Hosted at the Edinburgh Academy Conference Centre
Our full day agenda is:
| 08:15 | Arrival |
| 08:45 | Welcome presentation |
| 09:00 | Keynote presentations |
| 09:45 | Sector Specific Sessions |
| 10:15 | Break |
| 10:35 | Workshop 1 sessions |
| 11:20 | Workshop 2 sessions |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 12:50 | Keynote Presentation |
| 13:35 | Workshop 3 sessions |
| 14:20 | Workshop 4 sessions |
| 15:05 | Closing Presentation |
| 15:30 | End |
Keynotes
Morning keynote
Edmund Misson
Head of Division, Innovation and Measuring Progress
OECD
Edmund’s bio
Edmund Misson joined the OECD in April 2025 as Head of Division, Innovation and Measuring Progress in the Education and Skills Directorate. In this role he leads projects designed to help education systems understand global trends and their impact on education, shape the future of education in their countries through innovation, understand and make the best use of educational research, and use technology to improve learning outcomes.
Prior to joining the OECD, Edmund was Deputy Chief Executive and Acting Chief Executive of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). In this role he successfully led AITSL’s work with school systems across Australia to deliver solutions that promote quality teaching and school leadership. He led national reforms to initial teacher education for graduate teachers, certification of high-performing teachers, and the first national data collection on the Australian teaching workforce.
Edmund previously held leadership roles in the state of Victoria, Australia, providing policy advice across all education sectors and other areas of social policy. Edmund has a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
Afternoon keynote
Andy Paton
Senior Systems Engineer
Apple
Workshops
Our 2025 conference is organised into four workshop sessions across the day. In each session there are a number of parallel workshops that attendees can choose from. There is also a sector specific session. Please attend the one most relevant to you.
Workshop Session 1 (10:35 – 11:20)
| 1.1 The Digital Learning Through Play in ELC Award (Digital Schools Award Scotland) Eva Wilkinson, Education Scotland Join Eva in an information session to find out about this national award that promotes, recognises and encourages a whole setting approach to the use of digital technology in ELC settings. Each part of the award framework will be explained, with examples of evidence from settings who have already achieved the award. You will also find out how to gather evidence and apply for the award via an online validation video call from DSAS. If you are an already awarded ELC setting, whether awarded as a stand-alone or as a nursery class in part of a school you do not need to reapply. Your award is still valid. You may find it useful to join the Planning Your Digital Learning Through Play Strategy (for ELC settings) session in workshop 2 as part of the evidence you must submit to DSAS includes your settings Digital Strategy. Room: The Fraser Reading Room Sector: Early/ELC/ASN |
| 1.2 ClickView Secondary Workshop Helen Morris-Cooper, ClickView Advisor Get inspired and empowered to transform your teaching with video! Here’s what you’ll gain from this energising, hands-on session with ClickView Advisor, Helen Morris-Cooper: ✨ Explore powerful new features like Theatre Mode & downloadable transcripts 📚 Discover fresh, curriculum-aligned content across subjects including coding, literacy, and wellbeing 💡 Learn practical tips for using ClickView in lessons, homework, and flipped learning 🎥 Boost assessment strategies with interactive videos and student-created content 🧰 Create and share your own resources to save time and personalise learning 📱 Get tech-savvy with app tips, integrations, and personalisation settings 🎞️ Access safe, ad-free Movies + TV to enrich your classroom experience Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your use of ClickView, this session is packed with ideas you can use straight away. 👉 Don’t miss out—sign up now and take your digital teaching to the next level! Please download ClickView from the self-service store before the workshop. Room: Biology Lab 1 Sector: Secondary |
| 1.3 Boardmaker 7 Using symbol based resources to support Communication, Behaviour & Participation in the Classroom Debbie Breslin Symbols can provide great support for students with a wide range of needs. In this session we will explore the use of symbols and look at a range of resources to create and implement symbol-based activities to help support communication, behaviour, and participation in a classroom environment. We will begin with understanding what symbols are and how to use them, and then demonstrate how to create both low-tech and high-tech activities. We will end with videos and case studies showing how Boardmaker 7 and TD Snap have been used to support learning throughout the day. Room: Biology Lab 2 Sector: All |
