Pupils hampered by

Youngsters unable to access online tool

TAYSIDE pupils working from home were hit with technical difficulties when they tried to log on to remote learning systems.

Issues with communication software Microsoft Teams, which is used by schools to host online classes, forced the company to announce an investigation via Twitter.

Pupils, parents and teachers reported issues accessing classroom materials through Teams, often when accessed through Glow, the Scottish Government-backed digital schools network.

Grove Academy and Craigie High in Dundee were among those to reassure pupils following the disruption.

It is understood pupils at Carnoustie High also experienced issues and the school was reportedly flooded with calls from concerned parents.

Kirkcaldy High also said the system had caused delays in work being uploaded.

The school’s business department tweeted: “Due to the volume of people across the country trying to use Teams there are massive delays with the system just now.

“Work has been scheduled to post at 9am. It hasn’t done so yet due to the amount of people trying to use the system. It will post. Please be patient.”

Tele columnist Martel Maxwell said her family had been affected by the issue.

She said: “I’m not sure if there are maybe more people trying to log in or sign up now.

“I have three kids, two at school and one at nursery. My one at nursery mainly just runs rampant around the house, but Monty, one of my older kids, had a music lesson today.

“When he first called in today his teacher could see him but not hear him, so I gave him my phone to call back but then she could hear him but not see him.

“Other teachers seem to have had connection issues as well.”

Glow also said the issue was being investigated but that it was not exclusive to the learning platform.

Speaking at Monday’s Covid19 briefing, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon assured schools and parents the issue was global and was “not unique to Scotland”.

She said: “Firstly, let me begin by acknowledging that today sees many teachers, parents, and young people embark on another period of homeschooling.

“There are a range of resources and support available, however I know some of you might be having an issue this morning with Microsoft Teams.

“This is not an issue that is unique to Scotland, or unique to schools, but I understand Microsoft is currently working to address it.

“But more generally I don’t underestimate how difficult this is both from an educational perspective and for young people – not just learning at home but learning away from your friends.”

Mum-of-two Anna Young, a teacher from Dundee, said the issue didn’t affect primary schools too much.

“There are currently different methods and ways of teaching our children,” she said.

“Schools and teachers are trying to think of different ways to ensure that children do receive their education.

“There have been technical issues but teachers have been working hard to ensure that no child misses out – in some cases if there have been technical or IT issues teachers have been able to find ways to back learning up and even as far as providing paper versions of work.

“There are back-up plans in place which is important and most teachers and senior management have already factored in ways to make things work.

“It has been a lot of work and it is no fun when you would rather be doing active teaching and teaching children face to face.

“Technology is great when it works and there have been challenges.”

Grove Academy offered some support to families experiencing troubles with the server.

The school tweeted: “We are aware of the issues, please only do what you can do and try not to worry if it’s not working.

“Step away from ICT for 10 minutes and breath. Follow your timetable and there will be time to catch up with anything from this morning later.”

A Microsoft spokesman was unable to confirm when the issue would be rectified but said: “Our engineers are working to resolve difficulties accessing Microsoft Teams.”

Despite her issues, Martel is still fan of the system overall.

She added: “I do think it’s amazing on the whole.

“I think about how talented it must be making all these kids with lots of modern technology as well.

“They’re five years old and they’re able to do all these things.

“It’s a great system, there are just a few gremlins here and there which we need to work with when we’re using it,” she added.