15 September 2017

Aberdeenshire's teachers join Digital Leaders programme to enhance classroom learning

Teachers from across Aberdeenshire’s primary and secondary schools came together today (Friday, September 15 2017) to launch a Digital Leaders programme. This will support their continued professional development as pupils and teachers continue to use an ever-expanding variety of technologies in their learning and teaching.

Schools across Scotland now have access to a suite of Microsoft Office 365 tools through Glow, an online support for learning platform. This includes a number of collaborative working apps, the option to create their own websites and social networking groups, and link in with colleagues, projects and initiatives happening across the country.

This is the first time Aberdeenshire Council has run a Digital Leaders programme for staff. It follows on from the successful digital in leader programme that has been running for the last two years. This new forum for teachers will help ensure those at the front of the classroom can stay one step ahead of their technology-confident young audience.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, Councillor Gillian Owen said: “The breadth of different technologies we can now incorporate into learning in our schools is extensive. This exciting programme is an important step in ensuring teachers have the support they need to make the best use of the tools available.”

Vice Chair Cllr Mark Findlater said: “It’s great to see technology complimenting more traditional teaching and learning activities. The variety of experiences pupils now enjoy across the curriculum is absolutely brilliant. Well done to all of our teachers who continue to take on board so many varied and exciting projects.”

This builds on other technology-focused learning initiatives led by the council such as the annual Games Con competition which sees pupils using a computer programming tool called Scratch to create their own interactive stories, games and animations.