @Kortext1
enough for any project. Further over 7million people are learning designed weather stations… Founded in 2013 by James Gray
iteration (Raspberry Pi Zero W) together with FutureLearn in more as a result of using Kano. and has become a leading
launched in February 2017 than 190 countries. Created by learning platform and supplier of
with added wirless LAN and The Open University, this British GIS 4 Schools – Esri UK digital textbooks. Working with
Bluetooth connectivity. Part success story facilitates access schools.esriuk.com over 1,000 publishers including
of the Raspberry Pi family of to hundreds of free online @GIS4Schools market leaders, it supplies over
devices whose sales figures courses: from Language and ArcGIS Online is a ‘Geo-Tech’ 500,000 ebooks to millions of
make them the third best-selling Culture to Business and treasure trove that is free for students worldwide. Based
general computer in the world. Management; Science all UK schools. A Web based in Bournemouth, it has a global
and Technology to Health Geographic Information System reach from Canada to Australia.
VEO and Psychology. Nearly 150 (WebGIS) that lets you discover, Kortext is available on all major
www.veo-group.com top universities and specialist visualise, question, analyse, and device platforms including iOS,
@VEO_app organisations are partners that interpret data to understand Android, Mac and Windows.
VEO is a video enhanced design and curate content for relationships, patterns, and
observation tool for Education each online course. And we didn’t trends from a local to global Minecraft Edu
and a spin out from Newcastle even mention the word MOOC. scale. ArcGIS Online for Schools education.minecraft.net
University. Developed in is a cloud-based mapping @PlayCraftLearn
collaboration with schools Firefly platform that makes teaching Minecraft in the classroom. “One
and teachers to produce a fireflylearning.com and learning with GIS easy. of the biggest successes around
smart and easy to use system Created by two students while Jason Sawle from Esri UK is on the game is the fact that it has
to help educators improve studying for GCSEs, Firefly is an a map-heaven mission to help brought the idea of game based
quality, performance and online learning tool that brings pupils understand the world learning into popularity, with a
share good practice. Led by together teachers, students and around them and their place in it. lot more educators now looking
Paul Millar and Jon Haines since parents. Teachers can quickly With Web Apps like the ‘Living seriously at the idea of games to
2013, Newcastle’s VEO is gaining plan lessons and homework, Atlas’ and ‘Storymaps’ Esri make help teach traditional academic
lots of love and not just from to which students can respond it easy to use real data and tell concepts.” says, Shahneila Saeed,
educators, but also across instantly on any device. The stories that matter. Edtech 50 judge.
clinical and corporate training. parent app enables parents to
be engaged and kept in the loop.
Ease of use, time and money
16 17The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
eCadets Coding for the Future
www.ecadet.zone
Projects apps for LGBTQ teens. The girls
were on the Apps for Good Five exceptional and far-sighted
@eCadets progamme at Stratford Grammar coding related projects:
eCadets – online safety School for Girls. Code Kingdoms
education programme across Basingstoke College codekingdoms.com
schools (ages 5-14). Empowering of Technology Flipped Learning/Online @CodeKingdoms
kids to keep schools safe. bcot.ac.uk Resource, HELM Open Allows students to transition
More than 3,300 schools, @BCoT www.nottingham.ac.uk/ from block-based to text-
especially primaries, supported The work around digital helmopen/ based programming. The
across the UK. GoBubble – technology across this College This Jisc supported project has simple slider function enables
the safe social media for under to support teachers and student developed a wide range of students across ages and
13s. The GoBubble app has learning is gaining a growing technological and media-based abilities to engage with the
wellness built in – all content reputation. Principal Anthony re-usable educational materials environment effectively...
is pre-moderated (by the AI, Bravo has created a welcoming and interventions in health/ aimed at ages 8–14.
called Luca). These days, open door and the work led by maternity care. Robust Code Club
eCadets’ founder, Henry Platten generous digital Innovation methodology in the design www.codeclub.org.uk
– formerly a Cheshire based Specialist and Lecturer, Scott and development of resources @CodeClub
police sergeant – is more likely Hayden, @bcotmedia leads for learning from staff involved A nationwide network of
to be helping teachers and national thinking. (Prof. Heather Wharrad, volunteers and educators who
children across the UK and the Dr Richard Windle, Kirsty run free coding clubs for young
world with their enquiries. The Shirelands Team, Coolin and their colleagues) people aged 9–13.
