Pilot from Digital Schools Award Scotland
Digital Schools Award Scotland is excited to announce the launch of a new pilot educator award programme aimed at recognising and celebrating excellence in digital learning and teaching practices.
We invite a small number of schools and educators (from early years through secondary level) in Scotland to take part in this innovative initiative that will run from the beginning of November 2023 until the end of March 2024.
In collaboration with industry leaders Intel and HP, along with Education Scotland, Digital Schools Award Scotland is embarking on this initiative to support and acknowledge the pivotal role that educators play in shaping students’ digital skills and preparing them for the digital world of today and tomorrow.
Highlights of the Pilot Teacher Award Programme:
This pilot programme will explore key factors essential for creating an award that articulates, recognises, celebrates, and incentivises excellence in individual educator’s digital learning and teaching practices. The programme draws inspiration from the established Digital Schools Award (DSA) Scotland.
Key Features:
- The award framework will be informed by policy considerations, incorporating elements from the Scottish Teacher Digital Skills Framework (Draft) 2022.
- Alignment with Standards: Award statements align with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) standards for registered teachers and HGIOS4, offering educators an opportunity to enhance their status and contribute to school development.
- Positive Ethos: The award promotes a celebratory and positive approach, recognising effective digital learning and teaching practices. It is not intended for assessment or inspection purposes.
- Independent Validation: The programme will include validation from school management, ensuring credibility of achievement.
- Rewarding Journeys: The programme aims to reward teachers’ digital journeys, considering various levels of awards to acknowledge their progress and efforts.
How to Participate:
This pilot initiative accommodates a spectrum of digital proficiency levels. Participating early years, special education, primary or secondary schools will identify and invite educators who possess an enthusiasm for integrating digital innovation into their teaching methodologies. We are seeking educators who embrace continuous learning, engage in self-reflection, and are motivated to equip young learners with the skills needed for a digital future.
For a school to participate, it is crucial that a member of the school management team holding executive decision-making and/or strategic planning responsibilities be engaged. This could include positions such as the head teacher, deputy head teacher, digital technologies coordinator or member of school management team.
Throughout the pilot, educators will be surveyed for feedback, helping us refine and enhance the programme for wider implementation.
To express your school’s interest, please click on the link and complete a short form. Deadline for entries is end of day on Thursday 28th September 2023.
Expression of Interest Form https://forms.gle/kiz7qieTncckmLJV7
