Ofsted and EdTech
Ofsted and EdTech
Where does EdTech fit into the school inspection framework?
Katie Usher, Deputy Headteacher at Lawford C of E Primary School,
explains how Ofsted recognised the use of technology during the inspection.
Ofsted strand 1 - Quality of Education
Ofsted's core objective is to evaluate the quality of education.
Purposeful technology integration can profoundly enhance teaching and learning processes, leading to demonstrably improved pupil outcomes.
Enhanced Learning Experiences
Technology can provide students with access to a wealth of information, interactive simulations, and multimedia resources, making learning more engaging and immersive. This can lead to deeper understanding and better retention of knowledge.
Personalised Learning
Access to on demand technology allows for adaption and personalised learning experiences. Pupils can make choices on how they showcase their learning using a variety of digital and non digital tools.
Assessment and Feedback
Technology can help to facilitate ongoing assessment and provide immediate feedback to pupils, allowing them to track their progress and identify areas for improvement. Teachers can also use technology to analyse pupil data (particularly in real time) and tailor their instruction accordingly.
Ofsted strand 2 -
Behaviour and Attitudes
Positive Learning Environments
Technology can transform learning from passive to active, capturing pupils' attention and fostering a love for learning. Interactive games, simulations, and a range of multimedia content can make learning more enjoyable and stimulating, leading to increased enthusiasm and participation.
Engagement and Motivation
Classrooms can be transformed, changing learning from passive to active, capturing pupils' attention and fostering a love for learning. Interactive games, simulations, and a range of multimedia content can make learning more enjoyable and stimulating, leading to increased enthusiasm and participation.
Self Regulation
A lever to empower pupils to take ownership of their learning and develop self-regulation skills. Digital tools can help students set goals, track their progress, and manage their time effectively, fostering independence and responsibility.
Ofsted strand 3 -
Personal Development
Ofsted expects schools to cultivate a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Technology can be leveraged to facilitate personalised learning pathways, actively engage pupils, and foster a collaborative learning culture, contributing to a thriving school environment.
A Holistic Education
Technology is no longer just a tool for learning, but a fundamental pillar of a holistic education. It empowers pupils with the skills, knowledge, and experiences to thrive in the modern world.
Self Confidence and Self Esteem
Access to technology as well as other non digital tools, can provide pupils with opportunities to showcase their talents, express their creativity, and receive recognition for their achievements, boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Communication and Collaboration Skills
Through technology, pupils can collaborate with peers, communicate their ideas effectively, and engage in meaningful discussions, developing essential communication and interpersonal skills - A skill they will need for the workplace.
Creativity and Innovation
Technology provides pupils with tools and platforms to express their creativity, experiment with new ideas, and develop innovative solutions. Digital art, music creation, augmented or virtual reality and video production are just some of the ways technology can foster creative expression.
Simon Pile at Anson explains how they have used Augmented reality to inspire learners and provide a vehicle for them to express their learning in unique and highly creative ways.
Diverse Perspectives and Cultures
Technology allows pupils to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures, broadening their horizons and fostering empathy and understanding.
Personalised Learning and Self Discovery
Technology can support personalised learning journeys, allowing pupils to explore their interests, discover their passions, and develop their unique talents.
Ofsted strand 4 -
Leadership and Management
Ofsted places significant emphasis on effective leadership and management.
Technology can streamline operational processes, enhance communication channels, and facilitate data-driven decision-making, all of which are critical components in exhibiting robust leadership.
Data Driven decision making
Through technology, leaders and teachers can collect valuable data on pupil learning and school performance. Leaders can use this data to inform decision-making, track progress, and identify areas for improvement.
Streamlining Processes
Technology can help schools streamline administrative tasks, improve communication, and enhance efficiency. This can free up valuable time for leaders and teachers to focus on teaching and learning, which can positively impress inspectors.
Effective Communication with all Stakeholders
Leaders can utilise technology to facilitate effective communication with staff, parents, and the wider community. This can demonstrate a commitment to transparency and collaboration.
Responsive Safeguarding
Schools can utilise technology to enhance safeguarding practices, such as monitoring online activity, filtering inappropriate content, as well as gathering trends to enable a responsive based curriculum for Online Safety. This demonstrates a commitment to pupil well-being and safety.
Using EdTech to ensure curriculum accessibility for all
Technology can be used to support inclusive practices and cater to the diverse needs of all learners.
Leaders can showcase how technology is being used to provide personalised learning experiences, differentiate instruction, and ensure that all pupils have the right tools to access the curriculum.
Evidence from school inspections
The positive impact of successfully embedded technology
'Pupils with SEND achieve well because their learning is adapted well. The use of electronic devices provides pupils with SEND with appropriate adjustments. Staff have the required knowledge and expertise to do this with precision'
'Teachers design lesson activities to engage, include and inspire pupils, often using technology. Online resources and digital tools help pupils to be inquisitive and independent.'
'Pupils with SEND also learn the curriculum very well. Staff use a range of resources, including technology, to help them to build their knowledge effectively.'
'Teachers assess what pupils have learned well, often making good use of technology to do so. This enables them to adapt the curriculum to meet pupils’ needs.'
'Digital technology and computing are used effectively within all subject areas as a tool for learning. This is particularly the case in science, design technology and art. As a result, pupils have excellent computer skills and can choose the most appropriate form of media to present their work.'
'The school’s use of digital technology to support and enhance pupils’ learning is exemplary. This is particularly effective for pupils with SEND, where digital tools are used to ensure pupils can access a broad and rich curriculum. For example, pupils can apply their thinking using a range of digital tools such as video and voice notes.'
Ofsted also place importance on the key role of effective use of EdTech to support Home-School communication.
We invite you to explore our site further. Discover resources, videos, and insights that can help explain where EdTech fits into this key communication channel, which can significantly impact on a learner's overall progress at school
EdTech Live
Why not see EdTech in action at one of the EdTech Hubs programme live events?
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.
If you need to get in touch email edtechhubs@lgfl.net with any queries about the programme. We would love you hear from you!