CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY


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CLASSROOMTECHNOLOG Y


teachers receive practical technology training very three months, is causing a disconnect with lassroom technology.


However, overcoming this lack of confidence is a shared experience. Colleagues should come together to create professional learnin g


communities to inspire and support one another in embracing technology and growing their own digital skills through professional development programmes. A great example of how this helps to drive engagement and confidence is Danesfield School, who use theMicrosoft Educator


progress from home. Data insights tools give teachers access to a whole host of information to effectively track student performance and understand where more support is needed for every individual.


Modernising classrooms Modernising classrooms


Yet, despite the clear potential of technology for time and resource efficiencies, today’s classrooms in the UK are still not set up in a way that is conducive to providing an engaging learning environment. In fact, 30%of teachers recognise this, with 54%noting a lack of student access to devices in the classroom. However, what really brings this lack of technology to the forefront of concern is that teachers know that tech can help support student learning and increase inclusivity, but they are stuck in classrooms not fit for purpose.


With lightweight, compact devices educators and students alike can work from anywhere, whether that be at home, in the classroom or even on trips out of environment. This e


setting that best suits their needs and sparks creativity with students benefiting from the stimulus around them as they experience new places and things.


The crux of the matter is, if schools want to drive inclusivity and support students in personalised and effective ways, they must modernise classrooms. UK teachers understand that technology in the classroom can positively impact the student- teacher relationship, in fact 49%of teachers believe tech improves student- teacher collaboration, with 74%underlining it supports student learning and 53%highlighting it creates a more inclusive learning environment. For students with learning and visual challenges technology can completely transform the way they learn and interact with others in the classroom. Versatile mobile devices loaded with collaboration tools can level the playing field and provide additional support for students that need it. In virtual spaces that can be navigated hands- free or eyes-free, students can consume content in their preferred way, collaborating more inclusively and naturally. This inclusive way of learning is empowering a student with hearing impairments at the City ofWestminster College to communicate more freely and clearly with peers and teachers and is helping to grow his confidence in preparation for the future workplace .


Getting the tech know-howho tt te kn


Still, a lack of confidence with technology is holding teachers back from making the most of the tools available to them, let alone embracing new technologies. Only 15%of teachers in the UK feel confident with technology, and this, coupled with the fact that only 33%of


3 6 www.education-today.co.uk.co.uk www March 2019 2019 Skills for the future


nables everyone to work in a the traditional classroom


Skills for the future


But teaching and learning with technology isn’t just a nice to have. It’s all about improving learning outcomes, and most of all preparing students for the future world of work. According to our AI research, business leaders prioritise skills such as problem solving, teamwork, leadership and resilience – the skills that will help the future workforce adapt and drive human value as innovations change the face of the workplace. According to UK teachers, our schools are


continuing to prioritise skills such as subject-based knowledge and the ability to retain information over the skills that will help today students thrive in tomorrow’s world of work. Despite this, teachers want to prioritise the future-proofing skills that businesses want and need, with 59%of teachers wanting to focus on building resilience


Community to empower teachers to learn at their own pace, and gain confidence using technology to teach. In addition, this has led to much more creative approaches to using tech in lessons school-wide.


and 53%looking to focus on problem solving skills. Teachers are actively looking to prepare students for jobs that will evolve with an education that is deep and broad, not narrow


With this, comes and specialized.


the necessity for technology .


In fact, 66%of teachers highlight technology as critical to broadening student skillsets beyond the curriculum, including collaboration and digital skills. Schools such as Broadclyst School are already taking note setting pupils challenges to give students the real-world skills they need to excel in academics and future careers. These challenges, such as working in groups to plan how to bring a product to market, have


collaborative and mobile technology at the heart to help increase collaboration and engage students. We know that students could be at a disadvantage in later life if they don’t have the opportunity to grow throughout their education journey with technology, and the schools that prioritise this way of nurturing skills will be th e ones to succeed.


Creating life ti fellono g learners ne


Beyond helping to cultivate future critical skills, schools and teachers must work to instil and nurture a lifelong learning mindset. TheWorld Economic Forum forecasts that workers will need to be ‘agile lifelong learners’ in the workplace, and as jobs continue to change, we must ‘learn how to learn’. For today’s students, learning shouldn’t stop when they leave the classroom, finish school or even graduate from university, in fact learning should never stop.


But we aren’t there yet. 58%of teachers


believe the education system is failing to facilitate lifelong learning, and this coupled with the fact that only 42%of teachers believe schools are instilling the skills students will need in the world of work signals the need for a clear turning point. 30 years ago, educators knew exactly what jobs students would go into. Today, teachers ar e asking for support preparing students for a less clearly defined future, and we know that a lifelong learning mindset will help students adapt and navigate the transforming workplace and its ever-changing demands. Students must grow with this mindset instilled from the very outset of their education journey as a key step in preparing for the next stage in life.


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