So here we are, day 24, the final day of the 2025 #24DaysOfAI Appvent Calendar. Where did that time go?! And as the door swings open, I wanted to focus as I’ve done every year on the calendar, it’s not a tool, app or technology I want to focus on, it’s you. Quelle surprise, but for me, it’s such an important share, particularly in this AI-infused world we find ourselves in now.
It’s why on the post today, I’ve shared a picture of myself in the post image. Sure, I could have used AI and made another funny Christmas jumper, but isn’t a picture of me wearing a Santa hat taken at the Gretna Green Outlet village yesterday just as good if not better? Ok, maybe don’t answer that, but like me as I write and finish the final post in the 2025 Appvent calendar, I want to rest.
So, I want you to stop, step away from the laptop, the phone, the device and rest. Ok, well… maybe read on, but the point stands.
So… close those browser tabs in your head (yes, all 47,321 of them)
If you’re anything like me, you’re reading this with a million and one things going on in your head. True, it might not be school-related today on Christmas Eve, although with DfE updates, goodness knows what shenanigans will be shared over the holiday season.
Here’s the thing, though, and I say this with love,
Stop.
Properly stop.
Not that “I’ll just check my emails quickly” stop or often in my case, “I’ll just catch this pokemon”, but actually close the laptop, put down your phone, and walk away (and I mean LinkedIn notifications too!). It will all still be there after Christmas (unfortunately), but this chance to recharge won’t be. Join me, will you?
To reinforce the point
This series wouldn’t have been possible without technology, but it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as good without some fantastic members of my PLN. People. Brilliant educators who have been half as good without the fantastic educators who shared their wisdom along the way.
To be human, you know, the thing that AI can’t do or be, we need to rest. We also need to show gratitude, so with that in mind…
Massive thanks to Emma Darcy (great post on Google Gemini), Bukky Yusuf (for sharing my firm favourite Goblin Tools), Matthew Wemyss (for sharing the helpful Mindjoy), Teresa Menton (sharing her exuberant post about her favourite AI tool, Brisk), Lyndsey Stuttard (for her helpful post about Lumio Labs Genie), Julie Carson (sharing the brilliant Napkin), Jérôme Nogues (sharing his favourite tool, Flint AI), Kieran Buckley (for reminding us that tools that support teaching and learning don’t have to be bells and whistles, with AutoDraw from Google), Joe Arday (for sharing the oh-so-popular NotebookLM) Al Kingsley (for his great edu-bookshelf recommendations), Ashley Bryant (who smashed it with her Canva insights), and my son Dougie Anderson – who keeps me grounded and reminds me that sometimes the best tech solution is the simplest one (although he does also help me step away from technology too).
Every one of them brought something special to the table… practical insights, honest reflections, and most importantly, real classroom experience that cuts through the hype.
And to everyone who engaged with the daily challenges, here’s a shout-out in particular to Aileen Wallace and Bethan Ware – you absolute legends! You deserve a medal. Or at least a really good biscuit (or mince pie!).
To reinforce the point further…
As I wrap up the 24DaysOfAI, I just wanted to share this final takeaway (and no, I don’t mean via Deliveroo!)…
AI is just a tool. A powerful one, sure, but still just a tool.
So, like a really good whiteboard marker or that one photocopier that actually works, it’s only as good as the person using it.
Remember the three golden questions:
- Does this actually improve their learning?
- Does this genuinely support teaching?
- Does this reduce workload?
If the answer to any of these is no, then consider whether it’s worth using at all.
See You at Bett 2026!
Right, shameless plug time, sorry.
Ahead of Bett, I’ll be sharing my updated 2026 AI Almanac, a publication that was so popular in 2025, I just had to update it for the new year. Missed last year’s? You can grab my 2025 AI Almanac here.
I’ll be at Bett in January too, working and sharing on the NetSupport stand (SH50) each and every day.
We’re launching the 2026 School Digital Strategy Guide that I’ve written with Al Kingsley and Liz Bury, and we’d love you to come to the launch on the Wednesday at 11 am, where we’ll be talking, answering questions and sharing around the topics of digital strategy, AI implementation, accessibility and much more besides.
I’m also doing a few talks:
- Wednesday afternoon at the Seesaw stand – talking digital strategy without the waffle (more on this to come)
- Thursday afternoon in the Tech User Lab with Julie Carson sharing the impact of our research project at Woodland Academy Trust and what’s actually worked with AI to have an impact on student engagement, outcomes and teacher workload.
- Friday morning, I’ll also be on the STEM Learning UK “AI Sprints” live panel with Dr Neelam Parmar, hosted by Alex Moore – discussing Digital Strategy in an AI world – we’ll be on stand SN50.
Pop by and say hello. I’d love to see you and share about where you’re at in your digital journey, and I’ll definitely be in need of a proper coffee.
And Finally…
So here’s the final calendar. You can browse any of the posts across this series by visiting here.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve been here since Day 1 or just jumped in today, thank you.
Have a wonderful break. Eat too much, watch rubbish telly (I’ll be catching up on The Simpsons, obviously), and come back in January ready to take on 2026, sensibly, thoughtfully, and with your humanity firmly intact.
See you at BETT. I’ll be the one with the Digital Strategy Guides, the dad jokes, and the coffee.
Happy holidays, everyone.
Mark
P.S. – If you’re still reading this on Christmas Day, seriously, close the laptop. The internet and work will survive without you for a few days. Promise.
