The EdTech Strategy – opportunity or missed opportunity?
The recently published Educational Technology Strategy from the DfE has certainly got the discussions
on use of technology in schools going again. This is a good thing after too long where its been
pretty much ignored at that level. Twitter et al have been busy discussing its merits and limitations.
For recent DfE thinking I welcome it as a step forward. However, what struck home with me was
when our good friend Bob Harrison highlighted the definition of Educational Technology they use.
“Educational Technology (EdTech) refers to the practice of using technologies to support teaching,
and the effective day-to-day management of education institutions”
Where is learning?
The focus on the strategy seems, lining up with other DfE agenda, to be to reduce workload for
teachers and administrators. Nothing wrong with that in principle. To be honest I cant see anything
particularly new on this in this Strategy, compared to previous ones, but maybe, just maybe, this
time we will see some positive actions.
What I find more disappointing is the opportunity missed. EdTech is also about supporting learning and this has been ignored. The research is there, the practice that can be shared is there, the will from teachers is there. Where is the political will?
Thanks Andy….The new DfE EdTech strategy is a huge disappointment with an ideologically restrictive definition and does not mention learning or learners. My biggest fear is that it does not even recognise the creative use of technology we currently see in our schools and colleges. The new lower bar may tempt schools and colleges to “power down” in fact?
In all honesty I would rather trust the teachers and learners than this regressive intervention
Got to agree Bob. No learning and, though it does mention teaching, there is no mention of pedagogy. We know that without the right pedagogy, even with potentially exciting new hardware and software, what we to often get is more of the same, rather than the innovation and creativity EdTech can provide for our learners. Remember whiteboards? Interactive with the learner, exciting, opening up new horizons? Or just screens for showing dull slideshows?
If the government is serious about supporting schools with technology, what we really need is proper investment in CPD to give more teachers the pedagogical confidence to use EdTech effectively to support learners.