4th June 2024
Connect's survey on digital and online devices and new technologies received over 600 responses from 31 local authorities. Read the survey report and read Connect's calls for change here.
Key findings are:
- Just over a third (35%) of respondents said the school had provided their child with their own digital device to use for schoolwork. Where schools had not provided individual devices, a pool of devices was available (58%).
- Most respondents (99%) had broadband/wifi or mobile network at home which their child could access to do schoolwork.
- With the exception of BBC Bitesize, most respondents did not know about the online learning opportunities in Scotland.
- There were mixed views on whether national qualifications should move to digital assessments: 33% said yes, 40% said no, and 27% said they didn't know. 51% did not know digitised exams were available in their school for those with additional support needs.
- One quarter (25%) thought emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence would have a positive impact on their child’s learning and assessment.
- Two thirds (67%) thought improvements to digital resources and services should be a key priority in plans for education.
- The majority (77%) of respondents want their child’s school to help families understand more about online safety, social media, and emerging technologies.
- The majority (68%) knew their child’s school had a mobile phone policy, but only 13% knew that the school had consulted with parents or with the Parent Council on this policy. Only 16% knew young people had been consulted.