PUPILS at a Scottish primary school are taking part in a pilot programme giving them and their teachers access to a suite of digital services.
Vodafone launched the Connected Education scheme yesterday at Bridge of Allan Primary in Stirling, incorporating tablet devices for teachers and pupils, mobile Wi-Fi connectivity, advanced security and specialist training to help teachers gain digital skills.
The pilot also uses Microsoft Teams for Education, an online classroom environment allowing students to connect with teachers and classmates easily and safely. It will run until March and follows the launch of a similar programme at a school in Newbury, Berkshire in October.
Connected Education provides straightforward access to classwork, school materials and resources suited to a range of learning styles. Time-consuming tasks can be partly automated, giving teachers an estimated 30% more time for student-focused activities, such as developing relationships or supporting those who need more help.
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Around a million children and young people across the UK are estimated to have inadequate access to technology at home, and Vodafone said providing digital devices and connectivity can help bridge the digital divide.
Lyndsay Macnair, head teacher at Bridge of Allan Primary School, said: “It is important that a digital educational platform provides an engaging and interactive teaching experience, while also being quick and easy to use.
“By working in partnership with Vodafone on the Connected Education project, we hope to showcase how the traditional classroom can be transformed into an environment where present and future generations of children can learn vital digital skills.
“I’m excited to see how this pilot will help transform the in-class experience for both pupils and teachers.”
Anne Sheehan, Vodafone Business UK director, added: “The recent months have highlighted the importance of digital education platforms that children can access whenever they need to.
“We hope this pilot will showcase the effectiveness of such provision.”
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