Educational Technology Speakers

An educational technology speaker is someone who specializes in discussing the intersection of education and technology - and knows how to communicate it in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. These speakers might come from academia, the startup world, instructional design, or even government policy, but they all share one thing: a deep understanding of how tech is reshaping how we learn.

Unlike general tech speakers, educational technology speakers focus specifically on tools, platforms, and strategies that enhance learning outcomes. This could include topics like AI in classrooms, virtual reality for training, learning management systems, or digital equity in underserved communities.

They're often featured at conferences, webinars, summits, and podcasts where the goal is to explore how technology can improve access, engagement, and results in education. Some well-known examples include Daphne Koller (co-founder of Coursera), Eric Mazur (Harvard physicist and flipped classroom pioneer), and Anant Agarwal (edX founder).

These speakers don't just talk about products - they talk about pedagogy, policy, and people. They bring research, case studies, and real-world examples to the table. Whether they're addressing a room full of teachers or a panel of investors, their role is to make sense of the fast-moving world of edtech.

In short, an educational technology speaker is a translator between innovation and implementation - helping others understand not just what's possible, but what's practical.

When you're trying to navigate the ever-evolving world of learning tech, having an educational technology speaker in the room can make all the difference. Why? Because they help bridge the gap between innovation and application.

First, they bring clarity. With so many tools, platforms, and buzzwords flying around - from LMS integrations to AI tutors - it's easy to get overwhelmed. A good speaker distills the noise into actionable insights. They help educators, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers understand what matters now and what's coming next.

Second, they offer perspective. Educational technology isn't one-size-fits-all. What works in a Silicon Valley startup might flop in a rural school district. Speakers with global or cross-sector experience can highlight those nuances, helping audiences avoid costly mistakes and adapt strategies to their own context.

Third, they inspire change. Whether it's a keynote at a virtual summit or a guest spot on a podcast, educational technology speakers can spark new ideas and challenge old assumptions. They often serve as catalysts for transformation - not by preaching, but by showing what's possible through real examples and data.

Finally, they connect communities. By sharing stories from different regions, industries, and learning environments, these speakers help build bridges between stakeholders who might not otherwise collaborate. That's especially crucial in a field where innovation often outpaces policy or infrastructure.

So if you're building an event, podcast, or panel that touches on learning and tech, don't just invite someone who knows the tools - invite someone who knows how to talk about them in a way that moves people forward.

Educational technology speakers wear many titles - thought leader, strategist, educator, innovator - but their core function is to communicate how technology can enhance learning. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Deliver Keynotes and Presentations. They speak at conferences, summits, webinars, and podcasts to share insights on trends like AI in education, gamification, or personalized learning.

2. Translate Complex Topics. Whether it's blockchain credentials or adaptive learning algorithms, they break down technical concepts into digestible, relatable content for educators, administrators, and learners.

3. Advocate for Innovation. Many serve as champions for new approaches to teaching and learning, often pushing for systemic change in how education is delivered and accessed.

4. Consult and Advise. Some educational technology speakers also work behind the scenes with schools, edtech startups, or government bodies to shape strategy and implementation.

5. Facilitate Conversations. They often moderate panels, lead workshops, or host discussions that bring together diverse voices from across the education ecosystem.

6. Create Content. Beyond speaking, many publish articles, write books, or produce video content that extends their influence beyond the stage.

From a rural teacher training event in Kenya to a Silicon Valley edtech accelerator demo day, educational technology speakers adapt their message to fit the moment. Their job isn't just to inform - it's to inspire action, spark dialogue, and help others see what's possible when education and technology align.

Ready to step up as an educational technology speaker? Here's a practical step-by-step guide to help you build credibility, land speaking gigs, and grow your influence in the edtech space.

1. Define Your Niche and Message
- Educational technology is broad. Are you focused on AI in classrooms, gamification, remote learning, or digital equity? Pick a lane.
- Craft a clear message. What unique insight or experience do you bring? Think about how your story or expertise helps solve real problems for educators or institutions.

