Phase 1 of Harnessing Technology (2005) saw the establishment of the technological infrastructure and the need for schools and colleges to align their use of technology with their core goals for teaching and learning. The aim of the next phase of the strategy is to bring about a step-change in the way technology is used across the breadth of the education and skills system. The goal is to develop a system which exploits the benefits of technology for learning and delivers tangible and measurable improvements and outcomes.
This step-change will enable learners to take greater control of their learning through access to learning resources at any time, and from anywhere. It will mean:
- use of technology that supports deeper learning and higher-order skills and competencies.
- leaders and institutions that are able to use technology to adapt their services and to support personalisation.
- better support for all learners – including the disadvantaged, the vulnerable and those with special needs.
Harnessing Technology: Next Generation Learning supports key priorities of the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), with a particular focus on:
- raising achievements and improving skills
- narrowing gaps and supporting the vulnerable
- improving capacity, quality and efficiency.
The strategy outlines five high-level outcomes which contribute to these priorities. These are identified in the Harnessing Technology Review Summary 2008.
The five high-level outcomes are:
- Technology-confident, effective providers
Education and training providers able to make strategic and effective use of technology to achieve the best outcomes for learners.
- Engaged and empowered learners
Learners able to access technology and the skills and support to use it to best effect inside and outside formal learning.
- Confident system leadership and innovation
Education leaders enabled to lead technology to support their priorities and deploy innovative solutions to improve the quality of teaching.
- Enabling infrastructure and processes
A technology infrastructure that offers learners and practitioners access to high quality, integrated tools and resources at the best possible value for money.
- Improved personalised learning experiences
Technology enabling improvements to learning and teaching, and tailoring of learning to suit the needs of learners.