Smethwick, West Midlands who promote the activities of Project Torino, Microsoft
Reading and Writing www.collegiateacademy.org.uk HELM modules at the University aka.ms/projecttorino
www.readingwise.com @ShirelandCA of Nottingham. Flipped learning Physical programming language
@ReadingWise www.shirelandtechnology resources for the Politics of for visually impaired learners.
www.pobble.com primary.org.uk Maternity Care Module included Teaching London Computing
@heyPobble @ShirelandTP a live and recorded debate by and the cs4fn Project
Joining up the dots… two edtech Sir Mark Grundy, is a pioneer of experts on induction of labour. @TeachingLDNComp
products which jump-start education technology to support Outreach project from Queen
reading for those who struggle teaching and learning. Mark is Edtech Podcast Mary College, University of
(ReadingWise) and provide an Executive Principal of Shireland www.theedtechpodcast.com London and resource hub for
opportunity for pupils to become Collegiate Academy, Teaching @PodcastEdtech CAS London: the computers
published authors (Pobble). School and Research School; also, Improving the dialogue between at school learning centre –
The latter is a global literacy providing e-learning support and ‘ed’ and ‘tech’ through storytelling, ‘just simply awesome!’ says
platform for sharing primary now building four tech-rich Free for better innovation and impact. judge Shahneila Saeed.
students’ writing, giving pupils Schools under the determined Informative and thought provoking.
a world-wide audience for their leadership of Kirsty Tonks, Principal Great effort from Sophie Bailey London Grid for Learning
work and to assess writing. of Shireland Technology Primary. with over a 100 podcasts and lgfl.net
ReadingWise – an evidence- counting – useful to engage with Led by, John Jackson ex-Camden
based, efficient programme ImOkay App and Project the global edtech discussion. CIO – A community of 3,000
for those who have struggled www.imokay.org.uk schools, academies and LAs
to learn to read. Katie Griffiths was winner of a Women Edtech in the capital and beyond
Tech Woman 50 award for her @WomenEd_Tech benefitting from scale in
contribution to enabling other Connecting existing and aspiring procurement and development
young girls to get into tech. women in digital leadership and of secure broadband, IT services
An inspiring young role model. led by @nicoleponsford and part and curriculum resource. Set up
The app she created with fellow of the @WomenEd vibrant and by the 33 London boroughs
teenagers, Alex, Emily and Josie, influential network. in 2001 – 97% of London’s
@ImOkayApp has helped 1000s, National #WomenEd Leaders: Schools are part of this
with real life stories about @ViviennePorritt community, connecting to the
sexuality and gender, simple @TheHopefulHT Internet via Jisc’s Janet network.
definitions and support services. @keziah70
The aim is simple – helping young @equitableed
people through difficult times @JulesDaulby
and plugging the gap in help
18 19The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
The Power of the Prof Tom Crick has been crucial; Pioneering Imaginative Developing Digital Skills
Network/s but the ownership and leadership Employability Approaches Four exceptional computing and
Microsoft Innovative Educator of educators will ensure future Sussex Downs College, Lewes – digital skills initiatives:
#MIEExpert success of the Digital Competency Badging project funded by Ufi Barefoot Computing project,
@microsofteduk Framework (DCF). The Council, Trust’s pioneering ‘VocTech CAS – Computers at School
www.education.microsoft.com which began life as a ministerial Seed Fund.’ barefootcas.org.uk
Google certified educator task and finish group, has been www.sussexdowns.ac.uk Barefoot supports primary
#GoogleCE chaired since 2102, until recently The VocTech Seed Fund is educators with the confidence,
@GoogleForEdu by the committed Janet Hayward growing in reputation because of knowledge, skills and resources
www.google.com/edu OBE, with now new chair, Special well-designed criteria, ably to teach computer science.
Apple Distinguished Educator School Head, Chris Britten, vice supported by thoughtful trustees Resources aligned to the
#AppleTeacher chair, Gary Beauchamp, Cardiff and CEO. The funding pot aims to curricular for all UK nations.
@AppleEDU Metropolitan University; and improve vocational skills in the BT STEM Crew
www.apple.com/education/ present members, Simon UK’s workforce by funding digital stemcrew.co.uk
apple-distinguished-educator Billington, teacher; Ty Golding, solutions for vocational learning. An innovative online platform
Established networks of trained, Head and Adviser; Catherine Focus on ‘scalable’ projects and offering teachers interactive
certified, educator ambassadors Kucia, deputy headteacher: learners that have failed to be digital resources covering a range
for market-leading Apple, Google Dilwyn Owen Head of Digital engaged by the formal educational of subjects; each demonstrating
and Microsoft products, which Competence at Ysgol Gymraeg system. One of the fund’s the applications of STEM through
often underpin current and Bro Morgannwg and adviser; Paul recipients includes Sussex Downs real-life examples from Land
developing edtech activity. “Can ‘Lanny’ Watkins, Digital Learning College’s Digital Guild, led by Rover BAR and the British
these networks be harnessed and Team at Ysgol Bae Baglan, Port innovator, Kevin Jones. America’s Cup sailing team.
work better together for further Talbot: Alison Howells, teacher, Founders4Schools/Workfinder Apps for Good
leaps forward in edtech adoption Cwmclydach Primary School; www.workfinder.com www.appsforgood.org
and understanding across the Gareth Dacey, Challenge Advisor, Bringing opportunities for the Gives 10-18 year olds the
UK?” asks, Ty Goddard. Central South Consortium; Kay young and ideas and inspiration opportunity to design a digital
Morris, ICT adviser, Ceredigion to business. Making an impact on product in a way that is designed
Glow Programme, Scotland County Council: Hannah Mathias, the lives of UK school children by to encourage girls to pursue a
glowconnect.org.uk E-learning Manager at Cardiff giving them great entrepreneurs career in technology.
