EdTech at Ashford School

E-learning, simply put, is learning through the use of various electronic technology which can enable learning to take place anytime, anyhow and anywhere.   As our students advance in their use of digital technology, the way they work, think and act has had profound effects on the way they learn. In education, these changes have offered both teachers and students unlimited creative opportunities, as well as worthy challenges.  The more directive, traditional model, of a teacher imparting knowledge to students in a passive rote-like fashion, has turned itself around. With their world shaped by digital technology, our children have been newly empowered as independent learners who are confident in seeking answers to their own questions online and bringing their knowledge back into the classroom.

Ashford School is committed to using technology only where it enhances the student’s learning and development.  While our mission at Ashford School is to provide students the best e-learning opportunities through the use of technology, we are also committed to providing a holistic approach to learning, by blending more traditional teaching practices with new digital experiences.  Everything that we do at Ashford School has at its heart a commitment to preparing students to flourish independently in their lives after School.

As our students enter this new world, it is our responsibility as teachers and parents to equip our students with up to date knowledge so that they will make intelligent decisions about their use of technology and the impact it can make on their lives, both educationally and personally.  The practice of E-learning at Ashford School includes the combination of several technologies to access the educational curriculum outside of the traditional classroom. These range from a common Virtual Learning Environment to the 1:1 device scheme for all students; to preparing students with 21^st century skills and teaching them to be safe online. Using mobile devices in classrooms brings education to life. Students are connected all the time: sharing ideas, video clips, webpages, blogs, and creating web content. Using technology that they are familiar with makes learning more engaging and memorable.

As Ashford, we take learning to a new level and infuse creativity with innovation. Working with virtual learning systems (Seesaw, Showbie and Office 365/Teams), AI, 3D technology and Machine Intelligence are just some of the ways Ashford has integrated technology within their teaching and learning practices. Some more examples are listed below:

In English, online forums help give students a voice and encourage collaboration with all members of the classroom.  Comments can be included and critical feedback can be offered online.  This gives the teachers the option to provide personalised feedback and offer a chance for students to reflect on their work.

In Maths, the students work with their devices using various mathematical related apps to enrich their numerical skills, progressing from one stage to the next in levels of difficulty.  As the students progress to the Senior School, they are able to utilise advanced math applications such GeoGebra in their lessons to complete their homework.

In Science related subjects, digital devices will be used for online project work which teachers will be able to monitor in real time and provide personal feedback.  At the Senior School, teachers are using E-Chalk software and are able to demonstrate online 3D simulations with a focus on learning through fun.  With their own individual devices, students are encouraged to carry on their own project work at a time and place which suits them best.

Modern Foreign Languages have instant access to online quiz software called Kahoot, in which students answer questions in real time and play against each other.  Some other students use Google Translate and Camera Translation to help resolve ambiguity in sentence construction and understanding.  Teachers are able to use ‘Quizlet’ flashcards and utilise apps that can aid in learning and development on the students’ devices.

At a time of critical change within the UK, preparing our children for life in the Fourth Industrial Revolution cannot be left to chance. Every day, a teacher will create, develop and evaluate new ways to make learning better, more innovating, and engaging to a student. In the digital age, this kind of innovation and disruption is being accelerated by the availability of an ever-increasing array of learning technologies, which teachers are expected to use both effectively and efficiently.

In the absence of an effective school wide strategy and possible leadership, huge amounts of time and money can be spent with limited return on investment. Like any school implementation, a digital strategy consists of a well-planned framework to accommodate for change and shift in culture. There is no standard method for great learning, even in the age of AI, but strategic leadership is needed to create the conditions in which meaningful learning can flourish. At Ashford, we have a whole school wide implementation of technology, which consists of key areas (listed below), though not always linear in nature.

Understanding of Digital Leadership, which is focused on creating a culture of change and mindset in School. It is the understanding of how to develop and deliver a successful implementation of educational technology in School, while considering how efficiencies can be harnessed through effective use of technology.

Understanding of the School’s Digital Ecosystems including infrastructure, architecture and educational workflows using the technology and how it can be adapted to support online educational workflows.

Understanding of the School’s Digital Workflows and how they can work alongside current pedagogical strategies in the classroom, particularly in times of remote learning where learning can take place anywhere, anyplace and at anytime. It is the study of how to carry out online Teaching and Learning strategies to facilitate key areas of content delivery, feedback, marking, assessment and flipped learning.

Understanding of the Digital Curriculum and how it can adapt to online teaching and learning platforms while taking into consideration engagement and motivational approaches for the learning in the digital age.

Developing Continuous Professional Development training for what works best in using educational technology both appropriately and meaningfully within current pedagogical practices. This area of professional development is a key indicator to change management at a human level and the challenges that follow.