Nearly half of UK schools are failing to fully integrate their educational technology investments, with a significant number of teachers receiving minimal or no training on the tools they're expected to use, according to this research from Bett.
The study of over 600 primary and secondary teachers reveals that while 89% of schools increased their technology adoption during the pandemic, only 46% have fully or mostly integrated these tools into their teaching and learning activities. Two-fifths of schools say EdTech is only somewhat integrated, while one in ten report minimal or no integration at all.
And a concerning 41% of teachers say they lack confidence in using the full range of features their school's technology offers. The research – carried out by education technology exhibition Bett – identified a clear cause. Half of UK teachers receive just 1-5 hours of EdTech training annually, while a fifth receive none.
When training does occur, its quality is often questionable. Only half of teachers rate their training as good or excellent, while a third describe it as merely average.
The survey highlights that when teachers do master their EdTech tools, the results are striking. Three quarters (75%) report better student engagement, 69% see increased productivity, and 67% note improved learning outcomes. Despite these benefits, many schools struggle with strategic implementation. While 62% have some form of technology plan, only 21% say their school's strategy is "very clear."