In this edition of Meet Our Teachers, we introduce Ian Broadbent, Assistant Head (Learning Technology) at Bangkok Prep.With a passion for purposeful innovation, Ian works closely with teachers to ensure that technology enhances learning in meaningful and engaging ways.In this interview, Ian shares what inspired him to pursue a career in education, his approach to integrating technology in the classroom, and his vision for the future of digital learning at Bangkok Prep. What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and how did your interest in learning technology develop?My inspiration to pursue a career in education came from the enjoyment I found in working with children of all ages and wanting to make a meaningful difference. This began during my time working as a lifeguard, where I helped run holiday camps and children’s programmes at a local pool.From there, I became increasingly involved in summer camps and kids’ clubs, working with a wide range of students, and I quickly realised how rewarding supporting young people’s growth and learning could be. That experience ultimately inspired me to become a teacher. My interest in learning technology developed later in my teaching career.I’ve always enjoyed using technology and was keen to trial new tools in my early teaching roles, evaluating whether they genuinely added value to learning in the classroom. Over time, I became increasingly passionate about ensuring that technology adoption was purposeful — recognising that not all new tools meaningfully enhance teaching and learning. This focus on selecting the right technology, rather than simply the newest, alongside my interest in initiatives such as STEAM and more integrated curricula, led me further down the learning technology pathway. What do you enjoy most about your role as Assistant Head (Learning Technology) at Bangkok Prep?What I enjoy most is continuing to make a difference for students, whether directly in classrooms or more strategically across the school. While my role now is less classroom-based, it remains rooted in the same core principle that inspired me to teach: ensuring that students have access to the right tools and learning experiences to thrive. I’m particularly passionate about supporting teachers by providing technology that enhances learning without overcomplicating it or overwhelming staff and students. How do you see learning technology enhancing teaching, learning, and student engagement across the whole school?I see learning technology as an extension of effective teaching, much like a pencil is a tool for writing. It should be embedded naturally into learning, supporting engagement, creativity, and understanding rather than distracting from them. When used appropriately, technology enhances learning experiences and prepares students for a world where digital tools are an integral part of everyday life.The key is ensuring that technology is age-appropriate, purposeful, and used at the right time to support learning outcomes. What excites you most about the future of digital learning and innovation at Bangkok Prep?What excites me most is the opportunity to remain innovative while being intentional. Technology evolves rapidly, with new tools emerging every day, but our focus as a school is on staying on the crest of that wave, adopting high-quality technology, using it effectively, and ensuring it does not sit unused or become a passing fad. Creating a strong framework that supports innovation while keeping learning at the centre is what will allow our students to continue to thrive. What do you enjoy doing outside of school?Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active. I’m an avid sports enthusiast and love trying a wide variety of sports, the more unusual, the better. I enjoy the challenge, energy, and competition that sport provides, whether that’s traditional sports, eSports, or even board games. I also enjoy discovering new board games and playing them with friends, which has become something I get a lot of joy from. BiographyIan Broadbent is the Assistant Head (Learning Technology) at Bangkok Prep. He holds a Master of International Education (Merit) from King’s College London, where his research focused on the impact of makerspaces as learning environments in international schools. With an extensive background in educational leadership, Ian previously served as the Director of Educational Technology at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, where he led distance learning implementations and managed the college’s Crisis Response Team. His career is defined by a commitment to purposeful innovation; he has served as a Regional Lead for the NAE-MIT STEAM collaboration, coordinating projects and festivals across 21 schools in China. A highly certified professional, Ian is an ISTE-certified educator, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and an Apple Certified Teacher. He is passionate about embedding Design Thinking and STEAM-based philosophies into the curriculum, ensuring that technology serves as a meaningful extension of the classroom experience to help students develop a lifelong love of learning.
