My Secret
#EdTech
Diary
Looking at Educational Technology through a wider lens.
#EdTech Book
ISBN-10: 1913622639
ISBN-13: 978-1913622633


About MY EdTECH Book
With 30+ yearsβ experience developing and using EdTech products, distilled down into an easy-to-read format, as an EdTech book, my Secret #EdTech Diary aims to get you thinking about the past, present and future role of educational technology and how it influences and shapes our education system.
My Secret #EdTech Diary reflects on the history of EdTech, lessons learned pre and post Covid, best practice suggestions, how to select the right solutions and the questions you need to consider before pursuing your digital ambitions.
With unique insights from an Educatorsβ and Vendorsβ perspective, advice for budding EduPreneurs, guidance for schools considering how to co-produce technology solutions with vendors and how to make the right choices, Al aims to shine a light on Educational Technology through the widest possible lens.
With links to research, insights from trusted peers, quick ready-reckoner checklists, questions you need to be asking, alongside voices aligned from the sector, this EdTech book aims to get you up to speed and thinking big picture EdTech.
In an effort to make EdTech accessible for all, the book is written to give even a technology novice an easy and accessible overview of EdTech, what some of the trending terms mean, what questions to ask and to help them join the debate confident and from a position of knowledge.Β
βAl is a shining light of the EdTech world. He is a fantastic advocate of EdTech collaboration between school leaders, education systems and the EdTech industry. Al champions and creates opportunities for teachers, school leaders and EdTech suppliers to work-together constructively to share knowledge and best-practice.β
Β Caroline Wright β Director General, British Educational Suppliers Association
“….the book covers more information than I thought possible which makes it an excellent introduction for new teachers and overview for veterans. The author is humble but knowledgeable, never talking over the head of new teachers or down to established ones.”Β Β Jacqui Murray
My copy of @AlKingsley_Eduβs new book has arrived in π¦πͺ βοΈ
β Olly Lewis FCCT (@OLewis_coaching) August 29, 2021
Super excited to get stuck in & learn from the depth of knowledge on all things #EdTech within this book!
Grab your copy here:https://t.co/eKLs9wcTQ8 pic.twitter.com/q61DovMtRE
I've added key learning points (for me) and quotes from @AlKingsley_Edu's excellent Secret #Edtech Diary to my Book Summary Sways blogpost: https://t.co/J4a7bzDbIn#edutwitter #edutech #MIEExpert pic.twitter.com/2Eje3iyNlT
β Tim Clarke π (@tim_jumpclarke) August 5, 2021
#JoyfulRead21 My Secret EdTech Diary
β SJ White (She/Her) (@WhatTheTrigMath) July 30, 2021
Enjoyed this, great reference point for all the terms/lingo used in #edtech
Amplification of voices throughout threaded with care by Al
Must read for QTLS, PGCE, ECT and more pic.twitter.com/a7rzEY3Hzl
Couldn't agree more @AlKingsley_Edu and this is exactly the point I'm trying to make- "teaching" vs "learning" tools.#edtech pic.twitter.com/FnQa0An1I1
β Aleksandra House #FE #ESOL (@AleksandraHouse) July 12, 2021
Oooohhh, itβs arrived! Monday motivation! #edutwitter #edtech #EduChat @colindavey @TLCCityPlym @AlKingsley_Edu pic.twitter.com/wmsAQDTZHO
β Lauren Parker Smith (@LPS_CityPlym) July 5, 2021
What a great way to start my week! π€ #lookwhatjustarrived @AlKingsley_Edu #Edtech pic.twitter.com/EAajR21LAZ
β Nina Iles (@NinaIles) July 5, 2021
Look what came in the post this morning @AlKingsley_Edu
β SJ White (She/Her) (@WhatTheTrigMath) July 6, 2021
