A new strategy to determine how digital learning and teaching is delivered in the county’s schools has been approved at a meeting of East Lothian Council’s education committee.

Councillors heard that the Covid-19 pandemic had accelerated the use of digital technology for learning and highlighted that further support for staff and students was needed.

The East Lothian Council Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy 2022-27 was created following consultation with school leaders, IT, early years and education staff.

It focuses on four priority areas that will help the council use digital technologies to raise attainment, ambition and opportunities:

l Firstly, to increase digital literacy of staff;

l Secondly, to improve IT infrastructure, including bandwidth connectivity;

l Thirdly, to support children and young people with digital learning and teaching in a way that meets their individual needs;

l And finally, to maximise the use of online distance learning opportunities and partnerships.

Councillor Fiona Dugdale, cabinet member for education and children’s and family services, said: “The rapid move to online learning during the pandemic saw a seismic shift in how digital technologies were embraced by educators and accessed by learners. We want to harness these experiences and drive forward further improvements that will help all of our children and young people reach their potential, what- ever stage of school they are at.

“The digital strategy is clearly linked to our raising attainment and inclusion work, which demonstrates technology’s central role in these areas.

“From increasing bandwidth infrastructure to supporting our staff to further their skills and become confident digital leaders, we believe that these measures and maintaining a strong focus on digital learning will benefit pupils now and in the future.”