| 1.4 CRIS in the Curriculum Edinburgh Learns Digital We know that Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety (CRIS) plays an active role in the lives of our young people, and alongside with Parents and Carers, is our responsibility to keep the conversation going. But how do you get it right for you and your setting? In this workshop, we will look at the wider picture around online safety in 2025, and then we will dig into the ways in which you can incorporate CRIS into your already planned themes and topics in a meaningful and impactful way. Room: Biology Lab 3 Sector: All |
| 1.5 Internet of Things Jasmeen Kanwal and Tommy Lawson, University of Edinburgh The sensors have arrived in Edinburgh schools! So, what do crocodiles, volcanoes, and sleepy children have in common? Join our session on the IoT (Internet of Things) in Schools project to find out! The IoT in Schools project is a UK and Scottish government-funded initiative led by the Data Education in Schools team at the University of Edinburgh, which will see all schools in the south east Scotland region with access to cutting-edge environmental sensors, putting data directly into the hands of learners to promote a curiosity-led learning approach. This session gives an overview of what learners are already doing with the sensors and a preview of Mission: India Tango Oscar, an online live lesson that you and your learners can join this session. Room: Biology Lab 4 Sector: All |
| 1.6 Digital Schools Award Scotland Malcolm Wilson Hear about the highly respected Digital Schools Awards programme, from the now well-established Digital Schools Award and Digital Wellbeing Award to the new recently-launched Digital Schools Endorsement Award, the Digital Early Learning & Childcare Award, and the Equitable Creative Coding Award. This session will outline the process for all of the awards, and provide the opportunity to have your questions answered. Room: Booth Chemistry Lab 4 Sector: All |
| 1.7 Coding with AI and Scratch Brian Clark, Education Scotland This hand on workshop will take you through how to integrate AI (machine learning) with Scratch projects. It will facilitate discussion around why and how AI systems make the decisions they do. This session will also explore the resources available for you to carry out these activities with your learners. Room: Physics Lab 4 Sector: All |
| 1.8 Supporting Reading with Reading Progress Edinburgh Learns Digital and Edinburgh Learns Reading Progress and Reading Coach are excellent tools built into Microsoft Teams to support the development and assessment of reading skills. These tools allow teachers to create customised or AI-generated reading passages and comprehension questions, making it easy to deliver targeted, engaging, and differentiated literacy tasks. This session will explore how to access and use Reading Progress and Reading Coach effectively, create assignments, view the pupil experience, gather assessment data, and integrate the tools across various curricular areas. Please download Teams from the self-service store before the workshop. Room: Chemistry Lab 1 Sector: Primary |
| 1.9 Mini Teach Meet Katie Will, Royal High School John Schmidt, Currie Community High School James Prowse, Ferryhill Primary School In this session you will hear from three different teachers from schools across the city talking about different ways they have embedded technology in their schools with their staff and learners. Room: Chemistry Lab 2 Sector: All |
Workshop Session 2 (11.20 – 12.00)
| 2.1 Digital Lending library Edinburgh Learns Digital Join us in this session to hear about all the items available to borrow from our lending library to use with pupils in your school. This session will include an opportunity for practical hands on time with some of the kit that is available. Please download Spike Lego Education and Sphero Edu from the self-service store before this workshop. Room: Dow Studio Sector: All |
| 2.2 Planning Your Digital Learning Through Play Strategy (for ELC settings) Eva Wilkinson, Education Scotland Are you about to undertake your DSAS journey in your ELC setting? Part of the evidence you are required to submit to DSAS includes your settings Digital Strategy. Join Eva in this workshop to start planning your strategy, beginning by drafting your overarching aim and then breaking that down into measurable actions, in line with your existing setting improvement plan priorities, The Edinburgh City Council Digital Strategy and current national guidance. Please bring a copy (paper or digital) of your setting improvement plan. Room: The Fraser Reading Room Sector: Early/ELC/ASN |
