NetSupport Radio: Recent Episodes

NetSupport

Stay up to date with NetSupport’s latest broadcasts and listen back to our previous podcasts on topics such as safeguarding, digital citizenship and teaching with edtech – plus, catch up on all the activity and interviews with key education experts from recent Bett shows.You can also listen to chats about all things education-related from specialists in the sector in our Big Education Debates, as well as learn about how edtech can help your school or Trust with managing its IT, complying with GDPR – and much more!

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In this episode, you will gain five tips to help you use different technology tools in your elementary/primary school art lessons. From digital collages to stop-motion animation these tech tips will help student’s demonstrate their understanding and creativity in new and exciting ways.

About our guest: Tricia Fuglestad is an NBCT K-5 art teacher, author and artist, who has led on K-12 tech integration. She successfully blends digital and physical art making with her transdigital lessons to help students find transformative ways to dynamically demonstrate learning. Tricia’s classroom is featured in educational publications and textbooks. Her students’ self-created art-related videos (Fugleflicks) screened at international film festivals and won national awards.

She’s been recognised by NAEA, IAEA, Golden Apple, PBS, Artsonia, ISTE, and is a named 2023 K-12 IT influencer. Tricia is the author, illustrator, and animator of ‘PETER O'METER’, an interactive augmented reality SEL children's book and ‘The Amazing Robot Coloring and Drawing Book’.

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In this episode, you will gain five tips to help design learning experiences that work for all primary school students using the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Tip 1: Teach children to use accessibility features of tablets and computers independently

Tip 2: Record your teaching and your modelling

Tip 3: Encourage autonomy and offer choices

Tip 4: Use AI to help you plan and provide sequence activities

Tip 5: Know your children

About our guest: Hollie is the Deputy Head of Knockhall Primary School and an Apple coach. She is an active member of her Trust's AI Working Party, where she contributes to the development and implementation of responsible AI practices. She worked previously as a KS2 lead and spent many years as a KS2 teacher. Hollie’s school has 1:1 iPads for children across the school and works closely with staff to embed iPad use meaningfully across the curriculum, ensuring use aligns with pedagogical goals and supports diverse learner needs. She has recently been supporting the use of safe and effective AI within the school’s planning to support Universal Design for Learning. She supports colleagues in using AI tools for lesson planning, resource creation, and assessment, while maintaining a focus on ethical use and the importance of teacher ownership.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollie-benfield-194930119/

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In this episode, you will gain five tips for creating a culture where staff and students can have important and open conversations about online behaviours. These practical strategies will help you to work collectively to keep students safe online.

Tip 1: Embed e-safety everywhere
Tip 2: Pause and think
Tip 3: Go beyond ‘stranger danger’
Tip 4: Foster a ‘tell me’ culture
Tip 5: Loop in parents

Learn more about our podcast: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/listed-podcast/

About our guest:
Farrah Khalifa is an experienced educator who has been teaching for over ten years in secondary education. As Head of Computer Science and eSafety Lead, she is passionate about empowering young people with the skills to thrive in a digital world. Farrah is committed to bridging the gender gap in STEM and actively promotes diversity and inclusion in computing. She actively tries to inspire underrepresented groups to pursue tech-related pathways. Alongside her teaching, she leads on eSafety, helping students navigate the online world safely and responsibly. She aims to support a future where all learners feel confident and represented in digital spaces.

Connect with Farrah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrah-khalifa-6a834526a/
X: @MrsFKhalifa
Bluesky: @mrsfkhalifa.bsky.social

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In this episode, you will gain five tips for how to use AI creatively in the classroom from app design to creating a co-teacher. These practical strategies will help you utilise AI tools to aide student projects and enhance classroom engagement.

Tip 1: Power up independent learning with Google LLM Notebook
Tip 2: Create quickfire learning tools with Canava Code
Tip 3: Build real-world skills with Gemini Canvas
Tip 4: Co-teacher with ChatGPT
Tip 5: Give opportunity for student input

Learn more about our podcast: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/listed-podcast/

About our guest:
Ivan Langton is a forward-thinking educational leader with over two decades of experience across UK and international schools. Currently based in Oman, he serves as Assistant Headteacher at The Sultan’s School. Known for bridging the gap between EdTech and classroom practice, Ivan specialises in digital governance, AI integration, and MIS leadership. He has presented at global conferences including BETT London and Oman2040. Passionate about creating engaging, purposeful learning environments, he combines strategic insight with a hands-on approach. Outside the classroom, he’s a family man, avid reader and a proud ambassador for the power of purposeful technology.

Connect with Ivan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/misterel

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In this episode, you will gain five tips for improving your sustainability using technology and how to ensure you use your technology sustainably, from tracking energy consumption to reviewing how you can extend the lifespan of your devices.

Tip 1: Track and monitor energy consumption
Tip 2: Review if you can extend the lifespan of your devices
Tip 3: Approach the use of AI sustainably
Tip 4: Empower students through educating them on technology and sustainability
Tip 5: Encourage staff and students to connect with the outside world

Learn more about our podcast: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/listed-podcast/

About our guest:
Emma Darcy is Director of Technology for Learning at Denbigh High School in Luton and winner of the Gold National Teaching Award for Digital Innovator of the Year and Global EdTech Award for Most Impactful Senior Member of Staff. She works part time as a consultant supporting other schools and Trusts across the country with AI and digital strategy and is also a Trustee for Apps For Good, a Workstream Lead for the A.I. in Education initiative and a member of the Digital Futures Group.

Connect with Emma:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-darcy-9b770828/
Bluesky: ‪@darcyprior.bsky.social‬

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Welcome to the first episode of the ListEd podcast! A practical education podcast that gives listeners 5 actionable tips to put into practice each episode on important topics in education.

In this episode, you will gain five tips for beginning your AI journey. These practical strategies will help you to develop your understanding of and confidence with using AI in the classroom one step at a time.

00:14 - Introduction
00:37 – Tip 1: Know the basics
01:19 – Tip 2: Start small
01:51 – Tip 3: Use what works for you
02:16 –Tip 4: Connect on social media
02:59 –Tip 5: Get your students involved
03:21 – Summary

Learn more about our podcast: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/listed-podcast/

About our guest:
Aileen Wallace is a Modern Studies teacher with nearly 20 years of classroom experience in Scottish secondary schools. She’s curious but cautious about how AI and EdTech can support learning, and I share honest reflections and practical tips on her blog, AI with Aileen. She has contributed to national conversations about AI in education, presented at conferences and webinars, and is proud to still be learning alongside her students. She focuses on what actually works in a real classroom - no jargon, no gimmicks. Just useful ideas that make life a little easier for teachers and better for learners.

Connect with Aileen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiwithaileen/

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In this episode, Gemma Gwilliam, Head of Digital Learning, Education and Innovation for Portsmouth: The digital City Project, shares her advice for leading change management at scale.

In this episode you will learn:
1. Top tips for ensuring implementation actually works
2. How to support staff who may be reluctant to change
3. Best ways to communicate change to staff to ensure everyone is on board

You can learn more by connecting with Gemma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmagwilliam/

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In this special Bett 2025 edition of the 'Insights with NetSupport' podcast, Kat Cauchi - Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport interviews students from Denbigh High School, Azzahra Ali and Ibrahim Alam.

In this episode Azzahra, Ibrahim and Kat talk about the importance of positive climate change action in schools and why it's everyone's responsibility. Azzahra and Ibrahim share their top tips for schools to make small steps that have a big impact, and they talk about their projects in school where they have utilised technology for environmental benefits.

You can connect with Denbigh High School, Luton, on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/denbigh-high-school-luton-bedfordshire
X @DenbighHigh

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In this special Bett 2025 edition of the ‘Insights with NetSupport’ podcast, Mark Anderson - Head of Education at NetSupport, interviews Professor Miles Berry - Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton.

In this episode, Miles and Mark discuss computing education for trainee teachers explaining how the foundations of digital literacy skills (and particularly AI literacy skills) are needed to keep learning at the heart and centre of anything teachers and students do with technology. They also touch on how the 'learning struggle' should be part of this, that AI shouldn’t be used to make things ‘too easy’. Miles also shares what he would like to see more of in the UK computing curriculum.

You can connect with our guest, Miles Berry on Bluesky at @milesberry.net

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In this special Bett 2025 edition of the 'Insights with NetSupport' podcast, Kat Cauchi - Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport, interviews Iryna Kazanchuk - Lead Market Analyst at Futuresource Consulting.

In this episode, Iryna and Kat talk about the journey toward net zero in education and how EdTech can help. Iryna shares how educational technology is a powerful catalyst for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices and the small steps schools can start to take towards environmental responsibility.

You can connect with Iryna on LinkedIn: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/irynakazanchuk/

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In this special Bett 2025 edition of the 'Insights with NetSupport' podcast, Mark Anderson - Head of Education at NetSupport, interviews Karen Wespieser MBE - COO at Teacher Tapp.

In this episode, Karen and Mark talk about research into what AI tools teachers are using and if this is the gateway to better EdTech. They also talk about building community across schools with shared data and understanding of how teachers feel about what's happening in education.

You can connect with Karen on:
LinkedIn - Karen Wespieser
X - @karenwespieser
BlueSky - @karenwespieser

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In this special Bett 2025 edition of the ‘Insights with NetSupport’ podcast, Mark Anderson - Head of Education at NetSupport, interviews Rick Cowell - Founder and Director of the Association of Network Managers in Education (ANME).

In this episode, Rick and Mark talk about the power of networking. Rick also talks about his background as of working as a Network Manager in schools for 20 years; and how what he needed the most during that time was contact with other people which was the driver for founding the ANME.

You can connect with Rick on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richcowell
X: @TheANME / @ANME_Rick
BlueSky: @TheANME / @ANME-Rick

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In this special Bett 2025 edition of the ‘Insights with NetSupport’ podcast, Kat Cauchi – Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport, interviews Joanna Hughes – Group Director of EdTech and Ronan Mc Nicholl – Head of Digital Learning at Berkhamsted School.

In this episode, Kat, Jo and Ronan talk about the latest smart phone policy changes in the UK and recent research into the impact of smart phones on children and young people. Ronan and Jo share about their own procedures in school regarding phones and the key information parents should know about children and smart phones.

You can connect with Jo and Ronan at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-hughes-73400b236/
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ronan-mc-nicholl-89a69a1a2
X: @RonanMcNicholl
BlueSky: @ronanmcnicholl.bsky.social

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In this special Bett 2025 edition of the 'Insights with NetSupport' podcast, Mark Anderson - Head of Education at NetSupport interviews James Fraser-Murison - Director of Fraser Esports.

In this episode, Fraser and Mark discuss the benefits of esports and how the esports curriculum can equip leaners with essential skills for the future of work. They also discuss misconceptions about the subject and how esports it's a great opportunity to bring back joy in learning.

You can connect with Fraser on:
LinkedIn: James Fraser-Murison
BlueSky: theesportsteacher

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In In this special Bett 2025 edition of the 'Insights with NetSupport' podcast, Kat Cauchi - Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport interviews Roddy Peters - Group Head of Digital Skills at Windsor Forest College Group.

In this episode Roddy and Kat discuss how educators can make the most of AI tools and why it's important not to be afraid to make mistakes. Roddy also talks about Winnie, the first private FE chatbot and the impact it is making across Windsor Forest College Group.

You can connect with Roddy on:
X: @Roddypeters
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddypeters
Bluesky: @roddypeters.bsky.social

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Mini is a Strategic Technical Consultant, based in London, with over 15 years experience in the IT Managed Service Provider space specialising as a Technical Lead in AI & Cyber Security. She often gets referred to as a ‘unicorn’, someone who is personable, curious, outcome based and up-to-date with industry trends. Mini is a TechWomen100 Award Winner, a STEM Ambassador and a Senior Presales Leader backed with official leadership accreditations. Overall Mini is an insightful, innovative, and commercially astute individual, who combines excellent collaborative, client engagement, and works with organisations to unlock the art of the possible and in simplifying a path forward using technology. 

Here are some of the questions we asked Mini:
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role?
What does your role involve?
Can you tell us a little about who you are outside of work?
How did you get into your role?
What are your favourite aspects of your role?
What has your experience of working in technology been like?
You’ve experienced an acquisition in the past, can we talk more about that?
What have been some of the benefits and challenges of working in tech?
What are some of your favourite achievements?
What is your advice for someone who was interested in a career like yours?
What change do you want to see in the tech industry and how do we get there?

Connect with Mini to learn more:
LinkedIn
Instagram

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In this episode Kat interviews Victoria Lynch.

Victoria is a chronically online Social Media coordinator with experience managing socials for software, construction, hairdressing and hospitality sectors. When she’s not working she’s usually hanging out with her four-legged bestie, Buster.

Here are some of the questions we asked Victoria:
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport?
Who are you outside of NetSupport?
How did you get in to your role?
What interested you in social media?
What are the benefits and challenges of your role as a social media coordinator?
What are your favourite parts of your role?
What would you suggest to someone who was interested in a role like yours?

Connect with Victoria to learn more:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-lynch-ab534418b/

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In this episode Kat interviews Heather Vaters and Katharine Vafaei.

Heather has over 30 years experience in the IT industry, securing the trust of both national and international companies and works diligently to build and maintain strong client relationships. When she isn't at the office, Heather wields paint brushes and power tools, renovating and decorating a Century home with her husband in a hamlet located in the GTA. She's happiest cooking over her beloved gas range, reading and snuggling with her dogs.

Katharine started working at NetSupport Canada in 2005 as the Treasurer/Controller.  Since then, her role in the company has expanded to include support to the Sales and Marketing team.  Katharine is an integral part of the Canadian operation. Katharine is also a busy mom of two, with both children that are actively involved in everything from Ballet, Gymnastics, Go Kart racing and hockey.

Here are some of the questions we asked Heather and Kat:

Can you please introduce yourselves and tell us about your roles at NetSupport?

Who are you both outside of NetSupport?

How did you get into your roles?

What are some of your favourite aspects about your roles?

What has your experience been like working in a tech company (benefits and challenges)?

What would be your advice for someone interested in working in a role like yours or in a tech company?

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In this episode Kat interviews Alexandria Davis.

Alexandria serves as a Customer Experience Manager at NetSupport Inc. Starting at NetSupport in 2022, Alexandria is a valued team member that consistently exceeds her goals in retention, collaborates with her team to ensure customer success and attends technology conferences to spread awareness, connect with customers and provide demos. She believes that entering the technology industry is ideal even if your education or background didn’t originate there. Alexandria is a firm believer in expanding your network to get to your ideal role. She is more than happy to connect on LinkedIn to offer any assistance she can.

Here are some of the questions we asked Alexandria:

Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport?

  • Who are you outside of NetSupport?
  • How did you get into your role?
  • What has your experience been like working in a tech company (including challenges and benefits)?
  • Did you ever thinking about working in tech when you were at school?
  • What are your favourite aspects of your role?
  • What would be your advice for someone interested in a role like yours?

Connect with Alexandria to learn more:
LinkedIn - / alexandriardavis

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Aurea is dedicated to driving new business growth and supporting existing clients. Her role involves expanding product usage, introducing new solutions that align with clients’ business objectives, and addressing their evolving needs. She began her career in sales and eventually transitioned to the educational sector, working for a company committed to fostering a love of reading and learning. NetSupport was the next logical step as it allowed her to continue working with educational organizations as well as expand into the corporate world. Being able to provide the right solution that helps meet the needs and goals of a company brings her personal satisfaction.

Outside of work, she is an avid reader and a member of a trivia team that regularly competes at both local and national levels. Cooking and baking, especially with music playing in the background, are some of her favorite pastimes. She also enjoys hiking with her daughter when the weather permits.

Here are some of the questions we asked Aurea:

  • Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport?
  • Who are you outside of NetSupport?
  • How did you get into your role?
  • Can you tell as a bit more about your previous roles?
  • What has your experience been like working in a tech company (including challenges and benefits)?
  • What are your favourite aspects of your role?
  • What would be your advice for someone interested in a role like yours?
  • Any final words to share?

Connect with Aurea to learn more:
LinkedIn

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In this episode Kat interviews Vineela Pappu.

Vineela is an accomplished DevOps Engineer at NetSupport, dedicated to enhancing software delivery through automation and process optimization. She specialises in building and managing CI/CD pipelines, overseeing infrastructure across multiple global regions, and maintaining high standards of security and scalability. With a strong foundation in software development and a keen interest in AI and automation, Vineela seamlessly blends technical expertise with innovative problem-solving.

Beyond her professional role, Vineela enjoys drawing and creating web applications with her daughters, nurturing both creativity and a love for technology within the family. Committed to continuous learning, Vineela stays at the forefront of the rapidly evolving tech industry, always seeking to expand her knowledge and skills.

Here are some of the questions we asked Vineela:

  1. Can you please tell us about your role at NetSupport and what it involves?
  2. Who are you outside of NetSupport?
  3. How did you get into your role?
  4. What are some of your favourite aspects of your role?
  5. What has your experience been like working in a tech company (challenges and benefits)?
  6. What would be your advice for someone interested in a role in DevOps?

Connect with Vineela to learn more:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineela-pappu-614b16256/

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In this episode Kat interviews Latoya.

Latoya is a regional account manager at NetSuppport Inc. for the Northeast region. Her favorite NetSupport solution is classroom.cloud, as it supports schools’ abilities to empower their staff, students, and families from anywhere. Latoya is inspired by the impact of technology within all learning environments, including training, and staff development across industries. Outside of work, Latoya loves reading and enjoying nature. Previously, Latoya earned her master’s from New York University and has worked in both corporate and educational organizations, ultimately leading her to the NetSupport team.

Here are some of the questions we asked Latoya:

  1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport?

  2. Who are you outside of NetSupport?

  3. How did you get into your role?

  4. Can you tell us a bit more about your career background (both in education and sales)?

  5. What has your experience been like working in a tech company (including challenges and benefits)?

  6. Do you think your background in education has helped you with working in a tech company?

  7. What are your favourite aspects of your role?

  8. What would be your advice for someone interested in a role like yours?

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Episode 9 – Rachel Edwards, Product Services Testing Analyst
In this episode Kat interviews Rachel Edwards.
Rachel is a software tester at NetSupport, working alongside the development team to release the best possible product updates in a timely manor. Rachel started her journey in tech as an apprentice at Firebrand, then worked in IT support and management before moving into testing. Outside of her role at NetSupport, she is a crafter and outdoorsy person. Rachel loves hiking and woodland walks, going to the beach and spending time with her two loveable but very cheeky giant rabbits.

Here are some of the questions we asked Rachel:
1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport?
2. Who are you outside of NetSupport?
3. How did you get into your role?
4. What has your experience been like working in a tech company (including challenges and benefits)?
5. What are your favourite aspects of your role?
6. What would be your advice for someone interested in working in testing?
7. As someone who undertook an apprenticeship, is this something you would recommend as a route into tech careers?

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Rosalina is a dynamic professional with a diverse background spanning business, education, sales, and now, technology. With over a decade of experience, Rosalina has played a pivotal role in helping companies develop and expand their market share across North and Latin America. Her tech journey began in 2021 at NetSupport, as the Channel Manager for LATAM, driving success in the region. Fuelled by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, she seizes every opportunity to learn and brings a transformative perspective to the industry. Outside of work, Rosalina's passion lies in cycling, as she enjoys exploring new destinations on two wheels.

Here are some of the questions we asked Rosalina:
1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport?
2. Who are you outside of NetSupport?
3. How did you get into your role?
4. What has your experience been like working in a tech company (including challenges and benefits)?
5. What would be your advice for someone interested in working in sales or working for a tech company?

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In this episode Kat interviews Emma Shorrock
Emma has been an administrative professional for almost 20 years, with experience across the Financial Services, Retail, Logistics and most recently the tech industry – She has had the pleasure of working at NetSupport since October 2022. Outside of work she is an avid (yet slow!) runner, having recently completed her very first ultra. She also enjoys snowboarding and spends most of her annual leave either in minus zero temperatures on top of a mountain or pootling round the country roads in her campervan. Crochet was her lockdown skill/craft of choice and she is passionate about zero waste and trying to live as sustainably as is within her gift.

Here are some of the questions we asked Emma:
1. Can you please tell us about your role at NetSupport and what it involves?
2. Who are you outside of NetSupport?
3. How did you get into your role?
4. What has your experience been like working in a tech company?
5. What challenges have you faced working in a tech company?
6. Are there any particular achievements you are proud of at or prior to working at NetSupport?
7. What would be your advice for someone interested in becoming an executive assistant?

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There aren’t enough women working in the tech industry and all too often the ones that are, aren’t being seen and appreciated for the work they do. Role models are a huge part of attracting more women into the industry and so, in this new series, Community Engagement Manager, Kat Cauchi, interviews women in tech. She asks them about their roles, what it’s like to work at a technology company (challenges and benefits) and their advice for anyone wanting a career like theirs.

Episode 4 – Jane Neal, Technical Author

In this episode Kat interviews Jane Neal.

Jane is a Technical Author at NetSupport who leverages her expertise to create clear and compelling technical documentation. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors at her allotment.

Here are some of the questions we asked Jane:
- Can you please tell us about your role at NetSupport and what it involves?
- Who are you outside of NetSupport?
- How did you get into your role?
- What has your experience been like working in a tech company?
- What have been some of the key challenges/opportunities?
- What are some of your favourite aspects of your role?
- What would be your advice for someone interested in becoming a technical author?

Connect with Jane to learn more:
LinkedIn
Twitter

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Introducing a brand new podcast series, ‘Her Tech Life’

There aren’t enough women working in the tech industry and, all too often, the ones that are aren’t being seen and appreciated for the work they do.

Role models are a huge part of attracting more women into the industry and so, in this new series, Community Engagement Manager, Kat Cauchi, interviews women in tech.

She asks them about their roles, what it’s like to work at a technology company (challenges and benefits) and their advice for anyone wanting a career like theirs.

Episode 1 – Maggie Layfield, VP of Sales for NetSupport Inc.

In this episode, Kat interviews Maggie Layfield.

Maggie is the US/LATAM (Latin America) VP of Sales. She applies her experience as an educator to promote lifelong learning, which is why she has been a speaker at ISTE, TICE, ASTE, IAITAM ACE, and several other education conferences. Maggie is an enthusiastic baker, puzzler and mother of three rambunctious kiddos.

Here are some of the questions we asked Maggie:
Can you please tell us a bit about you, inside and outside of NetSupport?
How did you get into tech?
What was the transition like from working in education to working in tech?
What have you found have been the challenges (especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry)?
On the flip side, what have been some of the benefits and opportunities you have had working in tech?
Does working in tech offer flexibility that supports your work-life balance?
What have been some of your favourite achievements to date (professionally or personally)?
What is your advice for women who are interested in working in the tech industry?

Connect with Maggie to learn more:
X/Twitter - layfieldmaggie
LinkedIn - maggie-lyn-layfield

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In this episode Kat interviews Babita Panja, Product Developer
Babita is a creative product developer with expertise in Angular and JavaScript, who also has a passion for dancing, painting, and travelling.

Here are some of the questions we asked Babita:
1. Can you please tell us about your role at NetSupport and what it involves?
2. Who are you outside of NetSupport?
3. How did you get into your role?
4. Were you interested in technology when you were in school?
5. What has your experience been like working in a tech company (challenges and benefits)?
6. What are some of your favourite aspects of your role?
7. What would be your advice for someone interested in working in development?
Listen to Babita’s story here.

Connect with Babita to learn more:
• LinkedIn - babitapanja

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Episode 2 – Clare Elliott, Group Financial Controller

In this episode Kat interviews Clare Elliott.

Clare is the is the Group Financial Controller at NetSupport, with a passion for all things finance, business and operational excellence. Shortlisted for CFO Of The Year 2022 by Women In Finance Awards, winner of Best Financial Planning Service in 2019, a Fellow member of both the ACCA and AAT, and a Chartered Manager. Outside of work Clare likes to travel, take long country walks and eat out.

Here are some of the questions we asked Clare:
- Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at NetSupport?
- Who are you outside of NetSupport?
- How did you get into your role?
- What do you like about working in finance?
- What has your experience been like working in a tech company?
- What have been the challenges of working in a tech company?
- What would be your advice for someone interested in working in finance?

Connect with Clare to learn more:
LinkedIn - clareelliott

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Maggie is joined by Deanna Bledsoe who runs a program called Kai Coders. Kai Coders is a program that teaches coding to elementary school children in a way that is fun, inclusive, and accessible. Hear Deanna discuss her background in IT and how she started Kai Coders as a way to teach her daughter and her Girl Scout troop about coding. She also discusses some of the cool projects that her students have worked on, such as a coded food drive and a giant paper robot that makes music. Deanna believes that coding is an important skill for all children to learn, and she is passionate about making coding education more inclusive and accessible.

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Al catches up with Evo Hannan to learn more about sustainability education. Evo discusses his work on the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and climate action in schools.

Evo discusses his passion for SDGs and how he came up with the idea for the design for the SDG project, and how he works with schools across the UK to promote sustainability goals.

Evo highlights how meeting people from all over the world at conferences like ISTE helps him to learn and grow as an educator. He also emphasizes the importance of supporting others and sharing resources.

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Maggie is joined by Matthew and Jess from the The University of Melbourne to discuss inclusive esports programs in schools.

Jess and Matthew are conducing research to understand the gaps in regional and rural areas around resources and infrastructure of and how they can help remove some of those barriers for schools and families, helping students to have equity learning experiences whilst enjoying esports.

They have also looked at inclusivity for females in esports, and ways to make it more accessible and better represented.

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Al and Jaime Donally catch up at ISTE to discuss AI and XR in education.

They discuss how XR and AI are both evolving fields and how AI can help eliminate limitations in creating 3D assets for the metaverse. Jaime talks about how AI and XR are being used in schools to curate and personalize learning experiences, via VR headsets and iPads for augmented reality in classrooms.

They also explore the potential dangers of AI, as Jaime brings up the importance of privacy and data security. She also argues that AI should not replace teachers but instead be a tool to free up teachers time so they can focus on human interaction with students.

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Maggie from NetSupport joins Phil Hintz from Niles Township School District at ISTE to discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) VR in education.

Phil talks about the challenges of implementing AI in schools, and one concern is that AI might be biased because of the data it’s trained on. To mitigate this, Phil suggests asking vendors questions about their data privacy practices and how they ensure the data is fair and unbiased. Another challenge is figuring out what data privacy agreements need to be in place when using AI tools. Phil talks about the importance of having a data privacy agreement with any vendor and how they got theirs approved.

Phil also talks about his research on the impact of AR and VR for students with intellectual disabilities and learning life and occupation skills.

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Al is joined by Vicky Davis, aka Cool Cat Teacher. Together they discuss the ethical use of AI in education.

