A new scheme from UCL’s Educate programme, named Educate for Schools, will be launched to help teachers prioritise their edtech needs.
The pilot is based at UCL’s Knowledge Lab, and Educate researchers will work with teachers to become more confident in using technology in the classroom.
An initial trial is being rolled out at Hammersmith Academy in London.
Headteacher Gary Kynaston said: “Working with Educate for Schools has been really helpful in teaching our staff how to identify and prioritise our needs around edtech. I now feel more confident that we’ll be able to find technology solutions that are really fit for purpose.”
Schools often waste valuable resources on edtech that gathers dust on a shelf or is locked in a cupboard because no one really knows what to do with it.
– Dr Kristin Weatherby, Educate
Educate researcher Dr Kristin Weatherby conceived the new scheme, and will work directly with teachers and schools.
She said: “Schools often waste valuable resources on edtech that gathers dust on a shelf or is locked in a cupboard because no one really knows what to do with it.”
“From our experience of working with schools and technologists, we have learned that teachers are sometimes fearful of technology or may not quite grasp how it can help them, or they may not know what questions to ask to ensure it meets their needs,” she added.
The Educate for Schools programme will be launched at this week’s Bett show, taking place at the Excel in London from 23-26 January.
Schools can download the scheme guide at educate.london/competition. Those that download the guide during Bett will be automatically added in to a prize draw for a free two-hour Educate for Schools staff workshop.