ETIH asks the PrimaryEssentials speakers for their thoughts on the education and EdTech sector, and throws in a random question to keep them on their toes.

This time around, our questions go to Sophie Bartlett and Rebecca Buckland.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing primary education today?

Sophie: Lack of funding, lack of time, lack of public support - basically, too much to do with too little money whilst Joe Public moans about us 'left-wing Marxist woke snowflakes' playing in the sandpit and leaving work at 3pm! There's so much pressure on our shoulders to solve society's ills - sometimes teaching just feels like a constant guilt trip. Trying to manage a work-life balance within that is almost impossible.

Rebecca: Funding is obviously the big elephant in the room. There just isn't enough and children are sadly, the biggest impact of this. But I think a challenge that has grown as a result of this, is how many hats a teacher is expected to wear now. Since I started teaching, the day-to-day expectations have changed a lot. As support around a school has disappeared, teachers seem to be picking up the slack. This now puts school as a first line of defence for mental health issues, family support, SEND support, medical issues...I could go on. Schools are well placed logistically to deal with this, but the workload it adds is huge. Little seems to be taken away in terms of expectations, but lots has been added.

Another challenge is the overloaded curriculum. I think some children struggle more than necessary, as if we did less, but better everyone would achieve better. I'd definitely reduce the maths curriculum and also the history, geography and MFL too.

How has EdTech transformed the way we teach primary school subjects?

Sophie: Individual devices have been a game changer for class work, especially using educational sites that mean you can set self-marking differentiated work. Anything that gives the teacher more time is a bonus!

Rebecca: From my own two children, I feel more and more that screens have to have a purpose, and they'll spend enough adult time staring at them...and they also affect my children's behaviour too....so I try and use it purposefully in school. It's got to be used because it does make the outcome better. So I really look to use it to improve the educational offer. I am planning to have some fun with a green screen next week to put my class inside the shrimp tank in my classroom. That's definitely a better outcome!

What are some effective ways to integrate technology into the classroom without it being a distraction?

Sophie: I love using our visualiser to model work for the children - it's also a great way for them to see each other's work. It's such a normal part of our school day - much less distracting than wheeling out the good ol' OHP!

Rebecca: There are some great subscription educational tools e.g. LBQ, which I really rate. The models and questions are really spot on. Also, I love TTRockstars, we've got really into that at school and children find it so motivating.

Recently, I've been using AI to help create resources, particularly for English lessons and Science. I needed a text about Cherry shrimp, as we have about 30 in a tank as our class pets, and that's pretty niche text to find. But, it was so easy to get an age-appropriate text which saved me loads of time.

I use my visualiser loads. I love that you can record and replay things which makes modelling handwriting, or a mathematical process really easy to keep showing as a support. It's also great for modelling examples of expectations for written work or laying out work in books.

How has Edutwitter influenced professional development for educators?

Sophie: There is an absolute wealth of advice out there available at your fingertips - the ease with which we can access this information is incredible. I have my tiny corner of expertise within the education sector (Year 6, SATs, grammar etc.) but I could really use a helping hand when it comes to knowledge of the EYFS, science investigations, strategies for children with EAL (I could go on) - luckily, there is an expert for all of these, always willing to answer any questions thrown their way. My best CPD has come from EduTwitter.

Rebecca: I think Edutwitter has had a big impact on my professional development. I like the short burst information in a tweet as it makes it so manageable to read something that will catch your interest, and then want to find out more.

Also, it's a great way to find out about blogs, educational events etc. I've been to lots of things online and in person that I've seen on twitter and wouldn't have known about otherwise.

If you could host a dinner party and invite any five educators from Edutwitter, who would make your guest list and why?

Sophie: Andrew Percival - I've always wanted to chew his ear off about education.

Maaria Khan - started this crazy Twitter journey 'with' her 11 years ago and have loosely followed each other along since. Would just love to finally meet!

Miss Smith - not someone I've always agreed with but she's clearly incredibly experienced and knowledgeable and I'd have loads to learn from her. Would make for some interesting conversation too.

Dylan and Hayden - bit of a cheat I know as this is a 2-in-1 but I love their podcast. I know I’m biased, as I have been on it, but I just know we could talk shop for ages. And, when we're not talking shop, probably talking parenting.

Jo Payne - I've always been inspired by her and would love to chat about the challenges of teaching and parenting

Rebecca: Gosh this was a hard list to make. There are lots of people who I admire and gain lots from in terms of thinking more deeply about education.

Sonia Thompson - Her high expectations, yet totally authentic and approachable manner make her such an inspirational person to follow as a leader.

Andrew Percival - I would love to pick Andrew's brains about his school and think every time I've heard him talk I've come away so inspired.

Neil Almond - I admire how much Neil researches and challenges thinking based on that. Also, I'd love to hear more about AI in education.

Lee Braganza - I love reading Lee's tweets as his mix of parenting and teaching life is always amusing. Hopefully he'd bring some tasty food...and he often makes me laugh. Also, we can swap parenting horror stories.

Sophie Bartlett - I mean, I see her a lot in real life being as we work together. But, if I'm going to hear some amazing thoughts I'd be Whatsapping the longest voice note ever on the way home, so simpler if she is there!

PrimaryEssentials

Sophie and Rebecca will be delivering their session on teaching spelling using phonics in KS2  at the #PrimaryEssentials online conference on the 4th May 2024.

Click here to get more details and buy tickets for the event.

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