The key takeaways are:

  • AI is a powerful tool that can be used to save teachers time, but it should not be used without supervision.
  • Teachers need to be aware of the limitations of AI and how to use it effectively.
  • AI should not be used to replace teachers, but rather to supplement their teaching.
  • It is important to teach students how to critically evaluate information from AI sources.
  • AI can be a great tool for leveling the playing field for students who do not have access to traditional resources.
  • AI is a rapidly changing field, and it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
  • The use of AI has ethical implications that need to be considered, such as privacy, data use, and copyright.
  • The use of AI can also have a global impact, such as on energy consumption.

Vicky shares her experience of using AI tools in the classroom, such as creating custom chatbots to teach specific content and using AI to help students with formative assessment. She also discusses the importance of teaching students about the limitations of AI and how to critically evaluate information from AI sources.

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Al joins Rachelle Dené Poth at ISTE 2024 to hear all about how to to teach with AI and incorporate it into classrooms.

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Maggie is joined by Britney Blackwell, who hosts the podcast "The Resilient Teacher", to discuss teacher burnout and how to avoid it.

Britney says that the main reason teachers are burnt out is because they have too much added to their plate. They are expected to constantly be available to students and parents through emails and technology, and they have to deal with a lot of administrative tasks on top of their teaching duties. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Britney suggests that teachers set boundaries in order to avoid burnout. This includes things like not checking work emails outside of school hours and taking time for themselves. She also recommends using technology to automate tasks, such as grading essays.

Listen in for more helpful tips for teachers who are feeling burnt out.

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Maggie is joined by Josh Stock, a middle school English teacher from Santa Fe Middle School at ISTE 2024.

Josh and Maggie talks about the benefits of using video creation in the classroom and give teachers some tips on how to get started. Here are some key points:

Benefits of video creation:
- Students are more engaged when they are creating something.
- Video creation helps students see the practical application of what they are learning in English class.
- Students can develop new skills, such as scriptwriting, filming, and editing.

Tips for getting started:
- Start with a small project, such as having students create a video to accompany an essay they have written.
- Find a video production tool that is easy to use and that all of the teachers in your school can agree on.
- Work together as a team to create videos. This will allow you to break up the work and allow teachers to play to their strengths.
- Let students use the devices they already have to record videos.
- Encourage students to help each other out. There will likely be some students who are already familiar with video creation and can help their classmates.

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Al catches up with Matthew Woodruff, who works on Open Educational AI, to discuss the benefits and challenges of AI in education.

Matthew highlights that while Generative AI (Gen AI) has received a lot of attention recently, it is important to focus on the bigger picture of how data can be effectively captured, collected and analyzed for educational purposes. He emphasizes that AI should be used ethically and transparently, and that human agency should be maintained.

One of the key challenges discussed is that Gen AI, if fed with unstructured data sources, can lead to inaccurate results. They discuss Open Educational AI (OEAI) as a solution. OEAI is a collaborative effort that aims to reduce costs and implementation time for AI in education. It leverages existing data and frameworks, allowing educators to focus on the educational use and not worry about the underlying technology.

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Insights with NetSupport – Bett 2024 edition: Becky Keene – Minecraft, AI and eSports in education

Welcome to this special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'!

In this interview, NetSupport’s Head of Education, Mark Anderson, sits down with Becky Keene, Director at i2e and a former teacher and school leader, to talk about our current attitude to AI in education and how it may change over time, the benefits of Minecraft and how to get started with it in the classroom, and some of the benefits of eSports for students.

00:00 – Introduction

00:25 – Becky Keene introduction

02:38 – What useful applications of AI are you seeing?

06:17 – Bloom’s 2 sigma problem

08:11 – Ideas to get started with Minecraft

11:17 – Where can teachers find out more information about Minecraft?

12:37 – Where can teachers get Minecraft CPD training?

13:23 – eSports: the lowdown!

14:45 – Where can we find out more about eSports?

Connect with Becky

X: @BeckyKeene

Instagram: @BeckyKeeneEdu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckykeene/

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Insights with NetSupport – Bett 2024 edition: Digital literacy and A.I., with Byron King

Welcome to this special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'!

In this interview, Byron King, Deputy Head Teacher at Surbiton High Boys’ Preparatory School, talks to NetSupport’s Head of Education, Mark Anderson, about digital literacy and the effects of A.I. on education.

0:00 Introduction
0:54 How did you come to be in the role you are today?
1:53 AI: is it all it's cracked up to be?
3:19 How can we ensure students use AI safely?
5:04 Digital literacy and AI
7:36 Is literacy or oracy more important for prompt drafting?
11:06 Equity of access
12:25 Wrap-up

Connect with Byron

X: @kingcantsing

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/byronkingjhb

Substack: https://byronking.substack.com/

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Insights with NetSupport – Bett 2024 edition: Effective digital teaching in an international school, with Ivan Langton

It’s another Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'! This time, we hear from Ivan Langton, who is Head of Computing and Digital Literacy Coordinator at The Sultan's School in Muscat, Oman.

Ivan talks to NetSupport’s Head of Education, Mark Anderson, about the importance of context and cultural sensitivity in education around the world, how he uses ChatGPT and helps students to do so too.

00:00 - Introduction
00:41 - Ivan's Bett highlights so far
01:18 - A shoutout for the Arabic version of classroom.cloud!
01:31 - The importance of context and cultural sensitivity in education around the world
04:07 - Working with colleagues in Oman
06:22 - How Ivan uses ChatGPT in his role
10:08 - Raising teachers’ EdTech confidence
10:56 - AI and Excel uploads, plus student feedback
12:53 - EAL students and helping them to use AI effectively
15:56 - Wrap-up

Connect with Ivan

· X: @misterel

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-langton-815a4a27/

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Insights with NetSupport – Bett 2024 edition: Sustainability, EdTech and cultural sensitivity, with Brett Salakas

Welcome to this special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'!

This conversation, live from the Bett show floor, features Brett Salakas, currently the Hewlett Packard Education Ambassador for Australia and New Zealand – and with a background in teaching and leadership in schools in Australia, the USA and Asia.

He talks to Mark Anderson about sustainability in education, his published book, A Mammoth Lesson, and upcoming book,A Eulogy for the Essay – Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI.

00:00 – Introduction

03:04 – Brett’s journey in education

06:07 – Introduction to sustainability - devices

10:13 – The purpose of school – and preparing younger generations for a sustainable future

13:28 – Brett talks about his published book, A Mammoth Lesson

20:25 – And a little about his upcoming book, A Eulogy for the Essay – Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI

20:56 – The two discuss respect for traditional values

23:27 – Wrap-up

Connect with Brett

X: @MRsalakas

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/brett-salakas-13380999

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Welcome to this special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'!

In this interview, Daren White, Academic Technologies Lead at Academies Enterprise Trust, talks to NetSupport’s Head of Education, Mark Anderson, about CPD, teacher confidence and competence with technology, and ways that A.I. can make things more efficient for schools.

00:00 – Introduction
02:09 – Teacher confidence and competence with tech
05:04 – The disconnect between working with students and working with colleagues
07:24 – Daren talks about where he goes for his CPD
09:34 – Efficient ways to use A.I.
12:44 – Wrap up

Connect with Daren
X: @ranga_edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darenwhite/

Discover more Insights
For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/
Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Insights with NetSupport – Bett 2024 edition: Alternative provision – considerations to make it work, with Bukky Yusuf

In this special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport' we hear from Senior Leader and Science Lead, Bukky Yusuf.

She talks to NetSupport’s Head of Education, Mark Anderson, about how she got into teaching, what she loves about it and the various considerations that can make alternative provision work for students.

00:00 - Introduction
01:38 - Why did you become a teacher?
02:52 - Tell us about the setting you work in
05:26 - Understanding the individual
07:31 - The power of high-quality teaching and learning
09:33 - Marginal gains to help with teaching
11:01 - Wrap-up

Connect with Bukky

· X: @rondelle10_b

· Instagram: @bukkyyusufofficial

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bukky-yusuf-teach-lead-coach/

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Welcome to this special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'!

In this interview, Paddy McGrath, Head of Education Strategy (EMEA) at Texthelp talks to NetSupport’s Head of Education, Mark Anderson, about how accessibility technology can help elevate learning for the students who need it - and the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

00:00 – Introduction

00:40 – Accessibility: essential for some, useful for all

02:29 – Human flourishing, accessibility and inclusion

04:37 – UDL and how it provides equity of access

08:11 – Resources to learn more about UDL

10:41 – Round-up

Connect with Paddy

X: @TH_PatrickM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmcgrathedu

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For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

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Welcome to this special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'!

In this interview, NetSupport’s Head of Education, Mark Anderson, sits down with Kate Whyles from Nottingham College to talk about how the college has created two immersive spaces, some of the technologies used, and how they have engaged and inspired the students.

00:00 - Introduction

0:22 - Kate Whyles introduction

0:50 - Overview of the immersive space at Nottingham College

2:01 - How the college ensures VR headsets have impact

3:29 - How EdTech can empower students

4:51 - Gamifying experiences at the college

7:10 - Social details and round-up

Connect with Kate

X: @KateWhyles

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-whyles-ba-hons-5564526b/

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Insights with NetSupport – Bett 2024 edition: EdTech trends in Primary and in the APAC region with Rachel CoathupWelcome to this special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'!

Our special guest for this Insights interview is Rachel Coathup, Customer Success Director at Texthelp. She talks to host, Mark Anderson, about ensuring teachers are confident to use technology in their practice, the differences between her experiences in education in the UK and in Australia, and a little about her current work at Texthelp.

00:00 – Introduction

01:11– Rachel Coathup introduction

01:36 – Teacher confidence with technology

03:01 – How do you give teachers tech confidence to ‘have a go’?

04:32 – Advice for ensuring equity of access

05:55 – Contrasting Rachel’s UK and Australia edtech experiences

07:23 – Explaining how Texthelp’s work helps schools

09:30 – Wrap-up

Connect with Rachel

X: @TechMissC

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Insights with NetSupport – Bett 2024 edition: EdTech tools and tips to manage workload with Ross McGill

And here’s another special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'!

In this conversation, live from the NetSupport stand at Bett, NetSupport’s Head of Education, Mark Anderson, sits down with Ross McGill, the founder of the immensely popular website, @TeacherToolkit, to talk about EdTech tools and tips to help manage teacher workloads.

So, tune in, listen up and get ready to be enlightened!

0:00 Introduction
0:50 3 top tips for marking
1:57 Planning and the 5-minute lesson plan
2:30 Teaching acronym: MINT
3:13 EdTech and AI
4:45 Teacher wellbeing
6:46 School digital strategy
9:21 Wrap-up

If you're interested in learning more from Ross, check out the @TeacherToolkit website!

Connect with TeacherToolkit

· X: @TeacherToolkit

· Instagram: @TeacherToolkit

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeacherToolkit/videos

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Insights with NetSupport - Bett 2024 edition: The importance of STEM, computing and coding in the curriculum with Joseph Arday

It’s another episode of 'Insights with NetSupport', live from Bett 2024!

In this conversation, Joe Arday, a computer science teacher of 15 years and Learning Manager at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, talks to Mark Anderson about computing, careers advice, Raspberry Pi and overcoming adversity.

00:00 – Introduction

00:40 – Joe’s introduction

02:54 – Joe talks about his role with the British Computer Society

04:15 – How people can get involved with Joe’s sessions

05:10 – STEAM, creativity, computer science, AI and learning

07:31 – Joe’s work at the Raspberry Pi Foundation – and resource sharing

08:55 – Wrap-up

Connect with Joe

X: @TheAverageArday

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joearday/

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

Also, listen to more podcasts on NetSupport Radio! https://netsupportradio.beezer.com/listen-back

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Welcome to this special Bett 2024 episode of 'Insights with NetSupport'!

In this conversation, live from the Bett show floor, NetSupport’s Head of Education, Mark Anderson, sits down with Alice Keeler, one of the world's biggest EdTech influencers, to talk about global EdTech trends!

00:00 - Introduction
02:19 - AI: benefits and drawbacks
03:41 - Teacher burnout and spending more time with students
05:07 - How Alice organises her time
06:38 - Strategies people can adopt to become confident with edtech tools
08:56 - Pedagogy and edtech
12:27 - Alice talks about her book that reveals 50 ways to engage students
13:19 - Social details and round-up

If you're interested in learning more from Alice, check out her blog at https://alicekeeler.com/ – and be sure to grab a copy of her new book that’s out soon!

Connect with Alice
• X: @alicekeeler
• Instagram: @alicekeeler
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicekeeler/

Discover more Insights

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/netsupport or subscribe at: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/subscribe/

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Welcome to another episode of Insights with NetSupport!

The Insights series aims to provide an interesting and relevant topic, and a special guest who can shine some expert knowledge onto the subject so we can all learn something new!

In this episode, we were delighted to welcome the Managing Director of ClickView UK, Michael Wilkinson.

With a career in education and EdTech spanning many decades, starting with work in Community Learning Centres (CLCs) exploring effective technology use to support and enhance teaching and learning, entrepreneurial work creating his own EdTech company, and subsequent roles working with EdTech companies, Michael has an enviable amount of knowledge and insight into the education and EdTech space.

In this episode, we explored the many ways video can be used in education with a specific focus on areas such as:

· safeguarding young people when using video

· ways in which subtitles can improve literacy

· research into effective approaches with the use of video...

…among many others.

Video is a media which is continues to engage young people and, in our conversation, we dig deep into how teachers can use it effectively whilst helping reduce workload, time spent finding the right video, plus how this can be done safely.

We are also proud to share that ClickView is now a connector in our multi-award-winning classroom management and safeguarding tool, classroom.cloud.

To connect with Michael, you can find him on LinkedIn and on Twitter.

Learn more about ClickView here and on social media via the ClickView Twitter account.

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The Insights with NetSupport (corporate) podcast invites special guests to discuss a topic of their expertise, giving helpful insights to listeners. In this episode, Kat Cauchi, Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport is joined by Hatty McCafferty, CEO and director of Real Menopause Talk.

Here are some of the questions we asked Hatty:

  • Can you start by explaining what ‘menopause’ is in a nutshell?
  • What are some of the symptoms women may experience during their perimenopause?
  • What are some common misconceptions about menopause (and peri and post-menopause)?
  • Could you speak a little more about other types of menopause: surgical, trans, early and premature?
  • How can menopause impact on women in the workplace?
  • What reasonable adjustments can employers make to support women who are going through the menopause?
  • What are the foundations of taking care of yourself during this transitions?
  • On a more personal note, what is it that makes you so passionate about educating on menopause?
  • How can men be menopause allies?

About our host:

Kat Cauchi is the Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport. She is also the Editor and Creative Lead of R.I.S.E. Magazine and the Host of the Of Primary Importance Podcast. Kat is a 2023 Wee Tech Women #TechWomen100 award winner. She is also a member of the Global Equality Collective, a Global EdTech Author, an Innovate Her Ambassador and a Technocamps GiST Role Model.

Connect with Kat:

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ReallyschoolK

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-cauchi-50572a66/

About our guest

Hatty is a certified Menopause Consultant with a unique ability to unify people from C-suite to most junior with her energy, authenticity and humour. Having interviewed more than 100 people for her award-winning podcast, she supports all genders along the Perimenopause transition with a natural aptitude for including men in the conversation. Her strong background in TV and her global experience teaching in fitness, make her the perfect speaker and host - inspiring clear communication, meaningful connection and confidence. Hatty delivers simple strategies that support employees’ wellbeing, boost productivity and unify them as a collective. Hatty has lived in Europe and the Caribbean and is well-versed in cultural differences. Her respectful, inclusive delivery ensures that everyone leaves uplifted.

Connect with Hatty:

Website - https://realmenopausetalk.com/

Podcast - https://realmenopausetalk.com/?nclp=1

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/realmenopausetalk/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@realmenopausetalk

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hatty-mccafferty-17172a64/

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In each episode, we aim to bring you an interesting guest who shares their wealth of expertise, knowledge and insights around a relevant topic.

Our aim is simple: to inspire and equip you with new insights that will empower your teaching and learning or leadership activities. So, get ready to dive into this episode’s conversation, exploring exciting topics such as Digital Strategy, effective use of technology, change management, AI in the classroom, leading on technology, and questions to ask vendors at edtech events such as the forthcoming Bett 2024!

In this episode, we were delighted to be welcomed by a friend of NetSupport, Laura Knight. Now a learning consultant at Berkhamsted School, Laura is a former Languages teacher and middle and senior leader with a solid understanding of what effective technology use looks like at both a macro and a micro scale.

In their conversation, Laura and our Head of Education, Mark Anderson, discuss many aspects around the hot topic of AI – but this chat, of course, dived far deeper than the latest top tools to use (although she does share some great tools to explore at the end of the recording, in a TeachMeet style).

Recognising that there are no silver bullets in education, and certainly not with educational technology, Laura and Mark explore change management; how to raise the bar of confidence, competence and cognisance with the use of technology; why AI represents a real ‘internet’ moment of change for schools – all grounded with practical ideas and tips just as useful for teachers as they are for leaders.

To learn more and pick up those three top tools to check out (and the bonus one she just had to include!) access the latest episode of Insights with NetSupport below!

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The Insights with NetSupport (corporate) podcast invites special guests to discuss a topic of their expertise, giving helpful insights to listeners. In this episode, Kat Cauchi, Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport is joined by Veronica Llorca-Smith, Leadership Consultant specialising in cultural agility.

Here are some of the questions we asked Veronica:

  • You speak 6 languages and have been learning languages since you were a child, could you talk more about this?
  • Do you think because you started learning languages at a young age it made it easier to learn new languages as you got older?
  • You have lived in 9 different countries – what has that experience been like and what draws you to continue living in different countries?
  • As an advocate for cultural agility, could you please explain the terminology for anyone who is unsure?
  • How can employers and employees develop cultural agility?
  • What are the opportunities and challenges of managing a multi-cultural team?
  • What are some of your top tips for managing a multi-cultural team effectively?
  • How can managers ensure all of their team feel included?

About our host:

Kat Cauchi is the Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport. She is also the Editor and Creative Lead of R.I.S.E. Magazine and the Host of the Of Primary Importance Podcast. Kat is a member of the Global Equality Collective, a Global EdTech Author, an Innovate Her Ambassador and a Technocamps GiST Role Model.

Connect with Kat:

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ReallyschoolK
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-cauchi-50572a66/

About our guest:

Veronica Llorca-Smith is a public speaker, leadership consultant and an author. She has lived in 9 countries and speaks 6 languages, and her area of expertise is cultural agility. She has published several books including the bestseller title ‘The Lemon Tree Mindset’ and uses social media to advocate for diversity and inclusion. She’s a mum of 2 and a triathlete.

Connect with Veronica:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicallorcasmith/
Medium - https://medium.com/@verollorcasmith
Newsletter – https://veronicallorcasmith.substack.com/
Book - https://www.amazon.com/Lemon-Tree-Mindset-reinvent-yourself/dp/B0C12227TV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

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The Insights with NetSupport (corporate) podcast invites special guests to discuss a topic of their expertise, giving helpful insights to listeners. In this episode, Kat Cauchi, Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport is joined by Virginia Mendez, Co-Founder of The Feminist Shop, a feminist ethical brand and hub.

Here are some of the questions we asked Virginia:
• When we talked about this recording you said you went on a journey from, “I’m not a feminist,” to, “I’m a professional feminist” – could you talk a bit about that?
• Why and how did you start The Feminist Shop?
• What are some common misconceptions about feminism?
• How can companies challenge gender inequalities in their workplaces?
• How can you build a career alongside your values?
• How can companies embed a values based workplace culture?
• How can companies effectively share their values with staff and ensure all staff are on board?
• Where can our listeners best get in touch with you and learn more?

About our host
Kat Cauchi is the Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport. She is also the Editor and Creative Lead of R.I.S.E. Magazine and the Host of the Of Primary Importance Podcast. Kat is a member of the Global Equality Collective, a Global EdTech Author, an Innovate Her Ambassador and a Technocamps GiST Role Model.
Connect with Kat:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/ReallyschoolK
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-cauchi-50572a66/

About our guest
Virginia Mendez is a feminist author, trainer, public speaker and the co-founder of The Feminist Shop - a feminist ethical brand and hub. A mother of two, with a background in corporate, she decided to put her skills to work by creating a career that can make a real positive change. She loves public speaking and challenging kids and adults to unlearn constrictive stereotypes. She has published 2 children’s books, one about gender stereotypes and another about consent, as well as a parenting book ‘childhood unlimited: parenting beyond the gender bias’. She has participated in debates, hosted events, moderated panels and delivered workshops in schools, communities and corporations and has now launched a Substack to explore all kind of topics through her feminist lens.
Connect with Virginia:Website - https://www.virginiamendezm.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiamendez/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/virginiamendez.m/
Substack - https://virginiamendez.substack.com/

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The Insights with NetSupport (corporate) podcast invites special guests to discuss a topic of their expertise, giving helpful insights to listeners. In this episode, Kat Cauchi, Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport is joined by Catrina Lowri, Founder of Neuroteachers.

Here are some of the questions we asked Catrina:

· What is neurodiversity?

· You mentioned in recent talks you have given that a common question has been asked, ‘Should employers accept self-diagnosis for neurodiversity?’, can we talk more about that?

· You have said before that there is a skills gap in recruitment that can be filled with neurodivergent minds, can we dive into that?

· What barriers are there in the recruitment process that employers need to break down for more inclusive hiring?

· How can employers ensure staff development is neuro-inclusive?

· How can you be a good ally at work?

· What are some of the key barriers for neuro-divergent minds are facing in the workplace and how do we overcome these?

About our host

Kat Cauchi is the Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport. She is also the Editor and Creative Lead of R.I.S.E. Magazine and the Host of the Of Primary Importance Podcast. Kat is a member of the Global Equality Collective, a Global EdTech Author, an Innovate Her Ambassador and a Technocamps GiST Role Model.

Connect with Kat:

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ReallyschoolK

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-cauchi-50572a66/

About our guest

Catrina Lowri founded Neuroteachers to help educational settings work with their autistic and neurodivergent learners and colleagues to find simple solutions for inclusive practice. She and her team do this by providing training, information, mentoring and consultation on neuro-inclusion to nurseries, schools, colleges and businesses. Catrina is neurodivergent herself, having the dual diagnosis of dyslexia and bipolar disorder. She is a qualified special needs teacher and an experienced SENCO and advisory teacher. She also employs autistic and neurodivergent speakers and trainers to work as associates. This allows her to provide perspective as both and employee and an employer. Catrina believes passionately in true inclusion for all neuro types.

Connect with Catrina:

Website - https://www.neuroteachers.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/catrina-anne-lowri-32a7791b2/

Instagram – www.instagram.com/neuroteachersuk

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/762451187641854

Twitter – www.twitter.com/neuroteachers

Threads – www.threads.net/neuroteachersuk

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE9_uWakdkdNem5mHBxk-Yg

Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/neuroteachers

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The Insights with NetSupport (corporate) podcast invites special guests to discuss a topic of their expertise, giving helpful insights to listeners. In this episode, Kat Cauchi, Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport is joined by Charlotte Speak, Founder of Power of the Parent.

Here are some of the questions we asked Charlotte:

· Could you please introduce yourself to our listeners?

· Where did your passion for supporting parents in the workplace stem from?

· What are some of the key barriers for parents in the workplace?

· How can companies start to break down some of these barriers?

· What are some common misconceptions about parental support strategies, and why do you think they occur?

· What kind of parental support strategies should we be seeing more in the workplace?

· Where can our listeners best get in touch with you and learn more?

About our host

Kat Cauchi is the Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport. She is also the Editor and Creative Lead of R.I.S.E. Magazine and the Host of the Of Primary Importance Podcast. Kat is a member of the Global Equality Collective, a Global EdTech Author, an Innovate Her Ambassador and a Technocamps GiST Role Model.

Connect with Kat:

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ReallyschoolK

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-cauchi-50572a66/

About our guest

Charlotte Speak is a mum of two, change marker and coach for parents in the workplace. She set up Power of the Parent in 2018 after her own negative experiences of becoming a parent in the workplace. She works with businesses to help attract, retain and develop their brilliant team members who happen to be parents. As a Strengthscope Master practitioner, reconnecting people with what energises them and celebrating their unique value in the workplace is at the heart of everything she does. Power of the Parent’ aim is to craft workplaces where parents and businesses can thrive. They collaborate with employers on everything from building a parental support strategy; to helping employees prepare for or return from parental leave; to navigating the impact of parent guilt, boundaries, burnout; and of course the all-important line manager support.

Connect with Charlotte:

Website - www.power-of-the-parent.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-speak-0a143228/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/power.of.the.parent

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/poweroftheparentchar

Twitter – https://twitter.com/PowerOfParent

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The Insights with NetSupport (corporate) podcast invites special guests to discuss a topic of their expertise, giving helpful insights to listeners. In this episode, Kat Cauchi, Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport is joined by Saskhia Menendez, Innovator at Keychange, Board of Directors at The F List Music and LIVE Diversity Expert Panel Member.

Here are the key questions we asked Saskhia:

Where does your passion for music come from?

What was your transition from a very deprived background to having a music scholarship at a ‘prestigious’ school like?

What is it like for you being in the music landscape as a multi racial trans woman?

You have said that a big part of the industry being more trans inclusive is education and awareness, what else should the industry be doing to be more supportive and inclusive?

How can employers best support employees who are transitioning?

You’ve mentioned how important trans representation in the music industry is, how do we make this authentic, proportional and visible?

Could you talk a bit more about how you educate businesses?

Listen now to learn about how to make your workplace trans inclusive.

About our guest:
Saskhia Mendendez is an Innovator at Keychange, on the Board of Directors at The F List Music and a LiVE Diversity Expert Panel Member. She is an Equality and Diversity Ambassador, Researcher, Public Speaker, Mentor, and Social Change activist. Saskhia works to help diversify the music industry landscape, as well as helping improve representation and access, and educating and informing people of the issues and barriers certain underrepresented groups face. She is a multi-racial trans woman who transitioned 12 years ago, she is a parent of two children, and has over 10 years’ experience in the music industry. She is also in the process of making some brand-new tracks, which are due for release early 2024. She is also preparing to undertake a PHD in gender equality in music, mainly around trans and non-binary inclusion in music. Saskhia finalised her MA in Music Marketing in 2021 and has had a musical education from the age of 8.

Connect with Saskhia:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/misssaskhia/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mizsaskia/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/saskhiamenendez
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SaskhiaMenendez

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The Insights with NetSupport (corporate) podcast invites special guests to discuss a topic of their expertise, giving helpful insights to listeners. In this episode, Kat Cauchi, Community Engagement Manager at NetSupport is joined by Tommy Hatto, founder of wellbeing and brand agency THO and men’s health expert.

Here are some of the questions we asked Tommy:

Do you think your background in acting and modelling is what sparked your interest in men’s mental health, particularly body image?

