NAACE EdTech News Roundup March 2025 Dear NAACE Members,
Welcome to your March EdTech newsletter, keeping you informed on the latest trends, innovations, and events shaping the future of education technology in the UK. This month, we cover the growing impact of AI in classrooms, government policies on mobile phone bans, and increased calls for social media regulation. You'll also find details on upcoming conferences, new AI-driven tools for teachers, and initiatives supporting digital transformation in schools. Stay ahead with insights into the evolving Edtech landscape and discover opportunities to engage, learn, and collaborate.
Happy reading!
The NAACE Team
Conservatives Advocate for Smartphone Ban in Schools The Conservative Party is pushing for a parliamentary vote to ban mobile phones in schools, citing concerns about learning disruptions and safety. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott emphasizes the need for legal changes to enforce this ban. Read More
Calls for Stricter Social Media Regulations in Education Manny Botwe, president of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), urges stronger regulation of social media platforms due to their negative impacts on students and educators, including increased bullying and misuse of deepfakes. Read More
Rise in Home Schooling and EdTech Adoption There's a global increase in home schooling, driven by dissatisfaction with traditional schooling and the rise of online education platforms. This trend highlights both opportunities and challenges in the edtech sector. Read More
Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Classrooms AI is being integrated into UK classrooms to reduce administrative tasks for teachers and enhance the educational experience. The government has invested heavily in EdTech leading to developments like AI-friendly lesson planning tools. Read More
ICT for Education Conference in Exeter Scheduled for March 21, 2025, at Sandy Park Stadium, this conference offers insights into ICT challenges faced by educators, featuring speakers like Tig Williams and Professor Miles Berry. Read More
UK EdTech Network London Mayfair Reception On March 25, 2025, the UK EdTech Network is hosting a networking event at The Burlington Arms in London, providing opportunities for professionals to discuss the EdTech sector over drinks and canapés.
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Digital Universities UK 2025 Conference From April 1-3, 2025, Lancaster University will host a conference focusing on digital transformation in higher education, featuring over 100 speakers and various interactive sessions. Read More
Enhancing the Student Experience 2025 Conference On March 20, 2025, a conference in London will explore ways universities can improve the student journey, addressing challenges like mental health and the impact of AI. Read More
Debate Over Digital vs. Traditional Learning Methods Discussions continue regarding the cognitive impacts of digital learning compared to traditional methods like handwriting, with studies suggesting potential drawbacks to screen-based learning. Read More
Launch of AI Lesson Planning Tool 'Aila' The Oak National Academy has introduced 'Aila', an AI-driven lesson planning tool used by 20,000 teachers to streamline lesson creation, showcasing successful AI implementation in education. Read More
Government's Education Content Store Initiative The UK government has launched an education "content store" featuring AI-friendly data, such as lesson plans and anonymised student work, to support EdTech companies in developing innovative classroom tools. Read More
Faculty AI Secures £3 Million Contract for Education Database Faculty AI, a company with a track record of government projects, has secured a £3 million contract to develop an AI-friendly education database, aiming to revolutionise classroom tools. Read More
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