Category: Artificial Intelligence

Midweek Byte commencing 28 September

Week Commencing 28th September

October is all about Artificial Intelligence!

AI in Glow

Walled Garden of Glow

Check out our latest Professional Learning Watch Again videos on using the AI tools in Glow. Both have similar starts but there are some different examples to get you going.

https://youtu.be/cU41v0bR4_w

https://youtu.be/wCKgGPpfGwM

Google for Education

Check out this interesting article on using digital tools when putting pedagogy first.

Education in the AI Era: How pedagogically-driven use of technology helps support learning

Also, take a look at these AI mission quests: AI Quests

Scottish Government Funding

A quick update on available funding to support with staff training that QA have access to through the Scottish Government. It is worth you having a look and seeing if anything here could be valuable to you or anyone else across the team.

The following diplomas are delivered online and can be fully funded for staff of any age on a limited basis subject to standard funding checks.

  • SCQF8 Data Analytics (with AI):

Perfect for anyone who works with data for reporting, analysis, or decision making. This programme is relevant to a wide range of roles from HR and Operations to Finance, Management and everything in between, offering the chance to develop practical data skills. Participants build skills in data modelling, analysis, and visualisation, while also learning how to use AI-driven features in Excel to clean data, generate insights, and communicate findings more effectively.

  • SCQF8 IT Support:
    Develop practical IT support and service management skills that are relevant for both those starting out and experienced IT professionals looking to reskill or update their expertise. The programme focuses on real-world application, so whether you’re formalising existing experience or adapting to new technologies, it’s designed to keep your skills current and your team productive.
  • SCQF8 Cyber Security:
    Learn to identify and defend against cyber threats, manage risk, and ensure business continuity. Perfect for IT staff looking to transition into Cyber or anyone responsible for protecting systems and data. With cyber risks on the rise, in-house expertise is essential for every organisation.
  • SCQF8 Network Infrastructure:

For anyone looking to build, secure, and manage the digital backbone of modern organisations. This programme is a great fit for those starting out in IT or for existing staff ready to deepen their expertise in network infrastructure, security, and digital transformation. You’ll gain hands-on experience with enterprise networking, learn to defend against cyber threats, and develop the project management and professional skills needed to keep business-critical systems running smoothly.

  • SCQF8 Software Developer:
    Perfect for anyone who wants to create, improve, or maintain software that drives business success. This programme suits both aspiring developers and those already working with technology who want to formalise and expand their skills. You’ll learn to design, build, and test software solutions using industry-standard tools and methodologies, while also developing the digital and professional skills needed to innovate and collaborate in any sector

This following programme can be fully funded for those aged 16-19 with funding staggered for those aged 20+

  • SCQF6 Digital and AI Support:

This qualification gives you hands-on experience using Microsoft 365 Copilot across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Helping you use AI to work smarter, automate tasks, and communicate more effectively. You’ll learn to harness data for better decision-making, explore the latest in AI and emerging tech, and develop practical skills you can use straight away. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to boost productivity, adapt to new digital tools, and add real value in any modern workplace.

If you would like further information on anything here or would like to enquire about securing a funded position then let me know, alternatively if you do not find these funding updates useful then simply reply and I will not send another.

Kind regards

Liam Logan

Account Manager | Funded Learning Division

t: 01412261410

To book time with me click the link below.

Book time with Logan, Liam

w: www.qa.com

 

Safer Schools Scotland

If you missed our recent Safer Schools Webinar, you can check out the slides here:

Safer Schools Renfrewshire Sept 2026

Join Safer Schools Scotland on Wednesday 7th October for the ‘Artificial Intelligence in Education: Understanding Risks and Opportunities’ webinar, where attendees will:

  • Understand what Artificial Intelligence is and how it is used within education and wider society
  • Recognise how children and young people are engaging with AI and the potential impact on learning
  • Identify practical ways AI can support teaching, assessment, planning, and time efficiency
  • Understand the safeguarding, ethical, and data protection considerations linked to AI use in schools
  • Apply key principles for the safe, responsible, and effective use of AI in line with policy and guidance

Register here: Artificial Intelligence in Education: Understanding the Risks and Opportunities

CyberBytes

This is a resource produced by Europol which focuses on supporting the resilience of children and young people whilst online.

