Coronavirus call to action: Need for mix of classroom and digital learning
2 min read
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is encouraging schools to continue to build on the successes of digital learning, as they start to re-open across the UK amid the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Stephanie Baxter, Skills and Education Lead at the IET, explains: “Teachers and parents have been doing a fantastic job over the last few months providing online learning and home-schooling for young people.
“Even as schools begin to re-open, digital learning will still play an important role as students go back part-time. Whilst some children benefit from being in the classroom, digital delivery has helped some students who had previously struggled such as those with learning difficulties.
“Going forward, it’s important to consider a flexible approach with a mix of classroom and online learning, which may get the best out of students. By encouraging digital learning, this will help produce vital digital skills among young people, as well as helping them to understand and use technology more responsibly.
“For this to happen effectively, we also need to support teachers to deliver lessons digitally and use technology confidently. We also need to support students to engage effectively. It’s not enough just to have infrastructure in place, but to create material and resources that will encourage independent and engaging learning.”
“The Coronavirus has demonstrated the importance and necessity of digital learning and skills and we must build on this – not only to get the best out of students but also to futureproof against any unexpected situations.”
