Although EdTech is by no means a new phenomenon, the coronavirus pandemic has required schools to react and embrace technology like never before.
During the lock-down, education providers up and down the country took the digital plunge using remote learning to continue teaching their students. Despite the re-opening of schools, some universities have announced that remote learning is here to stay and are delivering their lectures online for the foreseeable future.
This article looks at the EdTech lessons for schools that have emerged as a result of COVID-19. It also discusses the measures needed to foster safe and efficient use of technology in education in the future.
The impact of coronavirus on EdTech
As education professionals settle into the new academic year, there will be much reflecting on the experiences gained during the lock-down. The threat posed by coronavirus meant that many schools had to roll out and use EdTech on a large scale for the first time.
Understandably, there was a learning curve; England lagged behind some of the other UK nations initially as it didn’t have access to the national online learning platforms used in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, for example. School staff also often lacked the training they needed to teach effectively using digital platforms.
EdTech lessons for schools
Following a tricky few months of grappling with remote learning, some clear lessons have emerged that will help shape the future use of EdTech. These include:
1) Infrastructure
To use EdTech effectively requires reliable and consistent infrastructure. Online platforms need to be fit-for-purpose, user-friendly and secure. The Department for Education (DfE) has been urged to create a national platform to support schools and provide secure and reliable resources.
2) Continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers
Teachers need to have ongoing training to keep up-to-date and informed about technology and how they can best use it to achieve their goals.
3) Security and well-being
For EdTech to be successful, there needs to be measures in place to safeguard its users and their data, and promote good digital well-being. Learners also need to continue to feel genuinely supported in their school. This means knowing that their teachers haven’t disappeared but are still there to guide and help them!
4) Learning communities
The process of integrating EdTech is ongoing and new challenges will continue to emerge. Schools and teachers need to collaborate and share their knowledge and experiences. For some teachers, using EdTech was an entirely new professional experience so support from others in this scenario is invaluable!
Devices such as iPads and laptops are indispensable for accessing EdTech either at home or in the classroom. At Utility Rentals, we offer schools flexible rental agreements to gain access to this technology with no upfront cost. You’ll also benefit from a full parts and labour breakdown warranty as standard, as well as optional theft and accidental damage cover.
If your school wants equipment to help it make the most of EdTech, contact us today!
iPads for Education from Utility Rentals helps schools, acadamies, colleges and universities across the UK to acquire Apple iPads through affordable and tailor made rental solutions.
Our team of tablet wizards are fully in tune with the requirements of the education sector and will work in partnership with you to make the process of getting and maintaining iPads for your pupils and staff refreshingly straightforward.
