Every school age pupil in Midlothian to receive a free device for learning

Thursday February 25th 2021

digital-learning-Newbattle-pupils

Newbattle Community High School S5 pupils Aimee Bentley and Ava Harvey with their digital learning devices.


Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson

Every school age pupil in the county is to receive a learning device such as an iPad or Google Chromebook as part of Midlothian Council’s £10.5 million investment in digital learning. Midlothian is the first local authority in Scotland to launch a digital learning project on this scale.

The ambitious plan recognises the importance of digital tools to support learning.

This investment will ensure Midlothian’s young people have the digital skills they need to secure a positive destination such as a job or a Further or Higher Education place, which in turn will help support the local economy. Making sure all pupils have a device will also help young people with additional support needs by giving them access to technology that can help with their different learning needs.

Primary schools will have the flexibility to select the right device to support their school community until Primary 7 where all pupils from P7 upward will receive a Google Chromebook. Early years settings will also benefit from the digital strategy as they will have access to shared iPad devices.

Additionally, Newbattle Community High School will continue to be the Digital Centre for Excellence in Midlothian, piloting innovation and creativity in new technologies. This investment will also make sure Midlothian’s teaching staff have access to world-class technology, with wider support for other Education staff, Children’s Services and Communities & Lifelong Learning.

A spokesperson for Midlothian Council said:

“This has been a long-standing ambition within our Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy and the pandemic has accelerated our plans. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of digital inclusion for our young people and, at its heart, this is a programme focused on equity for all.

“By ensuring that all our pupils are provided with a device by the council, we are helping to achieve equality in learning and attainment. It is anticipated that young people’s opportunities and skills in a range of areas including Literacy, Numeracy, Health and Wellbeing and creativity will be greatly expanded by this programme.”

Devices will be issued as part of an accelerated roll-out within the academic session 2021/22.

Tweet Share on Facebook  
 

Subscribe to the Midlothian View newsletter




Support Midlothian View from as little as £1. It only takes a minute. Thank you.

Comments are closed.

 

Midlothian View Advertising