By Paulette Watson MBE | Published: 4th March 2025
This week, we are thrilled to bring you a blog from our esteemed guest writer, Paulette Watson MBE, who was a key part of our incredible 2024 judging panel. Paulette brings a wealth of expertise in EdTech and digital education, and her insights as a judge offer a fascinating glimpse into the innovation and impact of this year’s entries.
Read on as Paulette takes us behind the scenes of the Digital Education Awards and highlights why the future of EdTech has never looked brighter.
My Journey as a Judge: Honouring Excellence in EdTech Innovation
Being a judge is more than a role; it’s a responsibility, a privilege, and an opportunity to shape the future of education. As someone deeply rooted in the world of EdTech, I can confidently say that serving as a judge for the Digital Education Award has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my career. It’s not every day that you get to witness the very best of educational technology — to see bold ideas transformed into impactful products that have the power to change the lives of students, teachers, and lifelong learners alike.
When I was invited to be part of this high-calibre judging panel, I knew I was in for a transformative experience. The role required careful analysis, a critical eye, and a genuine appreciation for innovation. But it also required something much deeper — credibility, impartiality, and a true passion for education and technology. Each judge brought a unique perspective, and it was humbling to be among peers who share the same commitment to advancing teaching and learning.
A Front-Row Seat to EdTech Excellence
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a judge was the chance to engage with the EdTech products directly. This was not a passive experience. I had the privilege of reading about, commenting on, and even exploring the platforms, games, and software being put forward for consideration. The diversity of products on display was truly astounding — from immersive virtual reality learning spaces to adaptive learning platforms that personalise education for each learner.
The creativity and ingenuity that went into each submission were remarkable. Every product had a story, a purpose, and a clear aim to solve a problem or enhance the learning experience. As I navigated each platform, I couldn’t help but feel optimistic about the future of education. This is EdTech at its finest — bold, daring, and human-centred. Many of the products I reviewed had something in common — a deep understanding of learner needs. Products weren’t just "tech for tech’s sake." Instead, I saw platforms that addressed real-world challenges like equity, access, and engagement. I saw tools designed to help children learn coding in ways that feel like play. I saw platforms enabling educators to track student progress in real-time, and I saw the power of AI-driven learning paths that adjust to a student’s individual needs.
It was an absolute pleasure to immerse myself in these products, and it reinforced why I am so passionate about EdTech. This sector isn't just growing — it's evolving with purpose. And as someone who works with students, teachers, and EdTech companies daily, I know how significant that evolution is.
Why Entering This Award Matters
If you’ve ever thought about submitting your product for an EdTech award, now is the time. Why? Because the industry is at a pivotal moment. Schools, colleges, and corporations are seeking innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of learners in a rapidly changing world. The pandemic may have accelerated EdTech adoption, but the need for innovative, inclusive, and accessible technology in education is here to stay.
Entering this award gives you so much more than a chance to win. It’s an opportunity to showcase your product to a panel of judges with diverse perspectives — educators, technologists, and industry leaders who understand what makes an EdTech product truly stand out. It’s also a chance to receive thoughtful, constructive feedback from people like myself who have seen hundreds of products and know how to identify what makes an EdTech tool successful.
Awards like this provide invaluable visibility. They help raise the profile of your brand, create opportunities for partnerships, and position you as a key player in the EdTech sector. Your work deserves to be recognised, and it could be the start of a much larger journey.
Why I’m Excited for the Future of EdTech
After reviewing such a dynamic range of products, I feel nothing but excitement for the future of teaching and learning. It’s clear that EdTech is moving in the right direction — with a stronger focus on personalisation, accessibility, and learner empowerment. We’re seeing EdTech products that don't just focus on classroom learning but on lifelong learning.
I was particularly impressed with how many platforms focused on equity and inclusion. These products went beyond the basics to ensure that learners with different needs — whether it’s a student with dyslexia or an English language learner — could access and benefit from the platform. This commitment to equity is not just commendable; it’s essential.
For teachers, EdTech is no longer "nice to have" — it’s mission-critical. The right tools reduce workload, provide actionable insights, and help personalise learning in ways that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. And for students, these products offer new ways to learn, create, and grow. With tools like AR, VR, AI, and gamification being applied to learning, we are entering a future where education is more immersive, engaging, and inclusive than ever before.
Gratitude for Every Candidate
To every candidate who entered, I want to say thank you. Thank you for believing in the power of education and for investing your time, resources, and passion into making a difference. Every entry I reviewed had something special — a unique vision, a creative spark, and a commitment to bettering the world of education.
Whether you win or not, know that your contribution matters. By participating, you’re raising the bar for the entire EdTech community. You’re pushing the sector forward, and you’re creating solutions that will impact the lives of thousands — maybe even millions — of learners.
As a judge, I feel inspired and hopeful. I’ve seen what’s possible when creativity, technology, and education come together. If this is what the future of EdTech looks like, then I’m all in. To all the candidates, I wish you every success in your EdTech journey. Keep innovating, keep pushing boundaries, and keep believing in the power of education to change lives. You are the reason why I remain so passionate about this industry.
If you’re reading this and you’re considering entering next year, don’t hesitate. Your product could be the one that changes the way we teach, learn, and grow. And as a judge, I would be honoured to see it.
Together, we are shaping the future of education.
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