Earlier this year saw the release of the OECD’s large scale TALIS (Teaching and Learning International Survey) survey results. Main findings included teacher workload, the disappointing rise in online bullying and, of particular interest to us here at Clevertouch, teachers reporting that the need for increased ICT training has increased markedly in the last five years. With the rapid changes seen in edtech in the technological revolution, this is hardly a surprise. But here at Clevertouch we think edtech should be supporting teachers, not confusing them.

Here we look at some of the concerns raised by the report and address how Clevertouch can help.

Training needs

While pedagogical training needs are reportedly well met for teachers - with 70% stating that they had attended training related to their subject and to teaching - the report suggests a ‘high need’ for technology training for teachers on the classroom. Although edtech take-up has increased, teachers feel their training has not kept up with leaps in technology.

Clevertouch can help. With intuitive, easy to use, teacher friendly software and hardware, teachers no longer have to spend hours converting previously made resources into a new, complicated system. Instead, Clevertouch is able to convert existing resources in an instant, and all preferred programmes are coped with using the Clevertouch suite. The quick start menu means that all tools and apps are instantly available in one touch. There’s really no need for a manual or extensive training, everything is instinctive, encouraging high levels of user adoption. 

School infrastructure

Most countries were reported to have at least some level of edtech readiness in their school infrastructures. But there’s no need to shackle yourself to one system.

Clevertouch screens can switch easily between Android and PC mode so schools have freedom of choice to make the most of their resources. Adding apps, updating firmware and dealing with any tech issues needn’t be a classroom teacher’s burden: all those tech issues can be dealt with remotely from the school’s IT office. Connectivity between devices needs little set up too. Our enhanced connectivity includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and slot-in PC capability, allowing shared content with Android, iOS, Windows and Chrome devices. 

Using edtech to foster independent learning opportunities

As you’d expect, 28 of the 31 countries surveyed make use of edtech in some form. However, the report suggests that on average across the OECD, it is only just over 50% of teachers who report that they frequently make use of edtech for student work. This may be, in part, due to additional time or resources needed to create and facilitate the use of edtech.

This will undoubtedly change in the coming years as our ways of working become ever more digitalised. Teachers can get a head start now with our Cleverstore which contains hundreds of apps in all subjects and languages. Each of our apps are tried and tested by our team, to make sure no adverts, in app purchases, or inappropriate content is seen by your learners. We’ve partnered with the most popular educational app developers to give you apps that are both interactive and, importantly, relative in your classroom and for independent learning.