Roundtable
The Future of Edtech Following a year in edtech like no other, the Edtech UK Magazine gathered a roundtable of educators to ask their views on how the edtech sector will, and needs to, respond going forwards.
Jonathan Bishop, CEO and Headteacher of The Cornerstone Academy Trust, Devon and Edtech Demonstrator Programme,
Katie Broadribb, Edtech Demonstrator Programme and Senior Leader of Learning, Wildern College
How do you think the edtech sector will respond going forwards? Jonathan: Now schools have the infrastructure and EdTech is mainstream, all schools will be able to democratise access and incorporate blended learning in a sustainable way. The strategy is likely to keep the best parts of the experience of the past year, and develop them into a long-term approach supported by procurement and training. Harmeet: An effective digital strategy should be part of every school improvement plan (SIP). This will only happen if it is pushed by Ofsted as part of their framework, unfortunately there are schools who will still be sending paper packs home if another lockdown was to arise, due to a lack of expertise and confidence. What are the key learnings for you as individuals? Katie: Students actually need help to become these competent, confident self-regulators too. The lessons where
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Scott Hayden, Member of EdtechUK Advisory Forum and Digital Innovation Specialist & Lecturer, Basingstoke College of Technology
I screen recorded myself starting a task, like making an online mind map or even simply how to take notes (Cornell method anyone?!), were the best investment in supporting students to really understand what they can do to help the information stick. I’m not surprised the APPG report found students felt they made more progress digitally. Whether this is true is hard to judge, but when they feel confident you get the buy-in from students that supports a positive attitude to learning. Scott: Podcasters, audiobooks, graphic novelists, vloggers, LIVE-streamers, and Social Media influencers can teach us a thing or two about engaging learning experiences. Shame on me for not being as good as the ‘Dissect’ podcast that deconstructs masterpiece albums song-by-song, line-by-line, beat-by-beat with beautiful, intricate, and philosophical analysis - that podcast taught me more than any classroom I have ever been in. There is so much to learn from these new forms of communication.
www.edtechuk.org
Harmeet Sahota, teacher, Edtech UK Magazine Advisor and Founder of Curriculum Wide
What are the key learnings for your peers or your communities? Scott: Coaching is the way forward long-term, sustainable, bespoke, and supportive 1-1 coaching. Harmeet: Hybrid learning can work with the right setup and CPD, staff can adapt and learn quickly. Audio tools can really support teacher wellbeing, improving the quality of feedback and the time taken to deliver it. Staff need continuous CPD to build on the progress made. What are the key learnings for your age phases/specialist areas? Jonathan: In our schools, all age phases have operated virtually, from Nursery and Early Years to Year 6. In addition, our specialist areas – the Science Learning Partnership, English Hub and Computing Hub - have all continued to operate virtually, offering support to educators, and will continue to do so. Harmeet: There is not a one size fits all approach. Some lessons and