2. Build Your Authority
- Start publishing: Write blog posts, LinkedIn articles, or even short videos on platforms like YouTube.
- Get featured: Contribute to edtech publications or podcasts. Talks.co is a great place to connect with podcast hosts looking for experts.
- Create a speaker page: Showcase your bio, topics, testimonials, and past appearances. This is your digital resume.

3. Practice Your Speaking Skills
- Join Toastmasters or virtual speaking clubs.
- Host webinars or live sessions on platforms like Zoom or LinkedIn Live.
- Record yourself and review. Focus on clarity, pacing, and engagement.

4. Start Small, Then Scale
- Offer to speak at local schools, online summits, or teacher conferences.
- Use Talks.co to get booked on podcasts and virtual events. It's a fast track to visibility.
- As you gain traction, aim for larger conferences like ISTE, SXSW EDU, or BETT.

5. Network and Collaborate
- Connect with other speakers, educators, and event organizers on LinkedIn.
- Attend virtual summits and engage in the chat. Follow up with DMs.
- Collaborate with edtech companies for co-branded events or panels.

Becoming an educational technology speaker isn't about waiting for permission. It's about showing up, sharing value, and building momentum one talk at a time.

Being an educational technology speaker means more than just knowing tech or education. It's about bridging the two in a way that inspires, informs, and drives change. So what exactly do you need to step into this role?

First, you need subject matter expertise. That doesn't mean you need a PhD in instructional design, but you should have deep knowledge in a specific area of edtech. Maybe you've implemented LMS platforms in schools, led remote learning initiatives, or built apps for student engagement. Your experience is your foundation.

Second, communication skills are crucial. You need to translate complex ideas into digestible, engaging content. Whether you're speaking to teachers, administrators, or tech developers, your message must resonate. Practicing storytelling, using real-world examples, and adapting your tone to different audiences will set you apart.

Third, you need a platform. This is where tools like Talks.co come in. By creating a speaker page, you make it easy for event organizers to find and book you. It also gives you a place to showcase your topics, testimonials, and past talks.

Finally, you need a network. Connect with other speakers, educators, and tech professionals. Join online communities, attend virtual summits, and engage on LinkedIn. Many speaking opportunities come through referrals or collaborations, so relationships matter.

In short, to be an educational technology speaker, you need a mix of expertise, communication chops, visibility, and connections. With those in place, you're ready to make an impact.

Yes, educational technology speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's break it down.

At the entry level, many edtech speakers start by speaking for free, especially at local events, webinars, or podcasts. This helps build credibility and a portfolio. But as your reputation grows, so does your earning potential.

Here's what influences whether and how much educational technology speakers get paid:

- Experience and Reputation: Speakers with a track record of impactful talks, published work, or leadership roles in edtech are more likely to command fees.
- Event Type: Keynotes at large conferences (like ISTE or SXSW EDU) often pay well, while smaller workshops or virtual panels may offer lower fees or just cover expenses.
- Audience and Budget: Corporate events or sponsored summits typically have higher budgets than nonprofit or school-based events.

According to industry data:
- Newer speakers might earn $250 to $1,000 per talk.
- Mid-level speakers can expect $1,000 to $5,000.
- Top-tier speakers may command $10,000 or more per keynote.

Some speakers also negotiate travel, accommodation, and per diem costs in addition to their speaking fee.

So yes, educational technology speakers get paid-but the path to consistent income often involves strategic positioning, networking, and building a strong speaker brand.

Educational technology speakers don't just rely on one revenue stream. In fact, the most successful ones diversify their income across several channels. Here's how they do it:

1. Speaking Fees
- This is the most direct source. Speakers are paid to present at conferences, summits, webinars, and corporate trainings.
- Rates vary based on experience, topic, and event size (see 'How much do educational technology speakers make').

2. Workshops and Training Sessions
- Many speakers offer hands-on workshops for schools, districts, or edtech companies.
- These sessions can be in-person or virtual, and often command higher fees due to their interactive nature.

