Harnessing technology to re-engage teachers

Student engagement is often regarded as key to improving learning outcomes. But when teachers are struggling under ever-increasing workloads, a dearth of resources, and inadequate compensation, re-engaging teachers is just as vital in creating a mutually beneficial education system. At Bett 2023, there was a sharp focus on the solutions and methods aimed at engaging teachers, from optimising systems to improving the usability of classroom technology.

Edtech that creates tangible benefits

By 2030, there’s expected to be a global shortage of 70 million teachers. With an enormous strain already placed upon those in the profession, time will only become an increasingly valuable and unattainable commodity. Fortunately, technology providers are listening to the concerns of teachers, with many solutions at Bett being aimed at reinstating one of teachers’ most precious resource.

Futuresource’s research shows that teachers feel they spend too much time on administrative tasks. Often, the technology that’s supposed to assist teachers proves tricky to use and time-consuming. Teachers are struggling to juggle multiple software systems, so it’s clear that consolidation must be prioritised. An overload of technology can quickly become a burden to teachers, creating more confusion, as well as unnecessary time and monetary investment. Allowing teachers to be selective about the tools they adopt will enable better outcomes, rather than imposing a tool that may work for one class and not the next.

Fortunately, vendors at Bett 2023 demonstrated a clear intent to consolidate these platforms, placing power and time back in the hands of educators. Whether that’s single sign-on software or integrating multiple systems, technology is now enabling teachers to track and measure timesaving.

Compass showcased a cloud-based MIS solution that placed a focus on a one-stop-shop system. It allows teachers to spend less time on administration and more time on the learning experience. Cloudwise’s COOL product was also advertised as another “all-in-one solution” which allows schools to store all their education apps in one place, as well as offering single sign-on. Through these features, Cloudwise claims to save teachers thirty minutes of teaching time a day.

Valuing the needs of the teacher

Given that many classroom and administrative tools are often not meeting the needs of the teacher, progress in this direction is highly welcomed. Indeed, there’s a good degree of opportunity for edtech providers to address these discrepancies. While a lot of edtech tools offer impressive features with plenty of benefits, focusing on ease of use and time saving – two important criteria for educators – should be a priority. If addressed, the results could be hugely positive. Overall, considering the experience of the teacher will harness better results. There’s no individual or organisation that understands the needs of students more than the one inside the classroom.

Technology should serve and enhance teachers’ own expertise but too often, it’s simply imposed upon staff, with little training or support offered. With more solutions being introduced that place the teacher’s needs at the forefront, time and agency can be reinstated, allowing the expertise and passions of educators to re-emerge.

Futuresource is committed to tracking the outlook for the edtech industry. With rapid changes happening across both technology and teaching methods, understanding the motivations driving these changes is vital to staying ahead within the landscape.

From tracking the market for personal computing to understanding the outlook for administrative software, Futuresource is the go-to source for all intel on education technology. Discover more about our offerings by contacting Anjum.iqbal@futuresource-hq.com.

About the author

Olivia Lowden

Olivia Lowden is responsible for the long-form content, press, and partnerships at Futuresource. Prior to her career at Futuresource, she completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, demonstrative of her lifelong love of words.