Information and communications technology (ICT) in schools
Technology has come a long way in recent years and is transforming the way education is delivered.
The Government has invested heavily in information and communications technology (ICT) in school. Computers, electronic whiteboards and other new technologies are commonplace in classrooms and most teachers and pupils now have access to the internet. The Government supports the development of online education by providing funds to Learning and Teaching Scotland.
Development of a Technologies for Learning strategy
The Scottish Government has started work on the development of a Technologies for Learning strategy. The overall aim of the strategy will be to embed the transformational potential of technologies for learning in a proactive, integrated and sustainable manner for the benefit of Scotland's learners and Scotland's economic growth.
We have developed a blog to keep stakeholders involved with progress and provide a conduit for views and opinions: www.technologiesforlearningstrategy.org.uk
Glow
Glow, the national schools intranet for Scotland, will digitally link Scotland's 800,000 teachers and pupils in one of the most ambitious projects taking place anywhere in the world. Glow will provide tools to help achieve the aims of Curriculum for Excellence.
Glow is now live in many schools and will continue to be rolled out over the next academic year. Glow is
- providing 21st century technology for 21st century learning - maintaining and improving Scotland's reputation as a world class service
- delivering a range of learning and teaching services and resources to pupils, teachers and managers, within a managed and regulated online environment
- allowing teachers to maximise the use of internet technology such as video clips and high-quality graphics, making lessons more exciting for their pupils
- enabling every pupil and teacher to communicate and collaborate electronically with one another, sharing ideas and resources
Glow is funded by the Scottish Government, managed by Learning and Teaching Scotland and delivered in partnership with RM Education plc, the Glow contractor.
Glow Futures
Scottish Ministers intend to initiate a formal procurement process to find a partner or partners who will enter into a joint venture or similar collaborative arrangement with Scottish Ministers to deliver Glow Futures.
Glow is at the leading edge of national learning platform development and has built a solid foundation, which is highly regarded by the international education community. The solid foundation layers combined with the flexible mindset of current Glow stakeholders provides opportunities for focused development that will continue to enhance the use of technology for learning and provide opportunities for further enhancing Scotland's status as a leading player in learning technology on the international stage.
The Scottish Government is in the early stages of preparing for the procurement of Glow Futures and we have established a project team to take this forward. Plans for the procurement are currently being developed. The intended model for the procurement and delivery of Glow Futures is breaking new ground and will provide the vehicle for a truly collaborative approach to delivering excellent learning opportunities for Scottish citizens through the development of leading edge technology.