3. Consulting
- Speakers often consult for education departments, startups, or nonprofits.
- They provide strategic advice on tech implementation, curriculum design, or digital transformation.

4. Books and Online Courses
- Publishing a book or launching a course on platforms like Teachable or Udemy can create passive income.
- These products also boost credibility and help land more speaking gigs.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
- Some speakers partner with edtech brands to promote tools or platforms.
- This can include sponsored talks, affiliate links, or co-branded webinars.

6. Virtual Summits and Podcasts
- Hosting your own summit or podcast can lead to monetization through ticket sales, sponsorships, or lead generation for other services.

The key is to think beyond the stage. Educational technology speakers who treat their speaking as a business-building assets, products, and partnerships-tend to see the most sustainable income.

Educational technology speakers earn a wide range of income depending on their experience, niche, and business model. Let's look at the numbers and what influences them.

Typical Income Ranges:
- Beginner Speakers: $250 to $1,000 per talk. These are often educators or tech professionals just starting out.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $1,000 to $5,000 per keynote. These speakers have some name recognition, a speaker page, and a few notable gigs.
- Top-Tier Speakers: $5,000 to $20,000+ per appearance. These are often authors, founders, or thought leaders in the edtech space.

Factors That Affect Earnings:
- Topic Relevance: Hot topics like AI in education or digital equity tend to command higher fees.
- Audience Type: Corporate and international events usually pay more than school districts or nonprofits.
- Delivery Format: In-person keynotes often pay more than virtual panels, though virtual events can be more frequent.

Annual Income Potential:
- A speaker doing 2-3 paid talks per month at $2,000 each could earn $48,000 to $72,000 annually.
- Add in consulting, courses, or book sales, and six-figure incomes are possible.

Keep in mind, some speakers use speaking as a lead generator for other services, so their direct speaking income may be lower, but total business revenue higher.

In short, how much you make as an educational technology speaker depends on how you position yourself, how often you speak, and how well you monetize your expertise.

Hiring an educational technology speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. It all depends on who you're hiring, what you need, and how the event is structured.
Here's a breakdown of typical costs:

Speaker Level	Cost per Talk	Notes
Emerging Speaker	$250 - $1,000	Often educators or tech staff with niche expertise. Good for workshops or panels.
Mid-Level Speaker	$1,000 - $5,000	Experienced, with a speaker page and past events. Great for keynotes or training.
High-Profile Speaker	$5,000 - $20,000+	Authors, founders, or influencers. Ideal for large conferences or sponsored events.

Other Costs to Consider:
- Travel and Lodging: If the event is in-person, expect to cover airfare, hotel, and meals.
- Customization Fees: Some speakers charge extra to tailor content for your audience.
- Virtual vs. In-Person: Virtual talks are usually 30-50% cheaper due to lower overhead.
Budgeting Tips:
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find speakers within your budget.
- Consider bundling: Some speakers offer discounts for multiple sessions or follow-up workshops.
- Don't forget value: A great speaker can boost attendance, engagement, and even post-event sales.
So while the cost varies, the return on investment can be huge-especially if the speaker brings actionable insights and audience connection.

Here's a list of standout educational technology speakers who've made a lasting impact on how we think about learning and tech. These aren't just trend-followers-they're trailblazers.

- Sal Khan - Founder of Khan Academy, Sal revolutionized online learning. His TED Talk on rethinking education has millions of views.
- Sugata Mitra - Known for the 'Hole in the Wall' experiment, Mitra's work on self-organized learning environments is legendary.
- Sir Ken Robinson - While not strictly an edtech speaker, his influence on creativity in education deeply shaped edtech discussions.
- Audrey Watters - A critical voice in edtech, Watters challenges hype and brings a much-needed analytical lens to the space.
- Jane McGonigal - A game designer and researcher, she's brought gamification into serious educational conversations.
- Eric Sheninger - A former principal turned digital leadership expert, Eric speaks globally about tech integration in schools.
- Kasey Bell - Creator of Shake Up Learning, she's helped thousands of educators embrace Google tools and digital learning.
- Alan November - A pioneer in educational technology, November has been advocating for student-centered tech use since the 90s.