What are some of the current key challenges you are seeing in men’s health?

Could you talk about some of the findings in your recent research paper with the Global Equality Collective on body image?

Within the report what differences did you see (or not see) between different countries around perceptions of body image?

You mentioned that organisation brand and culture should be linked rather than siloed – could you talk more about that?

Has considering company culture when applying for jobs become more noticeable in recent years?

How can organisations can better support men’s health?

About our guest:
Tommy Hatto (he/him) is an award-winning coach, actor, model and founder of wellbeing and brand agency THO. With a combined social media following of over 120,000 – Tommy uses his platforms to promote gender equality such as men’s health, body image within all and educating men about women’s health issues like the menopause. He talks around his own lived experience with body image, eating disorders and low self-esteem. After leaving school, Tommy was thrust into the limelight by Dustin Hoffman and has carved out a career in movies such as Thor 2 as well as fronted global campaigns for Calvin Klein, GQ and Rayban.

Connect with Tommy:
Website: https://tommyhatto.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-hatto/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tommyhatto/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tommyhatto/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/tommyhatto/

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Welcome to another episode of Insights with NetSupport!

In each episode, we aim to bring you an interesting guest who shares their wealth of expertise, knowledge and insights around a relevant topic.

Our aim is simple: to inspire and equip you with new insights that will empower your teaching and learning or leadership activities. So, get ready to dive into this conversation, which builds upon a recent recording of Insights with David Weston from the Teacher Development Trust around teacher CPD.

In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by Deputy Head at Beckfoot School, Nikki Sullivan.

Hot on the heels of her recent sharing at the national ResearchED event in London, Nikki talked us through lots of insightful thinking and chalkface action. Balancing theory and practice is never an easy endeavour and here, Nikki shares openly about the approaches that take place in her school and the research which underpins it.

Practical in what she shared and measured in the context of her school, Nikki referenced the work which has informed the practices around professional learning she leads on. So, expect conversations around sustainable logistics, long-serving structures, impactful mechanisms, social support and ways to achieve it, culture-building and the importance of a coherent curriculum. There are so many insights shared, you’d better bring a notebook along!

Putting staff and students at the heart of her strategy, Nikki clearly knows her stuff and this episode is a must-see for anyone in education with an interest in learning more about culture, motivation and professional learning.

Standing on the shoulders of giants, Nikki also took the time to pay tribute to those who have impacted on her work such as Nick Hart; Zoe and Mark Enser and their book: The CPD Curriculum; Shaun Allison and his Perfect Teacher-Led CPD book; Sarah Cottingham and Dylan Wiliam, among others.

You can find Nikki on Twitter @Nikki__Sullivan and more about her work and sharing on her blog: https://lovetotalktandl.wordpress.com/

Resources shared:

EEF CPD report - https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/effective-professional-development

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In each episode, we aim to bring you an interesting guest who shares their wealth of expertise, knowledge and insights around a relevant topic.

Our aim is simple: to inspire and equip you with new insights that will empower your teaching and learning or leadership activities. So, get ready to dive into this episode’s conversation, exploring exciting topics such as school leadership, learning, the importance of parental engagement and the impact it can have on progress.

In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by Co-CEO and founder of the Teacher Development Trust, and former Physics/Maths teacher, David Weston.

With 10 years at the chalkface and having been running the Teacher Development Trust exploring exactly what effective teacher CPD looks like for more than 11 years, David’s insights are helpful for any teacher or school leader looking to know exactly what effective CPD looks like.

Recognised as a world expert in effective CPD, David unpicks the history of CPD across the educational landscape, what the research says, what the future holds and the ways in which AI can help with teacher CPD and coaching, along with a bunch of resources too - it’s an episode you’ll be sure to not want to miss!

You can find David on Twitter @informed_edu and more about his work on his website https://informededucation.com.

If you want more information on the Teacher Development Trust and their work, you can access their site at https://tdtrust.org and you can follow them on social media @TeacherDevTrust.

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In each episode, we bring you an interesting guest who shares their wealth of expertise, knowledge and insights around a relevant topic.

Our aim is simple: to inspire and equip you with new insights that will empower your teaching and learning or leadership activities. So, get ready to dive into this conversation, exploring exciting topics such as school leadership, learning and the importance of parental engagement and the impact it can have on progress.

In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by Dr Alexandra Gray who is an author, researcher and consultant working in the Alternative Education sector. She is also MD at Huis Technologies and co-founder of LearnTrek, an MIS for Alternative Provisions and Independent schools.

Alexandra advocates strongly for no-restraint approaches to behaviour management and supports “unregistered” provisions to work with the most vulnerable learners in the UK and beyond.

The 2023 SEND and alternative provision improvement plan won’t have escaped the attention of people involved in education and, in the show, Dr Gray examines some of the good and potentially problematic areas highlighted in the plan.

On top of that, Alex shared a variety of insights into innovation in Alternative Provision around curriculum, and her own innovation responding to a need found in her workplace. She discovered that there wasn’t really an MIS fit for purpose for those settings that has a tighter focus on tracking and supporting learners who don’t always conform to the mainstream norms; it was interesting to learn about how she and her husband have developed LearnTrek, an MIS for Alternative Provision settings.

Dr Gray wrapped up the episode by sharing her secrets to success in alternative provision, which, for those working in the sector and beyond, made so much sense – you’ll have to listen to the episode to find out more!

You can find Alex on Twitter @GrayHuis, on LinkedIn here and more about her work on her website here: www.huistechnologies.com/learntrek

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In this episode of Insights with NetSupport, we are joined by Nicole Ponsford , Founder of the Global Equality Collective (GEC) and Top50 Inspiring Women in Tech Europe.

View the questions we covered about diversity and inclusion below...

  1. A big question, but can summarise the key challenges of diversity and inclusion in today’s world?
  2. What is the impact of a lack of diversity and inclusion on young people?
  3. What are your top tips to building a truly diverse and inclusive classroom?
  4. Can you tell us about the work you do at Global Equality Collective?

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In this Insights with NetSupport recording we are joined by Keren Mitchell, who is the Founder of SuperKind (www.superkind.org).

In this episode we explore with Keren importance of social action and philanthropy in education.

Questions:

  1. Should schools be integrating social action and philanthropy into the curriculum and classrooms?
  2. How would they go about implementing this/what are your top tips?
  3. Can parents get involved?

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In this episode of Insights with NetSupport we are joined by Jim Love, who is the CIO and Chief Digital Officer of IT World Canada (Canada's leader in ICT publishing and digital marketing). He's also the host of Hashtag Trending, a daily news podcast focusing on business and technology and author of Digital Transformation in the First Person.

In this episode we discuss the below:

Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about companies that have eliminated or reduced the emphasis on needing a 4-year college degree to apply for a mid-level or a high-skill job? Here’s an article on that topic.
  2. What do you think might be lost by not pursuing a four-year college degree?
  3. What do you think can be gained by not pursuing a four-year college degree?
  4. I think it is an interesting shift in our mindset these days. It feels to me like - whereas 12 months ago it seemed like the average person was afraid of AI taking over the world - since ChatGPT burst onto the scene, it feels like that fear has faded. Do you sense that same shift happening?
  5. Do you find that your readership and perhaps your contributors and reporters have a sense for how IT and technology jobs might change now that LLM are accessible?
  6. Most of our listeners are in education. What do you think that teachers and administrators should be working towards given some of these changes we have discussed today?

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In this episode of Insights with NetSupport, host Al Kingsley (NetSupport's CEO) is joined by Canadian teacher, author and founder of CodeBreaker, Brian Aspinall.

They discuss about the topic of the moment – AI – and the opportunities it presents, as well as other technology developments happening in education.

Brian talks about CodeBreaker (a consulting and publishing powerhouse in the education space), how it challenges the status quo and seeks to "educate the whole child – mind, body and soul," – and chats about the great work currently going on in the Canadian education system.

To learn more and connect with Brian, follow CodeBreaker (@codebreakeredu) and check out the website, www.codebreakeredu.com.

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance! In this podcast series, we explore all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode each attendee discusses with the group a maths topic of their choice and everyone finishes the discussion with a top tip for sparking passion in maths. This episode’s topics include: ‘Thinking and communicating like a mathematician’, ‘Supporting children who struggle with maths’ and ‘Making maths books meaningful for children.’

About our guests
Louise Pennington is the Professional Development Lead at Oxford University Press (OUP). She’s also the newly appointed Trustee for the Mathematical Association (MA) and chair of the MA PD Committee. A former Primary SENCO, lead maths teacher and Local Authority specialist teacher for maths difficulties. Before working for OUP, Louise led a Local Authority SEND Teaching Team. You can connect with Louise on Twitter at @pdLouiseP.

Hari Neocleous is a Primary Maths and Chess Teacher. A former Maths Lead and Number Count Teacher, Hari works across schools as a Maths Intervention Teacher. She also teaches chess and strategy games. She recently spoke at the London Chess Conference showing how problem solving skills can be developed through the theme of chess. You can follow Hari on twitter at @hari_neo21 or at @the_maths_nuts on instagram.

Sara Tilley is a Primary Maths Consultant whose company is called Curious Maths. Sara provides maths consultancy support, maths CPD training across three London boroughs and has recently developed a parent subscription service to show parents how we teach maths in primary school. You can connect with Sara at @curious_maths on Twitter or search for ‘Curious Maths’ on Instagram and Facebook.

Contact
Here’s the best way to get in touch with our guests!
●Louise Pennington: @pdLouiseP
●Hari Neocleous: @hari_neo21 and @the_maths_nuts
●Sara Tilley: @curious_maths and www.curiousmaths.co.uk

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK.
Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content and see all our previous episodes here. If you are interested in coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM on Twitter or email rise@netsupportsoftware.com!

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May is Symptomatic Hypermobility Month and in this episode, Kat talks with Jane Green MBE all about ‘Understanding Symptomatic Hypermobility’ and Jane’s charity SEDSConnective.

Jane: “I am a disabled, neurodivergent, autistic parent carer for her eldest neurodivergent adult child, who left school at 16 with two qualifications and was told I was ‘dim.’ Yet, I have an MA Ed., Advanced Diploma in Education, Secondary PGCE, BSc Hons Psychology., and a QTS.”

Jane Green MBE is the founder and chair of SEDS Connective, as well as a non-executive director and a co-author (with Donaghy and Moore) on the peer reviewed paper, ‘Co-occurring physical health challenges in neurodivergent children and young people.’ She regularly presents at a variety of events including at Government conferences and she presented at the Global Learning Conference in Ireland in August 2023. Formerly, she led the Autism Education Trust (in the South East) and the National Autistic Society, and has been an assistant headteacher, LA advisory teacher and lead for ‘Autism Education in All Phases of Education.’ 

SEDSConnective is the first global neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, Tourette’s’ +) and symptomatic hypermobility (Ehlers-Danlos syndromes EDS, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders HSD) user led, voluntary charity. Their patron Dr J. Eccles and the team at BSMS provide the charity with evidence-based research.

Here are some of the questions I asked Jane:

1.       Could you introduce yourself to our listeners?

2.       Can you give our listeners a description of what hypermobility is?

3.       How can hypermobility be linked with neurodivergence?

4.       What are some of the common symptoms of hypermobility disorders and what should teachers be looking for as possible signs their students may have a hypermobility disorder?

5.       What kind of impact can hypermobility disorders have on learning, mental health and physical health?

6.       You’ve mentioned before that hypermobility disorders can be often be overlooked and misdiagnosed- can you talk more about that and why you think it’s happening?

7.       Can you tell us a bit more about SEDSConnective and how it started and why?

8.       You mentioned it’s ‘Symptomatic Hypermobility Month,’ what kind of things is SEDSConnective doing to raise awareness and how can schools get involved?

You can connect with Jane on…

Twitter: www.twitter.com/@JGjanegreen     www.twitter.com/SEDSConnective 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janegreenmaed/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sedsconnective/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SEDSconnective 

Her website: www.SEDSconnective.org 

You can also read her research paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13575279.2022.2149471 and check out her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHzgTdMyUTXvx8ElSV4ZcYg 

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content and see all our previous episodes here. If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM on Twitter or email contact@reallyschool

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Dean Shareski, anEducational Consultant for Advanced Learning Partnerships, joined Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio to discuss everything from an overview of education in Canada, the state of remote learning, the overall challenge of new teachers and leadership, along with some thoughts on the efforts around student well-being and workplace wellness.

Questions included:

  1. Can you give me an overview of school governance in Canada?
  2. Can you also explain how it differs from the U.S. and perhaps the U.K?
  3. How do you think we are doing from a leadership perspective in the schools following the pandemic?
  4. Have you seen shifts in school administration and how governing bodies interact with schools?
  5. What are those challenges (new teachers and leadership face with respect to well-being and workplace wellness) and do you think they differ in our respective countries?
  6. What excites you most about some new trends we are seeing in schools?
  7. I am particularly interested in relevance in education and getting students onto career pathways where they can, rather quickly, have a trade or a career path that can earn a decent wage. What are your feelings about this? Are we doing enough?

Website: http://ideasandthoughts.org/

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel or subscribe here.

Or listen to more podcasts here on NetSupport Radio.

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Kailey Lefko, a Math and Science Teacher, Co-Founder at Educalme Inc and The Balanced Educator Podcast Co-Host, joined Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio to discuss everything from a mindful approach to student management, how to use classroom tools to help students stay focused, social-emotional learning - plus much more!

The question covered included:

  • What types of strategies do you use to help students stay focused?
  • Do you use different classroom tools, desk configurations, music, colors, etc?
  • Can you explain the process of teaching mindfulness?
  • Do you have thoughts about the role of mindfulness in an age when technology surrounds and often leads everything we do?
  • Did you recognize this when creating your program, Educalme?
  • I’m curious about your thoughts on student management?
  • What do you think is exemplary about the Canadian education system?

For more Insights and many more useful videos, please subscribe to the NetSupport YouTube channel or subscribe here.

Or listen to more podcasts here on NetSupport Radio.

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Nick Corston from STEAM Co chats to Russell Prue about championing and inspiring creativity in schools and how that links to current vacancies in the IT sector. He talks about how students will need tech literacy in the future to do the jobs of the future.

Nick's work involves setting off dynamite rockets in school playgrounds (yes, you read that right!) to engage children and parents – an off-curriculum activity to get them talking after school and drive engagement and motivation for everyone.

@ST3AMCo

www.steamco.org.uk

rocketkids23

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EdTech entrepreneur, Michael Olagunju, joins Russell Prue to talks about how his life experience led him to where he is today as the Director of Exam Solutions, an online portal of resources to help students overcome difficulties in their studies. 

Exam Solutions offers students over 4,000 videos and there are also 100 qualified STEM tutors available. As one of first adopters of ChatGPT, the solution is using AI to accurately predict students' grades and then recommend precise learning tasks to help them improve based on their budget, their learning style and their interests.

www.examsolutions.net

@ExamSolutions

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Kelly Hannaghan joined Russell to talk about the presentation she had given at Bett, talking about developing cost-effective digital strategies for wellbeing in education. She mentioned the huge focus on wellbeing, the plethora of resources around it, and the importance of 'cutting through the noise' to be clear on its purpose.

She also explained the value of inspiring edtech confidence in teachers and using all resources available to share technology know-how and use school technology to its full potential.

@mindworkmatters

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!

In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, I am joined by Tricia Fuglestad to talk about ‘Taking art into the world of AR.’

Tricia is a K-5 art teacher, author, and artist from Illinois, who has a MATL in K-12 tech integration. She has successfully blended digital and physical art making with her ‘transdigital’ lessons to expand the curriculum, give students an opportunity to explore new media and find transformative ways for students to demonstrate their learning dynamically.

Tricia’s classroom is featured in educational publications and higher education textbooks. Her students’ ‘Fugleflicks,’ student-created videos have screened at international film festivals and won national awards. She has been recognized with many state and national awards for her innovation and dedication to art education.

She is currently working on writing, illustrating, and animating ‘PETER O’Meter’, an augmented reality SEL (Social Emotional Learning) book about a robot who becomes emotional when his buttons are pushed.

Here are some of the questions I asked Tricia:

  • Could you please introduce yourself to our listeners?
  • We're going to be talking a lot about augmented reality today (AR), so before we dive in, can you give our listeners a simple definition of what AR is?
  • What are some of the benefits of using AR in the classroom?
  • What do you think educators should know before using AR with pupils?
  • Can you share an example of an AR project your students completed and what the outcomes were?
  • How did creating those AR projects support student’s communication skills?
  • Your 'emotional robots' have been a key component in using AR to support students' social and emotional learning and now are becoming a book! Can you tell us more about that please?
  • Where can schools get support and how can they best contact you?

You can connect with Tricia on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Check out her YouTube channel and website for information and free resources.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content and see all our previous episodes here. If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM on Twitter or email contact@reallyschool.com !

Kat Cauchi is NetSupport’s Community Engagement Manager, the Editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine and the Product Manager of ReallySchool. She is also a former Primary School Teacher, Member of the Global Equality Collective, a Technocamps GiST Role Model, an innovate role model and a Global EdTech Author.

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elcome back to Of Primary Importance!
In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, I am joined by Ian Timbrell to talk about the importance of Relationships and Sex education (RSE) and how schools can communicate effectively with parents about RSE.

Ian is an LGBT+ and RSE consultant, supporting schools become more inclusive for all pupils. Ian has taught for 15 years and been a deputy head teacher for 5 years. He hosts the Staffroom Soapbox podcast and regularly blogs and writes articles on his website www.timbrelleducation.com. Ian is also a grammar geek and loves to nerd out on the history of languages.

Here are some of the questions I asked Ian:

  • Could you please introduce yourself to our listeners?
  • What are the statutory requirements for schools in providing Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)?
  • RSE can get a lot of backlash- why is that and how can we mitigate that?
  • Have you had many examples of parents requesting to withdraw their child and citing ‘religious reasons’ and how can schools best respond to this?
  • What are some common complaints you have had from parents about RSE and how have you best combatted those?
  • How can schools best manage withdrawal requests?
  • Is it more common for parents to be worried about RSE teaching for primary pupils than secondary?
  • What would be your top tips for having conversations with parents about RSE?
  • Why are you so passionate about RSE?
  • Where can listeners get support and how can they best contact you?

You can connect with Ian on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. You can also check out his website.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK
Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content and see all our previous episodes here. If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM on Twitter or email contact@reallyschool.com !

Kat Cauchi is NetSupport’s Community Engagement Manager, the Editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine and the Product Manager of ReallySchool. She is also a former Primary School Teacher, Member of the Global Equality Collective,  a Technocamps  GiST Role Model, an innovate role model and a Global EdTech Author.

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Day 3's broadcast from NetSupport Radio at Bett 2023 is here!

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Day 2's broadcast from NetSupport Radio at Bett 2023 is here!NetSupport Radio had an exciting afternoon, with host Russell Prue interviewing a raft of fabulous guests. First up was Al Kingsley, talking about the sessions he'd been involved in, speaking on the topics of digital transformation and the role of governance, and human flourishing with the OECD.

Next came guests including, Rosemaria Caffio, who runs school radio projects in Italy; Kanak Gupta, who talked about using data in schools to enhance education and progress; Richard Purcell, who gave an update on how captioning solution, Caption.Ed, has progressed over the last year; and Kelly Hannaghan from Mind Work Matters, who talked about 'cutting through the noise' around mental health.

Russell also chatted with Mark Anderson, ICT Evangelist; Chris and Will from Phonic FM in Exeter; and Mary Myatt, who talked about curriculum development. Plus, Al Kingsley caught up with Olly Lewis (Head of Digital in a MAT), for a chat about governance – as well as the Global EdTech Awards that Olly is involved with.

Finally, we heard about some super EdTech solutions straight from the people who guide their development and progress, with Jenna Khanna from Common Sense Education, Jonathan Durant from Cypher Learning, Murray Morrison from Tassomai and Michael Olagunju – Director of Exam Solutions.

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Listen back to the live NetSupport Radio broadcast from Day 1 of Bett 2023!

NetSupport's CEO, Al Kingsley, kicks off the broadcast by sharing what's happening on the NetSupport stand, talking about new product updates, explaining how this year is about 'listening and learning as much as sharing' to really connect with customers, plus he explains a little about his role as Chair of a MAT.

NetSupport Radio's host, Russell Prue, has some informative chats with a range of superb guests, including those from 2econd Chance, Tanzii TV, iplicit, Headteacher Chat, NovelEffect, DDMIX and Sleuth IT.

There are also conversations with Dawn Hallybone and Zac Marks talking about Kitt emergency adrenaline pens for schools, Becky and David Waters from Dogsthorpe Infant School talking about the success of their podcast, Matt Jessop and his year 6 students from Crosthwaite C of E Primary School, and last but certainly not least, Dave Smith from BESA!

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!

In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, I am joined by Cat Allott to talk about empowering teaching assistants (TAs) and helping them feel a valued member of their school community. Cat is a Segment Assistant at Twinkl Teaching Assistants. Her role involves creating TA-specific resources, publishing blogs and running our @TwinklTA Twitter account and TA Facebook groups she has a keen interest in all things pastoral and enjoys networking with other education professionals to raise the profile of TAs, Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs).

Cat if a former KS2 Teacher and TA, who qualified in Speech & Language Therapy before becoming a Teaching Assistant to gain some experience in schools before her PGCE. She was a KS2 Class Teacher for 5 years before transitioning away from the classroom to Twinkl Teaching Assistants.

Here are some of the questions I asked Cat:

  • Could you please introduce yourself to our listeners?
  • What prompted you to leave the classroom?
  • How have you found the transition from teaching to working at Twinkl?
  • What attracted you to being part of the Teaching Assistant Segment there in particular?
  • What are some of the key challenges TAs are currently facing and how can we overcome these?
  • Do teaching assistants feel valued enough?
  • What are some things schools can do to help TAs feel more valued?
  • What CPF opportunities would you want TAs to have access to?
  • How can class teachers develop good working relationships with their TA?
  • What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a TA?
  • What are some ways that Twinkl TA Digest can support TAs?
  • Where can listeners get support and how can they best contact you?

You can connect with Cat on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
You can also check out the Twinkl TA website and YouTube channel.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content and see all our previous episodes here. If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM on Twitter or email contact@reallyschool.com!

Kat Cauchi is NetSupport’s Community Engagement Manager, the Editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine and the Product Manager of ReallySchool. She is also a former Primary School Teacher, Member of the Global Equality Collective, a Technocamps GiST Role Model, an InnovateHer role model and a Global EdTech Author.

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!

In this episode, I am joined by Lynn How to talk about ‘Creating mentally healthy workplaces from the top to the bottom and the bottom to the top.’

Lynn has 20 years of primary teaching and SLT experience; she has been an Assistant Head, Lead Mentor for ITT and a SENCO. She loves to write and as well having her own blog, she has written for organisations including Education Support, Nexus and SEN Magazine. She is also the editor of Teacher Toolkit. Lynn has two books being published with Hinton House this year on the topics of SENCO survival and SEMH in EYFS and KS1.

Here are some of the questions I asked Lynn:

  • Could you please introduce yourself to our listeners?
  • Could you tell us more about your Positive Young Minds Facebook group?
  • From your experience what are some of the main pressure points school staff are experiencing?
  • Are there any particular groups in education you feel are particularly pressured and groups that are getting less support than others and how do we improve that?
  • Mental health issues are quite prevalent in education and have been for a long time- is this improving at all?
  • We’ve discussed some of the challenges for schools in supporting good mental health, what are some more of the key challenges?
  • How can a school underpin mental health to be within their culture and values?
  • What are some common misconceptions for improving wellbeing and mental health?
  • How does the mental happiness of staff impact on pupils?
  • How does a mentally healthy school impact on retention?
  • What are some examples of good practice in schools in the UK or internationally that we can look to?
  • Where can schools go for resources and support with wellbeing and mental health and how can they best get in contact with you?

You can connect with Lynn on Twitter on LinkedIn at LinkedIn and on Facebook at both coachingforteacherwellbeing and PositiveYoungMind. You can also check out her website and YouTube Channel

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content and see all our previous episodes here. If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM on Twitter or email contact@reallyschool.com !

Kat Cauchi is NetSupport’s Community Engagement Manager, the Editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine and the Product Manager of ReallySchool. She is also a former Primary School Teacher, Member of the Global Equality Collective, a Technocamps GiST Role Model, an innovate role model and a Global EdTech Author.

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With Bett 2023 just around the corner, discover the latest news, activities and speakers lined up with NetSupport’s recent panel discussion ‘Bett 2023 – The highlights’.

Bett 2023, which takes place from Wednesday 29th – Friday 31st of March, can pass like a whirlwind, but with free passes available until the 3rd of March, visitors should start to plan their trip now!

Helping to do just that, listeners and viewers can tune in to the discussion to hear all about this year’s theme from Bett Portfolio Director, Louisa Hunter, as well as the highlights that visitors can look forward to. Meanwhile, Caroline Wright, Director General of BESA, and Emma Darcy, Director of Technology for Learning at Chiltern Learning Trust and Bett UK Advisory Board Member, talk about impactful EdTech. Russell Prue also joins the discussion to reveal what hot topics and key speakers will feature on NetSupport Radio (the official broadcaster of Bett 2023), whilst Al Kingsley, Author and Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust, provides a sneak peek into his speaker session on the Bett Leaders stage. Concluding with their top tips to help visitors make the most of their visit, the 'Bett 2023 – The highlights' discussion is the perfect starting point to your Bett 2023 experience. Listen live to the radio and watch the discussion as a video here.

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The Insights series aims to provide an interesting and relevant topic and a special guest who can shine some expert knowledge onto the subject, so we can all learn something new!

In this episode of Insights, we were delighted to welcome recognised author, speaker and mental health advocate, Tom Thelen to the show.

Tom has spoken at over 800 schools and conferences and has been interviewed on NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS. His new book, Mental Health 101 For Teens, is an Amazon #1 New Release.

In this episode, we explored how Tom became a go-to speaker for bullying and mental health, talked about the cracks within our education systems and much more.

Tom responded to the following questions we asked:

  • How did you become a go-to speaker for bullying and mental health?
  • What are some common concerns you’re hearing about from schools?
  • What challenges are students facing that were different from pre-COVID or perhaps just not as evident before?
  • Social-emotional learning (SEL) and student well-being are becoming much more commonplace terms in schools, even “trendy”. For schools to get it right, what do you think needs to happen?
  • We believe it’s better for schools to be proactive instead of reactive – are there things they can be doing now to get ahead of potential problems students face online, such as cyberbullying?
  • You talk about becoming a “no bullying school.” What does that mean and how can schools aim to meet that objective?
  • Where can people go to learn more about the resources you provide?

As you might expect, there are lots of great pieces of advice and ideas that Tom shares.

You can also watch back this episode on YouTube:

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Welcome to another episode of Insights with NetSupport!

