Scottish Government Technologies for Learning Strategy [#TforL]

I was recently asked if I would take on the role of a Senior Policy Adviser for the Scottish Government as they work to develop a Technologies for Learning Strategy.

My initial reaction was…. ‘that sounds like a job that will be full of burocracy, make me spend more time at a desk and even less time out in schools than I do at the moment + its an awfully long title to fit on a business card'

However, after reflection and a fair bit of thinking I decided I would give it a go. One thing that I have learnt over the past few years is that some times a good thing to feel out of your depth.

I hope to bring an interesting skill set to the mix and I am completely committed to representing the practical views of classroom teachers and school leaders while making the process as open and transparent as possible.

So, just to clarify some things…

I am employed by East Lothian Council, seconded to Learning and Teaching Scotland and now spend a few days of weeks working with the Scottish Government on the Technologies for Learning Strategy.

It is an interesting and important time for Scottish Education but I feel it is a mixed time as well.

Recently, I have had days when I have never felt so exited about the education and the great things that I see going on in Scottish Schools. But I have also have days where I see or hear things that make me worry deeply about the future – particularly when these things involve the low expectation of children.

In the short term, I believe that the Technologies for Learning Strategy is one thing that we have to get right. If we do it has the potential to unlock learning, up-skill teachers through professional development, improve digital entitlement for our children, develop infrastructure and release efficiencies.

We are basically starting with a blank bit of paper, working with extremely tight deadlines with practically no budget.

There are only three things that are definite. The first is that I am going to need all of the help that I can get from the wider education community to act as critical friends and also to make this 'our' strategy. The second is that it is going to be a pretty exciting, fast and fun journey. The third is that in the spirit of 'openness' I'll let you know how many complaints I get about the way I opened this particular blog post.

Join the discussion on the Scottish Government Technologies for Learning Blog.


Comments

[dave t]

I was unable to attend the Seminar you had in Fife on 15th October but heard great things via twitter etc about it. I was chuffed to be sent the document today asking for critical reviews etc. As you say, we have to get it right and it has to be a NATIONAL Strategy to stop some councils trying to water things down to save money that is meant for education being 'shifted' elsewhere. We had a meeting today about our new school and we're seeing the results of our council trying to cut things as the first thing they've chopped is the IT provision. Down to 4 PC points per classroom from 10, cut the number of PCs and only one PC suite rather than the three we have now. There is no point in developing strategies if they are unable to be implemented in councils due to lack of hardware or teacher expertise. (We're starting weekly classes such as 'How to make GOOD Power points etc' to resolve this problem). A good start so far with the openness and transparency from Scottish Government and the likes of yourself. Looking forward to helping as much as I can as are many others I'm sure.

[fearghal]

This is great news Ollie, best of luck in your new role :)

[Dan Stucke]

Congratulations Ollie and good luck!

[Joe Wilson]

Question answered - and great news. I don't think there is anyone better for the job.

I'm certain folks with pitch in positively.

Wonderful things are within reach in the global learning community.

[Jaye Richards-Hill]

But why would anyone want to complain about the way you opened your post ;-/

Seriously though, for this job at this particular time, you're best placed to advise and a wise choice...
I got the email/letter from the Government today as well...interesting times, but I'm not sure how well placed I am to be a part of the process, but at least it's a process managed by the education department directly, and one which won't be under the dead hand of LTS project management and thus may have a chance of achieving some credibility in the eyes of the teaching profession here in Scots classrooms.

I agree that there are certainly mixed times ahead for education here in Scotland, and I'm looking forward to being able to sit back, reflect upon, and comment on things with the benefit of some little measure of detachment and more time to continue my own research projects.

Good luck...

[Ollie Bray]

Thanks eveyone - we have a real opertunity here. Ollie