These speakers have shaped the field through innovation, critique, and practical tools. Their influence continues to guide educators and technologists alike.

Looking for the top educational technology speakers making waves right now? Here are some of the most respected and in-demand voices in the global edtech scene:

- Vicki Davis (USA) - Known as the 'Cool Cat Teacher', Vicki is a classroom teacher who brings real-world edtech strategies to life. Her podcast and blog reach a global audience.
- Richard Culatta (USA) - CEO of ISTE and former Director of the Office of Educational Technology for the U.S. Department of Education. He speaks on digital citizenship and policy.
- Dr. Maha Bali (Egypt) - A professor at the American University in Cairo, Bali is a thought leader on equity, open learning, and digital pedagogy.
- Dr. Ruben Puentedura (USA) - Creator of the SAMR model, which helps educators evaluate tech integration. His framework is used worldwide.
- Alice Keeler (USA) - A Google-certified innovator and author, Alice is known for her energetic, tool-focused sessions for teachers.
- Stephen Heppell (UK) - A futurist in education, Heppell consults globally on learning spaces and emerging tech.
- Leah Plunkett (USA) - Author of 'Sharenthood', she speaks on student privacy and digital rights in education.
- Dr. Chris Dede (USA) - Harvard professor and expert on immersive learning and virtual environments.
- Dr. Inge de Waard (Belgium) - A mobile learning specialist with a global perspective, especially in developing regions.

These speakers are shaping the conversation around educational technology across continents, from policy to practice, and from classrooms to global conferences.

Let's unpack a few misconceptions that keep popping up around educational technology speakers. These assumptions can hold back both aspiring speakers and the audiences who need them most.

1. Myth: Educational technology speakers are only for academic conferences.
This one's easy to believe, especially if you associate 'education' with universities. But in reality, edtech speakers are showing up at corporate summits, startup expos, and even government policy forums. For example, Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE, has spoken at SXSW EDU and also advised on national digital learning strategies. The demand for edtech insights spans industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing-anywhere learning and tech intersect.

2. Myth: You need a PhD or years of teaching experience to be credible.
Not true. While some speakers do come from academic backgrounds, others bring value through entrepreneurship, product design, or policy work. Take someone like Sal Khan of Khan Academy-he started with YouTube videos, not a classroom. What matters more is your ability to communicate ideas clearly and offer actionable insights.

3. Myth: Edtech speakers just talk about tools.
This is like saying chefs only talk about knives. Sure, tools matter, but the best speakers focus on outcomes: how tech improves access, equity, and engagement. They talk about pedagogy, data ethics, learner psychology, and more. For instance, Audrey Watters is known for critiquing edtech trends with a sharp lens on equity and power-not just gadgets.

4. Myth: It's a saturated space-there's no room for new voices.
Actually, the opposite is true. As learning needs diversify globally, there's a growing hunger for fresh perspectives-especially from underrepresented regions and communities. Whether you're from a rural school system in Kenya or a coding bootcamp in Brazil, your voice could fill a gap others haven't even noticed yet.

5. Myth: You have to be a tech wizard to speak on edtech.
Nope. You need to understand how tech supports learning, but you don't need to code or build apps. Many impactful speakers focus on user experience, accessibility, or policy implications. The key is knowing your niche and speaking to it with clarity and conviction.

When you think of educational technology speakers, you might imagine someone standing in front of a screen, clicking through slides about apps and platforms. But the real stories behind the most impactful speakers are far more layered-and global.

Take Sugata Mitra, for instance. He's known for the 'Hole in the Wall' experiment in India, where he placed a computer in a Delhi slum and watched as children taught themselves to use it. That story became the foundation of his TED Talk, which has been viewed millions of times. But what made him a compelling speaker wasn't just the experiment-it was how he framed it. He didn't just talk about tech. He talked about curiosity, autonomy, and what education could look like if we trusted learners more.

