New insight:

Navigating digital transformation in education.

Navigating the Digital Transformation in Education

A Thought Leadership Perspective

In the realm of education, the integration of technology has been a double-edged sword. While it holds the potential to revolutionise learning, there have been instances where schools have invested in technology without reaping the desired benefits, often due to the addition of new technology being added to existing systems without an effective digital strategy.

The Technology in Schools Survey underscores this point, indicating that schools make substantial financial investments in technology each year. However, without a clear framework and guiding principles related to technology selection, these investments may not yield the desired results. For instance, the mere act of purchasing new hardware due to commercial pressures, without considering its integration with learning, can lead to ineffective use of technology.

This issue is further highlighted by a BBC News report titled ‘Digital Poverty in Schools’. The report brings to light the challenges faced by schools that provide laptops but still encounter barriers in terms of parents’ IT skills and children having adequate space to study. This suggests that simply investing in technology is not enough; a comprehensive strategy is needed to address all aspects of digital learning.

Fortunately, there is a growing recognition of the importance of digital technology in education. According to the 2022-2023 Technology in Schools Survey, a significant number of schools now have a digital strategy in place, with 68% of secondary schools and 55% of primary schools leading the charge. This represents a significant increase from previous years.