Teachers coped well during the pandemic, but we must give them the real-time intelligence they need. That way they’ll waste less time searching for data, and instead can re-focus on improving student’s lives, writes Winston Poyton, IRIS Product Director…
Over the last 18 months, the education sector has seen an accelerated use of digital tools. We all know blended learning is here to stay, so with a new academic year approaching, educators need to tidy up their tech and data, close the Covid learning gap and make progression a more positive experience for all.
To do this successfully, teachers must have the time to teach in a hybrid environment, but this requires easy access to information and intelligence.
Education technology (EdTech) is the only way this can happen, but we have to do it right. Crack that balance, and we’ll shape the culture of learning and create a digital-first curriculum fit for the next normal.
The need for education intelligence
Traditionally, Management Information Systems (MIS) were kept locked in school offices due to outdated IT. During the pandemic, teachers spent significant amounts of time and energy looking for and extracting vital information like academic results, attendance and safeguarding notes.
Without easy access to these insights, it is difficult for teachers to plan effectively, step in at the point of need and fairly assess their students.
Teachers need to be empowered to deliver successful blended learning.
From registrations, absences and detentions, to financial planning, staff development and reporting, educators need software that gives them real-time information so they can act quickly and step in at the point of need to create the best possible outcome for every pupil.
Giving teachers the tools they need
Figures suggest 90% of school leaders say data and analysis has a huge impact on workloads. With the new school year around the corner, there has never been a more critical time to give teachers a real-time intelligence system with a single source of trusted data, regardless of how big the school or Trust is.
That way academic results, behaviour and safeguarding notes are all stored on a centralised, easy-to-access-and-use system.
Trust leaders must have the intelligence to make better decisions, especially as they scoop up more schools and academies. EdTech can help them cost ‘what if’ scenarios, looking at longer-term financial projections and making data-driven decisions for the good of the trust.
By receiving real-time updates, teachers can see trends in real-time and identify what changes need making. This empowers them to match educational impacts to financial ones, like comparing this across schools to identify areas of achievement and improvement.
Time is of the essence
We have a real opportunity to learn the lessons of remote teaching during COVID-19, but teachers must be equipped to teach in an agile, hybrid environment using the right tech.
Technology can streamline teachers’ admin, saving time and removing the pain of keeping on top of internal messages and term-end reporting. It can also empower them to work smarter and give them time back they need to concentrate on what matters most – improving the life chances of students.
By having better information, teachers can be supported with the intelligence they need to make smarter decisions about pupils, schools and trusts.
EdTech, done right, can shape the culture of learning, deliver smarter outcomes for pupils and ultimately, give teachers the precious time they need to be the best version of themselves.
