Damian Hinds MP, chair of the EdTech APPG, joined a range of technology and education figures yesterday about digital strategy as part of the Bett webinar series. The event focused on how to leverage the lessons from lockdown and reflected on the findings of the EdTech APPG’s inaugural report, “Lessons from Lockdown: what we learned about Education Technology in 2020”
The speakers considered which technologies have enhanced learning outcomes, supported pedagogy, boosted wellbeing and improved parental engagement. The following key points were identified as key to maintaining and building on for the future:
- Teacher workload is fundamental to recruitment, retention, and teacher wellbeing. The biggest drivers of teacher workload are marking, planning and data analysis, and in these areas EdTech can make a difference.
- There’s no one–size–fits–all solution for how to deploy EdTech.
- Damian Hinds MP observed it has to be the enduring legacy of the pandemic to bridge the digital divide.
These discussion points can assist schools, Local Authorities, Trusts, technology companies and Government draw up plans to develop digital capabilities and harness the power of technology for the long-term benefit of learners.
The Lessons from Lockdown report outlines key recommendations included above and is available to download below.
Press queries: please contact Monica Thompson edtechappg@besa.org.uk
About the speakers
Damian Hinds MP was joined by Sarah Marshall from Bett; Brian Horsburgh from Dell Technologies; Kayley Snell from Bishop Creighton Academy – Greenwood Academies Trust; Lee Jepson, Director of IT, L.E.A.D. Academy Trust and L.E.A.D. IT Services; and Emma Darcy from Denbigh High School/ Chiltern Learning Trust.
About the EdTech APPG
In September 2020, a group of MPs and Peers formed the EdTech APPG, with the support of BESA, the British Educational Suppliers Association, as a forum for Parliamentarians and policy-makers, the education sector and service suppliers.
The report
The inaugural report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Education Technology (APPG) ‘Lessons from Lockdown: what we learned about Education Technology in 2020’ was published on Thursday, 11th March 2021.
Since it was established the APPG has held several expert panel discussions and overseen a Call for Evidence into which remote learning technologies and practices proved effective during lockdown. The findings of this research have shaped the ‘Lessons from Lockdown’ report.
Upcoming EdTech APPG events
- EdTech’s role in accelerating education after the pandemic
Wednesday, 26th May, 2pm-3pm
- How EdTech can best support children with SEND
Wednesday, 7th July, 2pm-3pm
- EdTech’s role in delivering adult learning (+ AGM)
Wednesday, 15th September, 2pm-3pm