Online learning community in and Vale College; Simon Brown, as role models. An inspirational BAFTA Young Games Designers
Scotland a nationally available Strategic Director in Estyn and and brilliant way to make work ygd.bafta.org
digital environment for learning. Alyson Nicolson, Head of Jisc, experience opportunities Working with educators and
Via a user account, Glow gives Wales. The Hwb Wales - hwb.gov. accessible to teenagers. some of the top names in the
access to a number of different wales - is also lively collection of video games industry, BAFTA
web services: MS Office 365, digital teaching resources. have opened a competition
WordPress blogs, Wikispaces allowing children aged 10 – 18
and wikis to GlowTV and Glow Blended Learning to win one of their prestigious
Meet. Provides a variety of safe Consortium / Heart of awards based on a game that they
and secure cloud-based services Worcestershire College either simply design, or create.
for collaborative, innovative and blc-fe.org
social learning etc. Glow A great project and came out
accounts are available to of discussions around FELTAG
all schools and education (Further Education Learning
establishments across Scotland. Technology Action Group),
a partnership of Colleges
National Digital Learning working together to create high
Council, Wales quality online learning content.
hwb.gov.wales/community-ndlc FELTAG is no longer convened
Wales deserves commendation but the work to implement its
for pioneering a new approach to recommendations continues.
digital across the curriculum. “The Blended Learning
Leadership of key politicians, Consortium, the work of
Education Secretaries, Leighton Peter Kilcoyne and the partner
Andrews AM to Kirsty Williams Colleges is a great collaboration,
AM, committed academics like says Ty Goddard.”
20 21The Edtech 50 The Edtech 50
Charles Wiles
Judges’ @CharlesWiles
Ones to Note Brenda Morris
New CEO, Capita Sims.
Commendations Established entrepreneur and Keith Brown
former Google Product Manager. University of Bath, personal Blog.
Doctorate in robotics and artificial The response to the call for Gareth Shaw
Girls Education Challenge intelligence. Founded Zzish – public nomination was such Teacher at Ballyclare High School,
(GEC) educational quizzes to help young that we have included a 'Ones Intel Education Visionary and
@DFID_UK people memorise and master a to note' section. There are many a Microsoft Expert Educator.
Ambitious DFID and partners subject. Recently ran successful who are also 'ones to watch' in Mark Steed
funded programme aimed at £1m+ crowd-funder. the year ahead as their work Director of JESS, Dubai –
supporting a million of the comes to the fore. insight into appraisal systems
world’s most marginalised girls in Bob Harrison and partnering with Hable's
developing countries to access @BobHarrisonEdu Ones to Note – People Review365 software.
learning opportunities, including Clear-sighted, trustee of Ufi Richard Smith Renaldo Lawrence
many projects through edtech. Trust and edtech consultant. Inspiring ICT teacher/trainer. Big hearted author, Adobe
Passionate ambassador at large Laurie Forcier Educational Leader, Apple
Maren Deepwell for edtech. Thought Leadership, Pearson. Distinguish Educator, Microsoft
@MarenDeepwell David Bainbridge Innovative Teacher and Developer.
Chief Exec of Association for London Connected CEO, Bo-Clips. Olly Lewis
Learning Technology – a Learning Centre (CLC) Jamie Smith Physics HOD and Head of year 9,
membership organisation of @LdnCLC South Staffordshire College. Google and Microsoft certified.
practitioners, researchers and An award-winning local Passionate digital advocate. All round edtech enthusiast and
policy makers with an interest in organisation, based in Lambeth, Mursal Hedayat generous sharer of pearls of
Learning Technology (LT). Her that helps schools students and Truly inspirational. She set up wisdom.
vision is for LT to become an families use digital technologies Chatterbox, an online language Claire Lotriet
effective way for all to learn, to improve learning, part of tuition service that employs Assistant head,TES columnist.
teach and assess. Education Development Trust. skilled refugees. Co-author of Rising Stars
Glen Jones 'Switched on Computing' CPD
Paul Morrison Founder of Cyber Coach. modules and the odd selfie.