| 2.3 Hooks for Learning | Using ClickView to Spark Creativity in your Classroom Ignite the imagination of your young learners with ClickView! Martyn Soulsby, ClickView Advisor Discover how video can become a powerful catalyst for learning, transforming everyday lessons into moments of inspiration. In this session ClickView Advisor, Martyn, will guide you through practical and creative ways to use ClickView to support teaching and learning. Using Writing as an example, the session will include: ✨ Crafting short, impactful video clips to spark writing ideas 📝 Using video transcripts to tailor support for individual learners 📚 Building targeted playlists to nurture specific writing skills 🎥 Uploading your own content to enrich writing experiences Although the session will use writing as the example, the process can be applied across other subject areas. As a former classroom practitioner, Martyn will share tried-and-tested strategies to help you motivate young learners, raise outcomes, and make your classroom a hub of creativity. 👉 Let’s unlock the power of video and inspire your learners Please download ClickView from the self-service store before this workshop. Room: Biology Lab 1 Sector: Early/ELC/Primary |
| 2.4 Developing your school’s digital strategy alongside school improvement priorities George Milliken, Education Scotland In this hands-on session you will: – Define or refine the aim of your digital strategy – Align it to school or national improvement priorities – Produce a plan to implement and measure change This work is designed to underpin your Digital Schools Award (DSAS) application. Room: Biology Lab 2 Sector: All |
| 2.5 Digital Differentiation Edinburgh Learns Digital and Edinburgh Learns The importance of differentiation in the classroom cannot be understated. It is an essential part of highly effective digital practice, allowing us to meet the diverse needs of the individuals we teach. With digital tools, a host of opportunities for differentiation and accessibility are open to learners to support them to access and thrive in the classroom. Room: Biology Lab 3 Sector: Primary |
| 2.6 Maths: Digital manipulatives and additional resources Edinburgh Learns Digital This session will look at different digital manipulatives you can use to support teaching numeracy and mathematics as well as additional teaching resources available. Please download Edge from the self-service store before this workshop. Room: Biology Lab 4 Sector: All |
| 2.7 Digital Schools Award Scotland Malcolm Wilson Hear about the highly respected Digital Schools Awards programme, from the now well-established Digital Schools Award and Digital Wellbeing Award to the new recently-launched Digital Schools Endorsement Award, the Digital Early Learning & Childcare Award, and the Equitable Creative Coding Award. This session will outline the process for all of the awards, and provide the opportunity to have your questions answered. Room: Booth Chemistry Lab 4 Sector: All |
| 2.8 AI: Opportunities and Ethics Brian Clark, Education Scotland This professional learning session is designed to equip educators with an understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI and their potential within education. This session will also delve into the crucial ethical considerations, potential risks, and mitigation strategies associated with AI adoption. Room: Physics Lab 4 Sector: All |
| 2.9 Scaffolding for Success: Creative Supports for Learning Edinburgh Learns Digital and Edinburgh Learns Guided Practice, Scaffolding, Questioning Scaffolding doesn’t mean giving the answer — it’s about guiding learners to success with structured support. In this session, you’ll explore creative ways to scaffold tasks using graphic organisers, templates, audio prompts, and visual cues that can gradually be removed as confidence grows. Room: Chemistry Lab 1 Sector: Secondary |
Workshop Session 3 (13.35 – 14.15)
| 3.1 Supporting Cyber Resilience & Internet Safety Learning At Early Level Eva Wilkinson, Education Scotland Within the early level curriculum in Scotland, children are supported to assess and manage risk and understand the impact of risk-taking behavior in all aspects of play and learning; this includes the safe and secure explorations of digital technology – Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety. Join Eva to find out how we can support our youngest learners, through story books, songs, animations and intentionally planned experiences with developmentally appropriate materials. Room: The Fraser Reading Room Sector: Early/ELC/ASN |
