Articulating impact
Embedded Files
Understanding the key role of data
Dr Fiona Aubrey Smith urges caution when choosing what data can best articulate the impact of EdTech
"Some people contend that no data is purely quantitative, as our decisions about what and how to measure are based on value judgments.
Over-relying on quantitative data can be misleading, offering a superficial overview rather than revealing the complex reality. Qualitative data provides a more comprehensive understanding"
Effective EdTech
The ability to articulate the positive impact of EdTech by senior leaders to key stakeholders is essential to convince teachers of the benefits of EdTech adoption.
Equally important is the choices we make when we choose what to measure to either prove or disprove the effectiveness of EdTech.
Experienced teachers understand the multitude of factors influencing pupil success. While EdTech offers significant potential, its impact is maximised when coupled with the pivotal role of caring and effective teachers.
A nurturing, inclusive learning environment should underpin all EdTech adoption.
EdTech and dignity for learners
"The results of the PedTech Impact report have really amazed us.
They really go in-depth, looking at just a difference that the technology has made in terms of accelerating progress, in terms of giving children far more confidence in the classroom.
And the biggest thing for us has definitely been around the dignity that has come about. It's a far more dignified way of learning. You can walk into one of our classrooms now and nobody stands out"
Phil Hedger
CEO - LEO Academy Trust
Measuring the true impact of digital technology in our classrooms is complex. EdTech itself is diverse, and its effects are intertwined with teaching quality, how we implement it, and our students' specific needs.
Quantitative and Qualitative Data
Given these complexities, it is critical to adopt a comprehensive approach to evaluating the impact of digital technology in schools. This involves collating both quantitative and qualitative evidence.
By combining these two forms of evidence, we can develop a more holistic and accurate picture of the true impact of digital technology in schools.
Quantitative data, such as test scores, attendance rates, and efficiency metrics, can provide valuable insights into the scale and scope of technology's effects.
Qualitative data, gathered through observations, interviews, and surveys, can offer rich contextual understanding, capturing the nuances of how technology influences teaching practices, student engagement, and the overall learning environment.
Example: LEO Academy Trust PedTech Impact Report (2023)
Quantitative Evidence
Attainment
The attainment of children at LEO schools significantly outperforms national norms in national tests, with the gap between national averages and LEO widening each year.
The proportion of children achieving greater depth in national assessments in reading, writing and mathematics at LEO being more than triple the national average over the last 3 years, with the outperformance between LEO and national figures widening each year.
SEND
The number of children on the SEN register requiring expensive intervention programmes has reduced by around a third because of embedded inclusive practice facilitated by digital technology.
The number of children on the Special Educational Needs register requiring additional interventions (with associated costs) at LEO is decreasing year on year, despite higher levels of need coming into the schools.
Attendance
Attendance figures across LEO are higher than the national average, and net mobility at LEO is just 4% compared to an average 1 of 20-48% across other London schools.
Emma Dallimore from LEO Academy Trust explains how a combination of enhanced engagement through the effective deployment of EdTech and UDL principles has helped improve attendance and Wellbeing for learners.
Teacher capacity and efficiency
Teacher capacity repurposed as a result of moving from paper-based to digital tasks equates to 11 full-time members of staff across the MAT.
Digital tasks increase classroom efficiency by 23%, allowing the repurposing of time for more targeted and inclusive learning.
Staff Satisfaction
Staff satisfaction is consistently 15-20% above national benchmarks with LEO seen as an employer of choice leading to exceptionally high levels of staff retention.
This video from Coupals Primary Academy explains the impact of EdTech on staff retention
Cost Savings
The reduction in worksheet printing and the number of exercise books saves approximately 400 trees per year, equating to a trust-wide saving of around £78 per child per year
Qualitative Evidence
Improvements in Teaching and Learning
Digital technology has improved the quality of teaching and learning at LEO Academy Trust.
The PedTech approach has been linked to better results, more student involvement, and better teaching methods.
Children across LEO classrooms are autonomous, independent, supported, capable, and confident learners with a sense of belonging and purpose.
Impact on Inclusion and Meeting Diverse Needs
Digital technology can be a powerful tool for inclusion, making learning more accessible for all students, including those with special educational needs (SEN) or English as an additional language (EAL)
This is in stark contrast to national trends which have the opposite trajectory.
Promoting Collaboration and Communication
Digital tools facilitate collaboration and communication between students, teachers, and parents, creating a more connected and supportive learning environment.
Children in structured digital collaborations used richer vocabulary as they focused on metacognitive strategies (e.g., reflection, evaluation, planning) instead of purely transactional talk.
Operational Benefits
Implementing digital technology leads to operational benefits for schools, such as cost savings, increased staff satisfaction, and improved recruitment and retention.
LEO schools are targeted as the school of choice by families.
New schools joining LEO are seeing equivalent benefits within 1 year that more established schools took 3 years to make, indicating rapid, positive, and sustainable school improvement.
Views of Stakeholders
Securing funding
Funding can be a major barrier to strategic EdTech adoption but it doesn't need to prevent impactful progress.
We have gathered advice from a range of schools that have successfully and sustainably funded their EdTech investments
EdTech Live
Why not see EdTech in action at one of the EdTech Hubs programme live events?
Quick Links
Quick Links
For quick access to important sections, you can explore: Understanding the benefits of EdTech, How to Remove Barriers to Progress , EdTech Hubs TV and our innovative Live Lessons.
Get in Touch
Get in Touch
If you need to get in touch email edtechhubs@lgfl.net with any queries about the programme. We would love you hear from you!
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