10 – 12 November 2026
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Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Steve Bambury
Head of Digital Learning & Innovation - JESS Dubai
I worked in education for 19 years, ultimately taking on the role of Head of Digital Learning and Innovation across the JESS Dubai school group.
In 2019 I began working as a technology consultant, supporting organisations with the effective integration of technology solutions.
I specialise in the use of Virtual Reality for learning and development and have spoken internationally on this theme including hosting stages at GITEX and GESS and delivering the closing keynote at the G20 Education Summit in Riyadh.
In 2017, I became the first person to ever host professional development sessions inside virtual reality and in 2018 I co-hosted the world’s first global lesson inside VR alongside Pixar co-founder Loren Carpenter.
I am an Apple Distinguished Educator and a Microsoft Master Trainer, the only two-time winner of the GESS Award for Best Use of ICT, the winner of the 2018 BETT MEA Innovation Award and the winner of the 2018 Trendsetter Award from EdTech Digest.
Speaker Sessions
EdTech in Action
1609
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Ethics and Compliance in the Age of AI
Session Summary:
In this session, multi-time GESS award winner Steve Bambury will dive into the murky waters of AI ethics and help school leaders and educators develop a clearer understanding of what should be non-negotiable when it comes to AI deployments in educational settings. This will include exploring the AI strategy Steve has led at JESS Dubai and a practical demonstration of his free-to-use Ethicheck app.
Speakers:
Steve Bambury
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Head of Digital Learning & Innovation - JESS Dubai
Categories:
AI and EdTech
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Piloting through Paradox
Session Summary:
In this session, Steve Bambury - Head of Digital Learning & Innovation across the JESS schools - will explore the current edtech landscape and the various paradoxes that schools find themselves trying to navigate. From cyber security threats in the education sector to polarising opinions on AI to the groundswell of anti-tech sentiment in the media, it can be difficult to forge a steady path. Steve will dive into these themes and share the approaches that he had led at JESS to ensure strategic innovation continues to flourish.
Speakers:
Steve Bambury
|
Head of Digital Learning & Innovation - JESS Dubai
Categories:
AI and EdTech
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Dubai AI Think Tank: GESS Edition
Session Summary:
Founded in 2025 by Steve Bambury (JESS Dubai) and Dare Pitan (University of Birmingham Dubai), the AI Think Tank brings together digital leads from across schools and universities in Dubai to share best practice, strategy and insight into the integration of AI into teaching and learning. During this special Think Tank session at GESS, Steve and Dare will lead a range of discussions and activities exploring AI innovation.
Speakers:
Steve Bambury
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Head of Digital Learning & Innovation - JESS Dubai
Dare Pitan
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Digital Education Lead - University of Birmingham Dubai
Categories:
AI and EdTech
Gaming@GESS
1986
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Digital Literacy Across Grades: What's Age-Appropriate & What’s Not
Session Summary:
Digital literacy isn’t one-size-fits-all — it evolves with students. From early exposure to safe browsing and basic tech skills to advanced media analysis and online ethics, educators must tailor digital learning to match developmental stages. This session breaks down what digital literacy looks like across grade levels, helping schools build age-appropriate frameworks that grow with learners. Discover how to scaffold skills, set boundaries, and empower students to thrive in digital spaces — responsibly and confidently. This session will help you:
Differentiate digital literacy competencies across early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school levels
Design age-appropriate digital literacy activities that align with cognitive and social development
Identify key risks and challenges at each stage of digital engagement, and implement safeguards accordingly
Create a progression map for digital literacy instruction that supports long-term skill-building and ethical awareness
Speakers:
Steve Bambury
|
Head of Digital Learning & Innovation - JESS Dubai
Panel Session: Digital Ethics in Schools: From Cyberbullying to AI Bias
Session Summary:
As digital tools become embedded in every aspect of education, ethical challenges are no longer optional conversations — they’re essential. From the emotional toll of cyberbullying to the hidden biases in AI-driven platforms, educators must be equipped to guide students through complex digital landscapes with integrity and awareness. This session explores the ethical dimensions of technology use in schools and offers practical strategies for fostering responsible, inclusive, and safe digital environments. Join this session to:
Recognise and address ethical challenges in digital education, including cyberbullying, data privacy, misinformation, and algorithmic bias
Evaluate the impact of AI and automated systems on equity, student profiling, and decision-making in educational contexts
Develop and implement school-wide digital ethics policies that promote safety, inclusivity, and accountability
Facilitate meaningful classroom discussions on digital responsibility, empowering students to think
Speakers:
Steve Bambury
|
Head of Digital Learning & Innovation - JESS Dubai