| 3.2 Hooks for Learning | Using ClickView to Support Learners with SEND Ignite the imagination of your young learners with ClickView! Martyn Soulsby, ClickView Advisor Join Martyn Soulsby, ClickView Advisor, for a practical and creative session exploring how video can be used to meet the varied needs of learners with SEND. Discover how ClickView can help you create inclusive, engaging, and accessible learning experiences by: ✂️ Creating short, focused video clips to reduce cognitive load and maintain attention 📝 Using transcripts and closed captions to support literacy, comprehension, and processing needs 🎯 Building personalised playlists to reinforce key skills and scaffold learning 🎥 Uploading your own content to reflect familiar voices, routines, and contexts This session will offer practical strategies to help you use video effectively to personalise learning and foster engagement for every student. Let’s unlock the power of video to support inclusive teaching and inspire every learner. Please download ClickView from the self-service store before the workshop. Room: Biology Lab 1 Sector: Special |
| 3.3 Apple Learning Coach Chris English, Trinity Primary School In this workshop I will discuss the process of the Apple Learning Coach, the experience gained and the impact it has had on learners and staff in my setting. Room: Biology Lab 2 Sector: All |
| 3.4 Introduction to Digital Literacy Progression Pathways Edinburgh Learns Digital Join us for a dedicated session to explore the brand-new Digital Literacy Skills Progression Pathway! Developed by our team with invaluable input from DLCs, this resource supports high-quality teaching and learning from Early Level through to Second Level. The Pathway provides a clear progression of digital skills alongside suggested resources and activities. Room: Biology Lab 3 Sector: Primary |
| 3.5 Remote Learning for low attenders Edinburgh Learns Digital This session will focus on how schools can support learners who are unable to or do not attend the majority of school lessons. We will look at centrally made resources and how they can be used by schools to help low attending learners achieve. Room: Biology Lab 4 Sector: Secondary |
| 3.6 Digital Schools Award Scotland Malcom Wilson Hear about the highly respected Digital Schools Awards programme, from the now well-established Digital Schools Award and Digital Wellbeing Award to the new recently-launched Digital Schools Endorsement Award, the Digital Early Learning & Childcare Award, and the Equitable Creative Coding Award. This session will outline the process for all of the awards, and provide the opportunity to have your questions answered. Room: Booth Chemistry Lab 4 Sector: All |
| 3.7 Developing Learning with Minecraft Education Edinburgh Learns Digital Minecraft Education continues to offer exciting opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and engaging learning. This workshop will look at how Minecraft Education can be developed across Curriculum for Excellence, with a focus on planning, delivering, and reflecting on engaging lessons that make best use of the platform. We will highlight built-in features such as the Book & Quill, Portfolio, Camera, and Chalkboards, while also exploring ready-made resources that can save teachers time and spark ideas. Participants will gain practical strategies to support assessment and literacy, as well as broader curricular areas, and discover how to connect with colleagues through the CEC Minecraft Teams community to share practice and build confidence. Please download Minecraft Education from the self-service store before this workshop. Room: Physics Lab 4 Sector: All |
| 3.8 Independence through Creation Edinburgh Learns Digital Independent Practice, Retrieval, Success, Monitoring Learners need meaningful opportunities to apply their knowledge independently — and creativity can make that process rich, reflective, and memorable. This session focuses on designing open-ended, scaffold-light tasks where learners use digital tools to show what they’ve learned in ways that matter to them. Room: Chemistry Lab 1 Sector: All |
Workshop Session 4 (14.20 – 15.00)
| 4.1 Let’s get creative with GarageBand: using audio to engage learners across the curriculum Samantha Wallace, Tynecastle High School Join Sam to explore using audio in GarageBand to support and engage learners across the curriculum. We’ll look at Podcasting and setting story, written content or thoughts and ideas to empower learners, spark creativity and increase confidence in sharing spoken content. This practical session is suited to both Primary & Secondary and all skill levels. Please bring your iPad with GarageBand installed and a example of content that you might wish your learners to record. An image or document on your iPad will be perfect! Room: Dow Studio Sector: All |
| 4.2 Creating Interesting Spaces – Digital Learning Through Play Eva Wilkinson, Education Scotland Digital technologies provide opportunities to design unique learning spaces in ELC settings and early level environments. How can we do this on a budget by incorporating everyday pieces of technology into our indoor and outdoor spaces? How can technology complement natural materials? Join Eva in this hands-on workshop to investigate a variety of sensory materials and experiment with light, shadow, reflection, sound and projections. Room: The Fraser Reading Room Sector: Early/ELC/ASN |
