Bridging the gap between IT solutions and education outcomes

Finding the synergy between teaching and ICT solutions to ensure the best learning outcomes can be complex. Nigel Milligan has some advice for SBLs looking to bridge the gap

The future of ICT in your school is crucial if it is going to support school improvement plans and provide the best possible support. Your technical support provider or in-house team should have a clear understanding of the school’s vision so that the right technology solutions can be embedded and fully supported.

A common obstacle between teaching & learning and ICT solutions is when the technical support team or provider try to recommend what is right for them. This may be the most profitable product for external providers or bias from the internal IT team towards technology that they love and feel most comfortable with.

There are many benefits with devices such as iPads & Chromebooks, but many schools won’t embrace them due to reluctance to change. The decision should be a strategic one made by a wider team of leaders with the technical team included. Pupils need to have access to a wide range of platforms, devices and software that they are likely to encounter in future careers. Challenging questions need to be presented to the IT provider / technicians to ensure a well-informed decision.

There is a wide range of ways to approach this, the following summary of questions has always been a good place to start:

Educational Objectives:

• What are the specific educational goals and objectives of the school?
• How can ICT support and enhance these educational objectives?

Teacher Training and Support:

• What training and support is provided for integrating ICT into their teaching practices?
• How can ongoing professional development be enhanced to ensure effective use of ICT tools?

Digital Inclusion:

• How are students with varying levels of access to technology accommodated?
• What strategies are in place to ensure digital inclusion and equitable access?

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• What mechanisms are in place to monitor the impact of ICT on teaching and learning?
• How is feedback gathered regarding ICT effectiveness?

Budget and Resource Allocation:

• What is the current budget allocation for ICT provision?
• Are there potential cost-effective solutions that align with educational goals?

Data Security and Privacy:

• How is student data protected, and what measures are in place to ensure privacy?
• Are there policies and practices to comply with relevant data protection regulations?

Futureproofing:

• How can the school’s ICT strategy align with future technological advancements?
• What steps are being taken to ensure scalability and adaptability?

Sustainability:

• How sustainable are current ICT practices in terms of maintenance, updates, and upgrades?
• Are there plans for future sustainability, considering potential changes in technology?

By asking these questions, you can engage in a meaningful conversation with school leaders, addressing both educational and technological aspects to make informed decisions about ICT provision and its impact.

If your IT support provider does not fully understand and work with you to ensure that all aspects of your school are considered, please seriously consider an alternate provider. As part of my role working with school IT for over 15 years, I have been involved with whole school decisions where IT solutions have helped to make a difference.