Then there's Esther Wojcicki, a journalism teacher turned edtech advocate. She speaks not just about tools, but about building trust in the classroom and empowering students to take control of their learning. Her talks blend personal experience with practical frameworks, making her a favorite at both education summits and startup incubators.

In Latin America, Andrés Moreno, founder of Open English, pivoted from running an online language platform to speaking about scalable learning models. His keynotes often focus on how to build culturally relevant edtech solutions-something that resonates deeply in multilingual, diverse markets.

And don't overlook voices like Dr. Maha Bali, a professor in Egypt who speaks globally about digital equity and inclusion. Her talks often challenge Western-centric models of edtech and advocate for more participatory, locally grounded approaches. She's proof that you don't need to be based in Silicon Valley to shape the global conversation.

These speakers didn't follow a single path. Some came from academia, others from startups or grassroots projects. What they share is a clear message, a unique lens, and the ability to connect with audiences across borders and industries.

So, where are educational technology speakers headed next? If you're thinking about stepping into this space-or staying relevant in it-here's what's emerging on the horizon.

First, hybrid learning isn't going anywhere. That means speakers who can address both in-person and digital learning environments will be in high demand. But more than that, audiences want to hear how to make hybrid models equitable and effective. It's not just about Zoom fatigue anymore-it's about designing learning experiences that work across bandwidths, devices, and cultures.

Second, AI is becoming a central talking point. But not just in the 'robots in classrooms' sense. The best speakers are diving into nuanced discussions: How do we use AI to personalize learning without reinforcing bias? What does assessment look like when machines can generate essays? These are the kinds of questions that will define the next wave of edtech discourse.

Third, audiences are craving more global perspectives. Speakers who can bring insights from underrepresented regions-Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Indigenous communities-are gaining traction. As edtech becomes more localized, the demand for culturally responsive content is growing.

Here are a few key trends to watch:

- Microlearning and modular content. Speakers who can break down complex topics into digestible, actionable chunks are winning over busy educators and corporate trainers alike.
- Data privacy and digital ethics. With surveillance concerns rising, audiences want guidance on how to use edtech responsibly.
- Learner agency. Talks that center student voice, choice, and co-creation are resonating more than top-down models.
- Interdisciplinary storytelling. The best speakers are weaving in psychology, design, sociology, and even neuroscience to enrich their narratives.

Bottom line: The future belongs to speakers who can navigate complexity, speak across cultures, and offer grounded, forward-thinking insights.

If you're looking to break into the world of educational technology speaking, you don't need to start from scratch. Here's a curated list of tools and platforms to help you build your presence, craft your message, and find the right stages.

1. Talks.co. A podcast guest-matching platform that connects speakers with hosts. Great for building your speaking portfolio and testing your message with different audiences.

2. Slidebean. A presentation design tool that helps you create professional, visually engaging decks without needing a design degree. Perfect for making your edtech ideas pop.

3. EdSurge. Stay on top of the latest edtech trends, funding news, and policy shifts. Referencing timely data in your talks can boost your credibility.

4. SpeakerHub. A platform where you can list your profile, find speaking opportunities, and connect with event organizers. It's especially useful for niche or regional events.

5. Canva. Ideal for creating social media graphics, speaker one-sheets, and branded visuals to promote your talks.

6. Coursera or edX. Take free or low-cost courses on instructional design, learning science, or public speaking. Even if you know your stuff, sharpening your delivery can make a big difference.

7. LinkedIn Events. A surprisingly effective way to host your own micro-events or webinars. Great for building your audience and testing new talk topics.

8. Notion. Use it to organize your speaking topics, track event pitches, and store research. It's like a second brain for your speaking business.

Pro tip: Don't just use these tools-leverage them to build relationships. Comment on posts, share insights, and engage with other speakers. The edtech space thrives on collaboration, not competition.