Morning coffee break sorted! pic.twitter.com/am7ClSpiI5
Really loving this new book from the incredible @AlKingsley_Edu so many great ideas, folks to follow, impeccably curated resources and a bit of sparkle and hope. We're definitely getting him on one of our shows to talk us through it. Great job Al. #edtech @LearnRadioLive pic.twitter.com/FXk3ENuA31
β Russell Prue (@russellprue) July 6, 2021
Look what just arrived @AlKingsley_Edu - already enjoying the first few pages but need to wait to get to grips with it until taxi driver, chef and radio show host duties have been completed. pic.twitter.com/jf3FtQOCH4
β Dave Leonard (@itbadger) July 5, 2021
Can't wait to start this @AlKingsley_Edu ! pic.twitter.com/2fhToXQl2A
β Dan Manley π»βοΈ (@edutechr_) July 6, 2021
It's arrived, looking forward to learning from @AlKingsley_Edu pic.twitter.com/r7HrbZOcnh
β Z Bukhari MCCT (@zbukhari197) July 6, 2021
First book on next weeks holiday reading list has arrived. Looking good @AlKingsley_Edu ! pic.twitter.com/v8I3Wc7yQf
β Patrick McGrath (@TH_PatrickM) July 7, 2021
Look what has arrived! πβ¬οΈVery excited to read 'My Secret EdTech Diary' by the one and only @AlKingsley_Edu. πβ€οΈ#EdTech #Collaboration #DigitalStrategy #RemoteLearning #DigitalLearning #Tech4Good @JohnCattEd pic.twitter.com/1vGvyPrCQV
β Kat Cauchi π»π©βπ«ππ΅π°πΈπ¦β‘οΈπ€ (@ReallyschoolK) July 7, 2021
Excited to get started with this! @AlKingsley_Edu #Edtech #Edutwitter #bigpicture pic.twitter.com/MI9B9p77F1
β Kirsty Smith (@Kirsty_Smith89) July 7, 2021
Book envy @WildKere @NYedservices pic.twitter.com/JIAi8JxEna
β Claire Preston (@prestonmissc) July 7, 2021
Pleasantly surprised to find Voices Aligned chapter. Quotes from many inspiring educators driving the change in one place π‘In addition to top blogs/podcasts/books recommendation. Brilliant! @AlKingsley_Edu pic.twitter.com/QGtW4AM45X
β Aleksandra House #FE #ESOL (@AleksandraHouse) July 7, 2021
Decided to treat myself to a little birthday present! π₯³
β Abid Patel (@abid_patel) July 7, 2021
Can't wait to read "My Secret #EdTech Diary" by the awesome @AlKingsley_Edu! ππ#EduTwitter #GlobalGEG #GEGUK #Innovation #DigitalStrategy #EduBooks #ITjustworks https://t.co/fzGDbVENrI pic.twitter.com/iQaJaA3y03
Every page of this is just a wealth of resources and information. Just brilliant @AlKingsley_Edu ππ pic.twitter.com/UxOIGkpbsa
β Caroline Keep ππ (@Ka81) July 8, 2021
Got my copy in the other day. The next book on my reading list once I finish Rebel Ideas. pic.twitter.com/MDl4BdDNNq
β gary henderson (@garyhenderson18) July 8, 2021
Reflecting on the influence and impact of #EdTech
β Tim Clarke π (@tim_jumpclarke) July 29, 2021
βItβs not an unreasonable point to consider whether the tools we select and use to educate our children will still be of value as they transition into working adults.β@AlKingsley_Edu #EdTech Diary
Currently reading @AlKingsley_Edu bk My secret #edtech diary An excellent thought provoking read @soojh007 @JOSEFtan
β Bob Lang (@BobLangGeog) July 23, 2021
Buster had a #Purrusal of βMy Secret EdTech Diary.β πGives it 4 paws πΎπΎπΎπΎπΈSaid if you want 5 you should add a pack of treats to the back. πΉ @AlKingsley_Edu @JohnCattEd pic.twitter.com/yR18txM2bC
β Kat Cauchi π»π©βπ«ππ΅π°πΈπ¦β‘οΈπ€ (@ReallyschoolK) July 8, 2021
@AlKingsley_Edu I've just received #MySecretEdTechDiary. From a quick scanning, I've loved the #VoicesAligned & #Places2LearnFrom sections. I'm sure I'll enjoy reading it and cite it in my #PhD #thesis. πππ€πππ½π pic.twitter.com/fKc1bbg0MM
β M.A. Saona-Vallejos (Γ©l/he/him) (@FL_ICTs) July 9, 2021
It arrived! I feel like Iβm in Elf: βI know him!β
β Marie-Clare Kelly (@eLearnMissKelly) July 9, 2021
Super proud of @AlKingsley_Edu and looking forward to a good read.
