West Lothian Digital Learning Team – Demonstrating the use of digital in learning, teaching and assessment

Pupil Voice & Leadership in Action: Letham & Riverside Learners Shape the Future of Digital Learning

Over the last few weeks, a group of enthusiastic pupils from Letham and Riverside Primary Schools have taken on an exciting leadership project exploring how digital technology is currently used in their schools and how it could be improved as they prepare for their move to the new Craigshill building.

Pupils then delivered a hybrid presentation, sharing their findings both in person to staff from the WL Equity Team and the WL Digital Learning Team, whilst simultaneously sharing via video link with Digital Leaders at Bankton Primary.

What They Wanted to Find Out

They developed a series of questions to explore the real experiences of learners and staff:

What does “digital” mean to you?
What’s going well digitally in our school?
What would you like to change or improve, digitally in our school?
How does your learning connect to real life, and how does technology support the curriculum?
Do we currently have the right materials to help us learn effectively?
Do teachers meet the needs of individual pupils and help you learn in different ways?
Are there good opportunities to use digital technology to support learning and the curriculum?

These questions opened up honest conversations about access, confidence, creativity, and the role technology plays in everyday learning.

What They Discovered

Across both schools, pupils found a strong appreciation for technology as a tool for research, learning, creativity, communication, and independence. They highlighted examples of digital tools being used well, such as for supporting writing with MS Accessibility tools, coding with Beebots and Scratch, boosting engagement with Kahoot, Blooket and Sumdog, and presenting ideas and learning with Adobe Express.

At the same time, pupils shared thoughtful ideas about how things could be even better. They talked about:

exploring more creativity tools to share learning
improving Wi-Fi access (which they will be pleased to hear, is in the process of being developed in all WL schools, and should be improved by the end of the year)
increased opportunities to explore new digital tools and apps to support learning

Their feedback showed how deeply young people understand the role technology plays in preparing them for life, further learning, and future careers.

This incredible opportunity has helped learners develop skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork, while also helping to help shape digital learning across the wider school community.

Well done everyone! What a fantastic achievement!

Mini Music Producers at Hawkhill Primary School

P5, 6 & 7 at Hawkhill Primary had a fantastically creative morning thanks to YMI (Youth Music Initiative) and Tinderbox Creative.

Pupils were introduced to a range of music genres and instruments through the Garageband app on iPads. They explored layering loops to create a song, which included drums, bass and a melody for musical interest. They learned how to duplicate, edit and add loops together to make their own songs, building their understanding of rhythm, pitch and dynamics.

Pupils were excited to share their creations with each other and could confidently explain their choices for their music, with their peers giving each other detailed and supportive feedback. Staff were impressed at the collaboration and communication skills being developed during this process too.

More feedback from staff included that they’d never heard the pupils so quiet and engaged. Classes are currently working on a STEM IDL focus so are excited to continue exploring how technology can support a range of industries.

Pupils used words such as ‘Amazing’, ‘Fantastic’ and ‘Inspiring’ to describe the session – they are excited to use their new skills again soon.

Thank you to Andra & Chris from Tinderbox for delivering such an engaging and fascinating session. We can’t wait to see how the pupils continue to develop these skills and hear their creations.

Sharing the Learning

Pupils from Hawkhill are also keen to develop their Young Leader skills and would love to support this learning at other primary schools. If anyone is interested in being involved in this, please reach out to the Digital Learning Team.

🌟Spotlight on: Microsoft Reading Coach

We’re excited to highlight Microsoft Reading Coach, a powerful web‑based tool that supports learners to develop confidence, fluency, and enjoyment in reading. Reading Coach is available to all learners through Glow, making it simple, safe, and accessible – in class and at home.

✨What is Reading Coach?

Reading Coach is a personalised reading tool where learners can independently choose or generate a text, read aloud, and receive immediate, targeted feedback. The platform adapts to each learner’s level and interests, making reading feel meaningful and motivating.

Because it’s fully web‑based, pupils can log in independently using their Glow account, with no additional setup required.

📚choose or create a story

Learners can choose how they want to read by selecting from two options:

Generate a story

Pupils can create their own story by selecting themes, settings, and what happens next. This gives them ownership over the narrative and encourages creative thinking.

Choose a reading passage

Alternatively, they can pick from a curated library of passages—perfect for quick reading practice or structured tasks.

For both options, pupils can choose their reading level, ensuring texts are accessible but still challenging.

🎙️Read Aloud, Record, Reflect

One of the most valuable features of Reading Coach is its read‑aloud and recording function.

