Microsoft and Google throw weight behind government's new edtech strategy

Education secretary outlines plans to support tech innovation and development across education sector

Tech titans Microsoft and Google have supported the government's plans to bring the IT and education sectors closer together.

The strategy will see collaboration between IT companies and educators to use technology to tackle pervasive problems, as well as ensuring that those working in education have the requisite skills and tools needed to meet the demands of schools and pupils.

Education secretary Damian Hinds unveiled the Education Technology plans today at the Schools and Academies show in London.

"We are living in a digital world with technology transforming the way we live our lives - both at home and in the workplace," Hinds said.

"But we must never think about technology for its own sake. Technology is an enabler and an enhancer. For too long in education, technology has been seen as something that adds to a teacher's workload rather than helps to ease it.

"This strategy is just the first step in making sure the education sector is able to take advantage of all the opportunities available through edtech.

"We now call on schools, businesses and technology developers to realise the huge potential of technology to transform our schools so that teachers have the time to focus on teaching, their own professional development, and - crucially - are able to cater to the needs of every single one of their pupils."

At the Bett show earlier this year Hinds announced a £10m innovation fund to support the initiative, which capitalises on the government's ambition for tech firms to work closely with the education industry to solve 10 key education challenges.

These challenges include: reducing teachers' marking workload, looking at how technology can make teacher training more accessible and customised, and identifying tech that will level the playing field for people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The plans will also see leading assistive technology developers and education experts advising the government on ways in which tech can be used to support students with conditions such as dyslexia and autistic spectrum disorder.

Chris Rothwell, UK director of education at Microsoft, welcomed the news.

"Technology is having an incredible impact in all aspects of education today, but there is always more to be done," he stated.

"We welcome the announcement of an edtech strategy for England, with its focus on building on existing best practice and lowering barriers to adoption for all."

Edtech exports contribute around £170m to the UK economy.

The government claimed that the strategy will ensure businesses are better equipped to develop products that cater to educators' needs as well as drive demand for their edtech products.

Liz Sproat, European head of education at Google, said: "From our work across Europe we are seeing how schools are embracing technology with impressive results.

"These positive developments come as a result of coupling technology with investment in professional growth, equipping educators with the knowledge they need to use technology effectively.

"It is encouraging to see how the Department for Education is pledging to support schools, not just with investment, but guidance on infrastructure and teacher skills to assist them in taking full advantage of the exciting array of technologies on offer."