The Insights series aims to provide an interesting and relevant topic and a special guest who can shine some expert knowledge onto the subject, so we can all learn something new!

In this episode of Insights, we were delighted to welcome Deputy CEO of the Areté Trust, Jon Tait to the show.

With a career in education spanning many years, with teaching, middle and senior leadership responsibilities, Jon has also authored several helpful books for educators. Always jam-packed full of top tips (and that’s just his books) we knew a conversation with him would bring plenty of expert insights!

In this episode, we explored productivity for school leaders and how technology can help in lots of different ways. Jon responded to the following questions we asked:

  • You’ve had experience of using both Microsoft and Google tools in your everyday leadership work. Could you talk a bit about that and your approaches?
  • What do you see as being the big differences between the two ecosystems and what benefits do you think each of them might bring?
  • Can you give share some insights on how technology can help you be an effective leader?
  • Do any of these approaches help you beyond the office?
  • Can you share how some of your productivity tips can help students (and their parents) support more successful study?

As you might expect, there are lots of great nuggets of advice with the tools and approaches Jon shares.

You can also watch back the episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DYBZf4fQMTg

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Episode 21 - Developing mental fitness in younger students

Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!
In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, I am joined by Jez Belas to talk about ‘Developing mental fitness in younger students.’ Jez is a former Director of Sport and PE teacher turned Co-founder and Engagement Director of wellbeing company youHQ . He is passionate about mental and physical fitness and would like to see more time and resource dedicated to this in schools.

Here are some of the questions I asked Jez:
• Could you please introduce yourself to our listeners?
• Can you give an overview of youHQ and what you do?
• How would you define ‘mental fitness?’
• What factors do you think have caused the increase in demand for social and emotional support for primary pupils?
• Why do you think it will have a big impact to have mental fitness training for younger pupils (before secondary school)?
• How can schools develop the mental fitness of young pupils?
• What are the challenges for schools in supporting mental fitness?
• Can you talk more about the link between physical and mental fitness and how schools can utilise that link?
• Where can schools go to get in touch with you and to access support and resources?

You can follow youHQ on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube . You can also check out their website and connect with Jez Belas on LinkedIn.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK
Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content. If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM!

Kat Cauchi is the Product Manager of ReallySchool and the Editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine.
She is also a former Primary School Teacher, Member of the Global Equality Collective,  Technocamps  GiST Role Model, and Global EdTech Author.  

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In this episode of Insights with NetSupport, we welcome Jack Roehrig (@sirjackery), Tenured GRC CSO+, International Privacy Expert, and UPTYCS Evangelist, to speak about everything 'Data Protection'.

Hear Jack's answers to the following questions:

-For our audience, can you provide a quick overview of your background in data security and why you’re passionate about it?
-In the US you have FERPA/COPPA… what impact do these regulations have on schools/edtech vendors? Do you think they do enough?
-What would be your top tips for vendors working in the education sector?
- Looking to the future, would you say the US is going to follow in the footsteps of Europe and go further with its data privacy laws?

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In this episode of Insights with NetSupport, we are joined by the fantastic Adam Mendler, CEO of Veloz Group and Host of the Podcast - Thirty Minute Mentors. 

Adam draws upon his insights on building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored more than 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc., and HuffPost. 

Hear Adam's answers to the following questions we asked on NetSupport Radio:

-Tell me about your podcast and the amazing list of people you’ve interviewed over the years. 
-How did the idea for podcast come about? 
-Tell me some of the best insights you’ve gleaned from your guests? Has anything surprised you? 
-In dealing with young people today, are there any specific leadership skills that you feel can be taught in K-12 schools? 
-How does that differ from elementary-age students to high school students?
-Talk with me about mentorship. This is especially interesting to me from the perspective of students getting skills-based training, coming out of their high school career with skills beyond the core subject areas.

To hear more Adam visit and follow him on:

https://www.adammendler.com/
Twitter: @adammendler
https://www.adammendler.com/podcast

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In this episode, I chat to Georgina Durrant about common barriers in reading and writing and how we can overcome these, as well as the importance of play and how it can be used to boost reading and writing.

Georgina is the Director of Cheshire SEN Tutor LTD and founded the award-winning SEN Resources Blog to share activities, advice and recommendations for parents and teachers of children with special educational needs and disabilities. She hosts the Twinkl Resources' Special Educational Needs podcast, 'SEND in the experts with Georgina Durrant' – and her new book ‘How to Boost Reading and Writing Through Play’ is out on 21st November 2022.

You can connect with Georgina on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and on Facebook.

You can also check out her website and podcast.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK.

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content. If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM!

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!

In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, I am joined by Ellise Hayward to talk about ‘Empowering students with physical disabilities.’ Ellise is a motivational speaker, AAC mentor, and an advocate for SEND and Inclusion. She is currently studying Health & Social Care at College. Ellise has cerebral palsy and is passionate about sharing her experiences to raise awareness and empower others with physical disabilities.

“My name is Ellise and I happen to have cerebral palsy. I’ve always been very accepting of my disability, always try to look on the positive side, and always try my best in everything. I’m a strong-minded person and do anything I want to do. My disability isn’t a barrier, I’ll always find a way, I’m forever pushing myself to be the best version of myself. Even though it might take me longer, I get there eventually. I’m a motivational speaker and an AAC mentor. I speak to schools, colleges and universities about my life and my own personal experiences. I’m very passionate about spreading awareness of cerebral palsy and inclusive behaviours. In the last year, I have spoken to University of London and University of Plymouth students who are training to be Speech and Language Therapists and SENDCos. I was also a guest speaker at the Somerset SENCo conference in 2019. I have given whole school staff online CPD sessions.”

Here are some of the questions I asked Ellise:

  • You have had quite an amazing communication journey, could you tell us about that?
  • What were your experiences like at school?
  • How did your family feel about your education?
  • You are at college now, how does your education experience differ now?
  • What have been some of your challenges growing up and how have you overcome them?
  • You are very passionate about speaking about your cerebral palsy
  • could you tell us why you are so passionate about this and who you work with on this?
  • Ellise, you are so inspirational and have achieved so much- what have been some of your highlights?
  • You have always been determined to not let anything stop you, so I'm wondering what are your ambitions and what is next for you?
  • What are your top tips for someone working with a student with a physical disability?
  • What would you want someone with a physical disability to hear right now?

You can follow Ellise on Twitter at @Ellise_Hayward_ and on LinkedIn at Ellise Hayward. You can also check out her flow page for more ways to get in touch and to see her motivational videos.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content. If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM!

Kat Cauchi is the Product Manager of ReallySchool and the Editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine.

She is also a former Primary School Teacher, Member of the Global Equality Collective,Technocamps GiST Role Model, and Global Ed

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu. In this episode, we were delighted to have the opportunity to interview someone who has been pivotal in supporting many educators across the country with their teaching of Computing. A founder of one of the UK’s longest running Twitter chats all focused on the teaching of Computing, #caschat, Andy Colley has had a broad experience in his career within education.

A former school IT technician and subsequently teacher of Computing and now Director of Computing at Laurus Cheadle Hulme school in the Northwest of England, Andy’s been a CAS Master Teacher, Teaching and Learning Lead Practitioner, Advanced Skills Teacher and much more, including hosting the popular Learning Dust podcast with friend of NetSupport and ANME (Association of Network Managers in Education) Ambassador, Dave Leonard.

We were delighted to get the opportunity to quiz Andy on many aspects of the role of Computing within education, both from secondary and primary school perspectives. We covered lots of topics including:

  1. What tips would you offer to somebody new to role of Head of Computing?
  2. What do you see as being the difference between being a subject teacher and a subject leader? What advice would you give your earlier career self?
  3. Leading Computing at secondary is different to leading Computing at primary. What do you see those differences as being and what would you say the key focuses should be for each?
  4. Can you share any resources that you think would be useful, plus any people/blogs you would recommend following on social media?
  5. Are there any paid-for resources that you would recommend utilising?
  6. Network managers often express concern over children coding programs that can create executables. Do you have any advice on how to balance their security concerns, particularly as students develop their skills and use more technical software at a level that can facilitate curriculum whilst ensuring security?

Running through Andy’s answers like a pattern through a stick of rock was his core desire to both improve pupil outcomes and support colleagues in their work, whilst keeping approaches grounded in evidence-informed practice. What was particularly noteworthy of Andy’s responses was how much of what he shared was just solid advice, regardless of whether you are leading on Computing or any other subject, such was its applicable nature.

References:

As part of the conversation, Andy shared lots of great people to follow, websites to visit and resources to check out, books to read and tools to use. Check them out here:

@LearningDust
@ITBadger
@MrARobbins
@clcsimon
@tsuiallen
@rcoultart
@baggiepr
@lessonhacker
National Centre for Computing Education
@adamboxer1
http://code-it.co.uk/
https://edublocks.org/
https://replit.com/
https://replit.com/@MrAColley
https://quizizz.com/
Middle Leadership Mastery

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In this episode of #TipTopTipsEdu, I was delighted to spend some time talking with the Headteacher of Brighton Hill Community School, Chris Edwards.

In his sixth year as Headteacher at the school, the number of students on the roll has more than doubled from 502 to 1205. His successful leadership has seen wide-ranging developments and improvements so, with this in mind and the school’s successful growth and perception in the local community, we thought it would be great to ask Chris to share some of his insights into school leadership.

With the new academic year looming, we took the approach of Chris sharing his insights into leadership and asked him to offer advice for those new to leadership posts, whether that be new to leadership or new to Headship – and we weren’t disappointed!

He spends time ‘talking up the job’ and how headship is the ‘best job in the world’. He also suggests some things you should consider within the first 60 days of your job and some actions you can take from those activities with examples.

Chris’ positivity is infectious, and in his responses, he shares many helpful insights we are certain will be great takeaways for all listeners, not just those moving into school leadership.

From conversations about lessons and leadership in sports, to the importance of developing a sense of belonging and community, dealing with difficult parents and difficult conversations, plus some of his favourite edtech tools to help both his job as a school leader and ensure consistency of access for staff and students, there are plenty of great takeaways for educators seeking to learn from the experiences of a successful school leader.

You can follow Chris on social media at @ChrisEdwardsUK and his school can be found @BrightonHillSch.

References:
Owen Eastwood - Belonging
David Brailsford – Marginal Gains
Vic Goddard – The Best Job In The World
Bill Walsh – San Francisco 49ers
John Amaechi – The Promises of Giants
Century TECH
Prezi
Performance Learning

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Danny Bauer is the host of the Better Leaders Better Schools podcast -- globally ranked in the TOP 0.5% of all shows. His mission is "to connect, grow, and mentor every school leader who wants to level up."

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Welcome to another episode of NetSupport Radio! 

In this episode of NetSupport Radio, we grab the opportunity to catch up with NetSupport’s Technical Support Manager, Andy Earp, to talk about our popular product NetSupport Manager, and how it can be used to support unattended devices.  

A popular use for NetSupport Manager is to use it to support unattended devices, particularly in the corporate space. From ATMs to cash registers to factory floor robots to jukeboxes in restaurants, NetSupport Manager can save time and money, as well as promote efficiency by using it to maintain and support unattended devices. Yes, of course, it can be used to support devices being used by colleagues across your business too, but there are many pieces of technology, such as your servers, which can also benefit from being managed remotely using our fantastic remote management solution. 

In this conversation, we got to ask Andy: 

  1. What sorts of unattended devices do our clients use NetSupport Manager to manage?  

  2. What sort of help can NetSupport Manager provide to managers who need to maintain unattended devices?  

  3. What feedback have our customers shared about how useful NetSupport Manager is when maintaining unattended devices? 

Tune in to learn more about how NetSupport Manager can help you and your team reap the benefits of its use. 

Check out the video version here!

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!

In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, we are joined by Liz Rumsey. Liz qualified as a teacher 11 years ago. Before that, she was a training manager for a large banking organisation. She moved from mainstream primary schools 6 years ago to join Tute and develop alternative provision for primary students. Her role has since developed and, in conjunction with developing and teaching lessons for students, she also has the responsibility of SEND lead teacher across all 5 Key Stages. This role enables me to work collaboratively with students, parents, schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) to ensure that all individual requirements are met.

In this episode we discussed ‘The role of tutoring in filling gaps in education.’

Here are some of the questions I asked Liz:

  • Why did you choose to work at Tute and how did you make that move?
  • What can you tell us about the pupils that use Tute?
  • Is it more common for pupils with SEND or SEMH to access the provision? If so why do you think that is?
  • You mentioned previously that Tute can be used as an alternative provision for any primary student, can you explain how that works?
  • How does the Tute programme work and what is the pupil experience like?
  • What are the benefits of pupils using Tute and are there any additional benefits specific to pupils with SEND or SEMH?
  • Tute’s lessons are online, how do you feel this impacts on pupils learning and engagement?
  • What are the challenges with lessons being online?
  • What are your favourite lessons to teach?

You can follow Tute education on Twitter at @tuteeducation on Instagram at @tute_education_limited on Facebook at tute.education.limited/.

You can also check out their YouTube Channel and website.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content

If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM!

Kat Cauchi is the product manager of ReallySchool and the editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine.

She is also a former primary school teacher, member of the Global Equality Collective, Technocamps GiST role model, and Global EdTech author.

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Welcome back to NetSupport Radio! In this episode, Al Kingsley speaks to Charlie Rosier of Babbu, as they explore technology in early years education.

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu. In this episode, I was thrilled to welcome Meika Billings Dopwell to the show.

In this episode, I was keen to pick Meika’s brains about top tips for teachers to best support learners with speech and language difficulties in addition to some of the technologies and approaches we use in our classrooms and schools.

Here are the questions that we covered:

  1. You’re new to Twitter... As someone in education, how are you finding the experience, what benefits are you experiencing and what top tips would you have for others just joining the platform?
  2. As a speech and language specialist, could you share some of the difficulties young people face in the classroom?
  3. Linking to the previous question, what advice would you share to educators looking to help students feel more included within the classroom setting?
  4. I know you have a bit of a special interest in the ways technology can be used to support learners with speech and language difficulties. Could you share some of the tools and techniques/approaches that you’ve found to be effective?
  5. Schools are more than just ‘the classroom,’ so what advice might you have for principals or district leaders or those with responsibility for ensuring inclusion and accessibility about how to successfully support learners with speech/language difficulties in their setting?

As you might expect, these questions brought about some fantastic responses and conversations, but you’ll have to watch or listen to the episode to hear all of the insights shared!

For some of the tools and resources mentioned, for ease of reference, we thought we’d list some of them here which included, although not exhaustively:

Websites:
• https://wow.boomlearning.com/
• https://kahoot.com/

iPad apps:
• Speech Tutor (Helps children say sounds in words to increase intelligibility) where the web version is FREE; the tablet version allows you to record and watch practice trials
• Category Therapy (Great for category and discrimination practice)

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Join Al Kingsley and Justin Weinberg in the newest episode of NetSupport Radio. Justin is the Co-founder and CEO of Aktiv Learning using his decade of experience teaching math and science as a tutor and teaching assistant to bring Akiv Learning to STEM courses across North America.  

STEM classes are all the rage in today’s schools but for students to get the most out of it, they need to be fully prepared to learn to properly engage and understand the lesson. In this episode, Al and Justin discuss ‘Engaging and Preparing Students for STEM Classes’.

Here are some of the questions we asked

  • Justin, your journey to the education sector has certainly been a unique one, can you tell us a bit about it?
  • STEM subjects, universally, have always been harder to teach and retain student engagement, how do you think this can be helped?
  • Is this where your idea for Aktiv came from?
  • Can you tell us about the free resources that you provide?

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In this episode, we are joined by Maggie Layfield. As a former teacher turned ‘EdTechie’, Maggie is passionate about seeing technology used intentionally in the classroom to help increase engagement and lead to positive learning outcomes. She serves as the VP of US Sales for NetSupport Inc, and is recognised leader in EdTech. She lives outside of Atlanta with her husband and two kids (plus one on the way!). Maggie loves to bake, solve puzzles, play word games, and read in her spare time, which is rather limited these days.

In this episode we discussed Taking early years education to 'the big kids.'

Here are just some of the questions I asked:

  • Your degree was in English/Language Arts Education- why that particular subject?
  • You mentioned your background in education could you tell us a bit more about that and how you moved into the world of EdTech?
  • You mentioned when we talked before that your specialism was with 12–18-year-olds, but somehow you ended you working with some pre-kindergarten kids (under 7-year-olds) too. What was that experience like?
  • Were there any teaching strategies you took away from that experience that you thought could be beneficial for older learners?
  • Why do you think sometimes that engaging and fun learning is missing when teaching at middle and high school?
  • And what about vice versa- is there anything from working with the older pupils that could be taken into those earlier grades to benefit younger learners?
  • What do you think about opportunities for mixed age-group learning? How could you see this working?
  • What would be your top-tips for taking early education strategies into the higher grades?

You can follow on Maggie on Twitter at @LayfieldMaggie or on LinkedIn
You can also email her at m.layfield@netsupport-inc.com
Check out www.netsupport-inc.com for more information about NetSupport’s solutions.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK
Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content
If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM!

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From sending one-way messages that can’t be ignored, to streamlining communication and ensuring everyone has received and read the message – NetSupport Notify can help in any scenario!

Sensitive information: Deliver sensitive information discreetly without using the overhead PA system – perfect in hospitals for code calls.

Adverse weather: Help keep your staff informed about any natural disasters or severe weather that may affect them.

Emergency or lockdown procedures: Using a three-hotkey combination, quickly notify staff of emergencies (such as bomb threats or active shooter situations) so they can initiate any lockdown or emergency procedures swiftly.

Recurring events: Schedule notifications for recurring events (such as routine system maintenance) or to notify staff to power off devices, for example.

Wellbeing/health updates: Send important health messages and updates to keep staff safe.

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We've got an action packed #CheckItOutShow lined up tonight featuring some amazing guests! Tune in to hear about the latest education solutions and services!

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We are excited to share with you a brand new video case study from Hampton Lakes Primary School. In this video our Product Manager Kat Cauchi interviews Head of School Zoe Trigg and Head of EYFS Helen Lloyd about their experiences of using ReallySchool.

Here are some of the questions we asked:

  • Hello Zoe and Helen can you tell us a bit about your school please?
  • What were your main challenges with observations before using ReallySchool?
  • What were your first impressions of ReallySchool?
  • What would you say are the main benefits for you, Helen, as Head of EYFS and for you, Zoe, as Head of School?
  • What would you say are the main benefits for pupils?
  • Could you talk more about your experience of using ReallySchool with parents?
  • Do you think that ReallySchool is inclusive?
  • Has ReallySchool supported you in identifying and addressing learning gaps?
  • Did ReallySchool have an impact before lockdown and how was that different during lockdown?
  • Did it enable you to keep track of learning and progress while students weren’t in school?
  • Do you think there was a greater level of dialogue with parents during that time?
  • Zoe, from a leadership perspective does ReallySchool have any wider school benefits?
  • Would you recommend ReallySchool to others and if so why would you recommend it?

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In this episode, we are joined by Sammy White. Sammy is a former maths teacher with experience in a wide variety of settings including alternative provision (AP), further education (FE) and secondary. She is currently a teaching & learning specialist at TextHelp. Sammy is also recognised as one of ‘The EdTech 50’ for 2021.

In this episode we discussed ‘Engagement, support and boundaries- relationships between parents and educators’

Here are some of the questions I asked:

  • You are both a mum and an educator. Can you tell us a bit about if and how that impacts on your relationship with your children's teacher?
  • What kind of professional boundaries have you needed to set and how would you advise others to go about setting their own?
  • As a parent how do you feel schools engage parents well, and where do you see potential for improvements?
  • What is the role of EdTech in parental engagement and how can schools best utilise this?
  • Speaking of EdTech, you recently attended the Bett show! (It was amazing to meet you there by the way) Can you tell our listeners a little about what Bett is and your experience there?
  • Coming back to parental engagement, you wrote an article for R.I.S.E. Magazine about maths anxiety in parents- could you talk a little more about what kind of anxieties you found parents have?
  • Is parental anxiety in mathematics more common than in other subjects and if so why do you think that is?
  • How can educators best support parents in overcoming their anxieties of supporting their child with maths?
  • How can people get in touch with you and find out more about what you do?

You can follow Sammy on Twitter at @WhatTheTrigMath
You can also check out her website and YouTube channel

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK
Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu! 

In this episode, Abid shared lots of great insights and top tips – from advice on interactions with other colleagues, to developing powerful and positive relationships and approaches to collaboration. There’s lots for both network managers and school leaders and teachers to take away from this episode. 

During our chat, Abid responded to the following questions and shared some great approaches. Here are the questions I asked him: 
1. How do you explain to a teacher that something won't work?
2. What tips can you share about how to approach working with teachers that fosters positive relationships?
3. What tips and resources are there for collaboration for technical IT staff that you'd recommend?
4. What are your insights on how and why connecting with educators at events is important?

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In this episode, we are joined by Juliet Park the director of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) for the Share Trust. She is also a languages teacher and national MFL consultant-supporting schools and academy trusts. She is a successful author of languages resources. Juliet is an experienced examiner, and she regularly delivers training for awarding bodies and trainee teachers. She is also a specialist for the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) in Dylan William’s formative assessment programme, and she supports primary and secondary heads to introduce this in their own settings. She is passionate about developing a lifelong love of languages and linguistic mastery in young children.

In this episode we discussed ‘Tips for success in teaching a new language’ especially for teachers without a language specialism.

Here are some of the questions I asked Juliet:

  • You recently had a book published- could you give us a summary of what the book is about and why you decided to write it?
  • As you know language teaching in primary schools often isn't taught by specialists- what kind of barriers do teachers without a language specialism have to teaching a language?
  • How can they overcome these barriers?
  • If a teacher is going to be teaching a series of language lessons what are your tips for being prepared for this?
  • How can teachers ensure pupils not only learn a language but retain that knowledge?
  • What are the barriers to language learning for pupils and how can teachers help them overcome these?
  • What do you think is working well in schools for language learning and what do you think is needed to support this more?
  • What skills are important to teach pupils that will help them be successful in language learning?
  • Where pupils struggle with their Literacy how does this impact on their progress in learning another language and how can staff help them?
  • There are lots of benefits to learning another language could you share some of your key ones?
  • Is there any training/resources/support you would recommend to teachers and how can people get in touch with you?

You can follow Juliet on Twitter at @julietdpark

You can also check out her book ‘Tried and tested: The ultimate guide to teaching primary languages and her languages resource website

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content

If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM!

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!

In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, we are joined by Evo Hannan. Evo is passionate about design and innovation in education. Innately driven by his desire to create positive change, Evo has utilised his 20 years of teaching experience to channel into projects which have made an impact across the globe, including The Agency project and Ed Talks Live-a live YouTube talk show which engages in hot education topics with guests from around the globe. This inspired him to take a step out of the classroom in July 2021 and start his own education venture called Innovation X, a big thinking company created to help inspire new ideas to move education forward. He recently launched Innovation X’s first service called Vertigo, a social media agency for schools and education partners, that offers a modern streamlined approach to community engagement, growth and communication.

In this episode we discussed: Are schools preparing pupils to be ‘future ready?’

Here are some of the questions I asked Evo:

· What has it been like going from teaching to having your own business?

· What do you think are the key skills that pupils need to be future ready?

· You feel the opportunity for pupils to be creative and independent isn’t really being explored and that schools aren’t catching up with the innovation. Why do you think that might be?

· What do you think about the way that pupils are assessed, and do you think that is a fair judgement of success?

· What have you seen working well in schools?

· Are there any training or resources you would recommend and how can people get in touch with you?

· What 5 things would you want pupils to learn for them to be future ready?

You can follow Evo on Twitter at @EvoHannan , on Instagram at @evohannan and on LinkedIn

You can also check out his website and YouTube channel

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content

If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM!

Kat Cauchi is the product manager of ReallySchool and the editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine.

She is also a former primary school teacher, member of the Global Equality Collective, Technocamps GiST role model, and Global EdTech author.

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We've got an action packed #CheckItOutShow lined up featuring some amazing guests! Tune in at 7pm to hear about the latest education solutions and services!

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Always a passionate advocate of all things educational, Lord Jim Knight chatted to Russell Prue about what he’s been up to lately, the perils of social media (and the problems of regulating it), and the three elements he’d like to see instilled into the National Curriculum: caring for oneself, caring for others and caring for the natural environment.

@LordJimKnight 

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Al Kingsley chats about his observations of the show so far

On the final day of the event, Al Kingsley and Russell mull over how it’s been.

As the first in-person Bett show for two years draws to a close, NetSupport’s CEO, Al Kingsley, and NetSupport Radio host Russell Prue talk about what’s been going on over the past two days. Al mentions that there’s a feeling that schools are at the point where they can either embrace the good technology initiatives from last two years or go back ‘to normal.’ He suggests that the cue about which way to go can be gained from looking at how the workplace has changed – and keep in mind that students will need to be prepared for that environment.

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Kelly Hannaghan talks about enhancing parental engagement

Mental health and wellbeing consultant, Kelly Hannaghan, talks about the importance of parental engagement and how she has been working to develop safe spaces for parental support, especially in this post-pandemic era. Education has changed a great deal over the last two years and it has sometimes been difficult for parents to remain on top of all the changes, so providing the support to empower them is proving really beneficial.

www.theeducationpeople.org 

@mindworkmatters

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Parenting Coach, Sue Atkins, talks bout children’s and parents’ lockdown experiences

NetSupport Radio was lucky enough to get an interview with parenting coach, Sue Atkins! A former deputy headteacher, Sue is the ‘On the sofa’ guru for This Morning on ITV and has appeared on BBC radio, Disney Junior, Good Morning Britain and many more.

She chats to Russell Prue about the impact of lockdowns on children and parents and ways to recover from the mixed bag of experiences that many have had. 

https://sueatkinsparentingcoach.com/ 

@SueAtkins

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NetSupport Radio at Bett 2022 – Day 3

NetSupport Radio host, Russell Prue, does us proud with all the fantastic interviews on Day 3 of Bett 2022!

There’s lots to look forward to in this broadcast, including informative chats with none other than education expert Lord Jim Knight and parenting guru, Sue Atkins! We also hear from Al Kingsley and Kelly Hanaghan about how wellbeing is key to recovery from the pandemic, and all about the power of dance from the team at DDMIX – as well as chats with the students from Birchwood Primary School who formed part of the ‘Kids Judge Bett’ team.

