AT in EdTech…what’s changing?
Julia Clouter, Head of Education at Empowering Tech Ltd, attended the keynote sppech at this year’s Bett UK Show, given by the new Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson. The following is an opinion piece in response.
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“It is welcome news that education Minister Bridget Phillipson, speaking at the opening of the BETT Show in London mentioned the need for AT as part of teacher training from this year!
As a teacher and dedicated advocate of learning tools in the Ed Tech industry, I value the Education Secretary's vision for integrating technology into our schools and workplaces. However, I have concerns about what this means for assistive technology (AT) suppliers and for teachers.
The commitment to using technology to support all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), is commendable and, I would suggest, essential to facilitate equity of access to learning. We shall have to see if the proposed implementation details outlined in this speech will determine whether the Education Minister’s vision becomes a gateway or a bottleneck for AT suppliers and for teachers hoping to provide the most appropriate solutions.
On one hand, an emphasis is placed on providing a gateway—a portal to evidence-based technology adoption and a pathway that integrates technology into initial teacher training. I wonder if this might stimulate the demand for AT expertise, pedagogical approaches, and adaptive teaching pathways that will benefit all learners.
On the other hand, the focus on a select few initiatives, such as the Oak National Academy and a narrow focus for funding allocations, raises questions about strategies that might bypass the broader AT market. Will smaller suppliers have the opportunity to compete and contribute, or will they be overshadowed by larger, more established players? If the approved pathway only emphasizes platform-based approaches, will innovative tools like the Scanning Pen and many other tools that quietly stand alone as a tutor in the learner's pocket be overlooked?
Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend on how well the government collaborates with a diverse range of suppliers and the vision to ensure that all students, regardless of their needs, benefit from technological advancements. The AT industry must remain vigilant to ensure that this vision translates into meaningful, inclusive progress that enables the adoption of the most appropriate tools, not just the ones that are established, gigantic, and dominant.”
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Would you like to get involved in our conversations? Contact BATA’s Communications Co-ordinator Jade Hegarty by emailing jade.hegarty@bataonline.org.