Technology in education was set to be one of the biggest changes in teaching and learning that we would see. For years many people within education assessed the potential benefits of using technology in education against its risks and consequences. In August 2018, the then Education Secretary Damian Hinds challenged the tech industry to launch an education revolution. He asked that more schools embrace technology into education to develop innovative teaching practices, to cut teacher workload and to promote lifelong learning.
Less then two years later schools, teachers and students across the globe have resorted to the use of technology to continue to provide content rich lessons online. Teachers have turned traditional teaching methods on its head - providing online problem solving and group work opportunities through virtual breakout rooms. Virtually setting the expectations high to provide quality online teaching too 70/80 or more students per class, but at the same time providing the nurturing one to one support to those students who need it most.
The tech industry have stepped up to the mark, many providing amazing premium features free for teachers to use. Online platforms have revolutionised the way we communicate with our students by enabling us teachers to continue to discreetly differentiate our work to ensure all students needs are met. Teachers have mastered the art of instructional videos, online mini assessments, create blended learning environments for their students, teaching live lesson's with live marking and feedback.
I have a firm belief that having a technology background is not important when you have the drive and passion to utilise technology within your classroom. I have developed from a classroom teacher who used technology to merely display the lesson on a presentation to now leading an innovative tech-savvy learning experience for my students and the teachers at my school.
My role has allowed me to provide the necessary training, advice and to model the use of technology to enrich and support teaching and learning while strengthening the technology skills of staff, students and parents. The varied, dynamic and stimulating lessons our staff provide have been enhanced with the use of 1:1 Chromebooks and G Suite for Education, removing barriers for many of our learners to learn both inside and outside of the classroom.