Why are we teaching kids to use tech instead of change the world with it with Natalie Moore (#344)

Are we teaching young people to consume technology - or to change the world with it?In this episode, Ben and Steve sit down with Natalie Moore, CEO of Apps for Good, to explore what it really means to put young people in the driving seat of their own learning - and their own futures. From a council estate in East London to the London 2012 Olympics, and now leading one of the UK's most impactful edtech charities, Natalie brings a grounded, honest perspective on what education could look like when we trust young people to solve the problems that matter to them.Natalie is CEO of Apps for Good, a UK education technology charity that helps young people tackle real-world problems and build meaningful tech solutions. With 13 years at the organisation - and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee on her CV - she brings rare insight into impact-driven education, digital skills, and what it genuinely means to do good.In this episode we cover:- Why Apps for Good was born out of work tackling digital exclusion in Brazilian favelas and what that means for UK classrooms today- How AI is reshaping the Apps for Good curriculum, including a new "vibe coding" pathway and what responsible AI literacy looks like for young people- The philosophy behind "apps for good" - why agency, purpose, and real-world relevance are more powerful than any curriculum mandate- How project-based learning engages the students most likely to be switched off, including girls in STEM and young people from underrepresented backgrounds- The annual Apps for Good Showcase - a Dragon's Den-style pitch event reviewed by volunteers from Google, Spotify, Sony and more- Real impact stories: from a cattle management app built by Scottish farming kids to alumni now working at the Lego Group and Sony\If you work in education, edtech, or youth development and you're wondering how to make technology genuinely meaningful - not just functional - for young people, this episode is essential. Natalie cuts through the AI hype to get at something deeper: what happens when young people aren't just users of technology, but creators solving problems they actually care about. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or organisation trying to have real impact, this conversation will challenge you and inspire you in equal measure.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & introductions01:44 – Natalie's background04:58 – How Apps for Good came about and what it does10:14 – Moving young people from consumers to creators12:26 – Has AI changed everything or just the tools?15:02 – Vibe coding, AI literacy, and the new curriculum pathway17:29 – What does "for good" actually mean?20:28 – Reaching underrepresented young people and the challenge of scale24:40 – Agency in the classroom: do students really want to be spoon-fed?29:03 – Critical thinking, AI bias, and why young people need both32:58 – What is project-based learning and why does it work?35:57 – Impact data: skills, confidence, and alumni stories41:03 – The Apps for Good Annual Showcase43:13 – Quickfire QuestionsVoting for the People's Choice Award will open on Monday, 15th June. Have a look at their showcase here They are building an expression of interest list for their brand new AI for Good 2.0 course, launching late Summer ahead of the 2026/27 academic year. Listeners can complete this short form to be the first to see it If you want to learn more or connect, please visit here or reach out on email. They are shortlisted at Edufuturists Uprising 2026 - join us in Liverpool on 25th June to celebrate them and other incredible organisations making a differenceUprising is now CPD accredited!Subscribe to the Edufuturists podcast for weekly conversations with the people reshaping education.