How can digital transformation help the education sector?
Posted by Temi Adedeji on Sep 28, 2023
As technology advances, UK schools need to ensure they are aware of both the positive and negative effects this can bring.
A recent BBC news article highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) could be developing too quickly and not giving schools enough time to seek advice on how to effectively adapt. There is some concern about the impact AI could have on education.
This being said, there is still a breadth of technology that supports students and staff, and can make a positive impact on learning.
In this article, we look at some of the Edtech (education technology) being successfully adopted by UK schools.
How can the education sector benefit from technology?
As we already know, technology has the ability to streamline day to day processes. As a result, the education sector can benefit from technology in many ways:
- Improve the effectiveness of teaching delivery
- Offer greater efficiency through digital tools
- Encourage collaboration, engagement, and inclusion
Integration of new technology in the classroom can take many forms and the focus of this article will look at how technology can drive positive change.
Analytics
Schools are responsible for handling and protecting significant amounts of data. For example, examination results, contact details, financial records and recruitment information. Digital transformation offers schools the opportunity to organise data and interpret it. Using the latest data analytics provided by our suppliers can useful for these processes.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services and includes servers, storage, databases, networking and software that continues to grow and develop every year. Introducing cloud solutions can improve flexibility, collaboration and communication and ultimately support an organisation’s digital transformation journey.
At an educational level, cloud computing can help streamline processes by powering a virtual approach rather than physical hardware. Some of the benefits of this include; anywhere, anytime accessibility using any device, better security and improved environmental sustainability.
Communication software
The Covid-19 pandemic meant that digital software became essential and as a result tools such as Microsoft Teams came to the forefront. Today, it is possible for schools to incorporate these systems and create online classes, share resources and assign duties.
Security software
Cybersecurity is the protection of networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access. Cyberattacks compromise the safety and security of teachers, school administrations, as well as the privacy of students.
Schools handle significant amounts of sensitive information and so a robust security system is absolutely vital to protect data and the school.
Virtualisation
Education has developed from textbooks and whiteboards to e-learning and virtual classrooms. Virtualisation can help scalability, flexibility, accessibility, and security for institutions. For example, when a school replaces their use of traditional notepads with interactive tablets or other technology.
At KCS Procurement Services we provide a pathway for schools to procure technology solutions through our frameworks, and importantly, six of our technology frameworks have been classified as approved by the Department for Education Schools Commercial Team.
Framework in focus
Our ICT Managed Services and Consultancy framework covers the supply and fit, support and maintenance, systems configuration and management of hybrid or fully managed ICT services, both cloud and on-premise options.
Resources
What Is Digital Transformation In The Education Sector? | Cantium
Transforming for a digital future: 2022 to 2025 roadmap for digital and data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Schools bewildered by AI advances, say head teachers - BBC News
Implementation of education technology in schools and colleges (publishing.service.gov.uk)