Every school age pupil in the county is to receive a learning device such as an iPad or Google Chromebook as part of Midlothian Council’s £10.5 million investment in digital learning.
A first in Scotland
Midlothian is the first local authority in Scotland to launch a digital learning project on this scale.
Ambitious plan
The ambitious plan recognises the importance of digital tools to support learning.
Giving pupils a better future
This investment will ensure Midlothian’s young people have the digital skills they need to secure a positive destination such as a job or a Further or Higher Education place, which in turn will help support the local economy.
Supporting different learning needs
Making sure all pupils have a device will also help young people with additional support needs by giving them access to technology that can help with their different learning needs.
The right device for the right pupils
Primary schools will have the flexibility to select the right device to support their school community until Primary 7 where all pupils from P7 upward will receive a Google Chromebook.
Pre-school age children will also benefit
Early years settings will also benefit from the digital strategy as they will have access to shared iPad devices.
Digital Centre of Excellence
Additionally, Newbattle Community High School will continue to be the Digital Centre for Excellence in Midlothian, piloting innovation and creativity in new technologies.
Good news for teaching staff
This investment will also make sure Midlothian’s teaching staff have access to world-class technology, with wider support for other Education staff, Children’s Services and Communities & Lifelong Learning.
Helping equality in learning and attainment
A spokesperson for Midlothian Council said: “This has been a long-standing ambition within our Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy and the pandemic has accelerated our plans. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of digital inclusion for our young people and, at its heart, this is a programme focused on equity for all. By ensuring that all our pupils are provided with a device by the council, we are helping to achieve equality in learning and attainment. It is anticipated that young people’s opportunities and skills in a range of areas including Literacy, Numeracy, Health and Wellbeing and creativity will be greatly expanded by this programme.”
When the devices will be issued
Devices will be issued as part of an accelerated roll-out within the academic session 2021/22.