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Simon Blower (aka ‘Mr Pobble’) talks about the role of inspiration in children’s writing

One of founders of Pobble, the initiative to transform children’s writing, Simon explains how it is a resource for teachers to inspire children’s written work. With teaching resources for every year group, it aims to share and celebrate students’ writing and turn them into published authors. (He explains the ‘Mr Pobble’ bit too!).

www.pobble.com

@HeyPobble

@SimonPobble

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Russell Prue chats to the Natterhub ambassadors from Maidwell Primary School

Molly, Charlotte, Ava and Amber are Year 5 and 6 students from Maidwell Primary School who have been helping to promote Natterhub at Bett. They chat to Russell about their impressions of the show and explain to him how Natterhub’s solution helps children to be safer online.

https://natterhub.com/ 

@natterhub

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#HeadTeacherChat’s founders talk about how their interaction with headteachers has evolved

HeadTeacherChat began six years ago on Twitter when former head teachers, Jonathan and Lucy Coy, found that other head teachers had lots of questions but nobody to give them the answers. Their Twitter following escalated when they started sharing free resources and now, they have just launched their website – find out more here!

https://www.headteachers.org/

@Headteacherchat

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Day 2 of Bett and things are hotting up! Al Kingsley chats to Russell Prue…

The dynamic duo chat about their impressions of the show so far, the visitors, the engagement and conversations that are going on, plus what will be happening on the NetSupport stand throughout the day. 

www.netsupportsoftware.com 

@AlKingsley_Edu 

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Assessment reforms are needed to best serve students

Matt Wingfield from the e-Assessment Association explains the mission to transform the pen-and-paper exam process and bring it into line with how students learn throughout their whole school careers – with technology. 

He chats to NetSupport Radio about the need for policy change in the curriculum to be able to make significant changes to the assessment process, how that is all linked to the political cycle and how England is being left behind in this area by the devolved UK nations.

https://www.e-assessment.com/ 

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Russell Prue talks to actor Gemma Oaten about her role with the SEED charity

Having experienced an eating disorder herself as a young person, Gemma is using her platform as an actor to raise awareness and promote the SEED charity established by her mum as a result of their combined experiences as a sufferer and a parent.

The charity aims to supply educational toolkits for primary and secondary schools to provide teachers and students with more information on eating disorders. Gemma explains that they are currently working with around 100 schools in the UK, delivering the messages around eating disorders via animation, poetry, video and more.

www.seed.charity

@seedsupportuk 

@gemmaoaten 

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NetSupport Radio at Bett 2022 – Day 2

There were some fantastic interviews happening on NetSupport Radio on Day 2 of Bett 2022!

Not only did our superb host Russell Prue have the chance to chat to Professor Stephen Heppell about changing education for the better with new ways of thinking, but actress Gemma Oaten – yes, from Emmerdale! – popped along for an interview too! She is Patron of the SEED charity for eating disorders and came on the show to tell us about all about its education toolkits for schools and parents.

We also heard NetSupport’s CEO, Al Kingsley’s thoughts ahead of the second day of the event, as well as chats with 2econd Chance computer recycling project, Headteacher Chat, students from Maidwell Primary School, the student Digital Leaders from Lanchester EP Primary School – plus many more!

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A little insight into the thinking behind i3-Technologies… 

Mark Anderson chats to Wolfgang Soeldner about his role as Global Head of Education at i3-Technologies. A former school IT director, Wolfgang explains the thinking behind the company’s interactive flat panel displays for classrooms and their tools to promote edtech within education – and shares how show-goers can win the panel featured on the NetSupport stand! 

https://www.i3-technologies.com/ 

@wsoeldner 

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Contemplative photography for primary school pupils 

Russell Prue interviews Maria Wojciechowska-Caneda, his colleague from LearnRadio.net, about her company, Arco Iris Learning, which provides creative and contemplative photography sessions for primary school pupils. It is perfect for nurturing mindfulness, self-confidence and creativity, while teaching pupils photography skills. 

https://www.arcoirislearning.co.uk/  

@arcoilearning 

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Bringing education to life(size) with TeachRex 

TeachRex is all about bringing context to education for primary school pupils with life-size dinosaur, dragon and gorilla costumes! Joe Parsonage, co-founder of the company, explains how the costumes help to fire up pupils’ creativity, promote good SPAG and lead them into thematic writing (in association with Pobble). 

https://teachrex.co.uk/ 

@teach_rex 

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Year 6 students from Primrose Hill school in Salford talk about their school radio station 

Patrick, Skye, James and Tallea, along with their teacher, Mr Samuels, talk to Russell about his favourite topic: school radio! Mr Samuels also pays NetSupport Radio a surprise visit on Day 1 of Bett and shares his thoughts on the event as an edtech teacher. 

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Creating learning experiences helps students to be better writers, says Tim Eagling of Time Capsule Education 

Former Primary school teacher and English Lead, Tim Eagling, chats to Russell Prue about the realisation that younger pupils need a deeper understanding of topics to be able to write about them with conviction. His company, Time Capsule Education, aims to do just that with scaffolded learning – and he has big plans for the future! 

https://timecapsule.education/  

@TimeCapsuleEd 

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Common Sense Education aims to keep students safe online with digital citizenship resources  

These aren’t just digital citizenship resources, but FREE digital citizenship resources! Newly established with a London office, American company Common Sense Education has localised all its US digital citizenship content and made it available for UK teachers and students. Jenna Khanna talks to Russell Prue about how this has been achieved and the benefits for the students in an increasingly digital world. 

https://www.commonsense.org/education/ 

@talktojenna  

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Assistive technology that can help everyone, from Caption.Ed 

Captions are vital to ensure inclusion and Caption.Ed is making all sorts of sectors more accessible with its live captioning technology. Richard Purcell, CEO of the company, explains to Russell Prue the work that has gone into refining the solution to recognise accents and specialist terms, as well as the various sectors that are using it. 

https://caption-ed.com/ 

@get_captioned 

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James Garnett, EdTech Demonstrator Programme Lead, talks about its value for schools 

Nobody quite knew what to do when the pandemic lockdowns hit, but the EdTech Demonstrator Programme was on hand to support schools, helping them to make the best use of their technology as education switched to remote provision.  

James Garnett, the Programme Lead of the EdTech Demonstrator Programme, explains that even now, as we transition from pandemic mode towards something like normality, it is still providing a valuable advisory service right across the school sector.  

https://edtechdemo.ucst.uk/ 

@jamesmgarnett  

@EdTechDemo 

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Cypher Learning’s learning platform has AI infused throughout! 

Alina from Cypher Learning talks to Russell Prue about how its learning platform supports teachers by recognising students’ skills and providing recommendations of content to help them progress. It also assists teachers with lesson design and course planning – it really is a smart learning assistant! 

https://www.cypherlearning.com/ 

@CypherLearning  

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As Bett 2022 opens, Al Kingsley chats to Russell Prue! 

Everyone is excited to be back at Bett in person for the first time in two years and NetSupport’s CEO, Al Kingsley, is no exception. Al talks to Russell about the question that’s on everyone’s lips this year, which is, “What’s next for edtech?”. He also explains the importance of looking after student and staff wellbeing in the Trust he chairs, and chats about his plans for the event. 

www.netsupportsoftware.com  

@AlKingsley_Edu  

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Here’s your chance to listen back to the live NetSupport Radio broadcast from the first day of Bett 2022!

Host Russell Prue had some inspiring chats with a range of tech and non-tech education solutions providers, including those from TeachRex, Cypher Learning, Caption.ED, Commonsense Education, Time Capsule Education, Arco Iris Learning and i3-Technologies.

In addition, there’s an informative interview with James Garnett, the Programme Lead for the EdTech Demonstrator Programme – and then four Year 6 students from Primrose Hill School in Salford and their teacher, Mr Samuels, who talk about their school radio station.

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In this episode, we are joined by Mark Anderson. Mark is a global speaker, education technology expert, consultant, trainer and award-winning blogger and author, known as the ICT Evangelist. He is also Head of Education at NetSupport Group and he is an Independent Thinking Associate. In 2015, Mark moved on from his 20+ years in the classroom and various leadership roles to work with schools and teachers the world over.

In this episode we discussed ‘What does effective teaching and learning with technology look like in primary schools?’

Here are some of the questions I asked:

  • What makes a good curriculum for teaching and learning with technology? What assistive learning and accessibility tools do you recommend for supporting primary pupils?
  • How can schools improve teaching confidence in using tech for teaching and learning?
  • Are there any particular training courses, books, resources etc. you recommend for teacher CPD?
  • Teachers have a lot of accountability and time pressures impacting on teaching and learning, what teach can be used to help lessen the burden?
  • What are some of the common misconceptions about using tech for teaching and learning?
  • You are a huge believer in purposeful tech- how can schools ensure the edtech they are using is right for them?

You can follow Mark on Twitter at @ICTEvangelist
You can also check out his website and YouTube channel.

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In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, we are joined by Andrew Cowley. Andrew is a former Primary School DHT who has a commitment to and a passion for wellbeing for children and for school staff. Believing wellbeing to be a strategic consideration as well as a life skill, Andrew co-founded @HealthyToolkit and wrote the accompanying blog, has blogged for Education Support Partnership and BBC Teach. More recently Andrew has been published by Bloomsbury Education: The Wellbeing Toolkit (2019) supports wellbeing for staff and The Wellbeing Curriculum (2021) proposes a broadly defined approach to wellbeing and character development in the primary school.

In this episode we discussed creating a Wellbeing Culture in schools.

Here are some of the questions I asked Andrew:

  • Could you tell us about your wellbeing books?
  • Could you tell us a bit about the Healthy Toolkit- what it is and how it all started?
  • How would you define wellbeing?
  • You mentioned before that wellbeing can be seen as an 'add on' can you explain what you meant by this?
  • How can schools create a culture of wellbeing for all staff?
  • How can school staff support pupils with their wellbeing and what do you think they should be teaching pupils about wellbeing?
  • What are the issues that most negatively impact on staff wellbeing?
  • What has been the impact of COVID on wellbeing? Do you feel this has increased awareness of the importance of supporting wellbeing?
  • Where can people find more information and support?

You can follow Andrew on Twitter at @andrew_cowley23

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!

In this episode, we are joined by Caroline Allams, Natterhub’s Co-founder and Chief Product Officer. Caroline is an educator with over 12 years’ experience in the UK, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Hong Kong. Natterhub is a gated immersive online safety and digital citizenship learning platform, providing primary schools with a tool to develop crucial digital soft skills and that teaches young children to understand more about their digital landscape.

In this episode we discussed keeping primary pupils safe online.

Here are some of the questions I asked:

  • What made you interested in co-founding a company for pupil online safety?
  • What do you think is working really well in schools currently?
  • What kind of support/resources etc. do you think are needed to improve the teaching of online safety in schools?
  • Since 2020, we all know pupils have been online a lot more, how has this impacted on their safety and how can risks be mitigated?
  • What are your 5 top tips for teaching online safety?
  • What do you think are some common misconceptions about the online world and how can these be addressed?
  • Part of Natterhub is providing a safe social media like space for primary pupils- some may be surprised by this as social media isn't 'supposed' to be used under a certain age, but I know from teaching primary it is. Can you talk about this a bit more please.
  • Do you think there are any specific aspects of online safety that should be taught in primary but aren't or are not given enough precedence?
  • Unfortunately, we know that children online can be at risk of abuse, what are some signs that parents/teachers may spot that indicate this could be happening?
  • What are your tips for parents in supporting their child to be safe online and how can their child's school support with this?
  • Your platform supports both digital literacy and digital empathy can you please talk about why these are important skills for pupils to develop.
  • How can listeners get in touch with you and are there any other resources/support that you recommend?

You can follow Caroline on Twitter at @carolineallams

You can also check out Natterhub’s YouTube and website.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content

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Welcome to another great conversation with Andy Earp, our Technical Support Manager at NetSupport.

In this episode of NetSupport Radio, we explore our fantastic product, NetSupport Manager and explore how it can help corporate clients with supporting the remote management of devices within your IT estate. In this episode we explore how NetSupport Manager can;

  • helping you to save time.
  • help you support your colleagues with any issues they are facing using their devices.
  • help you to efficiently update and manage devices across your IT estate, from colleague workstations to POS devices to robots on your production line…

…and so much more!

We cover the following questions in the session:

  • Things that companies have shared are their favourite features of NetSupport Manager
  • Top tips for helping companies save time with NetSupport Manager
  • What issues bring customers to us needing NetSupport Manager and what issues do NetSupport Manager help to solve?
  • Real life hints and tips.

As you might expect, the responses to each of the questions are many, given the broad and varied ways the award-winning NetSupport Manager can help organisations such as yours.

To learn more about NetSupport Manager and to start using it to help your business, there are several avenues you can take.

You can:

  • Get in touch via the live chat feature on the NetSupport Manager website
  • Chat directly with our team via www.netsupportsoftware.com/chat,
  • …or why not reach out to us on Twitter @NetSupportGroup or @NetSupportNSM

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Welcome to another great conversation with Andy Earp, our Technical Support Manager at NetSupport.

In this episode of NetSupport Radio, we take a deep dive into our award-winning product, NetSupport School and explore how it can help corporate clients with activities such as induction, compliance training, testing and onboarding clients. Loved by our existing clients, in this episode we explore how NetSupport School can;

  • helping you to save time.
  • help you support your colleagues with their induction or other training activities.
  • help you to efficiently support and onboard customers.

…and so much more!

We cover the following questions in the session:

  • What companies have shared are their favourite features of NetSupport School
  • Top tips for helping companies save time with NetSupport School
  • What issues bring customers to us needing NetSupport School and what issues do NetSupport School help to solve?
  • Real life hints and tips.

To learn more about NetSupport School and to start using it to help your business, there are several avenues you can take.

You can:

  • Get in touch via the live chat feature on the NetSupport School website
  • Chat directly with our team via www.netsupportsoftware.com/chat,
  • …or why not reach out to us on Twitter @NetSupportGroup.

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We've got an action packed #CheckItOutShow lined up featuring some amazing guests! Tune in at 7pm to hear about the latest education solutions and services!

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Welcome to Episode 21 of #TipTopTipsEdu!

In this episode, we got to chat with Olly Lewis, an award-winning senior leader from the UK working at the “British International School Abu Dhabi”.

Olly is the winner of two GESS awards and contributed a case study for our “Guide to creating a digital strategy in education”. He also has a popular blog at ollylewislearning.com and regularly shares on his Twitter and via his GESS award-winning show, #LearnLiveUAE.

Given his broad experience in education, we presented Olly with quite a few questions for him to consider:

  1. What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a teacher in education?
  2. What advice would you give to someone thinking of applying to work at an international school?
  3. Why do you have an interest in edtech and why is it important in education?
  4. What benefits do blogging, vlogging and sharing about your work bring you and your school and what advice would you give to someone considering starting similar activities?
  5. Leading on technology in a large-scale organisation isn’t easy and your new role as Head of Digital Transformation at the Thomas Deacon Educational Trust is a big undertaking. Can you share tips on how to approach a role such as this, which covers ten very different schools?
  6. If you could meet your NQT self, what three tip top tips would you share with yourself that would help you in your career over the next ten years?
  7. What are your top three keyboard shortcuts?
  8. Tell us more about #LearnLiveUAE and why do you think it’s been so successful?
  9. What is the most important thing to bear in mind when considering edtech and its use in the classroom, across a department or across a whole school?

As you might expect, the answers are not just considered and helpful, but firmly planted in both chalkface experience and evidence-informed approaches. We are confident there are plenty of takeaways in this episode for both early career teachers and those in middle and senior leadership. We hope you think so too!

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John Richardson (@teacherfolio), Co-Founder of Teacherfolio and  senior leader with over 12 years’ experience of working in Primary and Secondary Schools Joins Mark Anderson  (@ICTEvangelist), to discuss his Top tips for recruiting teachers.

This latest installment of NetSupport Radio features some great conversation points for listeners!

To learn more and connect with John, follow him here: @teacherfolio

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Brianna Hodges (@bhodgesEDU), Co-Host of Lemonade Learning Podcast and spokesperson for Future Ready Instructional Leaders, joins Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) at #FETC to discuss ’Lead with Story’ an interactive ebook for educators.

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Edtech Influencer Kevin Hogan (@edtechtoday1), joins Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) at #FETC to discuss The Hogan Report available here: https://substack.com/profile/23053797-kevin-hogan.

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Rachelle Dené Poth (@Rdene915) Teacher and ISTE Certified Educator, joins Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) at #FETC to talk about emerging technology in the classroom and her upcoming ISTE sessions.

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Monica Burns (@ClassTechTips) a Curriculum and EdTech Consultant, joins Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) at #FETC to discuss the workshops she is running at FETC and her new book ‘EdTech Essentials’.

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Dr. Julie Evans (@JulieEvans_PT), CEO of Project Tomorrow and founder of the heralded Speak Up Research Project, joins Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) at #FETC to discuss the latest research on Computational Thinking and re-engineering instructional practice with new technology.

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Jethro Jones (@jethrojones), founder of the longest running education leadership podcast, Transformative Principal, and founder of Transformative Leadership Summit, joins Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) at #FETC to discuss his book ‘SchoolX’.

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!

In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, we are joined by Penny Whelan. Penny Whelan is a Primary Assistant Headteacher and SENCO. She has a BSC Psychology degree and a PGCE. Penny works part time and is also EAL coordinator, an SLE, Coach and the Operations Manager for the Schools Linking Network in her Local Authority. She is passionate about SEND, inclusion, community and diversity.

In this episode we discussed how to maintain a work-life balance when working in education.

Here are some of the questions I asked Penny:

  • Why is work-life balance an important topic to you?
  • You have a lot of different roles within education, how does this effect your work-life balance?
  • What is your advice for balancing priorities when you have multiple roles?
  • Do you think that those working in education have more challenges in maintaining a good work-life balance?
  • How can organisations support their staff in getting this balance?
  • What pressures do organisations have that can impact on supporting their staffs work-life balance?
  • You mentioned in your blog for Nexus Education that it is important to use the time you have wisely- could you tell us more about that please?
  • Do you use any tools/resources that support you with this?
  • You also mentioned a lesson you learnt was work is not your whole life. I thought this was a really important point so could you explain this further.
  • What do you do to help you switch off from work?
  • What are the benefits and challenges of working part time when it comes to maintaining your work-life balance?
  • Where can educators get information, support and resources?

You can follow Penny on Twitter at @pennywpennyw

You can also check out her blog post It's all about finding a balance

If you are a SENDCO are you are looking to join one of Penny’s DM groups please contact her via Twitter.

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Jethro Jones (@jethrojones), Founder of Transformative Principal Podcast, The Cybertraps Podcast and Author of SchoolX, joins NetSupport's CEO, Al Kingsley (@AlKingsleyEdu), in a discussion about the evolving landscape for principals and educational leaders.

Discover a great bundle of information, experience and advice from Jethro in this latest NetSupport Radio episode!

To learn more and connect with Jethro, follow him here: @jethrojones

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Paul Finnis (@Thewhole9years), CEO of the Learning Foundation and Digital Poverty Alliance, joins NetSupport's CEO, Al Kingsley (@AlKingsleyEdu), in a discussion about digital poverty and levelling the playing field.

This latest installment of NetSupport Radio features some great conversation points for listeners!

To learn more and connect with Paul, follow him here: @Thewhole9years

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Join @LayfieldMaggie and @AlKingsley_Edu as they chat about #FETC and all the activities they have lined-up for visitors. Don’t forget to pop by booth #402!

https://www.netsupport-inc.com/
https://classroom.cloud/

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Have you ever wondered what the future of edtech will be like? Well, we certainly have – which is why we’re excited to bring together a group of edtech experts to discuss just that!

Meet the experts below who joined us on our edtech panel discussion.

• Dr. Adam Phyall: Director of Technology and Media Services at Newton County Schools and ISTE Board of Directors Member 2022. Connect with Adam on Twitter at @AskAdam3 or via Askadam3.com.

• Dr. Rosalyn Washington: Digital Learning Specialist (for Literacy) at Atlanta Public Schools and Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University in Educational Policy Studies. Connect with Rosalyn on Twitter at @ApsitRosalyn or via RosalynWashington.com.

• Al Kingsley: CEO of NetSupport and author of 'My Secret #EdTech Diary'. Connect with Al on Twitter at @AlKingsley_Edu or via alkingsley.com.

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Tiara Mensinger (@MisstEDU), Education Technology Integration Specialist, joins NetSupport's Head of Education, Mark Anderson (@ICTEvangelist), in a discussion about teaching and learning with technology.

Discover a great bunch of advice, hints and tips in this latest NetSupport Radio episode!

To learn more and connect with Tiara, follow her here: @MisstEDU

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Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!

In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.

In this episode, we are joined by John Magee. John’s life mission and purpose to Cultivate Kindness in the Classroom by being a positive role model and sharing with everyone the many psychological and emotional benefits from practising daily kindness. He has helped transform over 10,000 children’s lives and 1000’s of teachers lives who have taken part in his Kindness Matters 30 Day Challenge and he looks forward to doing the same for anyone listening to this episode.

In this episode we discussed The Respect Model John developed and how this helps reduce confrontations and encourages pupils to be more respectful of school staff.

Here are some of the questions I asked John:

  • Please can you tell our listeners a little about who you are, what you do and your background in education?
  • What inspired you to become the Kindness Coach and how and when did that all start?
  • I know you do a lot of work with schools, could you tell us some of the ways you support educators?
  • One of the aspects you mentioned was the RESPECT model, please can you explain what that is and how it came about?
  • How do educators go about implementing the model?
  • What has the impact been like for the schools that have implemented this?
  • What other advice would you give to educators to encourage good choices in behaviour and learning?
  • What are some of the pitfalls educators may unintentionally fall in to when it comes to behaviour management?
  • How can staff create a culture of kindness in their classrooms and likewise how can senior leaders create this across the whole school?
  • Where can schools get more information, support and resources?
  • What's going on right now in the world of the Kindness coach and what's next?

You can follow John on Twitter at @KindnessCoach_.

You can also check out his YouTube channel.

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content

If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM!

Kat Cauchi is the product manager of ReallySchool and the editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine.

She is also a former primary school teacher, member of the Global Equality Collective, Technocamps GiST role model, and Global EdTech author.

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In this episode, we are joined by Nicole Ponsford.

Nic Ponsford FRSA is the Co-Founder of the GEC (Global Equality Collective) and CEO of GEC Education. Previously an AST and award-winning teacher and Harvard author (‘TechnoTeaching’), she is now an educational and technology thought leader. Whilst studying her Doctorate , she has recently been an EdTech50 Judge, headhunted for a central role with the DfE EdTech Demonstrator Programme, a whitepaper research analyst for HE and a freelance Online Learning Designer. Nic is also Director of EdTech UK and is Editor of the digital publication EdTech UK Magazine. She is also a frequent keynote speaker and panelist on closing gaps for the most vulnerable, #techforgood & #futureofwork, and all things diversity and inclusion in education. Nic believes that technology is the great equaliser for our time.

In this episode we discussed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) in the Early Years.

You can follow Kerry on Twitter at @nicoleponsford
You can also follow Boothroyd Primary Academy at @geccollect (Twitter) GEC.org @geccollect (Instagram) Nic Ponsford (LinkedIn) @Gecfutures (Twitter) @gecrebels (Twitter)
You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

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We've got an action packed #CheckItOutShow lined up featuring some amazing guests! Tune in at 7pm to hear about the latest education solutions and services!

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu. In this definitely Googley episode, it was great to welcome Peter Horner of Barton Peveril Sixth Form College to the show.

Peter has been a great person to follow on social media and I have done so for several years now. Peter regularly shares great content around impactful approaches to using Google tools and Chromebooks. As such, I knew he’d make for a great guest on the show who would be able to share some fantastic ideas and approaches to using Chromebooks and Google Workspace for Education, and I wasn’t wrong.

In the interview, Peter shared some great insights and #TipTopTipsEdu framed around the following areas:

  • Getting started with Chromebooks
  • Collaborative activities on Docs and Jamboard
  • Screen recording on Chromebooks
  • Accessibility tools
  • Teaching from a Chromebook
  • And much, much more besides…

As expected, Peter shared sage advice and top tips across all of these areas.

To learn more about Peter and his work, you can connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter or alternatively, check out his informative YouTube channel here.

Massive thanks to Peter for taking the time out of his busy schedule to meet and share on #TipTopTipsEdu; I know you’ll have lots of takeaways from his experienced use and knowledge of using Google Workspace and Chromebooks in education!

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Welcome another great conversation with Andy Earp, our Technical Support Manager at NetSupport.

In this episode of NetSupport Radio, we explore our hugely popular product, NetSupport DNA. Loved by technicians and Network Managers the world over learn in this episode how DNA can support your business on many levels, including;

· helping you to save time;

· reduce costs and overheads;

· help you to ensure ROI on software purchases;

· help support remote working;

…and so much more!

In this episode we covered a significant number of ways that DNA can help you framed around the following questions:

· What is NetSupport DNA?

· Will DNA allow me to monitor the Application usage of users?

· Can I still collect data from Agent devices that are offsite?

· How can DNA help me with my energy usage and costs?

· How can I use DNA to monitor and support my end users?

· How can you use DNA to display an Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) on devices?

As you might expect, the responses to each of the questions are many, given the broad and varied ways the award-winning NetSupport DNA can help organisations such as yours.

To learn more about NetSupport DNA and to start using it to help your business, there are several avenues you can take.

You can:

· Get in touch via the live chat feature on https://www.netsupportdna.com/,

· Chat directly with our team via www.netsupportsoftware.com/chat,

· …or why not reach out to us on Twitter @NetSupportGroup.

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In this episode, we are joined by Kerry Williams-Kendall.

Kerry is the Vice Principal at Boothroyd Primary Academy in West Yorkshire. She is leading on Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Pupil Premium as well as a staff governor. She is leading a  research forum for the focus trust and developing a CPF training model for the wider area. She has been in senior leadership since 2006 and worked in many schools a lead on many different subjects. She also wrote policies and procedures around issues such as fertility treatment and miscarriage while teaching, a subject she is very passionate about.

In this episode we discussed Therapeutic animals in education and how they can have a beneficial impact on pupils, staff and parents.

You can follow Kerry on Twitter at @Skyrish2011
You can also follow Boothroyd Primary Academy at @BoothroydAcad
You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

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This July, the 10th episode of the ‘Check it out!’ show is offering new education solution/service providers to take to the floor and showcase their offering to educators.

Each guest will get five minutes to showcase their solution LIVE – providing a burst of inspiration for schools.

You can also watch the show back here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7avdY3_W_00

Interested in entering for an opportunity to be featured? https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/showcase

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu. In this episode, it was great to welcome Jordan Smithson to the show.

Jordan Smithson is a bit of an inspiration. Already an experienced rugby coach, having worked with many teams and with England Rugby, Jordan is the IT Manager and Project Lead at All Saints' Primary School in Peterborough. He is also a Microsoft MIE Trainer and a passionate advocate for cloud technologies. He also founded his own business, JS COACHING.

Linking to Jordan’s passion for collaborative work and learning, rugby, coaching, cloud technologies and all things edtech, I dug deep into his experience to gain insights for sharing in this episode.

