Teachers and Technology | Bridging The Knowledge Gap

Why professional development is essential for EdTech success

The rapid expansion of technology in schools in recent years has irrevocably transformed both teaching methods and how students learn. Digital tools are no longer just an afterthought in the modern classroom but essential components of education. 

On a daily basis, the inventory of digital tools on which schools now rely is a long one: from cloud-based platforms and learning management systems, to interactive whiteboards, laptops, tablets and a wide scope of educational applications and software. Meanwhile, with immersive virtual reality tools and artificial intelligence models in a constant state of development, that list of necessary tools is set to grow longer still. 

But how effectively is technology being used in education – and what barriers exist which might prevent the universal success of its integration in the school system?

The knowledge gap in technology

Are teachers being left behind?

The 2024 State of Education Technology report, a comprehensive, student-centred survey conducted by Computeam which focuses on the use of technology in UK schools, highlights the growing challenge of incorporating digital tools in education. 

A key takeaway from the report revealed that, while students are increasingly comfortable using technology, many teachers, in the view of students, were ill-equipped or undertrained to keep up with the advancements. 

Nearly one in five students believe their teachers do not fully understand the technology being used in schools.

To that end, without structured training and professional development, many educators are left navigating complex digital tools with insufficient guidance – which, ultimately, will lead to inconsistent adoption and missed opportunities for effective teaching.

Artificial intelligence in the classroom

The evolving role of teachers in the digital classroom

While the State of Education Technology Report shows that students are increasingly engaging with emerging technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence models – the most well-publicised being ChatGPT – the support for teachers remains inconsistent and throws up significant barriers to adoption. In the case of ChatGPT,  teachers need to understand exactly what it is, how it can be used in education and the inherent risks of using unchecked, new initiatives in the classroom – including potential GDPR and cyber risks. Through professional development and resources, teachers can help integrate this tool effectively and safely into their teaching practices.

It’s already been shown that schools with dedicated training and solid AI policies have enjoyed the efficiency and transformative potential of generative AI – with the peace of mind that the school data, security and ethical considerations are well taken care of.

The impact of inadequate training on students

Closing the gap

When teachers are not confident in using technology, it directly affects student outcomes. This can take one of two forms:

• The Usage Gap – Students engage with digital tools extensively outside school; but for some, particularly those 46% from the State of Education Report who felt there was not enough technology in the classroom, usage is more limited – leading to a disconnect between how students learn at home and in school.

• The Outcome Gap – Technology has significantly improved efficiency in industries such as business and healthcare. While schools have seen similar productivity gains, some institutions invest heavily in EdTech without seeing a measurable impact on student performance, often because teachers are not equipped to use the tools effectively.

The State of Education Technology report supports these findings, showing that students who do have access to well-integrated digital tools can save up to five hours per week on learning tasks. The inconsistency in teacher training, however, means that not all students benefit equally. Those in schools where teachers lack confidence with technology may miss out on the advantages that well-implemented digital tools can offer.

Learning Locker

Closing the gap with structured professional development

To bridge the gap between technology and teaching, schools must prioritise comprehensive, ongoing professional development. Computeam’s Learning Locker offers a solution by providing flexible, self-directed training designed with busy school staff in mind. 

Learning Locker provides:

• Courses on essential skills, including Google and Microsoft platforms, GDPR, and cybersecurity.

• Personalised training pathways, allowing educators to develop digital skills at their own pace.

• Compliance tracking and reporting, ensuring all staff meet necessary training requirements without additional administrative burdens.
• Customisable learning content, enabling schools to align training with their specific goals and policies.

One of the major benefits of Learning Locker is its accessibility. The platform is designed to fit around teachers’ schedules, allowing them to engage with learning modules when it is most convenient. This kind of flexibility is crucial, as many educators report that time constraints are one of the biggest barriers to professional development.