Future of Learning

Language Learning Innovation in Student Modelling

The Science of Smarter Language Learning For decades, language learning platforms have promised personalization — but rarely delivered it. Vocabulary lists are recycled. Placement tests feel punishing. And revision? A…

Daniel McCrea
July 14, 2025

The High Cost of “Free” Digital: How Early Giveaways Undermined K‑12 Publishers’ Monetization (and How AI Can Help)

Introduction For years, educational publishers serving kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12) eagerly bundled digital goodies with their textbooks at no extra charge. From CD‑ROMs packed with interactive lessons to free…

Daniel McCrea
July 7, 2025

Anticipating a New Generation of AI Learning Products

While 2023 is the breakthrough year of AI, both in the fundamental science and in the public consciousness, you will see a much bigger on-the-ground impact in 2024 as new…

Conor O'Sullivan
August 29, 2023

Podcast: evolving edtech and pedagogy in Spain

In our recent podcast from the Future of Schools series, I caught up with Mireia Pi, Head of Pedagogy from AulaPlaneta, the education division of the Spanish publishing and media…

Conor Flynn
March 6, 2019

How Pobble did it – building an edtech startup

I recently spoke with Jon Smith, co-founder and CEO of Pobble, about the edtech entrepreneurs journey: from the initial idea in the classroom through all the challenges of building a…

Conor Flynn
February 6, 2019

Exploring Student Voice with Dr. Paula Flynn

As part of our Future of Schools podcast series, I recently had a fascinating discussion with Dr Paula Flynn, Professor at the School of Inclusive and Special Education, DCU. We…

Conor Flynn
January 15, 2019

What are Edtech Investors Really Looking For?

We interviewed Matthew O’Kane, MD of Nexus Investments, for our latest Future of Schools podcast. He was candid and articulate as he laidbare the features of a good edtech investment.…

Conor Flynn
December 3, 2018

Can Technology Solve Europe’s Teacher Resourcing Crisis?

Large classes, mixed abilities, budget cuts, low pay and language difficulties make teaching demanding and ultimately unattractive. Can technology solve the teaching crisis? The state of play There are 10,000…

Conor Flynn
November 8, 2018

Does your edtech solution empower teachers? If not, it’s likely to fail

Almost three years ago my colleague and CEO of Adaptemy Conor O’Sullivan, published a blog that set out to define exactly what teacher empowerment is. It remains by far the…

Conor Flynn
September 5, 2018

Will Tech Ever Replace Textbooks?

Across the world, teachers use local textbooks in their classrooms. Ostensibly old-fashioned, from an outsider’s perspective, textbooks haven’t evolved significantly in 50 years. It’s difficult to see how they can…

Conor Flynn
July 23, 2018