European Schoolnet Podcast

How do you introduce AI in classrooms without losing sight of learning? In our latest podcast, Estonia’s Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, explains a phased approach that begins with teacher training, school-level support, and careful experimentation. Hear the Minister’s perspective in our 15thpodcast episode.

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we delve into how schools can cultivate meaningful and ethical data use to drive improvement and informed decision-making. We are joined by Prof. Dr. Kim Schildkamp (University of Twente) and Professor Jan Vanhoof (University of Antwerp) to discuss how data can support school development, the importance of data literacy, and how professional learning and inspection feedback can serve as powerful entry points for reflective practice. Together, they unpack the misconceptions around data use and highlight how a culture of curiosity and collaboration can make data truly work for schools.

In this episode of the European Schoolnet Podcast, we delve into how artificial intelligence is transforming education and its implications for children’s rights.We speak with Sonia Livingstone and Dr. Ayça Atabey from the Digital Futures for Children Centre (a collaboration between the London School of Economics and the Five Rights Foundation) about their recent report, 'A Child Rights Audit on Gen-AI in EdTech'. Together, they discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI tools into schools.

In this episode, we travel to Luxembourg to explore how the Future Classroom Lab model is being brought to life in a national context. Our guests, Sarah Monfils and Chris Krier from the Institut de Formation de l'Éducation Nationale, share how schools are navigating linguistic diversity, supporting teacher development, and integrating digital tools and AI with purpose. Tune in to hear how Luxembourg is turning challenges into opportunities, and what its experience can teach the rest of Europe.

How are schools in Finland and Denmark rethinking learning environments to better prepare students for the future? In this episode, we are joined by Sampo Forsström, educational developer at the University of Eastern Finland, and Martin Thun Klausen, pedagogical IT consultant at University College Copenhagen. Both are national ambassadors for the Future Classroom Lab (FCL), a model that promotes innovation in education across Europe. Together, they discuss how the FCL approach is being implemented in their countries, from teacher training and educational technologies to the design of flexible, interactive learning spaces. The conversation also explores the importance of national strategies, local autonomy, and teacher engagement in scaling change. As they reflect on successes and challenges, we get a glimpse into what it takes to build future-ready schools in practice.

In this episode of the European SchoolNet Podcast, we explore how emerging technologies, especially AI-powered social robots, are transforming education and fostering inclusive learning environments. Joined by Eirini Simeonidou, author of the latest Perspective Paper on Inclusive Digital Education, we discuss the role of social robots in supporting students with special needs, how AI tools help teachers adapt learning for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities, the digital divide and ways to ensure technology benefits all students, as well as the ethical and privacy concerns surrounding AI in education. We also dive into key policy recommendations to create more inclusive digital classrooms. Want to learn more? Download the full Perspective Paper: "Inclusive Digital Education – The Role of Social Robots" on the European SchoolNet website: http://www.eun.org/resources/detail?publicationID=2701. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe for more insights on the future of education!

Playful learning is not a new idea. However, it has been on the rise in the recent years, perhaps as one counterbalance to the increasing performativity brought about by digitalisation and datafication in schools. Welcome to today's episode, where Vibeke Schrøder and Niels-Peder Osmundsen Hjøllund, both lecturers and senior consultants at the University College Copenhagen, joined us.Agile EDU is a 3-year project that started in January 2023. The project is coordinated by European Schoolnet and includes a mix of partners representing public authorities, local authorities, universities, and civil society: University College Copenhagen (Denmark), University of Oslo (Norway), Portuguese Ministry of Education (Portugal), Foundation Empieza por Educar (Spain), and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (Sweden). The French and Slovenian Ministries of Education are associated partners.Find more about the Agile EDU project: http://agile-edu.eun.org/home Discover our Perspective Paper on Playful Learning in the Age of Datafication and Digitalisation: https://kont.ly/perspective-paper13 *Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Education in the Age of AI explores how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping teaching and learning. Featuring guests Charles Fadel and Olli-Pekka Heinonen, this episode unpacks key shifts in education—from curriculum updates to fostering critical skills like metacognition and empathy. Learn how to balance AI’s transformative potential with its ethical challenges, prepare students for an AI-driven world, and support teachers in embracing this powerful tool. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of education.

European Schoolnet’s podcast series explores the forefront of educational policy, innovation, and technology across Europe. Each episode brings together experts to discuss significant events, publications, and policy changes that shape the educational landscape. In this episode, we’re joined by Neil Attard and Rose Anne Camilleri from Malta’s Ministry for Education to discuss Malta’s Digital Education Strategy 2024–2030. They share insights on bridging the digital divide, empowering teachers, integrating digital skills into all subjects, and prioritising online safety. Listen in to see how Malta’s strategy is setting new standards for digital readiness and inclusive education across Europe.

In this episode, Christina Makarona introduces key themes around trust and evidence in EdTech, with a focus on the EmpowerED project's roadmap. Moderated by Beth Havinga, the discussion highlights a significant trust gap between decision-makers and EdTech solutions. Andreas Klausing from Educa Swiss stresses the challenges in decentralised education systems, while Niko Lindholm from Helsinki Education Hub underscores the importance of collaboration to bridge the trust gap.

Explore the latest episode of the European Schoolnet podcast, where we examine Big Tech's role in online safety and gender-based violence. This fifth episode features an in-depth discussion with Cindy Southworth, Head of Women's Safety at Meta, who reveals the platform's initiatives, including advanced hashing technologies and proactive AI systems. Discover how these measures align with the menABLE project's efforts to promote gender dialogue among youth. For a comprehensive understanding of these crucial issues and how they are addressed, listen to the full episode and read the detailed article on our website.

Join the European Schoolnet podcast as we explore Portugal’s Digital Transition Plan for Education. Discover how this pioneering plan is shaping education in Portugal with rapid technological advancements and a focus on digital transformation. Learn about the complexities of digital education in Europe and the importance of policy learning over policy transfer. Listen now to uncover Portugal’s strategies for integrating digital skills into education and enhancing student success.

Welcome to the third episode of the European Schoolnet podcast series, in collaboration with the menABLE project, dedicatedto combating online gender-based violence. In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in addressing gender-based violence. AI stands as one of the most transformative technologies of our time, yet it brings significant ethical concerns, including data privacy, biases, and its potential to worsen existing societal inequalities. Inna from the Digital Citizenship Department at European Schoolnet is joined by Silvia Semenzin, an international activist and postdoctoral researcher specialising in technology-facilitated gender-based violence, as they navigate these complex issues.

Step into the forefront of educational innovation with our latest episode, "Upscaling Innovation across European Schools." A journey through Portugal, Spain, and Flanders (Belgium) to discover innovative approaches to modernising education. Join us as we engage with our Future Classroom Lab ambassadors, exploring the important role of innovation in shaping the future of learning. From developing digital skills to fostering inclusive, equitable environments, each country offers unique insights into their innovation journey.

European Schoolnet introduces its first episode: "Screen time and mobiles in schools." Join us as we explore digital integration with experts Niamh Ni Bhroin and Anne Mangen, members of the Norwegian Screen Use Committee. Gain valuable insights into Norway's approach, from effects on learners to technology's dual role. Be sure to catch our upcoming episodes for even more valuable insights.