The DfE and members of the EdTech leadership group have announced the EdTech Demonstrator Schools and Colleges Programme and EdTech Innovation Testbeds
EdTech Demonstrator Schools and Colleges Programme
Education Technology (EdTech) has the potential to reduce workload, help generate cost savings, increase accessibility and improve learner outcomes. Whilst some school and colleges have seen these benefits, others tell us they’d like greater support to help consider the place for technology in their context.
The DfE is providing an exciting opportunity for schools and colleges who are using technology effectively to apply to become technology Demonstrators and to share their experience and help support other providers. This may include, for example, offering support and guidance on the effective use of technology to help reduce teacher workload, help create efficiencies, improve accessibility, and ultimately support excellent teaching and learning. Publicly funded schools and providers of 16-19 study programmes who meet the required inspection and performance criteria will be eligible to apply.
The successful Demonstrators will receive between £75,000 and £150,000 in grant funding to support the delivery of this programme. Applications from consortiums of schools or colleges are welcome, but the lead bidder must satisfy the minimum criteria as set out in the Expression of Interest.
For further detail and information on how to apply, and which schools and providers of 16-19 study programmes are eligible, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/edtech-demonstrator-schools-and-colleges-programme [please note that this link can be accessed from Friday 11th October] . Applications for the Demonstrator selection exercise will run from 11th October to 22nd November.
The DfE will host two Skype Q&A sessions on 6th November and 7th November to answer any questions your network may have (please click on the dates to register) but if you have any questions in the meantime please contact the DfE team at [email protected].
EdTech Innovation Testbeds
We are also calling on a wide range of schools and colleges to participate in the EdTech Innovation Testbed, in partnership with Nesta. Announced as part of the DfE’s Education Technology Strategy, this programme will help schools and colleges trial promising technology suited to their needs for free, with CPD for participants and hands-on support from evaluation experts to understand what works across the following areas:
- Formative assessment and essay marking
- Timetabling
- Parental engagement
This is an excellent opportunity to trial technology that could work for schools and colleges for free and to help build the evidence base for what works, helping you and other institutions across England make the right decisions when it comes to technology. Applications will open on the 11 October 2019 and the application process can be found at www.nesta.org.uk/project/edtech-innovation-testbed/. The closing date for applications is on the 25 November 2019.