With questions posed to get the most out of this experience, I asked:

  1. Teacher confidence levels are super important when it comes to engagement with edtech. What are your top tips for engaging with teachers and helping them learn best practices when using edtech?

  2. You have extensive experience as a rugby coach. What tips have you learned from this experience that you bring to your work with teachers?

  3. You’re a big fan of cloud computing. What advice would you give to any schools looking to migrate local infrastructure to the cloud?

  4. I know you’re and advocate of collaboration, so what top tips could you share for collaborating at a local, national or global level?

  5. The floor is open, Jordan! Do you have any final tips that you’d like to share with our audience?

These questions brought about some fantastic responses from Jordan – a true inspiration. But you’ll have to watch or listen to the episode to hear his insights!

To learn more about Jordan, his work and his various social accounts, please visit Jordan’s website at https://jordansmithson.com or follow him on social media using @MrJSmithson_edu.

Thanks to Jordan for taking some time out of his busy schedule to catch up and share his #TipTopTipsEdu on the show!

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In this episode of NetSupport Radio, we are joined by Andy Earp as we explore some of the many ways that NetSupport Manager can support your business, save you time, money and help support remote working without the need for any VPNs! 

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation was learning about the significant number of use-case scenarios for using NetSupport Manager. 

Whether you’re a small business wanting to support remote working, a factory looking to support your machinery on the production line, a retail organisation looking at supporting your POS locations or simply looking for a way to reduce the number of journeys your technicians need to make to your different sites, NetSupport Manager can help you. 

In this conversation, we asked a variety of questions such as:

  • Who can use NetSupport Manager?
  • What types of connections are supported by NetSupport Manager?
  • What security settings are available in NetSupport Manager to secure access to my Client and Controls?
  • What different ways can you apply a NetSupport Manager configuration?
  • Is it possible to automate the features of NetSupport Manager?

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In this episode, we are joined by Azuraye Williams (@chocpud85) and Lesley Berrington (@Hattiesfriends).

Lesley is a NNEB Nursery Owner turned Inclusive Author of the 'Hattie and friends' series of story books. Her books feature positive images of disability, with familiar themes and educational content. The books are suitable for all young children. Lesley believes children need to see disability in books to learn acceptance, respect and understanding for the differences we all have.

Azuraye is a year 6 teacher, science lead, PE lead and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion lead for school and trust. She has been teaching for 10 years and has said that every year brings new challenges and experiences. She has a real passion for DEI in education especially being a black, female teacher herself. She feels her own life experiences are something she personally brings to role and is part of her passion for better representation, diversity and inclusion in books.

In this episode we discussed inclusive books- how books can be more inclusive, why representation in books is so important and more.

You can follow Azuraye on Twitter at @chocpud85 and check out Azuraye’s Journey to the job blog post along with her other fantastic content.

You can follow Lesley on Twitter at @Hattiesfriends, Instagram at @hattieandfriendsauthor, Linkedin Lesley Berrington, Facebook Hattie and friends author and on Youtube Hattie and Friends. You can also check out her website https://hattieandfriends.com/ to find out more about her books include where and how they can be purchased

You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK

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In this episode, we are joined by Kate McCallam (@ChattyStaffroom).

Kate is a Year 6 teacher and Computing lead at an independent school in York with 15 years of experience teaching predominantly in Year 6. She is a Literacy specialist and MFL graduate who loves creative curriculum, research, sharing ideas and chatty staffrooms. She also has a previous life in TV production!

I talked to Kate about her Minecraft Education Edition project with two Year 6 classes. Here are some of the questions I asked her:

You can follow Kate on Twitter at @ChattyStaffroom
You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK 

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Gabe Howard (@gabehoward29), host of the award-winning 'Inside Mental Health' podcast, author of 'Mental Illness is an Asshole and Other Observations', and national  speaker, joins Mark Anderson (@ICTEvangelist) on NetSupport Radio to discuss “Mental Health - Trends and Truths”.

In this podcast, Gabe covers the following questions:
• US trends in mental health/mental illness
• US response to mental health/mental illness
• Mythbusting mental health and understanding the real truths
• Advice for educators in supporting young people

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Dr Leila Walker (@walker_leila), Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Persona Education, joins Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) to discuss “Improving life skills and wellbeing amongst young people”.

To learn more visit: persona-life.com or follow: @walker_leila

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In this episode of NetSupport Radio we talk with Olli Vallo. A former teacher, based in Helsinki who has developed an evidence-informed edtech product evaluation process that aims to help educators and decision makers learn about the pedagogical efficacy of edtech products.

We were thrilled with their evaluations of two of our products, NetSupport School and classroom.cloud and in this episode we discuss:

·       What makes for a good edtech product

·       How they review edtech products against standards such as learning science

·       The depth into which products are evaluated

Learn more about Education Alliance Finland by visiting:

https://educationalliancefinland.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/education-alliance-finland/ 

https://twitter.com/EduAllianceFi 

You can connect with Olli on LinkedIn here. 

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In this episode, Kat Cauchi is joined by Oliver Wright (@OliverSlt) whi discusses stepping up teaching and stepping into new roles.

Oliver is the sector manager for Senior Leadership at Twinkl. His role is to develop links with and content for leaders in school. He lives in Sheffield and before joining Twinkl, taught in primary schools for over 20 years. His experience ranges from large city schools to small Peak District schools, including 8 years of headship in two very different schools. He has led on a wide range of developments from curriculum design, use of new technology and improving teaching and learning to improving engagement with parents and large-scale building projects. He’s also been a school governor, a specialist leader in education and been involved in initial teacher training. 

You can follow Oliver Wright on Twitter at @OliverSlt 

Kat Cauchi is the Product Manager of ReallySchool - a solution for early years and primary from NetSupport . She is also a former primary school teacher, member of the Global Equality Collective   Technocamps  GiST role model, and Global EdTech author.

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu! 

In this episode, I talk with teacher and Head of Computing, Al Metcalfe. A secondary school teacher of more than 20 years with a heritage of innovation and entrepreneurialism, Al shares his #TipTopTipsEdu around all things Computing. Alongside this, he also talks about a solution he has created to support and act as a companion to the teaching of Computing and ICT at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5: Deliver Computing 360. 

Passionate about Computing and inspiring young people with routes into employment via their learning in the subject, Al responded to the following questions with lots of sage approaches and advice. Here are the questions I posed:

  1. What are your top tips for the teaching of the Computing curriculum at KS3?
  2. What tips can you offer that help address some of the issues facing Computing as a subject?
  3. What top tips would you suggest would be helpful to a primary school teacher in preparing Year 7 students for their learning in KS3?
  4. What top tips can you offer to Computing teachers for the delivery of the subject in a pandemic?
  5. As someone who has developed a solution that seeks to support the teaching of Computing, can you share why you developed the solution?

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Kat Cauchi is joined by Kate Sturdy who discusses how she uses pupil voice in her planning and how this has been embedded across the school.

Kate is a Key Stage 2 Curriculum Lead in North Wales and Year 5 (soon to be Year 6) teacher with over 14 years teaching experience. She has presented for GwE about her journey to SLT, lectured for Bangor, Chester, and Leeds Beckett University about the new curriculum in Wales, and is currently working on assessment with the Welsh government. Kate is passionate about using creativity, pupil voice, and technology in the classroom.

You can follow Kate Sturdy on Twitter at @k8KES8 

You can follow Kat Cauchi on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK - If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM to Kat! 

Kat Cauchi is the Product Manager of ReallySchool - a solution for early years and primary from NetSupport . She is also a former primary school teacher, member of the Global Equality Collective   Technocamps  GiST role model, and Global EdTech author.

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Craig Kemp (@mrkempnz), Co-Founder of @EduSparkWorld, Global EdTech & Digital Transformation Consultant and Host of @edtech_podcast, joins Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) to discuss “Transforming teachers’ and leaders’ professional learning in schools”.

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Al Kingsley chats with Andy Gough, CEO of e-Quality Solutions about technology's role in contributing to equality, inclusivity and mental wellness, and removing barriers to learning in education, employment and life – especially for students with disabilities. 

Andy explains in particular how the Learning Labs arm of his business has evolved to cater not only for university students as part of their DSA allowance, but also as a learning portal for wider online learning.

You can watch the discussion here:  https://youtu.be/bGnvG4XNpEE

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This July, the 10th episode of the ‘Check it out!’ show is offering new education solution/service providers to take to the floor and showcase their offering to educators.

Each guest will get five minutes to showcase their solution LIVE – providing a burst of inspiration for schools.

You can also watch the show back here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAZAGr1eQn0

Interested in entering for an opportunity to be featured? https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/showcase

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu!

In this episode, we are joined by former Primary school teacher, now Product Manager of ReallySchool, Kat Cauchi. With a number of accolades to her name such as being a member of the Gender Equality Collective, a TechnoCamps GiST role model and an author for the Global Edtech team, Kat’s work and sharing in the wider education community is worthy of checking out!

A positive role model for education on social media, Kat is passionate about connecting, collaborating and supporting other educators on social media, and can regularly be found sharing ideas around Early Years, Primary, wellbeing, mindfulness and more.

With a laser-focus on supporting teachers in Early Years and Key Stage 1, I thought it only right to ask Kat for her top tips around these areas and so there are the five questions I asked her:

  1. What are your top tips for closing out the school year?

  2. What are your top tips for fun end-of-term activities that still link to learning?

  3. Do you have any top tips to ensure a smooth transition from Reception to KS1 or KS1 to KS2?

  4. Anxiety can be a big issue for our youngest learners – do you have any top tips to help with this issue?

  5. We recently collaborated on the EYFS Periodic Table... could you share just FIVE must-follow EYFS educators from that table and any tips for engaging on Twitter?

In a fantastic episode with, quite frankly, so many ideas and takeaways, I think it’d be useful for those who teach beyond Early Years and Primary phases.

If you’re interested in checking out the 82 people on the Early Years Periodic Table, you can find the post with the original resource, plus an interactive PDF, right here.

You can follow Kat on Twitter: @ReallySchoolK.

Prefer to watch? You can watch the podcast here:
https://youtu.be/IC6_JLY1Biw

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu!

In this episode, we are joined by Hong Kong-based educator, Tim Evans! Originally from Wales, Tim is now the Educational Technology Coordinator at Stamford American School in Hong Kong. As an Apple Distinguished Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator and Google Certified Innovator, Tim is always on the look-out for the latest technology that can support teaching and learning, and he is passionate about connecting, collaborating and sharing with others. Having spoken and led learning at several events around Asia and as an author on the Global Edtech team, Tim understands the importance of sharing experiences and learning from peers (especially in the ever-changing world of technology!) so he is a perfect guest to have on #TipTopTipsEdu.

With so many great experiences throughout his career, in this episode, Tim draws upon his vast experience and shares lots of ideas around the following five questions:

  1. As someone who helps coordinate ICT in your school, in Primary you look at cross-curricular opportunities. How do you go about finding cross-curricular opportunities for embedding ICT and Computing and can you share some examples of where this has been successful?
  2. As someone who works in a school where Google Workspace for Education is your core ecosystem, what tips would you give someone new to Google relating to teaching and learning to help them hit the ground running?
  3. Jamboard is a relatively recent tool to the arsenal available from Google – can you share some tips for its use?
  4. You share quite a few tips and ideas on social media… What got you into that and do you have any tips for others who might like to follow in your footsteps?
  5. It’s almost the end of the academic year – how do you go about closing things down with edtech in your school and subsequently preparing for next year? Do you have induction? How do you keep work in Google Classroom available for next year and ensure that students still have access to all of their examples of learning?

As someone who helps coordinate ICT in your school, in Primary you look at cross-curricular opportunities. How do you go about finding cross-curricular opportunities for embedding ICT and Computing and can you share some examples of where this has been successful?

It’s almost the end of the academic year – how do you go about closing things down with edtech in your school and subsequently preparing for next year? Do you have induction? How do you keep work in Google Classroom available for next year and ensure that students still have access to all of their examples of learning?

Watch the episode back here:

https://youtu.be/DBkE5lvXGWE

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Al Kingsley sits down with Brianna Hodges (@bhodgesEDU) to discuss edtech opportunities in a post-pandemic landscape. As an education consultant and with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Instructional Design and Technology, Al asks Brianna if we have an opportunity to hit the reset button for school technology or if the reset only applies to pure pedagogical or societal opportunity. Brianna also explores the impact gaps based on grade level and offers her top 3 tips she is advising districts to do in the coming school year. 

You can watch the discussion here: https://youtu.be/io_Xt-px_Kg

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu!

In this episode, we talk with Apple Distinguished Educator and Apple Professional Learning Specialist, Paul Tullock. A former Primary educator, Paul has led on digital learning in his schools, supported many beyond his school walls and is known on social media for his great sharing, ideas and community building amongst educators who use Apple products in their classrooms. Now working with Jigsaw24, Paul is a passionate advocate for accessible learning and pedagogically informed approaches to using technology in the classroom.

A passionate advocate for impactful approaches and leaving gimmicky tools at the door, in this episode Paul shares many great hints, tips and impressive ideas for the effective use of technology in the classroom.
In the episode, Paul responded to the following questions and shared some great approaches. Here are the questions I asked Paul:

Teacher confidence has always been a big issue for tech adoption, what strategies have you found useful for supporting teachers?

  1. If it’s quick wins and tips for use, what TipTopTipsEdu have you got for those teachers lacking confidence to help them with teaching and learning?
  2. Accessibility to learning is a big issue for students and teachers - what tips have you got for helping teachers to make resources more accessible?
  3. Engagement is a poor proxy for learning but as we’ve seen the last 12 months, it is key that learners are engaged in the learning process - what tips have you got using technology that can help to engage pupils in their learning?
  4. Do you have any further tips for teachers that you haven’t shared yet that viewers might find useful?
  5. Bonus question - if we had an edtech Room 101, what would you put in there?!

Paul shared a wide variety of tools and resources in his responses. Here are some of those that he mentioned:

Apple Clips

Microsoft Office Lens

This Girl Reads (podcast)

Seesaw

Anchor FM

You can follow Paul on social media at @MrTullock.

Also be sure to check out the episode on Youtube.

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This June, the ‘Check it out!’ show is diving deep into the newest edtech services and solutions available to the education sector.

Each guest will get five minutes to showcase their solution LIVE – providing a burst of inspiration for schools.

Interested in entering for an opportunity to be featured?
https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/showcase

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu. In this episode I was thrilled to welcome Bukky Yusuf to the show.

For those not aware of Bukky’s work you certainly will by the end of this episode. A secondary Science teacher by trade, Bukky is a blogger, coach, senior leader and has many strings to her bow as you’ll discover in the episode.

Keeping things eighties themed with the questions in this episode, I prompted Bukky with several pertinent questions to try and gain some insights into areas and tips that would be of benefit to many educators.

Here are the questions that we covered, see if you can spot the song references!

· In a world where “it ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it”, what does that mean to you in terms of edtech and how do you apply that in practice?

· Stop, collaborate and listen – when edtech provides us with so many opportunities to stop and be mindful, collaborate with colleagues and others and provide opportunities to listen, how would you recommend going about that?

· We can sometimes see a few things blow up on social media with teachers – in a world where it’s important to show “a little respect” - how can we do that better as a teacher using #EduTwitter

· Thinking about career planning and that sometimes, “The only way is up” - what advice would you give to an NQT looking to progress in their career?

· “If you could turn back time”, what tips would you give yourself about engaging with edtech companies and using their products in school?

As you might expect, these questions brought about some fantastic responses and conversations, but you’ll have to watch or listen to the episode to hear the insights shared!

Watch the episode back here:

https://youtu.be/ZzP4F1GIKbk

To learn more about Bukky, her work and her various social accounts, please visit Bukky’s blog at https://teachleadco.wordpress.com/ where you’ll find everything you need. You can also follow Bukky on Twitter here. Thanks to Bukky for taking some time out of her busy schedule to catch up and share her #TipTopTipsEdu on the show. Thank you!

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In this interview, our Head of Education, Mark Anderson, got to talk about Maths and effective pedagogy for mobile learning with former Maths teacher, Rachel Dunsmore. Now an edupreneur with her own company, Arc Education (creators of a retrieval app for Maths), Rachel provided some interesting insights into the teaching of Maths and mobile learning in general. 

Responding to questions asking about how to deal with those who ‘don’t do Maths’, approaches to ensuring purposeful use of iPads, using iPads to teach Maths and how she came to develop her own app to support Maths learning, Rachel's insights proved really interesting and will be sure to resonate with listeners of NetSupport Radio. 

Learn more about Rachel and her work by visiting arceducation.co.uk 

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This interviews sees NetSupport's Head of Education, Mark Anderson, talking all things digital citizenship, online safety, social media, gaming and more with former Headteacher, Steven Rushforth. Now working as part of DiGii Social, a platform that aims to support learning in these aspects for children aged 11-14, Steven provided lots of useful insights into the whole agenda.

Responding to such questions asking for hints, tips and advice around mental health pressures from social media, online gaming, safeguarding and more, Steven’s insights proved really useful and are sure to be of interest to listeners of the NetSupport Radio.

Learn more about Steven and his work by visiting https://digiisocial.com/ 

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The seventh episode of the ‘Check it out!’ show goes LIVE! This series helps schools discover new solutions in a fun, informative online show, hosted by Al Kingsley and Mark Anderson (authors of ‘A Guide to Creating a Digital Strategy in Education’).

Interested in being on the show? Al and Mark are now calling for contributors to the April episode. So, if you have a solution or service you would like school leaders and educators to hear about, please visit:  https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/showcase

You can also watch the show back here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMAGULtpNBw

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Learn more about NetSupport Notify on #TipTopTipsEdu!

Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu! In this episode, we talk with our Technical Support Manager, Andy Earp, about all things NetSupport Notify where he shares his top five tips based upon some of the most frequent questions he’s asked about it.

As explained in the episode, NetSupport Notify has lots of fantastic use cases in all sorts of organisations, including schools. From alerting people about emergencies to scheduled activities, kit reminders or even seeking help on behavioural issues from SLT callout – there are so many ways that Notify can help.

In the episode, Andy responded to the following five questions and shared some great resources too. Here are the five questions I asked Andy:

1. Can I configure the Agents and Console via Group Policy?https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/configuring-the-netsupport-notify-server-details-for-notification-agents-and-consoles-by-group-policy-gpo/

2. How to send notifications from a Web Consolehttps://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/sending-notifications-from-a-web-page/

3. Is it possible to make it so that messages are only sent to certain departmentshttps://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/how-to-create-netsupport-notify-console-operators-and-specify-which-departments-they-can-send-notifications-to/

4. Can I send notification to Agents across multiple sites?https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/using-netsupport-notify-across-multiple-sites/

5. Is it possible to send a Notification from a desktop Shortcut?https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/how-to-send-pre-configured-notifications-from-a-desktop-shortcut-using-netsupport-notify/ Prefer to watch? You can watch this episode back on our youtube channel - https://youtu.be/l_-ehmFGc7k

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In this live session, join Matt Jones and NetSupport's Head of Education, the ICT Evangelist, Mark Anderson to learn about the latest award-winning product from the NetSupport stable, classroom.cloud and how it can help your teachers and learners thrive whilst using technology to support learning.

Hear it all on NetSupport Radio or watch the show on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/4yPjhf-1MWU

To discover more about classroom.cloud, visit classroom.cloud or follow on twitter: @classroomcloud_

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Al Kingsley (CEO of NetSupport and Chair of two Multi-Academy Trusts) is joined by Frank Catalano (EdSurge Columnist and Independent EdTech Strategy Consultant and Analyst) to discuss what education could look like after the pandemic. They consider a range of topics, from the reasons why some teachers are leaving the profession, EdTech confidence and teacher training, to mitigating learning loss, and a rise in IT asset management.

Hear it all on NetSupport Radio or watch the show on YouTube at https://youtu.be/hW06aSW0rO4.

To discover more about Frank, visit intrinsicstrategy.com or follow him on twitter: @FrankCatalano

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This spring, we’re in full bloom as this sixth episode showcases budding new services and solutions for the education sector. So don’t miss Al Kingsley (CEO of NetSupport) and Mark Anderson (ICT Evangelist) on 30th March from 7pm!

Interested in being on the show? Al and Mark are now calling for contributors to the April episode. So, if you have a solution or service you would like school leaders and educators to hear about, please visit:  https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/showcase

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu! In this episode, I was pleased to welcome US former educator and all round edtech superstar Monica Burns, aka ClassTechTips, to the show.

I’ve always really enjoyed my conversations with Monica about teaching and learning with technology when we’ve worked together. I was so looking forward to it, I shared about her involvement in the show prior to the recording and asked on Twitter if anyone had any questions that they’d like Monica to respond to with some #TipTopTipsEdu!

Thanks to Nick Dempster, Linda Parsons, Kat Cauchi, Jon Neale and Sabeshan Gnanam for their responses, which formed some of the questions I asked Monica during the show.

Here are the questions we covered:

  1. Can you share any #TipTopTipsEdu on how to use edtech to support EAL and SEND learners? (Kat Cauchi)

  2. Do you have any #TipTopTipsEdu on slick starter activities that teachers can give to students that take the cognitive load off the teachers[LB1] [MA2] at the start of lesson and promote collaboration/online oracy? (Linda Parsons)

  3. What are your #TipTopTipsEdu for getting staff buy-in to upskill and innovate or change the way things have traditionally been done in the classroom? (Sabeshan Gnanam)

  4. Can you share any #TipTopTipsEdu on how to create digital portfolios for our youngest learners, such as those aged 4-8 years old? (Nick Dempster)

  5. Do you have any #TipTopTipsEdu thoughts on where you might see apps like Clubhouse or TikTok as vehicles for delivering (and enhancing) learning experiences in the future? (Jon Neale)

  6. Research shows that embedding oracy as a key part of the curriculum can really help with learners’ progress. Do you have any #TipTopTipsEdu on tools that can help to promote oracy in the classroom? (Mark Anderson)

As you might expect, these questions brought about some fantastic conversations, but you’ll have to watch or listen to the episode to hear the insights shared!

To learn more about Monica, her work, books and her various social accounts, please visit https://bit.ly/MonicaBIO where you’ll find everything you need.

Finally, thank you to Monica for taking some time out of her busy schedule to catch up and share her #TipTopTipsEdu on the show!

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu! In this episode, we talk with our Technical Support Manager, Andy Earp, about all things classroom.cloud where he shares his top five tips based upon some of the most frequent questions he’s asked about it.

Already picking up awards, such as this one from the Tech & Learning’s Awards of Excellence - Best of Remote Learning Tools, classroom.cloud is a superb solution to support teaching and learning both in-person and remotely.

Andy responded to the following five questions and shared some great resources too. Here are the five questions I asked Andy:

1. How do you assign devices to groups?

https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/assigning-devices-to-device-groups-in-classroom-cloud/

2. How do you invite users to your organisation?

https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/how-to-invite-or-import-users-into-the-classroom-cloud-portal/

3. How do you change screen prompt behaviour on Chrome devices?

https://classroom.cloud/pdfs/cc_chrome_share_student_screen_en-us.pdf

4. What privacy options are available?

https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/what-privacy-options-are-available-in-classroom-cloud/

5. What deployment methods are available for the clients?

https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/deployment-methods-available-for-classroom-cloud-students/

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This episode of TipTopTipsEdu is packed full of insights and advice around the important topics of Online Safety, Digital Citizenship and all-round sound approaches to how we keep our young people (and teachers) safe, happy and healthy when working and learning whilst online.

Our guest on the show in this episode is the fantastic, Alan Mackenzie. Known as the ‘Esafety Adviser’, what Alan doesn’t know about mindful approaches to all of the issues surrounding Safeguarding, Online Safety, Digital Citizenship and all that surrounds it, isn’t worth knowing.

In this episode, the questions I posed to Alan included:

  1. As students will be returning to school soon, what online safety advice would you give to schools?
  2. Like myself, your ordinary day job is to go out and physically visit schools – what has changed for you over the last year, do you think virtual has been a help or a hindrance?
  3. Online safety can be a very diverse and fast-moving environment and teachers are already busy juggling different priorities, how can schools keep up to date on the things that matter to them?
  4. How can teachers stay on top of current issues related to Online Safety?

To learn more about Alan and his work, please do check out his website, https://www.esafety-adviser.com/. To connect directly with Alan, follow him on Twitter here.

Whilst we have you too, Alan also worked with us on our recent ‘Online Safety Guide 2021’, a guide jam-packed with the latest advice and information on this important topic. Grab your free copy here.

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In this episode of the show, I was lucky to have the opportunity to speak with Dr Sharon Smith; educator at Tute Education, researcher and BERA fellowship awardee.

Sharon has undertaken a number of different pieces of research during her career which explores different ways to deliver effective online learning. She also works at Tute Education, an NTP partner and a BETT award-winning company that have been delivering online learning for many years, so we thought she would make an excellent guest for the show.

In this episode, the questions I posed to Sharon included:

  1. What tips would you give to teachers looking to improve their online learning?
  2. What did you do in your research around online learning?
  3. What can you tell me about your work at Tute?
  4. What tips would you give to schools looking to make the most of their NTP funding in using an external provider?
  5. Do you have any advice for teachers beyond what you’ve shared already

To learn more about Sharon and her research and work, please do check out some of the links below or to connect directly with Sharon, please follow her on Twitter here or connect on LinkedIn here.

Finding the voice of students engaging in online alternative provision via digital data collection methods >>https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13061

Tute case studies >> https://www.tute.com/real-outcomes

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Join Al Kingsley (CEO of NetSupport and Chair of two MATs - @AlKingsley_Edu) as he interviews Kevin Hogan (Host of Marketscale's EdTech Today and Editor-at-large for eSchool News - @edtechtoday1) on NetSupport Radio to discuss the topic: US and UK Schools - What we can learn from each other

From discussing the current learning environments and the latest tech needs in school districts to the challenges US and UK schools are facing and teacher edtech confidence – Al and Kevin cover it all!

Watch the interview on Youtube at https://youtu.be/OsZLzCzugRc

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The ‘Check it out!’ show, now on its fifth episode in the series, helps schools to discover new solutions in a fun, informative online show, hosted by Al Kingsley and Mark Anderson (authors of ‘A Guide to Creating a Digital Strategy in Education’). 

The February show, broadcasted LIVE on the 23rd February from 7pm, will be extra special as it will showcase solutions that are free to use or have special offers running to support schools during these challenging times. 

