What does it actually mean when a heritage conference declares that “learning is digital”? In this episode of the Museum Buzz podcast (recorded live at the 2026 Group for Education in Museums (GEM) Conference at Bletchley Park) I sit down with host Emily Kotecki to unpack the complex relationship between heritage spaces, digital tools, and mathematical engagement.
We open the conversation by examining my core philosophy: that a rich, authentic seam of mathematics runs beneath the surface of every single museum and gallery – if we only know how to look for it.
The heart of the discussion challenges the common STEM without the M trend, highlighting how cultural institutions often pack their schedules with science and engineering while completely bypassing mathematics. Touching upon the conference’s digital theme, I offer a balanced critique of the word “digital” itself, noting how it can become a thoughtless buzzword when divorced from genuine educational needs.
Using the example of Bletchley Park’s own Enigma machines, I demonstrate how digital applications should be used to enhance (rather than replace) tactile, historical experiences by widening access for larger groups. We wrap up with an honest look at the societal misconceptions around maths, confronting the myth of the “magic maths gene” and addressing the severe digital equity gap that exists between different school classrooms today.
How to listen:
You can hear the full conversation in the player below, via the Museum Buzz Lybsyn page or search for Museum Buzz in your podcast player of choice.
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