In focus / Computing and careers
TechFirst for schools: what's on offer and how to take part
Free activities, computing resources and competitions for schools and colleges, plus the November 2026 dates to put in the diary.
Read the article →THE EDTECHSTUFF EDITGood questions. Useful conversations.NEWS · ARTICLES · CONVERSATIONS
News you can use
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In focus / AI literacy
95% of UK undergraduates use AI. Who’s teaching them to use it well?
AI use has run ahead of understanding. Why staff confidence, assessment design and critical thinking matter more than completing a module.
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In focus / AI governance
Four meetings and no policy: what Lawrence's AI committee teaches UK schools
Lawrence's AI committee met four times without recommending a policy. Five lessons for UK schools and trusts setting up their own AI working groups.
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In focus / Digital learning
Running a learning group on WhatsApp? Here's how to share fewer phone numbers.
Communities and usernames offer different privacy protections. Check the group setup and whether usernames are active before promising a cohort that numbers are hidden.
Read the practical guide →
Digital strategy / Perspective
Before you buy that AI tool: 11 questions to ask first
Costs, evidence, data and oversight: what to ask before signing.
Read the article →Ideas & perspectives
All 13 articles →Digital strategy
Why Schools Don’t Need Digital Transformation (Yet)
Anyone who believes they can transform education through digital technology alone is, frankly, deluded. We have seen it too many times before: exciting new tools arrive with great promise, only to…
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Cyber security
Time to Get Back to Basics: Four Core Principles for Cyber Resilience in Education
In light of the recent cyber attacks affecting major retailers like M&S, Harrods and the Co-op, it's clear that no organisation is immune. Schools, trusts and other educational institutions may…
Read article →Web publishing
How I Built a Real Web Presence for Almost Nothing
When I first launched EdTechStuff, I went the straightforward route. GoDaddy. Domain, hosting, email — the whole package under one roof. And honestly? It worked fine. The setup was easy,…
Read article →The podcast
All 10 episodes →Featured conversation / Season 1
A digital strategy starts with people. Not a shopping list.
Brendan O’Keeffe joins Martin to discuss how schools can bring leaders and IT teams together around a clear plan.
▶ Explore the conversationEDTECHSTUFF / SEASON 1Start with the whyEPISODE 07
EDTECHSTUFF / SEASON 1Getting ready for CopilotEPISODE 04
Microsoft 365
Before you switch on Copilot, check who can see what
Austen Puleston on preparation, pilots and data access.
EDTECHSTUFF / SEASON 1Beyond the checklistEPISODE 10
Cyber security
Cyber Essentials: beyond the checklist
A practical look at Cyber Essentials and how schools can turn certification into everyday security improvements.
EDTECHSTUFF / SEASON 1Keeping watchEPISODE 09
Cyber security
A security operations model that works for schools
Monitoring, incident response and the challenge of finding a security model that education can sustain.
EDTECHSTUFF / SEASON 1What’s in your licence?EPISODE 08
Microsoft 365
Making sense of Microsoft A3 and A5
A conversation about education licensing, security features and getting more from the tools you already pay for.
Apprenticeship Insights
Your work. Your learning.
Your next step.
Practical guidance on portfolios, Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours, and making the most of your Digital Support Technician apprenticeship.
Explore Apprenticeship Insights →Behind the microphone
Hello, I’m Martin.
EdTechStuff is where I talk to the people making technology work in education.
I’m Martin Byford-Rew, an education technology consultant and coach. These conversations explore the decisions, challenges and lessons behind digital change in schools and trusts.Get in touch →