Pupils read the passage aloud into their device.
Reading Coach analyses the recording and provides instant feedback on accuracy, including:
- An accuracy score
- Highlighted words they struggled with
- Opportunities to practise those words in isolation

This supports fluency development and reinforces positive reading habits.

🏆Rewards and Motivation

To keep learners engaged, Reading Coach includes simple but effective reward elements. As they continue reading they can unlock new characters and settings, to allow them to further personalise their experience.

👧👦What our pupils say

Learners who have used Reading Coach have shared some really positive reflections:

“I like choosing what happens next in the story.”

“I can create my own story and the chapters aren’t too long.”

“It’s really really good!”

“I can unlock new characters by reading more.”

Pupils appreciate the independence it offers and the sense of ownership over their reading journey.

If you’d like more information, or if you’ve used Microsoft Reading Coach with your learners, please get in touch with the Digital Learning Team – we’d love to hear from you.

Festive Storytime across West Lothian

Christmas came early for pupils across West Lothian as our Interim Depute Chief Executive, Greg Welsh, brought festive cheer through a special live storytime event.

Primary 3 at Hawkhill Primary School were excited to welcome Greg, for a live reading of “Santa’s Sleigh is on it’s way to Scotland”.

The session was joined live by over 1 500 pupils from classrooms across West Lothian, on Microsoft Teams. The excitement continued in the chat, with a discussion of range of snacks left for Santa on Christmas Eve (all traditional treats of mince pies, cookies, milk and carrots for the reindeer).

The story even ended with an exciting visit from a ‘real life elf’!

The event was a wonderful way to celebrate the season, connect schools across West Lothian, and share the joy of storytelling.

Thank you to all the schools who joined us for this festive occasion – and to Hawkhill Primary for hosting such a memorable event!

Sharing Digital Innovation: Highlights from Our Staff Digital Network Meeting

Our latest Staff Digital Network meeting was all about practitioners sharing real classroom examples of how digital tools are enhancing learning and teaching. It was an inspiring evening filled with creativity, collaboration, and practical ideas to take back to schools.

Live from Blackburn PS: Coding Club in Action

We kicked off by joining the Digital Xtra Coding Club live at Blackburn Primary, where pupils from Blackburn and Murrayfield Primary showcased their work with the LEGO SPIKE Essentials kit. The girls spoke confidently about the skills they’ve been developing – collaboration, communication, and problem-solving – and wowed us with their latest creation: a pinball machine complete with lights and a motor to release the ball.

Promethean ActivSuite in Practice

Next, Sam from Riverside PS shared her experience using the new Promethean ActivSuite software. She highlighted the Whiteboard feature, describing it as the perfect balance between the inbuilt panel whiteboard and ActivInspire – simpler than Inspire, and it saves directly to the laptop. Sam demonstrated how she annotates images, resizes content while keeping annotations, and uses the spinner tool on her laptop to create lists in advance – currently for her Advent Calendar pupil recipient. A fantastic example of making interactive teaching more efficient.

Creative Expression with Adobe Express

We then had examples of pupils using Adobe Express to express themselves digitally, at Winchburgh PS, shared on behalf of Nicola. Highlights included:

Stunning displays featuring posters, artwork, and QR codes linking to webpages and videos.
Creative projects like Blitz-themed artwork, WWII recipe books, and P7 webpages to share learning with parents.
Use of Generative AI for mythical creature images, visually appealing posters on topics like Henry VIII and Spanish weather, and tools for data handling and worksheet creation. Pupils explored features such as QR code generation, layers, cropping, font editing, and image manipulation – building both technical and creative skills.

Microsoft Learning Accelerators

Phil from Carmondean PS gave a detailed overview of Microsoft Learning Accelerators, including Reflect, Reading Coach, Search Coach, and Speaker Coach. Feedback from pupils using Search Coach was particularly positive:

“It’s different from other search sites – it gives more relevant and reliable information and tips for online research.”

Promethean Panels in Early Learning

Finally, Dionne from St Mary’s Bathgate ELC shared how Promethean panels are supporting early learners through:

Staff modelling and collaborative drawing with split-screen.
Interactive activities using Top Marks, sharing home learning via Seesaw, and pupils presenting their work.
Practical tasks like Tesco online ordering for weekly snacks, making digital tools part of everyday learning.

Looking Ahead

This network meeting was a fantastic reminder of the creativity and innovation happening across our schools. Thank you again to everyone for coming along, and especially to those who shared.

If you’d like to share some of the ways you’ve been using digital to enhance learning and teaching in your class, please get in touch with the Digital Learning Team.

