Creating a digital strategy with EdTech
The events of recent years have definitely taken a toll on schools and educators worldwide. If any glimmer of good came out of the pandemic, the growth in use of EdTech has surely got to feature. Educators learned how to deliver lessons remotely overnight; the skills and confidence that staff gained and used to respond to the changing circumstances was admirable. Now we’ve seen the true value of EdTech, how do we harness its power within the classroom? Teaching remotely and incorporating EdTech in the classroom have some crossovers but we can’t expect this transition to be seamless. Leaders must consider what effective use of technology in their context looks like and plan carefully for its implementation. A huge part of this consideration must be staff wellbeing.
Wellbeing
The 2022 Teacher Wellbeing Index released by Education Support suggests that staff wellbeing is at an all time low [1]. 78% of all staff experienced mental health symptoms due to their work, a 1% increase from 2021. Stress, depression and anxiety have all remained at an unsustainable high level. In the latest DfE EdTech Survey, 74% of headteachers indicated that technology had or would contribute to reduced workload. The majority of classroom teachers (65%) indicated that their workload had already reduced due to technology; collaboration and resource sharing was noted as the main time saver. The vast majority of primary and secondary headteachers also stated that technology saved time on parental engagement (91%) [2]. 51% of educators confirm technology is a strategic priority. But one in five (22%) say they don’t have an IT strategy, while a further 21% don’t know if they do [3]. So how do schools take steps towards instilling a digital strategy?
Considerations:
There are many things to think about when creating or refreshing your digital strategy and incorporating EdTech. A few considerations to make may be:
Ponder
- What areas are priorities? What technology is currently used? What technologies currently aren’t used but could be in future?
- What are the school / trusts priorities for the next few years. Consider all elements – not just curricular but resource management, HR and financial priorities too. How can technology assist in these priorities?
- Check the current capabilities of your devices and infrastructure – what are the current capabilities and how may it need to be changed or updated to suit your future plans?
People:
- How will your strategy help improve staff workload and promote well-being?
- What support will be needed to implement the changes in your technology and associated processes, and what time frame can be dedicated to this?
- Who will be responsible for managing and maintaining new technology?
Processes:
- Which changes will you prioritise? Too many changes is overwhelming which may lead to it being met with negativity by staff.
- Has consideration of data protection, privacy, controlled and appropriate use been made?
- How will you measure impact and the effectiveness of your digital strategy?
BlueSky Learning is pleased to be launching a new module ‘Using Technology to Assist with Workload’ developed by James Hoyle, an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for the continual development of the school’s EdTech strategy. James was also a leader on the DfE EdTech Demonstrator Programme. His module looks at the characteristics of a successful EdTech strategy and gives some practical examples of how schools are harnessing technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching and non-teaching related activities. Watch the Taster and learn how you can start to implement these strategies in your classroom today.
References
[1] Education Support (2022). Teacher Wellbeing Index 2022. [online] [Accessed 6 Jan. 2023].
[2] DfE (2021). Education Technology (EdTech) Survey 2020-21. [online] [Accessed 6 Jan. 2023].
[3] Promethean (2022). The 2021/22 State of Technology in Education Report. [online] Promethean Blog.
Author: Ally Sousa
Content Specialist, BlueSky Learning