S2 E13 - Digital Competence by Design: What Wales Can Learn from Estonia with Dr Becki Bawler

What can Wales learn from one of the world’s most digitally advanced education systems? Dr Rebecca “Becki” Bawler joins Al Kingsley to explore digital competence, educational leadership and the thoughtful use of technology in schools. Their conversation examines why transformation depends on far more than devices, platforms or isolated technology projects. Wales has a digital competence framework for learners—but what about the teachers and leaders responsible for delivering it? Becki argues that schools must invest in staff confidence, professional learning and trusted communities if digital tools are to produce lasting improvements. The discussion also turns to Estonia, where educational technology is introduced through careful planning and a pedagogy-first mindset. Rather than treating innovation as a revolution, Estonia has taken considered, evolutionary steps shaped by the needs of its schools and society. Al and Becki consider how these lessons apply to Wales, from AI and hybrid learning to infrastructure, digital examinations and collaboration with industry. This is an essential conversation for educators, school leaders, policymakers and EdTech professionals interested in sustainable digital transformation. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to digital competence in education 03:06 Leadership’s role in digital transformation 06:01 Digital adoption after COVID-19 08:47 Professional development and community learning 11:55 Estonia’s approach to digital education 14:56 Integrating AI into the classroom 17:46 Choosing the right tool for the job 24:26 Evolution rather than revolution 27:45 Pedagogy-first lessons from Estonia 30:12 Wales’s pathway to educational improvement 32:45 Infrastructure and hybrid learning 37:54 Collaborating with industry on the curriculum 40:43 The relationship between England and Wales KEY TAKEAWAYS Digital competence must encompass staff as well as learners. Effective transformation begins with leadership and culture. Professional learning is strongest when it is collaborative and continuous. Trust gives teachers the confidence to experiment. Estonia’s success reflects careful planning and a pedagogy-first approach. AI should encourage questioning and critical thinking—not simply supply answers. Hybrid learning cannot succeed without reliable infrastructure. Curriculum development benefits from meaningful collaboration with industry. Professional development can support both teaching quality and staff retention. Technology should always be judged against the needs of learners and the classroom. “If we’re looking at a piece of technology, we need to ask: is it the right tool for the job right now?” Subscribe to Joining the Dots for more conversations about education, leadership, technology and the future of learning. #DigitalCompetence #Education #EdTech #AIinEducation #SchoolLeadership #Wales #Estonia #DigitalTransformation