π pic.twitter.com/MRxhXxkLlM
Said it before, will say it again, perfect book for ECT and PGCE
β SJ White (She/Her) (@WhatTheTrigMath) August 15, 2021
@penfoldno1 and I have definitely found this true with use of @MicrosoftTeams at @cornerstonecofe since Feb 2020.
β Tim Clarke π (@tim_jumpclarke) July 24, 2021
β More effective communication
β Greater collaboration
β Maintaining and sustaining relationships and morale @AlKingsley_Edu #EdTech Diary pic.twitter.com/Xh8cHirTET
Surprise holiday reading. Thank you @AlKingsley_Edu #edtech. Looking forward to getting stuck in to it pic.twitter.com/dnkNEFuQlm
β Karl Denton (@Dentonkarl) July 13, 2021
Exciting arrival today. Really looking forward to getting into this. I'm always inspired everytime I hear Al speak. #edtech #edutwitter @AlKingsley_Edu pic.twitter.com/iYzF024wEm
β Jo D (@JuJuRiddim) July 5, 2021
What else to do on a rainy Saturday morning? pic.twitter.com/FAIvJCjJOv
β Gemma Campbell (@gemlcampbell) July 10, 2021
This is great to see, Al ππΎππΎππΎ
β B Yusuf FCCT π©πΎβπ¬βοΈπ¬βοΈ (@rondelle10_b) July 11, 2021
Forgot to share a photo of my copy. Why?
I sat down to scan through the whole book.
Cherry picked 1 or 2 chapters within the book, recognising how relevant it is.
Then started to carefully read it right from the beginning.
It's a good 'un! pic.twitter.com/H1ZuAl42Fc
Me too! pic.twitter.com/hC8hzAH4UZ
β Andi Price (@MrAndiPrice) July 14, 2021
Snap! Will hopefully get stuck in next week. pic.twitter.com/52qtTkST7n
β John Mc (@EduTekkerz) July 9, 2021
Loving it! pic.twitter.com/WXNFRqZZYz
β didteach (@didteach1) July 9, 2021
βοΈ It's summer! βοΈ So today we're swapping #AbidsCoffeeAdventures for #AbidsSlushieAdventures! ππ₯€
β Abid Patel (@abid_patel) July 9, 2021
π With a special cameo of "My Secret #EdTech Diary" by the awesome @AlKingsley_Edu! π
π¦ Get your copy today!https://t.co/MOkhpz9cgo#EdTech #EduTwitter #Summer #Slush pic.twitter.com/FmP5DqqTse
Mrs Waters has her own copy of the fab βMy Secret #Edtech Diaryβ! Written by her friend, longtime supporter of @DogsthorpeInf & Chair of Hampton Academies Trust, @AlKingsley_Edu, itβs a great read! Thanks Al for helping so many children around the world to #DreamBelieveShine. pic.twitter.com/KxMzDI4SvG
β Dogsthorpe Infants π (@DogsthorpeInf) July 15, 2021
Loved reading about @ReallySchoolUK 's co-production with @DogsthorpeInf in 'My Secret #EdTech Diary.'β€οΈWe're proud of this collaboration and our continued work with Dogsthorpe Infants all our #schools to ensure #ReallySchool continues to best support them. π«#Tech4Good pic.twitter.com/W87YQ63iPj
β Kat Cauchi π»π©βπ«ππ΅π°πΈπ¦β‘οΈπ€ (@ReallyschoolK) July 12, 2021
Pedagogy first.
β Tim Clarke π (@tim_jumpclarke) July 24, 2021
Utilising technology flexibly and effectively to share and engage learners with content.
Balance of explanations, scaffolding, interactions and feedback.
Developing meta cognition, self-regulation and independence.@AlKingsley_Edu #edtech diary pic.twitter.com/xqWmTZlCiq
Potential barriers / inhibitors to staff using technology to enhance teaching and learning.
