The Scottish Government published a Digital Strategy back in 2011, designed to extend connectivity, promote the digital economy, digitise public services and promote digital participation. The ‘Connected Falkirk’ project aims to give children and young people the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing, fast-paced digital world.
The following plans have been indicated as part of Connected Falkirk:
- Provide a digital device for all Primary 6 to Secondary 6 pupils
- Provide a number of devices to Primary 1 to Primary 5 classes
- Provide a device to every class teacher, supported by an accredited professional learning programme
- Ensure fast, reliable Internet connectivity in all our schools
- Provide families with an opportunity to be digitally connected**
XMA are pleased to confirm that we will be supporting Falkirk Council with their plans for the project, including the deployment of over 17,000 iPads across the local authority and training support services to ensure teachers and learners adopt the technology successfully. These will be supplied through the Scottish Procurement Web Based and Proprietary Devices Framework, helping the council to complete the procurement from XMA with a single contract.
Michael Conlon, Education Transformation Consultant at XMA had this to say:
“I know I speak for everyone in the XMA team when I say how proud and excited we are about our partnership with the council on the Connected Falkirk project. Falkirk Council understand deeply the need to secure the future for their young people in an environment where 13,000 digital jobs go unfilled every year in Scotland and where digital skills for life, learning and work will be paramount in helping them flourish.
XMA bring all of our experience in 1:1 deployments to the project to help make that happen and we are committed to ensuring learning and teaching sits at the heart of what we aim to achieve. We’re more than ready to get started and can’t wait to work with the great staff, young people and families.”
Robert Naylor, Director of Children’s Services, Falkirk Council, said:
“As digital technology continues to revolutionise how we interact with the world around us, it is imperative that we equip our young people, their families, and educators with the digital tools and skills to succeed.
The investment in Connected Falkirk gives increased access to devices, coupled with a suite of powerful digital tools, supported by a dedicated professional learning programme, which will bring learning benefits to everyone.
We are delighted to have XMA as a partner supporting this revolution in learning and teaching, and we look forward to their support in delivering digital learning excellence to our children and young people.”
To find out more about Connected Falkirk, visit the councils website here
References
**https://www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/schools-education/school-life/connected-falkirk.aspx