@paulmorri360 In partnership with Manchester Geraldine Smith Nunes
@HPE_UKPS Metropolitan University Computing educator and
www.HPE.com developing ‘Emile.’ pioneer of data driven dance:
Paul demonstrates exemplary Justin Cooke ReadySaltedCode.
leadership across education Investor and supporter of edtech, Miles Berry
and technology. Committed including Digital Theatre. Busy principal lecturer in
and passionate about helping Nihal Salah computing education at
young people to succeed. Paul’s Growing the reputation of Unio Roehampton University. Board
work for the Hewlett Packard by Harness. member of Computing at School
Enterprise education team Ollie Jones and British Computing Society
takes him throughout the UK’s The entrepreneur and trainee Academy of Computing.
education sector. Recently a doctor behind the
finalist in the annual Black British TeachMeSeries, University Ones to Note – Product
Business Awards 2017 for STEM of Leicester. Tassomai
Leader of the Year. Mentor, soup Ian Koxvold – PWC An intelligent online learning tool,
kitchen volunteer and supporter Incisive edtech business insights. predominantly for GCSE science.
of events, he exemplifies the Priya Lakhani OBE Prospela
power of being and leading. Founder/CEO of CENTURY Interesting e-mentoring platform.
Tech. Priya brings a business, Ohbot
legal background and zest to the Robot head that is constructed
world of education technology. and programmed by children.
Guy Riese OnVu Learning
Up Learn- AI and neuroscience. User-friendly equipment that
Brad Forsyth supports teachers, to engage with
Digital champion and voice at evidence-based professional
Epping Forest College. development.
22 23The Edtech 50
Peapodicity Wonde Ada National College for Some of our work in the Edtech Sector
Just launched their second Simplicity of school log-in and Digital Skills
product at London Toy Fair, accounts use. A further education college in
in collaboration with students EduKIt Tottenham Hale, London. It is
from LDEUTC. Also won a second Social enterprise helping schools named after Ada Lovelace and
award for AR Space Cards. measure and track student opened in September 2016.
Race for the Line on Dendrite wellbeing, show impact of Ada
Exciting STEM skills. spending, discover and record Bolton College’s Ada – a cognitive
Pi-top interventions that work. assistant for students, teachers
Project-based computer science plus its adaptive learning
and STEAM learning tools using Ones to Note – Project environment.
Raspberry Pi. The SHARP PROJECT Big Learning Company
LIFT UPP Tech start-ups ecosystem and Based in and created Cardiff’s
Interesting take on dentistry. digital content, Manchester. Tramshed space. Also
EDDi Digital Schoolhouse popularising edtech and
School improvement system Powered by PlayStation, Lego education products.
powered by data insight. sponsored by SEGA and Arbor
Erase All Kittens Warwickshire County Council. Building data systems that
Coding made fun and easy – Uses play-based learning. can help save teachers’ time
designed to inspire girls to create. Voca Tempo Project and improve student insight.
Teacher Tapp Students at Richard Cloudesley Third Space Learning
Education survey tool. school working with Therapy Box One-to-one SATS preparation.
Maker Club to design an app for young Creative Computing Club
Maker club network and hoilday people with cerebral palsy. A great club providing students
STEM fun. Learning Foundation with valuable opportunities for
Yoto Their toolkit – provides advice skills development in Suffolk.
Early stage speaker pod and to schools about all aspects of Open Ed Practices Project www.ednfoundation.org
physical cards for children. introducing technology. Repository of edtech resources,
‘How to fail your research degree’ CAVC (Cardiff and Vale College) following closure of successful
Sage advice. Piorneering and inspiring work – project in Scotland.
Literacy shed particularly around supporting University of Northampton,
Inspiring platform with verve by learners with ALN/ SEND. Active Blended Learning Project
Rob Smith. Pint of Science Ahead of Waterside Campus
‘Developing Experts’ Makes informal learning development. Thought
Mastery made easy. accessible, and “fearlessly leadership and project, led by
Innovate My School breaking the barrier between Professor Ale Armellini and team.
A website that keeps teachers public curiosity and complex Education App Store
informed about the latest ideas R&D,” said their nomination. Online curation of best
and trends in edtech. Oxford Hive education apps.
ClassVR Oxford Hub for International
Platform using the power of Virtual Education. Exciting
Virtual and Augmented Reality. collaborative space.
DE-ENIGMA project Educate project
Researching humanoid robots. UCL’s European funded research
Using AI and tech to help make and edtech project – laying the
a real difference to the lives of foundations of better edtech
children on the autism spectrum. product creation.
NetSupport Rocket Fund
Al Kingsley’s Net Support – NESTA’s edtech crowdfunding
solutions for the education sector. platform for schools. Breath of
Wholeschool fresh air. Sensitive project planning
Multiple award-winning and emphasis on larger scale
Belfast-based Global Education philanthropy will make it shine.
Platform, fast approaching one Published February 2018
www.jisc.ac.uk
million users. Design: weareunlimited.co.uk
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