β Tim Clarke π (@tim_jumpclarke) July 24, 2021
Important that the staff learning culture and targeted CPD supports solutions to these.@AlKingsley_Edu #edtech diary pic.twitter.com/965uqW94sd
Nice delivery in the post @AlKingsley_Edu canβt wait to read this! pic.twitter.com/v0T6a14ff9
β Joshua Bissell (@midlandphotos) July 9, 2021
Lovely review by Jacqui Murray ( @AskATechTeacher) of My Secret #Edtech Diary - "Overall, a fascinating book youβll feel was worth your time when you turn the last page." https://t.co/ay3pvwWffN
β Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) August 17, 2021
A little light reading while I wait to #GiveBlood #EdTech #MIEExpert #TeamMIEEScotland pic.twitter.com/YZQELLYX5X
β Andy Leask #MIEExpert (@andyleask) August 3, 2021
If you would like to discover more about the effective role of #EdTech in education, then check out βMy Secret #EdTech Diaryβ, making technology accessible to all. A handy resource for all school staff. #education #edchat https://t.co/K6EulGhg9w pic.twitter.com/UVnZRuUqtT
β Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) August 3, 2021
π’Welcome to new starter Charlotte Todd!
β Elementary Technology (@ElementaryAV) August 3, 2021
Here to help us keep in touch with schools and do an even better job providing advice, ideas and more.
A desk full of goodies inc the outstanding book from @AlKingsley_Edu - the perfect intro to all things #edtech pic.twitter.com/EUx87ZMvMW
A very useful book with loads of ideas plus, and very importantly, very accessible allowing you to easily dip in and out as needed.
β gary henderson (@garyhenderson18) August 11, 2021
This came a few days ago Al. Great insights into Edtech that also includes voices from fav edtech buddies @ICTEvangelist @OLewis_coaching @DigiLin_ @MrsWraithmell @SimonPobble @abid_patel π
β Evo Hannan (@EvoHannan) September 12, 2021
Well worth a read! π pic.twitter.com/zEwZNN95w8
Some reading to catch up on.@Livingstone_S @DonaldClark @AlKingsley_Edu @CBridge_Chief @okeefekat @amandakirby @profamandakirby @TheoSmithUK pic.twitter.com/xe9GGcpLJw
β MyDataProtectionWorld (@myworldofdata) August 13, 2021
Thanks Al, easy is the order of the day here, today is a big day too as a special book should be arriving!! pic.twitter.com/k12Nx7lBAf
β Olly Lewis FCCT (@OLewis_coaching) August 12, 2021
It is! I'm actually using it right NOW to develop the Digital Strategy for our @uasdubai_ community!
β Linda Parsons (@DigiLin_) August 16, 2021
My book has made it to HongKong π , canβt believe the amount of support and π from everyone. pic.twitter.com/EL1heb26GX
β Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) August 15, 2021
I noticed earlier, rather embarrassingly, that I havenβt posted a photo of @AlKingsley_Eduβs stellar #SecretEdtechDiary yet. Hereβs my mini-ICTEvangelist brushing up on his #edtech history. Iβll be doing some low-stakes quizzing later! pic.twitter.com/A5rRzXy2cr
β Mark Anderson πβ¨π»π¨π½βπ«ππ (@ICTEvangelist) September 15, 2021
Just finished this book by @AlKingsley_Edu and Iβd highly recommend it! Overflowing with great information on a wide variety of areas. It was also very interesting to gain an insight into #edtech from a vendors perspective. Great bookβ¦. Looking forward to the next one!#edchat https://t.co/KbsDk1Aamg
β Andy Turner (@andyturner32) September 14, 2021
Starting my Thursday off reading about digital disruption with @AlKingsley_Edu pic.twitter.com/KCMekO1cwV
β Olly Lewis FCCT (@OLewis_coaching) September 16, 2021
Seen this all over Twitter so thought lets give it ago! π #EdTech @AlKingsley_Edu pic.twitter.com/Sw8hUOASQ6
β Terryπ¨π»βπ» (@TJDiggers) September 22, 2021
Iβm loving βMy Secret #EdTech Diaryβ by Al Kingsley. Lots of useful insights and I particularly like the Shared Voices section. π @AlKingsley_Edu @JohnCattEd Even my cat give it a Purrusal π pic.twitter.com/OcA3geRxxH
β Kat Cauchi (She/her) π»πποΈπ»π€π°π¦π (@ReallyschoolK) September 28, 2021
My copy has just arrived, look forward to reading this! @natterhub @AlKingsley_Edu @carolineallams pic.twitter.com/vw28hSuSze
β Manjit Sareen (@ManjitSareen) October 2, 2021