Spotlight on MS Reading Progress: Success Stories from St Mary’s Bathgate

We are delighted to share some recent success stories from St Mary’s Primary School, Bathgate, following their implementation of the Microsoft Reading Progress Learning Accelerator tool.

Reading Progress became a key focus for literacy and reading interventions following staff CLPL sessions in 2024 and reflection on attainment data. Focus was on supporting targeted pupils and breaking down barriers to learning around comprehension, as well as developing confidence, fluency and expression in their reading. Pupil Support Workers were also targeted in the training and staff sessions, in order to support pupils and build sustainability across the school. Pupils really enjoyed using Reading Progress and were excited when they began to see their improvements.

“Pupils feel secure using Reading Progress with a device. They can go off and record in a quiet space without an audience. The camera really draws them in and they can get instant feedback.”
Class Teacher

The insights generated provide clear data which can be used to support and plan next steps and SMART targets, as well as being used to verify teacher judgement. Line graphs are generated automatically for individual pupils and the class, based on accuracy and reading speed, as well as additional data provided for challenge words and expression in reading.

Unintended Results and Additional Success

Staff were thrilled to see not just an improvement in confidence, fluency and expression when using Reading Coach, but also within the wider class setting. Pupils began to volunteer to read out loud in front of the class, and participate more in class / group tasks with their peers.

“Pupils even began bringing in books from home to share and read – that didn’t happen before!”
Class Teacher

Microsoft Reading Progress and Reading Coach

Microsoft Reading Progress is a Teams based programme, in which the class teacher assigns a text for pupils to read out-loud and record. The platform analyses the recording and generates feedback based on pronunciation, fluency, expression and has the option to add in comprehension.

Microsoft Reading Coach is another Learning Accelerator which can be used within the Reading Progress assignment, or as a stand-alone feature either through immersive reader or through the new web-based app:
• Reading Progress tracks the progress of the learner.
• Reading coach offers support and opportunities to practice parts they find challenging.

The web-based app offers the chance for pupils to generate their own stories based on their interests, practice in their own time, and earn rewards for continued reading.

Well done again to St Mary’s, Bathgate. We are looking forward to see your continued progress next session!

Success Never Tasted So Good: Adobe Express Celebrations for Kirkhill Primary

Pupils at Kirkhill Primary School have been celebrating the end of term in style with a Pizza Party and Ice Cream Truck, courtesy of Adobe Express, recognising and rewarding their fantastic creativity.

Pupils across P5-P7 have used Adobe Express to share their learning and explore the AI tools for creativity, for projects including creating digital self-portraits, sharing information around upcoming school events, designing persuasive posters, and generating AI images of themselves in their future careers.

Pupils particularly enjoy using the AI tools for generating images and text effects, as well as the animation feature. Staff commented on the ease of the platform, noting that pupils were confidently able to explore and find new tools such as the background remover.

“I love how easy it is to use. Pupils will now ask to use it in lessons to share their learning as well.”
Class Teacher

The Adobe Express School Challenge is running until November, so it’s not too late to join in! Complete three creative challenges with 3 year groups to get rewards! Don’t forget to share your fab work with us too!

Adobe Achievement: Riverside PS win a Pizza Party!

We are delighted to announce Riverside Primary as the first winners of the Adobe Express Pizza Party, in recognition of their dedication to developing and enhancing digital skills and confidence through the use of Adobe Express for learning and teaching.

Staff and P5-7 pupils participated in a range of curriculum-based live lessons, focusing on topics including World Book Day, Road Safety, Anti-Bullying and Anti-Piracy. Pupils are now independently exploring and utilising the features of Adobe Express in their own time. Staff have also highlight improvements in other digital skills such as confidence and success of logging on, driven by their enthusiasm for the platform.

“In Literacy, pupils wrote a setting description, put it into the Adobe AI feature and worked out how they could edit or improve their writing. It really made it come alive.”
P5 Teacher

“Adobe Express has increased their confidence logging in, as they are excited to use it as a fast finisher”
Digital Lead

The Pizza Party was award after successful completion of 3 different Adobe Challenges across a number of classes. Huge well done to Riverside pupils – what an achievement! We can’t wait to see how you continue to use Adobe Express in the future.

Adobe Express is a fantastic creativity tool, available for staff and pupils in P4 and above, through GLOW. As well as a huge range of Live Lessons to get pupils started, Adobe Express offer additional lesson ideas and Teacher and Educator courses too.

If you have an achievement or success you’d like us to share on our Digital Learning Team blog, please get in touch by emailing us at digitallearningteam@westlothian.org.uk