The free resource called Cyber Defenders, centred around the popular Roblox platform, is an award-winning programme designed to teach children and young people essential online skills in a fun and safe online environment.

Cyber Defenders has been designed for use by parents and carers and for use within a classroom environment with an array of ready to use resources for teachers to use.

As mentioned, it is free to sign up to and use and once logged in you will see numerous tasks to complete, all which have a cyber learning gain.

In the development of the game key safety measures were implemented but this does not eliminate the need for adult supervision, that said it is a fun and easy to use resource.

Cyberbyte Sep 26

Midweek Byte Week Commencing 21 September

Apple Professional Learning Specialist (APLS)

Welcome Ruth Burnett, Our New Apple Professional Learning Specialist!

We are delighted to announce that our very own Ruth Burnett has officially achieved accreditation as an Apple Professional Learning Specialist (APLS)!

In her new role as an APLS, Ruth is certified by Apple to deliver tailored professional learning, coaching and strategic mentorship across all our local authority establishments. Having an in-house specialist means our establishments gain direct access to expert-led digital pedagogy with Apple technology.

Here is how Ruth will be supporting staff, leadership teams and learners across our council:

  • 1:1 & Small Group Coaching: Working directly alongside teachers in the classroom to model best practices, co-teach lessons, and build confidence using iPad.
  • Enhancing Accessibility & Inclusion: Training staff on built-in Apple tools (like Spoken Content, Reader Mode, and Voice Control) to support learners with additional support needs.
  • Curriculum & Creativity: Helping schools embed Apple frameworks like Everyone Can Create and Everyone Can Code seamlessly into everyday learning.
  • Strategic Leadership Support: Partnering with Senior Leadership Teams to ensure digital investments directly boost engagement and reduce workload.

Ruth is looking forward to working closely with schools to build sustainable, long-term digital capacity. If you would like to explore how Ruth can support your team, school, or cluster, please feel free to reach out to her directly!

Over the next few months ICT will be deploying an upgrade to Windows 11 to ensure that our council devices remain secure. This update is larger than the normal monthly update and we recommend that when prompted to reboot your computer to install the update, please wait until the end of the working day as it will take longer to update than usual.

Daydream Believers

Daydream Believers, Education Scotland’s creative curriculum and AI partners have recently published their Impact Report which may be of interest.

‘Inside this report is a year of proof: pupils solving real problems, qualifications gaining recognition, and creativity earning its place at the centre of the timetable. If you are weighing up what a creative curriculum could do for your school, this is where to start’

Impact Report

Safer Schools Scotland

Educate • Empower • Protect

Official Safeguarding Updates & Guidance

Certified Training 💡

Available to all registered Safer Schools Professionals for FREE

Artificial Intelligence in Education: Understanding the Risks and Opportunities

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand what Artificial Intelligence is and how it is used within education and wider society.
  • Recognise how children and young people are engaging with AI and the potential impact on learning.
  • Identify practical ways AI can support teaching, assessment, planning, and time efficiency.
  • Understand the safeguarding, ethical, and data protection considerations linked to AI use in schools.
  • Apply key principles for the safe, responsible, and effective use of AI in line with policy and guidance.

Exploited by Image: Grooming, Blackmail and Control

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand what $3xtortion is and the different forms it can take, including the use of real and AI-generated images.
  • Identify those most at risk, such as children and young people.
  • Learn about the laws surrounding $3xtortion.
  • Recognise the emotional, social, and financial impact $3xtortion has on victims.
  • Apply your knowledge to identify potential cases of $3xtortion and provide effective support to children and young people.

Social Media 101: Your introduction to the platforms, features and risks shaping young people’s online lives

Learning Objectives:

  • Enhance their knowledge of the most popular social media platforms and their basic functions.
  • Develop confidence in navigating social media and gaming platforms.
  • Explore online risks and trends associated with individual platforms.
  • Understand how to keep children and young people safer on these platforms.

Request from ITZA – survey exploring independent learning in secondary schools

There is a forthcoming national investigation in secondary education and we need to understand your experiences and perspectives.

