Blended learning ‘contingency plan’

Scotland’s education secretary has vowed no pupils will be “left behind” in terms of digital access, as he said blended learning “remains a necessary contingency plan should the virus get out of control again at any point”.

John Swinney said access to technology will be a “fundamental aspect” of education in Scotland.

Schools across Scotland were reopened by 18 August after the Scottish Government’s previous plans for blended learning, with pupils learning at home for part of the school week, received an angry reaction from some parents and opposition politicians.

Mr Swinney’s comments come as the Digital Schools Awards programme, which recognises schools and teachers making digital technology part of the curriculum, is set to incorporate blended learning in its criteria.

Among the plans are to provide resources such as more project work which can be carried out in the classroom or at home.

Mr Swinney said: “The experience of lockdown shows that access to technology and digital capability is, and will remain, a fundamental aspect of education in Scotland.

“We know that the effects of the pandemic will be long-lasting, and individual circumstances mean not every family will have had access to such technology, but we will ensure that no young person is left behind.”

He added: “The addition of blended learning to the digital schools award framework will help to give schools recognition for the hard work they have been doing and will continue to do.

“Through the Education Recovery Group, we continue to work with councils, parent bodies, teachers’ representatives and trades unions to ensure that plans are developed collaboratively to prepare for a blended learning mode.”