Welcome to MoteCon 2024, where we explore innovative uses of educational technology. In the session titled "Creating a More Inclusive Learning Environment with Mote," Cheryl Shirley, Director of Digital Learning at Leo Academy Trust, shares her insights. Her presentation is a must-attend for educators looking to enhance inclusivity and effectiveness in their classrooms using digital tools like Mote.
• Mote can significantly enhance inclusivity by enabling diverse learning styles.
• Measuring the impact of technology requires a focused approach.
• Leveraging Mote in a one-to-one device environment can improve student engagement.
• Collaboration with researchers can provide valuable insights into educational technology effectiveness.
• Sharing best practices across schools is essential for collective growth.
Cheryl Shirley's presentation at MoteCon 2024 begins with an overview of her work in pedagogical technology, often referred to as PedTech. She emphasizes the importance of using technology like Mote to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. The focus is on how digital tools can cater to various learning styles and needs, making education more accessible to all students.
One of the key strategies discussed is the implementation of a one-to-one device approach at Leo Academy Trust. Cheryl explains how this strategy, which began in 2019, has evolved significantly, especially through the challenges of the pandemic. The integration of Mote into this strategy has allowed for personalized feedback and richer classroom interactions.
Cheryl highlights the challenges of measuring the impact of educational technology, such as Mote. She notes the difficulty in attributing improvements solely to technology due to the many factors that influence learning. However, Cheryl stresses the importance of having a focused approach to measurement, ensuring that investments in technology are justified and effective.
During the presentation, Cheryl shares an inspiring story of collaboration with Dr. Fiona Smith, a researcher who attended a presentation by Leo Academy's CEO. This collaboration led to deeper insights into the effectiveness of their digital strategies, providing a model for other schools to follow.
Cheryl emphasizes the importance of sharing best practices across educational institutions. By showcasing the successes and challenges faced by Leo Academy Trust, the session aims to inspire other schools to explore innovative uses of tools like Mote. This sharing of knowledge helps build a supportive community focused on improving educational outcomes.
Cheryl Shirley is the Director of Digital Learning at Leo Academy Trust and a Pearson Silver Teaching Award winner for Digital Innovation. Her expertise in deploying digital technology in education makes her a leading voice in creating inclusive learning environments.