| 4.3 Accessibility for All Edinburgh Learns Digital Discover how accessibility and translate tools on iPad and Microsoft platforms can break down barriers to learning and support inclusion in your classroom. This hands-on session will introduce you to key features, demonstrate practical applications, and give you time to explore how these tools can be used to meet the diverse needs of your learners. Room: Biology Lab 1 Sector: All |
| 4.4 Gaming, making games and learning with games George Milliken, Education Scotland In this session you will: – Play games that are freely available online – Discuss the value of games and gaming in education – Explore resources for learning about games Room: Biology Lab 2 Sector: Primary |
| 4.5 Getting Started with Digital Learning Units Edinburgh Learns Digital This session will showcase the range of DLUs available to support the delivery of the Computing Science and Digital Literacy curriculum. With an overview of the features of the units, how to access and distribute DLUs to your learners, delivery suggestions, and assessment ideas, this course will help you get started with using DLUs in your classroom. Room: Biology Lab 3 Sector: Upper Primary |
| 4.6 Digital by Default Edinburgh Learns Digital A session showing how you can make your learning and teaching fully digital. A digital by default approach can help make your resources more accessible, your learners more independent and allow your learners to access their learning remotely. Room: Biology Lab 4 Sector: Upper Primary to Secondary |
| 4.7 Coding with Minecraft at First Level David Robertson, Liberton Primary School Discover how Minecraft Education Edition can support coding from First Level onwards, offering a more engaging alternative to Scratch and Swift Playgrounds while providing built-in accessibility support through Immersive Reader. Drawing from P3 classroom experience, this practical workshop explores Minecraft’s visual, game-based approach to programming concepts and demonstrates progression pathways from block-based coding to Python. Please download Minecraft Education from the self-service store before this workshop. Room: Booth Chemistry Lab Sector: All |
| 4.8 The National Cyber Security centre (NCSC) CyberFirst education programme Scott Hunter, Education Scotland & Adam Caldwell, Trinity Academy The National Cyber Security centre (NCSC) have established the CyberFirst program which is a UK wide education program designed to inspire young people to study Cyber Security. The session will cover the advantages of becoming a CyberFirst school and you will have the opportunity to hear from an Edinburgh school that has achieved the flagship CyberFirst schools award. Room: Physics Lab 4 Sector: All |
| 4.9 Role of a Digital Learning Coordinator (DLC) Edinburgh Learns Digital If you’re stepping into the role of Digital Learning Coordinator, this workshop will give you a clear picture of what the year ahead looks like and the support available to you. We’ll look at the different phases across the school year, from P6 iPad deployment to developing your school’s digital journey in relation to the DSAS criteria, Apple School Manager task. You’ll be signposted to key resources such as the DLC Teams Page, SharePoint, and the Apple Education sites, and shown where to go for both technical support and teaching and learning ideas. We’ll also explore what a calendar of DLC support could look like in practice, including CAT sessions, 1:1 coaching, and team teaching opportunities. By the end, you’ll know how to access guidance, where to find answers, and how to make the most of professional learning opportunities to upskill yourself and support all the staff in your school. Please download Teams and OneNote from the self-service store before this workshop. Room: Chemistry Lab 1 Sector: All |
Sector Specific Sessions
| Early Years and Primary Presenters: Lynne Smith, Ratho Primary Lynsey Binnie, Dean Park Primary Room: Le Roux Auditorium |
| Secondary Presenters: Laura Stevens, Craigmount High School Room: Booth Chemistry Lab |
| Special James Cuddy, Pilrig Park Special School Room: The Fraser Reading Room |
Venue Details:
Location: Edinburgh Academy’s bespoke conference centre, Edinburgh Academy Senior School, 42 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5BL (Apple Maps | Google Maps)
If you’re not familiar with this area of Edinburgh, please note that the approach to it can be extremely busy from all directions. Please give yourself enough time to arrive on time.
Bus: The number 36 stops right outside the School/Conference Centre and the 23 and 27 stop within a short walking distance.
Car: We recommend not bringing your car unless absolutely necessary. However, a limited number of parking spaces are available at Edinburgh Academy.
Edinburgh Learns Digital | City of Edinburgh Council 