Insights | Tech is a force multiplier in education

The technological revolution has boomed. It has changed everything, from how we communicate with others, consume news and watch movies, to how we purchase goods. It has also become a major tool in shaping the future of education.

Engaging pupils is often quite challenging for teachers. Studies have shown that engaged pupils are 2.5 times more likely to get higher grades in their academic performance than pupils who are not engaged. The use of Educational Technology (EdTech) in schools is currently the top pupil engagement strategy used in the classroom. EdTech promotes active learning, and when pupils are actively engaged in class, they are more positive, encouraged and motivated.

Interactive whiteboards are probably the most well-known form of EdTech. They provide a touchscreen display for teachers to share presentations, play videos and annotate documents. Wellington classrooms are equipped with Maxhub boards, chosen specifically for their quality, ease of use and excellent immersive learning experience. These boards allow teachers to screenshare devices, screen record, annotate and much more. Pupils can also share their own device screens by scanning the board QR code or using the MaxHub Screenshare app.

In 2017, Microsoft introduced their educational platform Microsoft 365, to help schools improve the educational experience for their staff and pupils. One personalised email address and password allows access to all the Microsoft applications and to the school network. Microsoft Teams is our online platform for communication and collaboration, especially in our Upper Prep and Senior Schools. Pupils use Teams to communicate and collaborate, empowering them to take responsibility for their own learning as they support and encourage their peers. Cloud storage has revolutionised the way digital work is stored. Wellington uses OneDrive to store work, and it can be accessed on any device and shared for collaboration. OneNote is our go-to digital notebook for teachers and pupils and the computing department use OneNote for a digital record of pupil work.

Apple have revolutionised how EdTech is used in the classroom, especially for younger pupils. From creating GarageBand music, to learning how to code in Swift, there are multiple applications that help pupils learn. At Wellington, all pupils in the Prep school have access to an iPad, with a 1:1 iPad programme implemented in years 4-8. Pupils use a wide variety of iPad apps, specifically tailored to their age, to present their work in unique and interesting ways. They create presentations and a range of multimedia content including videos, comic strips and animations. They take notes, plan and record ideas, problem solve, collaborate and create their own content to reflect and expand on their learning and passions. Teachers use a variety of classroom management apps, such as Apple Classroom and interactive assessment apps to constantly create meaningful learning opportunities for their pupils. Kahoot and Quizzizz are particular favourites for all ages at Wellington, with EduCake, GCSE Pod and Complete Maths being used in Upper Prep and Senior School to revise core concepts in preparation for exams.

We use a number of other interactive devices as well. The science department at Wellington has a large scale Starlab planetarium. This uses a high-quality digital projector and inflatable dome to provide a full 180° video experience. Our own 360 cameras provide opportunities for pupils to make their own planetarium movies. Our VR headsets immerse our pupils in famous art galleries and other cultural destinations. 3D printers in our Makerspace and Computing rooms bring pupils' designs come to life! In September 2021, our robotics lab was completed and was equipped with a wide variety of equipment, such as Lego WeDo and Lego Spike Prime; Dash and Dot robots; Sphero Bolts and programmable drones.

Use of EdTech does, of course, come with its disadvantages. Eye damage, excessive screen time, diminished research skills, reduced face-to-face communication and oracy skills and lost work due to technical problems are all valid concerns. However, at Wellington, teachers ensure that pupils get a healthy balance of digital and analog educational tools. Last year, average screen time for a 12-year-old was actually less than one hour per day. Additionally, our teachers provide opportunities for pupils to conduct independent research so they can develop core skills. Oracy is a big focus in our Prep School, and our teachers help our pupils to be confident public speakers with apps such as FlipGrid. Co-curricular opportunities at Wellington, such as musical and dramatic productions, debating clubs and Model United Nations also provide opportunities for pupils to gain public speaking experience without the aid of a digital device.  

EdTech use in schools has increased dramatically over the past decade. We are justifiably proud of its provision and development at Wellington. We do everything we can to ensure our pupils balance their screen time. Provision and resources are constantly updated. Staff are confident in delivering EdTech across a wide range of subjects. Pupils are keen, engaged learners. At Wellington, we are confident in our use of EdTech as one of the major tools in advancing the education of all our pupils.