Now lets really get talking about out book - My Secret EdTech Diary by @AlKingsley_Edu - donβt forget to add #EdTechBookClub so we can all see and A4 π€© pic.twitter.com/kuAoasmFP5
— EdTechBookClub (@EdTechBookClub1) September 30, 2021
Some lovely new feedback on βMy Secret #EdTech Diaryβ on Amazon, please share your reviews if you found it helpful. pic.twitter.com/qB65bzgVMf
— Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) September 23, 2021
Lovely feedback from @WhatTheTrigMath on "My Secret #EdTech Diary" on the @IgniteEdTech podcast today. Listen to her full discussion with @mrkempnz from your favourite channel here - https://t.co/XJfrhwdC8B
— Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) October 16, 2021
Thanks Sammy ! β₯οΈ #edtech #edchat pic.twitter.com/SyT65WSiSK
This Episode of #nosuchthingpod UK's #K12 #edtech leader, coach, guide, partner, Al Kingsley. We talk about his book, "My Secret EdTech Diary" + explore his vast experience partnering w/schools and educators in and beyond the UK. ππ»ππ½ππΏcc @AlKingsley_Edu https://t.co/ea2O2nWFYk
— Marc Lesser (@malesser) November 2, 2021
Enjoying a quiet start to the weekend in @200Degs, reading My Secret #EdTech Diary by @AlKingsley_Edu pic.twitter.com/F84YI5UU6n
— Swotly ποΈ (@Swotlyio) November 13, 2021
Lovely to have received so many positive and kind comments about "My Secret #EdTech Diary" from visitors at #GESSDubai, it's always lovely to get feedback to help shape the next endeavour. Thanks to all those who have had a read and please do share your review if you haven't yet. pic.twitter.com/jQ169ofmc2
— Al Kingsley (@AlKingsley_Edu) November 18, 2021
SUPER excited to talk all things Education with the inspiring @AlKingsley_Edu
— Baasit Siddiqui - Siddiqui Education Ltd. (@SiddiquiEdu) November 28, 2021
As a huge fan of Al, his book My Secret #Edtech diary and the @NetSupportGroup journey..il do my best to play it cool π (however cool goes out the window when I tell you my suggested talk title π¬) pic.twitter.com/PRCFOorVpk
“Education is too important to leave to chance and in his book, The Secret #EdTech Diary, Kingsley helps bring brand-new perspectives to the conversation about whether technology has a place in education. With many moral imperatives in education to do right by the children, families and communities we serve, Al’s experience from both sides of the fence as the Chair of large Multi-Academy trusts, a trusted voice in education and an EdTech vendor with more than 30 years of successful deployment and development, shine through as the North Star many need in our schools.
So, whether youβre looking for advice on purchasing, looking to avoid EdTech deployment mistakes of the past or simply looking for advice on how best to make IT work in your school, this book is for you. Moreover, the salient, timely, balanced and considered advice and wisdom shared has never been needed more or had more relevance for schools and school leaders. Miss out at your peril! “Β –Mark Anderson, @ICTEvangelist

About the author.

Al has spent the last 30 years in the EdTech space and 20 of those as a school trustee and governor.
He is Group CEO of NetSupport Ltd, an internationally acclaimed EdTech vendor, and has lived and worked in both the UK and US. He is Chair of 2 Academy Trusts and Chair of an alternative provision Academy, all in the East of England.
Alongside these roles, Al also sits on the Regional Schools Commissionerβs Head Teachers board for the East of England and North-East London and is an independent Chair of the countyβs SEND board.
As a firm supporter of lifelong learning, he is also a regional Apprenticeship Ambassador and Chair of the Employment & Skills board for his regionβs combined authority.
An active writer about all things EdTech, Al is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and sits on the advisory council for the Foundation for Education Development.
Al Kingsley

My Books
Easy to read guides to make the world of EdTech and School Governance accessible for all with simple guides, checklists and questions to consider.
