Northern Lights Teaching School Hub Podcast

Ep 11 Classroom creativity via digital technology with Martin Bailey

In this episode I sat down with Martin Bailey from Animate 2 Educate and discussed classroom creativity via the use of digital technology. 

We discussed:

• Is digital technology a distraction or a gimmick to real learning.
• How to spot when technology is just being used for technologies sake, rather than to add value to a lesson
• Martin's top tips and favourite apps and websites for digital creativity
• App smashing
• Impact in the classroom
• Advice for teachers who want to get started

Ep 10 EdTech accessibility and inclusion with Ryan Evans

In this episode I sat down with Ryan Evans from the Aspire2Be learning technology company in Wales.

We discussed:

• Digital inclusion and accessibility
• Identifying need
• Ryan's top tips and favourite websites and apps to promote inclusivity
• Impact in the classroom
• Advice for teachers looking to implement a similar approach in their classroom

Ep 9 An introduction to AI with Mark Anderson

In this episode we speak to Mark Anderson (Head of Education at NetSupport, bridging the gap between education and EdTech) about AI in education.

Within the episode we discuss:

• What AI is and what it isn’t
• The range of free and paid for AI platforms that are out there
• How teachers can use AI to help with their planning, creativity and imagination
• How AI can be used to bring about efficiencies for classroom teachers, but still keep the personal touch that a great classroom teacher brings
• How school leaders can harness the power of AI

During the discussion Mark mentioned many products and platforms. Below are links to all the resources that he mentioned:

• Infographic with a downloadable interactive PDF version available. Mark has summarised each of the tools to help teachers and leaders understand what each tool is and how it could help with teaching, learning or workload reduction: https://ictevangelist.com/32-ai-tools-to-support-your-teaching-and-their-learning/
• Upcoming book, “The EdTech Playbook” https://bit.ly/EdTechPlaybook
• Little Book of Prompts for Teachers: https://ictevangelist.com/free-resource-the-little-book-of-generative-ai-prompts-for-teachers/
• Little Book of Prompts for SLT: https://ictevangelist.com/free-resource-the-little-book-of-generative-ai-prompts-for-senior-leaders/
• Little Book of Prompts for Support Staff: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DG45841J
• Ai Policy Template: https://bit.ly/AIPolicyTemplate
• Input vs Output research paper: https://bit.ly/ai_inputoutput
• Hamilton, Hattie and Wiliam paper: https://bit.ly/paperonai
• ICT Evangelist’s Classroom Companion (an AI chatbot informed by CogSci principles): https://bit.ly/WeCollaborate24AIbot

Ep 8 How can technology support and enhance learning - with Christine Mayers

In this episode I sat down with Christine Mayers to discuss:

• How can technology enhance learning?
• How can school leaders upskill themselves in the possibilities of what technology can achieve?
• What do teachers and school leaders need to know about their systems and infrastructure in order to make their plans become realistic?
• What advice would you give to leaders who are looking to invest in technology solutions?
• How can leaders ensure that they are going to get something that yields positive impact?

Ep 7 Redefining Resilience with Alex Staniforth

In this episode I sat down with Alex Staniforth to discuss the problem with people's definition of resilience, the link between mental health and resilience and how to deal with uncertainty and change.

Alex is a record-breaking adventurer, inspirational speaker, author, award-winning fundraiser and charity founder, who is no stranger to overcoming challenges. At 28, Alex has already overcome more than many will in a lifetime. As a teenager he survived the two most significant disasters in Mount Everest history in two consecutive years. However, his biggest mountains have been within epilepsy, bullying, mental ill health and a lifelong stammer. Alex never allowed this to become his identity – only his experience. Re-framing adversity as an opportunity for growth has given him a new mission: to help others achieve their own ‘Everest’.

Ep 6 Who cares for the carers in our schools? - with Paul Rusby

In this episode I discuss the importance of resilience in school leadership and how we can look after the leaders who are having to show and develop their inner strength.

Ep 5 Adapting to the new reality of escalating additional needs in our schools - with Amelie Thompson

In this episode we discuss how we can adapt to the escalating additional needs in our schools. We discuss:

• How to apply a SEND lens to your thinking
• The importance of distributed knowledge that can support distributed leadership of SEND
• How schools can lead effective professional development for SEND
• How to begin closing the SEND achievement and progress gap

Ameile is also speaking at our Northern Lights Conference on July 3rd. Yu can find out more and book tickets via the link below:

https://northernlightstsh.co.uk/event/leadership-conference-2024-resilience-at-the-heart-of-school-leadership/

Ep 4 Staff Wellbeing and self-care with Kelly Hannaghan

In this episode I discuss the part that everyone has to play in staff wellbeing. We cover:

• What staff wellbeing really means and why it shouldn't be seen as just a buzzword
• What needs to change in schools if we're going to make a difference
• How can teachers prioritise and manage their own wellbeing
• Imposter syndrome and how to actively manage it

You can follow Kelly on Twitter @mindworkmatters, on Instagram @mind_work_matters and via her website www.mindworkmatters.com