Welcome to the Brighton EdTech Meetup! This regular meetup, hosted on the second Wednesday of the month is for educators and businesses with an interest in all things EdTech and the future of learning. 

The theme of the June Meetup is accessibility and we're really excited to be joined by Texthelp who have a variety of assistive technology tools to support students with reading, writing maths and science, creating a more inclusive classroom.

Jason Gordon:

Jason heads up the UK Education Team at Texthelp, leading a team of education specialists who help schools, colleges and universities leverage the full power of Edtech tools that will have a positive change on educational outcomes for all learners. With over a decade of experience in Accessibility and Inclusion, Jason is an advocate for the many learners who are yet to experience the transformative power that software can make, both in their education and their career as they transition into the workplace. Whatever the subject, Jason is passionate about seeing real impact in the classroom and ensuring everyone can understand and be understood. 

Outside of Texthelp, Jason spends his spare time either with his family, behind a drumkit or with a glass of whisky in hand. 

Laura O'Hare:

Laura is the Further & Higher Education Specialist at Texthelp, helping Colleges & Universities across the UK and Ireland understand how to leverage technology tools to make a meaningful and positive impact on learners of all abilities. Laura is passionate about inclusion, driven by her experience of the difference technology has made when placed in the hands of the amazing FE professionals she works with.

Laura wants to help students achieve more, help them understand and be understood. And to help them fulfil their potential by ensuring that difference is not a barrier to success.  

Laura works closely with colleges to build strategic solutions that support their specific requirements across teaching, learning, assessment, exams and for web accessibility. With over 9 years of experience and a deep knowledge of the sector.

Outside of Texthelp, Laura is all about family - including of course, Milo the dog! Beyond that, you’ll find Laura practising her violin skills to expand her repertoire of Traditional Irish Music.  

About your Hosts:

Andrew Pledger is the Lab Engineer at Barclays Eagle Labs, helping companies build their products as well as demystifying Industry 4.0. Andrew has been running virtual events across the country looking at how emerging tech such as 3D printing and AR/VR in particular can help create the next generation of active learners. Eagle Labs is a business incubator space based at Preston Circus that aims to help companies scale and flourish. With education and technology increasingly overlapping, we are keen to support businesses and individuals interested in exploring this exciting space.

Mia Pledger is Digital Innovation Lead at Greater Brighton Metropolitan College, Google Certified Trainer, Coach and co-founder of EdTech startup My Code Kit. After qualifying as a primary school teacher and specialising in Computing, Mia discovered a passion for using technology to enhance teaching and learning. She has worked with a number of organisations to help both young people and adults to improve their digital skills including, MakerClub, Code Club and Canopy.