Al’s #EdTech Blog
Sharing insights and articles on #EdTech, #DigCit and #Education
Donât forget social, emotional health for district IT staff
Thereâs a bond created when a team of people go through a hard time together and what weâve learned during this pandemic is that the social and emotional needs of a district needs to include their staff as well as students.
Why skills should overtake knowledge
The world is changing fast, and so must we, if we are to live in it; successfully, productively and sustainably…
Digital divide
If the gulf in educational opportunity wasnât wide enough, âdigital povertyâ will only get worse unless more children get access to the internet, says Al Kingsley.
EdTech confidence leads to bigger things
With technology becoming increasingly present in classrooms, itâs an exciting time for education. Teachers everywhere recognise its possibilities for innovation, communication and learning, but it is still the case that some feel daunted…
Is Knowledge Obsolete?
I have long thought about the interplay between knowledge and skills. I can’t help thinking that, with all the technology around us, aren’t we now living in a world where we’ve moved past this?
Can Technology Drive Parental Engagement?
Teachers know that the more parents and carers participate in their children’s learning from an early stage, the more effective that learning will be. Whatâs more, a parentâs engagement with their first childâs learning also brings benefits for siblings.
How to Meet the Social-Emotional Needs of Students & Staff
As the pandemic swept through the country, school leaders understood two things: they needed to make sure students had the technology needed to learn remotely and, because of all the upheaval Covid-19 caused, they needed to pay attention to the social emotional needs of their students.
EdTech confidence comes with practice
With technology becoming increasingly present in classrooms, itâs an exciting time for education. Teachers across the board recognize its possibilities for innovation, communication, and learning, but it is still the case that some feel daunted by its complexity and anxious about using it with their students.
The University will put us ahead of the curve
On the morning Peterborough Matters speaks to Al Kingsley an announcement is made that Peterborough is to become a new Education Investment Area, which he broadly welcomes, albeit cautiously.
5 EdTech opportunities that will emerge in 2022
There is a certain perspective that comes from being in the EdTech industry for over 30 years, and while I thought I had seen it all, nothing could have prepared me (or anyone else) for a global pandemic. Not only did the pandemic upend our lives, it looks like we will be managing and battling surges and outbreaks of COVID variants for a lifetime or more.
Safer Internet Day 2022
Safer Internet Day 2022: Empowering students to become responsible and respectful digital citizens. Al Kingsley, discusses how schools can help teach students respectful and responsible online behaviours and awareness on this yearâs Safer Internet Day
Online Safety
Approaches to digital safeguarding
In 2021 the online safety of students became a major concern. Al Kingsley has some starting points for a planned approach to digital safeguarding.
âLevelling-upâ: The emerging role of education technology
With children finally back in the physical classroom after more than a year-and-a-halfâs worth of disruption, and the appointment of a new Secretary of State for Education, many in the sector feel cautiously optimistic as we slowly inch back to ânormalityâ.
Advancing your schoolâs digital strategy
Of course, the most significant change is undoubtedly the increased use of blended learning â a change, I believe, thatâs here to stay.
There is growing evidence of its benefits, and EdTech in general, particularly in terms of studentsâ engagement â and it offers much more flexibility for teachers and students alike.
How to select new software for your school
There is no doubt about it â selecting new software for a school is a daunting process. There are many similar, but competing, solutions to sift through, as well as the significant time and effort needed to evaluate them â not just to see how they work, but to ensure they will cover all bases. All of this is made even more difficult with the added pressure of ensuring that the vast sum of money your school is about to spend will not be in vain