Guests include:
Family Video Game Database - taminggaming.com
iTCHYROBOT - itchyrobot.co.uk
classroom.cloud – classroom.cloud.com 
now press play At Home - nowpressplay.co.uk
Chatta - chattalearning.com
Learning with Parents - learningwithparents.com
IncludEdu - IncludEdu.Online
Coding Siblings - twitter.com/CodingSiblings
YouTeachMe- youteachme.co.uk
Tripleplay - tripleplay.tv
SISRA Observe - sisra.com/observe
Xello (From CASCAID) - cascaid.co.uk
MSP Lab - msplab.cloud
Natterhub - natterhub.com
School Support Solutions - schoolsupport.solutions/training-package

With over 17,000 combined views, Al and Mark are now calling for contributors to the March edition of the show. So, if you have a solution or service you would like school leaders and educators to hear about, please visit: https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/showcase/

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In this episode of the show, I got to speak with ReallySchool’s product manager, Kat Cauchi about all things ReallySchool.

A former teacher and TA, Kat really knows what it takes to support teaching and learning and those all important observations you have to undertake in a primary school. It was really interesting to learn more about the product, how it can help reduce workload, improve communication and better support parental engagement. 

In this episode, the questions I posed to Kat included:

·         What is ReallySchool?

·         Why was it developed?

·         What problems/issues does ReallySchool help with?

·         What would be your top tips for recording observations?

·         How can you make the most of ReallySchool’s reporting tools? 

·         What are your top tips for communicating with parents and carers?

To learn more about ReallySchool visit https://reallyschool.com or to connect directly with Kat, please follow her on Twitter here. 

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In this episode of #TipTopTipsEdu I had the chance again to talk all things NetSupport DNA with our Technical Support Manager, Andy Earp.

For the uninitiated, NetSupport DNA is one of our jewels in the crown here at NetSupport. A product which is helpful from both a whole school IT real estate management front alongside supporting the role of the Designated Safeguarding lead; DNA is a product that works well and supports any school. It’s no small wonder it’s loved by Network Managers the world over!

In this episode, Andy answers 5 frequently asked questions and below in the show notes, you’ll be able to see linked articles which will help you even further in responding to the ideas and tips shared by Andy in this session.

In this episode I asked:

1 - Can I collect data and remotely assist DNA Agents that are outside my network

  • Implementing and using the NetSupport DNA Gateway

2 - How to enable Privacy and Acknowledgement prompts for Agents running on Staff devices

  • How to turn on privacy thumbnails for certain Agents in the DNA Console

3 - How can DNA integrate with AD

  • Installing the NetSupport DNA Agent via AD Group policy software deployment
  • How to reset AD Password using DNA via the DNA Console
  • How to configure the AD Reset Password option via the DNA Agent icon for certain users
  • How to apply the NetSupport DNA ADMX template files
  • Enabling SSO for DNA Console Operators
  • How to layout Devices in DNA based on AD Containers

4 - How to maintain the DNA Database

  • Using database maintenance to remove unwanted data

5 - Is it possible to generate custom reports in DNA

  • How to create custom reports within DNA using the Query tool and Query scheduler

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I first stumbled upon the force of nature that is Emma Turner when I read her brilliant book ‘Be More Toddler’ early in 2020 prior to the first lockdown. A fantastic book exploring the lessons we can learn from young people about being brave in leadership. A strong leader, Emma is also passionate about flexible working and so in November 2020 her second book ‘Let’s Talk About Flex’ was released to great acclaim too.

With many strings to her bow including being a former Headteacher, Emma’s current role sees her as the Research and CPD lead for the Discovery Schools Academy Trust in Leicester. Alongside this she also presents on the Naylor’s Natter Podcast, regularly shares great ideas, tips and her vast experience via her popular Twitter account at @Emma_Turner75.

In this episode of the #TipTopTipsEdu show, Emma responds to the following questions with some fantastic advice and anecdotes:

  1. Can you share a bit about your career to date?
  2. Why did you become a teacher?
  3. In your book ‘Be More Toddler’ you talk about how teachers can improve and develop by being a bit more toddler – to what extent do you think this helps people in their adoption of using technology in the classroom and can you share any anecdotes on how you’ve approached this?
  4. Can you share one thing that you do with technology as a leader that helps you to be more efficient?
  5. With your new book about flexible working this is clearly something you’re hugely passionate about, what issues do many school leaders face on this topic and what tips would you share
  6. Can you share one tip that helps you to be productive when juggling as many plates as you do?
  7. With your parent hat on could you possibly share any tips for how parents can best support their children with remote learning?
  8. What is your number one top tip / life hack / approach that you would like to share with our viewers/listeners?

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It’s our third episode of #TipTopTips Edu! This week, we chat to Abdul Chohan, who is one of the world’s leading educational technology thought leaders and experts. With a heritage of impactful school leadership with innovative and inspiring technology deployments, Abdul has a wealth of experience whilst in post - and subsequently - in supporting teachers and leadership teams in their schools around the world.

With that in mind, it made complete sense to invite him to speak on the #TipTopTipsEdu show, so that teachers across the globe can get to hear his ideas and edtech approaches.

In this episode, Abdul shares his top tips for school leaders on:

·         how to make remote education work

·         how to support colleagues

·         ways to approach successful change management.

He also shares top tips for teachers around:

·         how to develop your edtech skills

·         areas that are ripe for impactful uses of technology

·         ways to support yourself and others with your teaching and learning approaches.

In addition, he talks about how to rapidly develop skills in the use of technology to support teaching and learning, as well as how to find out more about the new Showbie Certified Educator programme.

To connect with Abdul, please follow him on Twitter at @abdulchohan.

To learn more about Showbie, you can visit showbie.com or their YouTube channel. 

Watch mark chat to Abdul right here.

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Digital strategy is something that has been very close to our hearts here at NetSupport for a long time. If you haven’t seen our guide to creating a school digital strategy, then you really should. 

One of our case studies in the second iteration of the guide was supplied by UAE-based educator and leader, Linda Parsons, of Deira International School (DIS). 

Recently, we were delighted to hear that ISC Research announced in their International School Awards that DIS had won their Digital Technology in Learning award at the#ISAwards2021,  so we decided to line up this chat to find out more! 

In this episode, hear Mark (and NetSupport Group MD, Al!) chat to Deputy Headteacher, Paul Gardner, and Educational Technology Lead at the school, Linda Parsons.

You can also watch the interview on YouTube here.

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Welcome to another episode of #TipTopTipsEdu on (NetSupport’s YouTube channel/NetSupport Radio). In this episode, we talk with NetSupport’s Technical Support Manager, Andy Earp with five of his tip-top tips for supporting and deploying NetSupport School.

NetSupport School is our popular and award-winning classroom management solution. In this episode, I asked Andy five questions based around some of the most popular and helpful tips he could share about working with NetSupport School.

Andy responded to the following five questions and shared some great resources too. Here are those questions and the relevant resource guides.

1 - How do you best apply the settings for NetSupport School?

  • How to apply the NetSupport School ADMX Files
    https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/how-to-apply-the-netsupport-school-admx-files/
  • Best practice Group Policy installation and configuration https://www.netsupportschool.com/nss-pdfs/Best_practice_Group_Policy_installation_and_configuration.pdf

2 - What is the NetSupport School Connectivity Server and when is it useful to implement it?

  • Using a NetSupport Name and Connectivity Server (Introduction and setup guide) https://www.netsupportschool.com/nss-pdfs/Using-a-NetSupport-Name-and-Connectivity-Server.pdf

3 - How do I ensure that my teachers only connect to Students in their class?

  • Configuring the room name for NetSupport School Students and Tutors by Group Policy
    https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/configuring-the-room-name-for-netsupport-school-students-and-tutors-by-group-policy-gpo/
  • Integrating NetSupport School with Google Classroom
    https://www.netsupportschool.com/nss-pdfs/Integrating-NetSupport-School-with-Google-Classroom.pdf
  • Using NetSupport School in a Chrome Environment https://www.netsupportschool.com/nss-pdfs/using-nss-in-a-google-chrome-environment.pdf

4 - Can NetSupport School work in a RDSH or VDI environment?

  • Setting up NetSupport School in a Terminal Services environment
    https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-netsupport-school-to-run-in-a-microsoft-terminal-server-environment/
  • Using NetSupport School in a VDI environment https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/using-netsupport-school-within-a-vdi-environment/

5 - How do you secure access to the Tutor Console and remote access to the Students?

  • https://kb.netsupportsoftware.com/knowledge-base/how-to-secure-access-to-the-tutor-console-and-connections-to-the-students-within-netsupport-school/

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In this, the inaugural episode of #TipTopTipsEdu, we talk with Andy Robertson, author of 'Taming Gaming' and creator and curator of the brilliant taminggaming.com family video game database.

In this episode, he shares his top tips for accessing appropriate games; how to best support children in your classes (or your own children) with appropriate games; screen time and games to support educational activities such as literacy, emotional and physical wellbeing, mental health - and more.

You can follow Andy and his lively tweets and shares @GeekDadGamer.

You can also watch the interview on YouTube here.

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The ‘Check it out!’ show is back, helping edtech enthusiasts get through the January blues!

Hosted by Al Kingsley and Mark Anderson (authors of ‘A Guide to Creating a Digital Strategy in Education’), the show will be broadcasted live on 19th January 2021 from 7pm, and will showcase the new ‘must-have’ education solutions - supporting parent engagement, CPD, online safety, learning platforms and apps, and more! 

Guest speakers include:
Eve Harper - BETTFEST
Simon Hay - Firefly Parent Portal
Dom Traynor - Spark
Andrew Hammond - Discovery Education Pathway
Joe Stoney - National Online Safety
Stefan Allsebrook  - Frog
Donavan Naidoo - Blob science
Pete Henshaw - National Edtech, Pedagogy & Remote Education Conference
Matt Jones - classroom.cloud
Michael Wilkinson - ClickView
Connor Pierson - Quizizz
Rikki Harrison - iSAMs by IRIS Education
Nina Jackson - Teach Learn Create
Plus many more!

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in this very special festive edition of the 'Check it out!' show, join Al Kingsley @AlKingsley_Edu and Mark Anderson @ICTEvangelist as they uncover new education services and solutions that can help your school! 

Guests include: @kazowed, @Tassomai, Noble and Eaton, @natterhub, @YouTeachMe, @MyWorldOfData, @FUNecole, @edpuzzle, @rangathetrainer and @TimeEdu.

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Back by popular demand, catch up with the November edition of the 'Check it out!' show! Join @AlKingsley_Edu and @ICTEvangelist as they uncover new education services and solutions that can help your school! 

Guests include; Cascade Spanish, @GDPRinSchools, @esafetyadviser, @classroomcloud_, @DiscoveryEdUk, @trilbytv, @tweetlpplus, @justmoteHQ, @iAchieveUK, @joinbubble, @iTCHYROBOT_SCH, and @Alex_Portland, plus a special appearance from @besatweet!

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Al Kingsley and Mark Anderson are joined by a range of educators who have some new services or solutions for the education sector that you should hear about!

Guests include:

Lucy Preston with Maths with Parents - Liz Murray with Spotlight Education Support - Adam Chase with Reschool - Matt Jones with classroom.cloud - Tom Thacker with CENTURY - Katie Stickley with Did Teach - Simon Blower with Pobble - Kat Cauchi with ReallySchool - Jane Moody with Drift IT Services - Kim Cooke with Gaps in my learning - Pranti Zaveri with Teacherly - Ronan Mc Nicholl with Global Edtech - Tilly Brooke with now-press-play - Russell Prue with LearnRadio.Net - Michael Brennan with Stribe - Chris Williams with Chatta - Tracey Armstrong with Arva - Sarah Underwood with ICTfE365 - David Powell with Upbeat Music and Arts - Uplift - Chris Birks with Microsoft Remote Classroom Hybrid Solution - Vanessa Leach with Tute.

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ReallySchool, the award-winning app and online portal helping teachers to record, assess and share primary and EYFS and primary school pupils’ learning and development, features on NetSupport Radio to discuss the latest update which supports schools in the 'new normal'.

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This chapter discusses how edtech vendors have really stepped up to help schools during COVID-19, with Caroline Wright of BESA revealing that they have provided around £30million of free resources during lockdown. 

The panel also discussed the importance of wellbeing and safeguarding – and also the lessons that have been learned from this unique time that must not be forgotten in the future.

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This chapter looks at schools’ digital strategies and how the pandemic has changed the way they work with edtech, as well as how they can best prepare themselves for the possibility of more in-school and remote teaching and learning in the future, should further lockdowns come into play.

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This chapter, "The new normal of teaching and learning,” examines the effect of the pandemic on teaching and learning. Despite the total disruption to regular teaching and learning, everyone agreed that many positive things have come out of this. Some schools have had a steep learning curve to get on board with the possibilities that their technology has to offer, but many staff have increased their confidence in using it, albeit through necessity.

The panel also discuss how edtech has facilitated improved engagement, better communication and how they are now used to doing Zoom calls!

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With the enforced switch to online learning, schools have had to transition fast!

Our guests share their own schools' experiences of how they have switched from face-to-face to distance learning - and what they have learned from the process.

We also hear a technical perspective of how one school made the transition to cloud-based solutions and the eventful route it took  – overcoming various obstacles to reach its destination.

In a bonus interview, Russell Prue talks to Lord Jim Knight about the contrast between today's digital education landscape and the work he did as a government Minister to promote equality of access.

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There's been a massive change in how teaching and learning is delivered over the last few weeks with an unexpected switch to online delivery in record time.

Our guests discuss how the education landscape is looking now, compared to at the start of the year, and how things may develop over time. They discuss the experiences of their own education establishments (or the ones they work with) and consider the safeguarding aspects of using the digital platforms of the moment (e.g. Zoom).

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Wellbeing has never been more important than now - and it's a given that we're going to encounter some mental health issues in the future as a result of the pandemic lockdown.

Our experts on this topic discuss the need to plan for the new 'future normal' when students and staff are reintegrated into school, with preparations likely being required for separation anxiety (when pupils suddenly have to spend time away from parents) - as well as the availability of bereavement counselling.

We hear how technology is helping wellbeing in the shape of a "WellBot" powered by AI, how it's helping to look after parents' wellbeing too, and how our youngest students are sharing and communicating on GoBubble.

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NetSupport Radio was joined by a range of educators, edtech experts and education specialists to discuss and debate a range of the hottest topics in the education sector today, including:

  • The future shape of edtech – What have recent events taught us about the future of edtech in schools?
  • School digital strategy, the dos and don’ts – What is a digital strategy and what are the pros and pitfalls to look out for?
  • Supporting student and teacher wellbeing – The wellbeing issues schools need to look out for and how they can support both students and teachers.

Thank you to our panellists including: Al Kingsley,Lord Jim Knight, Professor Jonathan Glazzard, Linda Parsons, Traci Good – and more! To see the full line-up, visit www.netsupportsoftware.com/radio-april/ 

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Al Kingsley hosts our Digitial Strategy podcast on behalf of NetSupport and Opportunity Peterborough. The podcast will cover the latest trends and strategies in IT Management and security, and we’ll be hearing from 5 industry experts discussing a range of topics. 

Nathan Allison – Talks about Operational Security and utilising frameworks.
Colin Jeffs – Discussed Global Digitial Business and Planning for the future
David Davies – Talks about IT Resilience and the shifting culture of IT use
Al Kingsley – shares ideas on creating a Digitial Strategy around IT Management
Ravi Pathak – explains about Business Continuity planning and what to consider.

We also discuss with Tom Hennessey, CEO of our partner, Opportunity Peterborough, about how they support local businesses to grow and attract new companies to set up in Peterborough.

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NetSupport Radio has a fascinating chat with Dr Edward Tse (edtech leader, speaker, author and YouTuber) about how automation is impacting jobs now and in the near future – and the need for us to ensure we’re teaching students the critical skills they’ll need for their future employment.

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Tony talks to Russell Prue live at Bett 2020 to spread the word about a new DfE website to support schools – educationdatamatters.org.uk – that contains free advice on privacy, dealing with the ICO, information about risk assessments and more.

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Russell Prue and Antony Moore, Head of Partnerships at Firefly Learning discuss the new show layout and what they think of it.

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Russell Prue talks to Richard Smith from Amazing ICT about what has caught his attention amongst the many and varied offerings at the show.

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James Donaldson explained to NetSupport Radio how his college, its digital leaders and student union are providing greater access to advice and guidance on wellbeing via an AI-driven chatbot.

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An increasing focus on maths and English in schools at the expense of other subjects prompted Bryn Llewellyn to create TagTiv8; a method of delivering physically active learning. He chatted to NetSupport Radio to explain how it works and talks about the research behind it that shows that activity enhances cognition and academic performance. 

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Augmented reality is a fast-developing area which is now beginning to really make an impact in the classroom. Phil Birchinall, Senior Director of Immersive Content at Discovery Education, describes how it’s maturing and how show visitors have been treated to a trip to Mars…

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Evo Hannan from Dwight School in Dubai chats with Russell Prue about his new project that he has recently launched on Twitter called "The Agency". Its aim is to change teachers’ mindsets in the way teaching and learning is delivered, but equally applies to facilitators in corporate settings.

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NetSupport Radio talks to Sally Lanni (Executive Head Teacher) and Dr Dave Whyley (from the governing body)about the impact that edtech has had at Pheasey Park Farm School. 

They talk to Russell Prue about the importance of getting all stakeholders on board, providing tailored training for teachers, digital champions, ensuring parents understand the school’s vision and evidencing achievement.

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Sleuth IT creates interactive resources for engaging students in literacy. Taking the form of interactive adventure games, students can work in groups to discover a topic through a range of literacy resources that bring it to life.

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Sal chats to NetSupport Radio about her upcoming round-table discussion at Bett on supporting dyslexic students in primary and secondary schools. She also comments on resources for dyslexia at the show.

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Nicole is CEO and Co-Founder of The Gender Equality Collective. She chats to Russell about inclusive technology, closing gaps, and collaboration to create a more inclusive society – plus her work on the upcoming Kitemark for gender equality for business and education.

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Primrose Hill Primary School in Salford is close to the new media city, where the BBC, ITV, C4 and lots of tech and media companies are located. 

Jon Samuel, the ICT Lead at the school talks about working closely with GoBubble to teach children about safe social media use – and the school’s involvement with BBC Bitesize. 

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Russell Prue and Ian Rockey, headteacher from Westwood with Iford Primary School, reflect on his students’ takeover of NetSupport Radio on Day 3 of Bett 2020! 

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NetSupport Radio talks to Professor Steven Wheeler from Plymouth Marjon University and ICT Evangelist, Mark Anderson, about what they’d like to see at future Bett shows, facilitating more ad hoc sharing and what their plans are over the coming year.

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As James says, “We all feel different in a cathedral than in a shopping centre” – and creating a feeling of wellbeing in a space is critical for optimum learning. Innovative school furniture design is what Learniture does best and James talks about taking the lead from wider society to create the kinds of spaces that students like to work in.

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Al Kingsley talks to Russell Prue about how the first three days of the show have gone and whether his aspirations have been fulfilled! They also discuss the loss of the Saturday from the event from next year onwards – and chat about what they’ve particularly enjoyed this year.

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NetSupport Radio had the honour of hearing from Professor Sugata Mitra about his self-organised learning environments, the work he’s been doing with the Granny Cloud and what the future holds for how children will learn in years to come.

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Henri Verdier is the French Ambassador for Digital Affairs, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. He talks to NetSupport Radio about digital diplomacy, influencing the future of the digital world, internet governance and entrepreneurship. 

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Russell Prue and Bob Harrison (former teacher, lecturer and college principal) reminisce about how Bett began, its evolution, the Bett Awards and how the newly-structured show is working out for 2020.

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Listen back to NetSupport Radio's live broadcast from Day 4 of Bett 2020!

Radio host Russell Prue chats to James Clark from Learniture; Professor Steven Wheeler from Plymouth Marjon University together with Mark Anderson, ICT Evangelist; students from Lanchester EP and Birchwood Primary Schools; Jon Samuel from Primrose Hill Primary School; Nicole Ponsford from The Gender Equality Collective; and Ian Rockey from Westwood with Iford Primary School commenting on his students' takeover of NetSupport Radio.

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NetSupport Radio was delighted to chat to Professor Stephen Heppell at Bett 2020 and hear all about the Learnometer boxes that, after five years of prototyping, are now available as a product for schools. The boxes monitor classroom environments to help schools create optimal environments for learning – and a new initiative of Bring Your Own Plant is a part of it!

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How effective is the technology you are looking at for your school? Dan Sandhu, CEO of Sparx Learning talks about the launch of the EdTech Evidence Group and explains how the company begins with research to ensure the right approach for its technology. 

He also talks about the joint project between Sparx and HegartyMaths to increase the impact on the teaching and learning of maths in schools across the country and abroad.

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Headteacher of Dogsthorpe Infants' School, Becky Waters, and Reception Learning and Teaching Manager, Rachel Jordan, talk about the impact that using observations and assessment solution, ReallySchool, has had in their classrooms and on their workloads.

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Getting kids moving (and enjoying it) is sometimes a challenge, but is something DDMIX for Schools (Diverse Dance Mix) aims to change. Created by Dame Darcey Bussell, DDMIX is a new programme to enable teachers (even non-specialists) to deliver varied dance activities for their primary school pupils, which they will hopefully enjoy!

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In his introduction to Day 3 of Bett 2020, NetSupport’s MD, Al Kingsley, talks to Russell Prue about how the show has gone so far, how digital strategy informs technology purchases for MATs and the importance of wellbeing for everyone in a school…

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Myles is a specialist SEND technology consultant who provides assessment, training and strategy advice to a wide range of settings.

He talks to NetSupport Radio about the products he’s excited about at Bett 2020, as well as his plans for the coming year that include assisting with raising the profile of disabled people in the Lebanon and a series of educational webinars with the British Assistive Technology Association.

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Andrew Whitehouse, SEND Consultant and supplier of bespoke training for schools through People First Education, chats to NetSupport Radio’s Russell Prue about what’s new at the show in his sector and the importance of choosing the right solutions.

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Listen to the interviews from Day 3 of NetSupport Radio's live broadcast at Bett 2020 right here!

Russell Prue chats to Professor Stephen Heppell about learnometer boxes, catches up with Myles Pilling on special educational needs, Dan Sandhu from CEO of SPARX, Andrew Whitehouse on assistive technologies, Al Kingsley, MD of NetSupport - plus many more.

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Executive headteacher, Helen Price, and Director of Finance, Caroline Behann, from Hampton Academies Trust discuss the challenges presented by making the budget stretch to meet everyone's priorities - and how their all-through school came about.

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JD, John, Will and Chris from Phonic FM chat to Russell about what they’ve come to see at the show, their reactions to its new format and… vinyl!

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Sam de Lange from 2Simple Software tells NetSupport Radio’s Russell Prue all about the forthcoming EduFootyAid football tournament taking place at Bett 2020 on Saturday, with the headline event being the first all-female game. There’s an opportunity for visitors to donate the Mind via the Bett website and via donation points throughout the exhibition hall – plus, take part in a raffle to win football merchandise!

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There’s nothing like a good creative project to really inspire students. Paul Topping, headteacher of The British School in the Netherlands, explains to NetSupport Radio’s Russell Prue how some of his students have recently recorded their music onto vinyl.

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Pete Henshaw, Editor of SecEd magazine, chats to NetSupport Radio about schools’ increased focus on evidence, the benefit of a digital strategy, not being swept away by the latest technology, VR and AI – and more.

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Deb Lyons from Bolton Local Authority and Pete Lee from Learning by Questions tell NetSupport Radio host, Russell Prue, about their successful implementation of the learning solution across the primary schools in Bolton Local Authority.

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NetSupport Radio host, Russell Prue, chats to Chris Castelle from E2BN about the effects of cybercrime on schools. The fact that every school has a network and an internet leaves them open to the danger of abuse from cyber criminals. Chris explains the challenges for schools, as well as talking about why it’s important for them to report any attacks.

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Andrew Tidswell, Director of International Professional Development at Discovery Education has worked with Ministries of Education across the world. He discusses the background to creating sustainable change in education, the release of their new whitepaper and how that can inform projects both at home and abroad.

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NetSupport’s MD, Al Kingsley, talks to Russell Prue about making technology accessible for teachers and supporting them in its use – plus, they give their reactions to Day 1 of the newly-zoned Bett show and their hopes for Day 2!

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Mental health is an issue we can all relate to and Martin Bailey talks to Russell Prue about the origins of the EduFootyAid project (in conjunction with 2Simple) and how it raises money for the mental health charity, Mind.

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Listen back to NetSupport Radio’s live broadcast from Day 2 of Bett 2020! 

NetSupport Radio’s host, Russell Prue, talks to more superb guests on the live broadcast from Day 2 of Bett 2020! With contributions from Chris Castelle from E2BN; Deb Lyons from Bolton Local Authority SICT; Martin Bayley talking about EduFooty Aid; Paul Topping, a headteacher from a school in the Netherlands; Pete Henshaw, Editor of SecEd Magazine – and more!

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Listen to NetSupport Radio’s Russell Prue chat to ReallySchool Product Manager, Kat Cauchi, and Independent Advisor, Gary Perkins, about NetSupport’s primary observations and assessment solution, ReallySchool, (a Bett 2020 finalist!) and hear how much it has been developed over the last year to add even more value for school leadership teams.

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The Internet Watch Foundation does amazing work to remove images and videos of child sexual abuse from the internet to prevent the victims from being revictimized, over and over again. Russell Prue talks to Will Few on NetSupport Radio about the vital work of the organisation and how the number of such images online is growing year on year, driven by the trend of content generated by children themselves…

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PSHE can be a tricky subject to teach, especially if teachers aren’t confident with the subject, haven’t been trained in what to teach, or the correct age-appropriate vocabulary to use. 

NetSupport Radio’s host, Russell Prue, chats to Lucy Marcovitch, PSHE consultant and series editor for Discovery Education, about the resources the company has produced to aid teachers in this respect ahead of the subject becoming a statutory requirement in England from September 2020.

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Good quality classroom resources are vital for learning. Andrew Hammond, Senior Director: Learning and Community from Discovery Education, talks about the importance of authenticity, the thinking behind the company’s new Experience platform and how it addresses the thee “I’s” of intent, implementation and impact.

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Genna Ash, the Editor of Education Technology Magazine, joins NetSupport Radio host Russell Prue and NetSupport MD, Al Kingsley, to talk about the latest topics in the edtech sector. From AI, teacher wellbeing, personalisation and cloud solutions, Genna outlines what her readers have been talking about and what her magazine will be discussing into 2020…

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Getting parents involved in their children’s education is a challenge for many schools, but at the Prince of Wales Primary School, they seem to be getting it right! Headteacher, Gary Spracklen, chats to NetSupport Radio’s Russell Prue about the relationships his school has built with not just the parents, but the local community too.

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NetSupport is back once again at Bett 2020 and its MD, Al Kingsley, chats to Russell Prue about what visitors can expect to see on stand NL44 (NetSupport Radio, Speaker Zone, product updates, a little blue pig – and more!), his initial reactions to the new zoned approach of the show and what he’s looking forward to seeing at the event…

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Listen back to NetSupport Radio’s live broadcast from Day 1 of Bett 2020! 

