A Scottish local authority has published a new digital learning strategy which aims to build on the lessons of delivering remote education during lockdown.

Highland council’s blueprint – written in collaboration with Education Scotland, the national attainment body – points to the success of earlier decisions to invest in technology before the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Members of the council’s education committee signed off on the ICT in Learning strategy for 2021 today, focusing on the following key themes:

• Empower leaders of change to drive innovation and investment in digital technology for teaching and learning.
• Improve access to digital technology for all learners.
• Develop the skills and confidence of educators in the appropriate and effective use of digital technology to support learning and teaching.
• Ensure that digital technology is a central consideration in all areas of curriculum and delivery.

Executive Chief Officer for Education and Learning, Nicky Grant said: “There will always be a place in Education for the physical face to face interactions in the classroom, but connections now exist where they didn’t before. Our teachers in Highland are actively pursuing innovation and excellence to support improved outcomes for our children and young people.”

She added: “Highland has been recognised and identified as an authority which invested in the digital future for both short and longer term benefits and, although Covid-19 was unexpected, it has served to demonstrate that this investment and ambition has allowed Highland pupils to be in a significantly stronger position during this period. The expectation is that post-Covid-19, Highland pupils will continue to have learning enhanced through the use of the digital tools and utilising the digital skills gained during this time.”

To read the report visit here.