Below is an invitation to participate in a survey about your current practice and perspectives on important topics, such as technology use, independent learning, teaching new subjects, and assessment. Your valuable insights will help to establish the baseline data that will inform the development of a research programme involving the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, West of Scotland and UCL.

The survey takes five to seven minutes and there is an optional second part for anyone who wants to say more. Your answers are reported only as part of a group, and never attributed to you, your school or your local authority. Completing it enters you into a prize draw for £100 Amazon gift cards or other prize packs.

The survey is here: https://graspandrecall.typeform.com/uk-indplearn

Findings will be shared towards the end of the year once the analysis is complete.

Midweek Byte Week Commencing 7 September

Week Commencing 7th September

Read&Write

There’s still time to book one of our Read&Write Professional Learning sessions on CPD Manager. Both courses are being held at Cochrane Castle Primary School:

1 October – Supporting Every Learner with Read&Write using iPads, Course ID: 95776

6 October – Supporting Every Learner with Read&Write using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, Course ID: 95778

 

Accessibility Staff Toolkit

🧰Have you checked out our Staff Toolkits on the new DigiLearnRen? We have created these toolkits as how-to-guides to get you going. There is no expectation that you work your way through them all, rather it is a pick and mix selection that allows you to choose what you need, when you need it.

They are broken down into the main tools available through Glow. So, if you decided that you wanted to know more about the AI tools available in Glow, you could either sign up for our AI Champion courses, Watch Again our AI videos from our sessions run in partnership with Education Scotland or work through our Staff Toolkit.

If you are new to the Google tools, there is a Google Staff Toolkit with a host of helpful resources on using Gemini and Notebook.

Or if you want to learn more about Read&Write our authority subscription accessibility tool, click on the Accessibility Toolkit and then Read&Write to find out all about it – including how to use it in exam mode.

 

Immersive Learning Mobile View with ThingLink

If you haven’t claimed your authority ThingLink seat to allow you to create interactive content – either for use with learners or for learners to create their own – please use the contact form to reach out. There are a host of different ways to use ThingLink with some brilliant ideas to get you started available on their blog. This post is all about using ThingLink mobile view: https://www.thinglink.com/blog/immersive-learning-in-your-hands-introducing-mobile-view-for-thinglink/

Toolkit for Reflecting on Digital and AI Technologies in L&T

Monday 14 September, 9.30 – 11.30 am online

The event marks the launch of a new open-access resource designed to support critical, evidence-informed reflection on the use of digital and AI technologies in education, and to hear how the research team and educational partners will using it in practice this academic year.

The team at the School of Education, University of Glasgow has developed the Toolkit for Reflecting on the Use of Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies in Learning and Teaching. Rather than promoting specific technologies or offering a compliance checklist, the toolkit encourages structured reflection, professional dialogue, and enquiry through self-assessment activities, real-world case studies, and guided reflective frameworks. It supports reflection across a range of dimensions of technology use and can be used individually or collaboratively, with flexibility to adapt to the needs and realities of different educational settings.

At this launch event, we will introduce the toolkit and explore how it can be used in practice. We will share more information about the design process of the tool and where we are heading with our current piloting of the resource in different contexts across Scotland. The event will also provide opportunities for discussion, questions, and feedback, allowing participants to contribute to conversations about the future development of the toolkit and related professional learning resources. The toolkit and associated pilot work are supported through Scaling Educational and Policy Impact through Co-designed Digital and AI Professional Learning and Educational Resources (SCOPED), a project funded through the ESRC Impact Acceleration Account at the University of Glasgow. The launch event marks the starting point for SCOPED’s knowledge exchange and dissemination activities and provides an opportunity to share emerging insights with educators, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Anyone with an interest in the thoughtful, critical, and evidence-informed use of digital and AI technologies in education is warmly invited to attend. This includes educators, teacher educators, school and college leaders, professional learning facilitators, researchers, policymakers, and others interested in the educational implications of emerging technologies. Whether you are new to the toolkit or already exploring its use in your own setting, we would be delighted to welcome you.

Attendance is free. Places for the in-person event are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Online attendance is also available.

Book your place here: Launch Event: Toolkit for Reflecting on Digital and AI Technologies in L&T Tickets, Monday, September 14  •  9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Eventbrite

Access the toolkit here: https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/366744/