Host with the most, Russell Prue, gets the low-down on the Bett show experience with NetSupport’s MD, Al Kingsley; talks to Will Few from the Internet Watch Foundation about the progress it is making in its mission to stop inappropriate child images appearing online; and chats to Kat Cauchi and Gary Perkins from ReallySchool (primary observation and assessment solution) about the product’s recent development and their hopes for a Bett Award win - plus much more!

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Kat Cauchi, Product Manager for ReallySchool and former Primary School Teacher at Dogsthorpe Infant School, joins Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio to discuss activities at Bett 2020.

Presenting at Bett in NetSupport’s Speaker Zone on Friday 24th January at 1pm, Kat will be discussing her “Top 5 tips for saving time in the primary classroom,” and will be evaluating how certain tools such as ReallySchool can help save precious time – as well as also covering more general tips that anyone can try to help reduce their workload.

Helping to develop the ReallySchool app, Kat is also excited to hear from customers about what tools they like the most, what challenges they currently face and how ReallySchool can be developed further to support those needs.

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Dr Ger Graus OBE and Global Director of KidZania, talks to Russell Prue on NetSupport Radio about KidZania and his upcoming talk at Bett 2020. 

He explains, “It’s KidZania’s 20th birthday and we now have 30 cities for children globally, with a plan for another 20 or so in the next 10 years. KidZania is a city for children aged 4-14, where they can practice, think, dream and aspire about the world of work.”

As an immersive world with 80,000 square feet of aeroplanes, operating theatres, television studios, radio stations, football stadia, and so on, Dr Ger Graus asserts that the most important thing is that once you enter KidZania, the children are in charge. 

At Bett 2020 on Thursday 23rd January in the main arena at 12:30pm, Dr Ger Graus will be discussing ‘Building a Creative Approach to Social Mobility,’ This stems from global research by KidZania and the OECD and highlights the need to differentiate between schooling (i.e. children being taught) and education (i.e. experiences and learning by doing).

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We’re now several episodes into NetSupport Radio’s Five in Five series, where education experts give us a quick insight into their specialist area by sharing five quick tips – all in five minutes (or thereabouts).

The latest episode sees Al Kingsley speaking to eSafety Adviser, Alan Mackenzie.  Alan chats to Al about his five top tips for teaching online safety to students:

  1. Concentrate on the positives (to prevent students switching off) but introduce some negatives.
  2. Be careful with rules-based education such as “Don’t talk to strangers” or “Don’t share personal information” etc. These types of statements are unrealistic and lack any context.
  3. Keep it real: if you want positive impact, talk about the spaces they are in and the games/apps they are using.
  4. Never victim blame: Using examples of a serious incident and then asking questions such as “What did he/she do wrong?” comes across as judgemental.
  5. Keep it engaging: By talking about the things they are using, students will open up and ask questions on things that may be affecting them.

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Dr Alison Clark-Wilson joins Russell Prue on NetSupport Radio to discuss her roles, education passions and talk at Bett 2020.

As a former school maths teacher, teacher trainer and researcher, Alison is currently working at University College London, using existing research to support edtech entrepreneurs in understanding whether what they are developing is going to have the desired impact – as well as teaching them how to generate their own research.

Alison explains, “So many people are having to make decisions on which edtech to bring into their professional practice or learning – and how do you know which to choose? At the heart of this question is the research and evidence which we need to get better at both generating and understanding, so we can make some sensible decisions.”

During her talk about ‘The Billion Dollar Edtech Question: Can We Prove it Works?’ at Bett on the Professional Development stage on Thursday 23rd January at 11am, Alison will cover what people think research evidence is all about, the formats and contents different people need to make better decisions – plus, some practical tools and insights.  

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Tony Sheppard (Head of Services at GDPR in Schools) features on NetSupport Radio’s Five in Five – where education sector experts share their five hints or tips on a chosen topic.

Tony discusses with Al Kingsley his five tips for keeping data safe:

  1. Know who is responsible for data protection
  2. Be clear on what should or should not be on show at parents’ evenings
  3. Identify who can be the school’s DPO – all schools need one and they must be independent without any conflict of interest
  4. Be aware of the data that your school has - and the tools that can help you protect and manage it.
  5. Understand what counts as a data breach – and the golden rules around what to do if you think your school has one.

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Adam Chase, a Y5 teacher and Computer Lead at Bury LA, joins Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio to chat about activities at Bett 2020.

Presenting at Bett in NetSupport’s Speaker Zone on Friday 24th January at 2pm, Adam will be discussing the topic, “Deepening understanding of computing”.

Adam explains: “It’s in the vein of the unplugged learning – which has always been associated with the programming side of things. Where I’ve been applying it for the past couple is years is hardware, software, how to think like a computer and the processes of how all these areas work together.”

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Kat Cauchi (ReallySchool Product Manager and a former primary school teacher at Dogsthorpe Infant School) features on NetSupport Radio’s Five in Five – where education sector experts share their five hints or tips on a chosen topic. 

Kat discusses with Al Kingsley her five tips for engaging parents in primary schools and recommends:

  1. Using technology to your advantage when keeping busy parents in the loop about their child’s learning
  2. Making a list of which student’s parents you want to connect with at the start of term (making it easier to continue throughout the rest of the year)
  3. Greeting students and parents in the mornings to give parents an opportunity to see you
  4. Calling out reminders for things children need to tell their parents about (as a back-up to slips that can and do get lost)
  5. Having difficult conversations face to face to allow parents to respond directly and work on the issue together.

Find out more about ReallySchool classroom assessment and journals here : https://www.reallyschool.com/

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Ian Rockey, Headteacher at Westwood-with-Iford Primary School, joins Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio to chat about activities at Bett 2020.

Presenting at Bett in NetSupport’s Speaker Zone on Friday 24th January at noon, Ian will be discussing, “Developing confidence and resilience through education radio”. 

Ian explains: “Though using education radio and our school radio station, the children behind the mic - producing and creating their own content as well as engaging with an audience - have developed real confidence and resilience.”

Ian’s school radio station has an audience of 12,000 per month and the students from Westwood-with-Iford Primary School will be taking a turn on NetSupport Radio to broadcast their own content at Bett 2020.

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Ben Whitaker, Director of Edufuturists and Google Certified Educator, Trainer and Innovator, joins Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio to talk about activities at Bett 2020.

Presenting at Bett in NetSupport’s Speaker Zone on Wednesday 22nd January at 1pm, Ben will be discussing, “Embedding technology into your culture”. 

Ben explains: “Based on the research I did earlier in the year, I will look at the reasons why edtech gatekeepers say no to new investment or maybe invest in the wrong edtech, and how to overcome these and convince them it’s worth the time, money and effort.”

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Paul Tullock (eLearning and Computing Lead at Richardson Dees Primary School) features on NetSupport Radio’s Five in Five – where education sector experts share their five hints or tips on a chosen topic.   

Paul discusses with Al Kingsley his five tips for using iPads more effectively in primary schools – from setting up to maximising their use. He talks about:

  1. Getting your set-up right from the very start
  2. Sharing the accessible features with your students, such as the in-built Speak Screen, dictation tools and more
  3. The benefits of selecting a set of core apps applicable to all lessons
  4. Teaching children the tech skills they need and then combining this skill with learning lesson content
  5. Enabling digital leaders to help lead learning with other students – and teachers!

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An eLearning and Computing Lead at Richardson Dees Primary School and an Apple 2017 Distinguished Educator, Paul Tullock joins Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio (the official broadcaster of Bett 2020) to discuss his presentation on the NetSupport stand.

Paul comments, “As part of my role, I set up a lot of school with iPads and I always get asked the same question: is there a good app for X or Y? And so, my presentation will focus on one app and how it can be used in several creative ways and across the curriculum.

Paul will be presenting on stand NL44 at 4pm on Thursday 23rd January."

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Martin Bailey, Director of Animate2Educate and a Digital Enrichment Leader at Lanchester EP Primary School, as well as a lecturer at Durham University, joins Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio to discuss his presentation at the NetSupport Speaker Zone at Bett 2020. 

Presenting at 1pm on Thursday 23rd January, Martin will discuss “A ‘Deep Dive’ into Primary Computing”. Martin explains, “It’s a hot topic at the moment from the changes added to the Ofsted framework in September and I’m hoping it will be a whistle-stop guide for someone who is maybe a coordinator and is a bit daunted by changes, terminology and what might be involved – hopefully putting people’s minds at ease.”

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Bukky Yusuf, a Senior Leader, teacher of secondary sciences to A level students and Ambassador for Leadership Matters (amongst many other roles), joins Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio to discuss her current roles and forthcoming activities at Bett 2020.

Bukky has recently been appointed as an interim co-chair of the EdTech Leadership Group to support the Government’s EdTech strategy. She explains, “We are trying to bring about a cohesive and well-connected strategy to bring the Government EdTech strategy to life. What makes it unusual is that there is representation from industry as well as education, who can look at some of the challenges and the solutions edtech companies can bring about so that we move the edtech agenda forward in the UK.”

Bukky will also be presenting on the NetSupport stand NL44 on Thursday 12pm, to discuss ‘Loving and Leading EdTech’. Bukky comments, “Particularly, in education, when you talk about the use of tech, people think it’s a standalone thing like an interactive whiteboard or Chromebook/iPad. We live in a digital era, so it’s about the skills you can transfer from one aspect to another.”

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Russell Prue interviews Sir David Carter (Executive Director of System Leadership at Ambition Institute) on NetSupport Radio about his forthcoming presentation at Bett 2020.

Sir David (@Carter6D) talks about ‘The importance of leadership’ and will outline why it’s imperative that we encourage intelligent and capable leaders to enter into leadership roles in our schools.

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Graham Brown-Martin (@GrahamBM) is a leader in the field of foresight and anticipatory research that brings together social, political and technological trends to consider how we need to ready ourselves for the future. 

He chats to Russell Prue about hosting an interactive session at Bett 2020 called, “The future of work, society and learning – of preparing learners for tomorrow” (along with his special guests from the London Interdisciplinary School and School 21), which intends to generate and share ideas about how best to prepare students for the future.

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Russell Prue (@russellprue), founder of Anderton Tiger Broadcasting (and Bett 2020 host of NetSupport Radio!) chats to Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) and shares five reasons why schools should consider taking part in radio broadcasting with their students.

With an increasing emphasis on pupil voice, school radio is the perfect platform for students to firstly, find their voice and, secondly, improve their confidence through speaking. Russell mentions how this can raise self-esteem – giving students a focus and an opportunity to shine. Of course, thinking on your feet as a broadcaster needs creative thinking, and radio is a great way to practise and hone those skills. 

Listen to the chat to find out more!

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Karl Denton (@dentonkarl), IT Manager at St Bede Academy,chats to Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) on NetSupport Radio’s Five in Five series – where education sector experts share their five hints or tips on a chosen topic.

Without an IT network that works smoothly and efficiently, it would be difficult - or even impossible - for schools to run learning applications without interruption. As a network manager of a school Trust, Karl is perfectly placed to share his five tips. Knowing what devices you have and monitoring them constantly, to being proactive, drawing up procedures and communicating well with teams across the school, are all things that Karl has found can help the IT in your school run smoothly. Listen to the chat to find out more!

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Russell Prue recently caught up with Dr Neelam Parmar (@neelamaparmar1), Director of E-Learning at Ashford School, United Learning, ahead of her three Bett 2020 speaker slots at January’s show. 

Dr Parmar gives Russell an overview of her background in digital innovation, pedagogy and teaching and learning – plus an overview of each of her talks, which will cover the importance of having a digital strategy, the value of good communication between teams and positive technology use.

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Eve Harper (Bett UK Event Director), Al Kingsley (MD of NetSupport and Chair of a Multi Academy Trust) and host, Russell Prue (Anderton Tiger Broadcasting), get together to discuss NetSupport Radio and Bett 2020.

From interviews with top education and edtech experts (including speakers from Bett’s theatres), music, chat and interactive slots, NetSupport Radio will be sharing the latest activity across the show. There’ll even be a showcase of student voice on the final day, with students from Westwood-with-Iford School’s broadcasting team doing their show live from the event!

Hear from Eve about Bett’s new zone format designed to help visitors more easily navigate the exhibitors available and find what they need – and to help exhibitors find the right customers too! There will be six themed areas, covering wellbeing; inclusion; SEND; future tech and trends; skills; and empowering teaching, learning and innovation. Plus for 2020, the Education Show is actually inside Bett itself (instead of running alongside); there will be more meaningful, in-depth CPD opportunities with partners such as Naace, TES, LGfL and so on – and more opportunities for leadership interaction with the new ‘hosted leaders’ programme, which is a targeted programme of meetings with qualified buyers and leaders. 

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In the second episode of our new Five in Five series (where education specialists share five top tips about education-related topics all in five minutes) we are pleased to welcome Mark Anderson, ICT Evangelist (@ICTEvangelist).

Mark chats to Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) and reveals some features of your existing technology that you can use in your classrooms. From Google Dice (to support analogue learning activities), ClassroomScreen.com (free interactive display), converting a photo of a data table into Excel, to creating an editable version of a PDF in Word and using the PowerPoint Presenter Coach, there's bound to be something that sparks your imagination!

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Welcome to the first episode of our new Five in Five mini series, where education specialists share five top tips about education-related topics - all in five minutes!

In this first podcast, Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) interviews year 5 teacher and Computing Lead, Adam Chase (@_geekyteacher), who shares five of his favourite apps to get Primary School kids started with coding...

Starting with the basics in BeeBot and Daisy and the Dinosaur and moving through Scratch and Hopscotch, Adam's recommendations lead children through simple concepts to applying the skills they've learned in different formats - perfect for setting them on the road to programming!

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Radio broadcaster Russell Prue chats to NetSupport's MD, Al Kingsley, live at the National Education Show in Cardiff about their plans to team up again for NetSupport Radio at Bett 2020.

Russell and Al chat about the fact that, for the first time ever, NetSupport Radio (powered by Anderton Tiger) will be the official broadcaster of the Bett Show! 

There are always so many great things to celebrate about Bett and, this year, working directly with the organisers, NetSupport Radio will get a chance to showcase all the amazing things that take place, including interviews with the speakers from the main speaker stage and bringing student voice to the airwaves - plus much more! 

This is a special opportunity to reach an even wider audience than ever before, with people being able to listen live to the shows online each day. Roll on January 2020!

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Radio broadcaster Russell Prue chats to Mark Anderson (ICT Evangelist) and Al Kingsley (NetSupport MD) live at the National Education Show in Cardiff about their new ‘Guide to Creating a Digital Strategy for Education’.

The guide is broken down into easy-to-read, manageable chunks – with top tips highlighting the key things to look at in the different areas to help schools make choices that have impact and provide real value.

Read it here: www.netsupportsoftware.com/digital-strategy/ 

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Al Kingsley and Mark Anderson chat about their recent writing collaboration to produce ‘A Guide to Creating a Digital Strategy” for schools.

The guide provides an overview of all the different parties in a school who should have input into any digital plans, outlines the questions that schools need to ask and gives loads of useful information and advice on how best to go about creating an edtech strategy that meets long-term needs, rather than just a short-term fix.

Get the full guide here. 

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Ben Whitaker joins Al Kingsley to discuss the new report ‘Gatekeepers in Technology’.

Ben is a certified Google Educator, Trainer, Innovator and former Assistant Principal who has led training around the UK and beyond - in addition to being one of the Edufuturists. In his research for this report, he spoke to hundreds of people in schools and colleges who have great ideas about education and how technology can be a part of learning. He found that many of them were coming up against similar barriers, so he set out to find out the reasons why they were not being heard.

Read the full report here and learn some of Ben's recommendations for overcoming these obstacles to digital learning.

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Henry Platten chats to Al Kingsley about classroom management tools for teachers to use in lessons.

Classroom technology can be as clever as you like, but without tech knowhow or confidence, teachers may simply choose not to use it. Al gives a run-down of NetSupport School (developed with teachers, for teachers) and how its one-click functionality can help them become more confident in using classroom technology, while taking advantage of the features included to create variety in their lessons. 

NetSupport School's flexibility means it can be easily employed in a multi-platform BYOD classroom - making tech use even more accessible for schools.

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Henry Platten chats with Al Kingsley about the variety of functions that NetSupport's IT management solution, NetSupport DNA, offers schools - and how the product has evolved over time.

Talking about the three areas that the solutions covers - IT management, classroom management and safeguarding - they highlight the main features of each and outline their benefits for teachers, technicians and students. Al explains that NetSupport DNA has evolved over time and the company has worked directly with schools to co-produce and deliver the tools that they actually need to enable them to work in line with official guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education) - all at the right time.

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Mark Anderson (ICT Evangelist) chats to Al Kingsley about their upcoming Digital Strategy Guide.

Being conscious that for many schools, the purchase of new edtech starts with how much money is available that year, Mark and Al have worked together to create a guide for all stakeholders in a school to enable them to look at the bigger picture and formulate more long-lasting plans. Packed with information, tips and just some of the questions schools should be considering when planning a digital strategy, the guide is intended to help them purchase the right solutions that deliver the impact that they require.

The full title of the guide is, "A Guide to Creating a Digital Strategy in Education" and free copies will be distributed to visitors to NetSupport's stand at Bett 2020.

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NetSupport’s MD, Al Kingsley, chats to Henry Platten (founder of GoBubble and eCadets) about the Bett show and NetSupport’s plans for the upcoming 2020 event. 

Rather than regarding Bett simply as a ‘trade show’, both agreed that it’s a fantastic event to meet peers, connect with customers and make new contacts. Al mentions that at last year’s event, NetSupport created a speaker zone on their stand and invited respected people in the education sector to present, share and connect – and due to its success, that’s going to be repeated at for 2020.

A big part of NetSupport’s presence at the show is going to be NetSupport Radio, which, this year, will be the ‘official broadcaster of Bett’! Once again featuring renowned broadcaster, Russell Prue (founder of Anderton Tiger) as the host, everyone will be kept well informed with interviews from a range of top education sector guests and students.

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The Westwood-with-Iford Primary School's student broadcasters interview NetSupport’s Al Kingsley.

Al answers questions from the team about who/what was his inspiration when growing up; how he is involved in schools and education; how important edtech is in schools today; where to start when thinking up new product ideas - and many more!

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Mark Anderson talks to Al Kingsley and Henry Platten about how to boost teachers' confidence when it comes to using edtech in the classroom.

Al explains how NetSupport's classroom management solution, NetSupport School, has been specifically designed to give teachers a sense of control and a chance to develop their skills as they go - while Mark and Henry discuss the importance of sharing learning, whether it's between teachers in their own school or across different countries.

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Al Kingsley, Henry Platten and Mark Anderson chat about CPD for teachers in the face of school budget cuts.

What can schools and teachers do to maintain continued professional development when there's no spare money for it in the budget? Quite a bit, as it happens: from staff being given the time to share experiences with each other, inviting staff from other schools to discuss certain topics, or networking and asking questions on social media - schools can ensure that teachers are kept in the loop about latest developments in their education specialism or are given the opportunity to share experiences in a non-pressured environment.

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Henry Platten leads the discussion with Al Kingsley and Mark Anderson about the evolution of Safeguarding and eSafety.

Al gives a run-down of NetSupport DNA's school safeguarding tools, explaining that they can highlight the key issues that need immediate attention. Context is key to enable them to distinguish between genuine issues and topics that may be being studied in class.

Henry and Mark discuss safeguarding outside of school, mentioning the importance of parental engagement, setting a good example of Digital Citizenship, ensuring parental controls are activated on home broadband, and more.

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On the last NetSupport Radio broadcast of Bett 2019, Russell Prue spoke to lots of students from Birchwood Primary and Lanchester EP Primary Schools, including Joe and Fern from Birchwood School who had spoken in front of the audience about online safety – and Rachel and Annie from Lanchester EP School who had given a presentation about how to stay safe and protect identities on social media.

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NetSupport Radio host Russell Prue had a very busy day 3 at Bett 2019, hosting and interviewing a range of Bett visitors as well as supporting the students from Westwood with Iford primary school in hosting their very own school radio show live from the NetSupport Stand.

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Day 2 of Bett 2019 and Russell Prue was joined by a whole host of guest speakers on NetSupport Radio including Al Kingsley who explained what the new contextual-based Risk Index safeguarding feature is all about, Nic Ford from Bolton School who was discussing rollout tips for edtech, as well as Katie Henry and Mark Anderson who were discussing the two questions that you should ask before you buy your next edtech tool.

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Our host Russell Prue had a very busy first day at Bett interviewing a variety of visitors and exhibitors at the show including Al Kingsley who summed up what’s happening at Bett 2019 for NetSupport, Tony Cann (founder of Promethean) who spoke about his new offering Learning By Questions, Craig from Viewsonic about moving into the IFP (Interactive Flat Panel), Sal McKeown and Anna Pedroza about their hints and tips for interest and coverage at Bett 2019, plus many more!

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Al Kingsley is joined on NetSupport Radio by Henry Platten and Mark Anderson (ICTEvangelist) to discuss recent edtech activity as well as upcoming activity at Bett 2019.

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Henry Platten talks to Kat Cauchi about NetSupport's observations and assessment app for EYFS and primary schools, ReallySchool.

To learn more about what ReallySchool can do and how it can save you time in the classroom, head to www.reallyschool.com 

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Guest host, Henry Platten, talks to Mark Anderson and Al Kingsley to discuss all things digital citizenship - with some student input from the Junior ICT Evangelists!

The discussion encompasses all aspects of digital citizenship: from industry, to parenting and pedagogy. 

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Henry Platten chats to Al Kingsley about supporting school governors.

Al outlines a checklist of key points for schools to undertake with their governors at the start of a school year to ensure that everything can be covered. In addition, he explains the importance of having a comprehensive and up-to-date school website ahead of Ofsted inspections - and the role that governors can play in helping to maintain this. 

Finally, he chats about the differing skill sets of the people who come together as school governors and how they can share and learn from each other.

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Mark Anderson and Al Kingsley explore how ReallySchool helps primary teachers and TAs meet Ofsted’s requirement to collect evidence of pupils' learning and progress. 

The solution is for EYFS and KS1 and identifies and tracks pupils against their specified progress measures - providing teachers with a quick and easy way to capture learning as it happens, assess against national frameworks and gain insights from its rich report data.

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Mark Anderson (ICT Evangelist) and NetSupport MD, Al Kingsley, chat about all things edtech including: learning research; how educational technology can influence teaching and learning; barriers to edtech use; the use of gamification in assessment tools; the learning possibilities created by AR and VR – and much more.

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Mark Anderson joins Al Kingsley on NetSupport Radio to explore the tools that provide the broadest picture of a school's IT estate and how they can help to reduce costs. Plus, they take a look at tools teachers can use to support technology-enhanced teaching and learning. 

They also chat about online safety and safeguarding; outlining the proactive features of  NetSupport DNA's Safeguarding suite and explaining the ways students can reach out for help (within the school) by reporting concerns to trusted members of staff - or using the in-built self-service list of contacts for external organisations.

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First broadcast on Saturday 27th January 2018 at 4pm.

Our fourth and final NetSupport Radio LIVE show from stand D120 at BETT2018.

Guests included, Al Kingsley, Prof Stephen Heppell, Myles Pilling, Jonathan Butlin, Kids Judge BETT

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Our third NetSupport Radio LIVE show from stand D120 at BETT2018.

Guests included, Al Kingsley, Juliette Heppell & James Clarke, Kevin Blacoe, Shonette Bason-wood, live in the studio Ian Rockey our special guest and the children from Lanchester EP Primary School and Birchwood Primary School.

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Our secondNetSupport Radio LIVE show from stand D120 at BETT2018.

Guests included, Al Kingsley, Tony Sheppard, Rick Cowell, Joe Moretti, Alex Jones, Dawn Hallybone, Chris Buyers and Martin Bailey.

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First broadcast on Wednesday 24th January 2018 at 4pm.

Our first NetSupport Radio LIVE show from stand D120 at BETT2018.

Guests included, Al Kingsley, Henry Plattern, Mark Anderson, Young Folks from West Horndon Primary School, Ann Marie Christian, Al Metcalfe

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NetSupport's MD, Al Kingsley, gives a run-down of what's in store for NetSupport at Bett,  including new product (ReallySchool) in the Bett Futures Zone; NetSupport Radio with Russell Prue as the expert host (interviewing people about edtech, digcit, safeguarding and more); demos of brand new versions of NetSupport DNA and NetSupport School; a range of special guests, competitions, giveaways - and more!

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Tony Sheppard from GDPR in Schools joins Russell Prue and Al Kingsley to discuss the impact of GDPR on schools. 

Tony talks about the improvements it will bring to people's rights over their own data (the right to erasure, the right to be forgotten and so on) and transparency around what is happening with data within schools. It's a prompt (and opportunity!) for schools to review the data they hold and ask themselves why they're retaining it and what they're using it for and, crucially, whether it complies with the new rules.

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Al Kingsley chats to eSafety Adviser, Alan Mackenzie, about all things eSafety and Safeguarding. They discuss new trends and challenges, how behaviours evolve and why good online safety education is so important. Alan also recommends where to go to for eSafety advice and makes a few predictions about how issues may change for the year ahead (2019).

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Our fourth NetSupport Radio LIVE show from “Purple Saturday” BETT2017. First broadcast at 1pm on Saturday 28th January 2017 from stand D118 at BETT.

Guests included, Gary Spracklen, Hak from Moonhall College, Young People from BEST at BETT, Matt Jones, Mark Martin @Urban_Teacher.

Copyright music has been removed but we played, Fireflies from Owl City, America from Neil Diamond, Purple Rain from Prince and Purple People from George Thorogood.

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Our third NetSupport Radio LIVE show from BETT2017. First broadcast at 4pm on Friday 27th January 2017 from stand D118 at BETT.

Guests included, Ian Rockey, Duncan Knight, Neil Watkins, Putney High School for Girls, Tony Sheppard, Pupils from Lanchester EP School in Durham, Holly, Zoe, Oliver and Olly.

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Our second NetSupport Radio LIVE show from BETT2017. First broadcast at 4pm on Thursday 26th January 2017 from stand D118 at BETT.

Guests included, Professor Steven Wheeler, Al Kingsley, Joanne from EduGeek, John Tait, Myles Pilling, Sir Mark Grundy, Kirsty Tonks, Terry Freedman

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Our first ever NetSupport Radio LIVE show from BETT 2017. First broadcast at 4pm on Wednesday 25th January 2017 from stand D118 at BETT.

Guests included, Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Dave Smith & Amanda Jackson, Al Kingsley, Nicky Peachment, Pupils from Oakdale Junior School, RAF – STEM team and Lee Jackson.

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Russell Prue interviews Al Kingsley at Bett 2017