Empowering K-12 Education Through Digital Capability #1

In today's rapidly evolving world, it has become imperative for K-12 educational institutions to cultivate core digital capabilities that enhance learning outcomes, streamline operations, and optimize processes—all part of the foundational dimension of the K12 Digital Capability Framework—People and Systems (PS). This dimension spotlights key areas like digital infrastructure, leadership, and student data management that K-12 leaders have identified as top priorities. By exploring these crucial elements, we can gain valuable insights into the prevailing trends and impactful strategies shaping digital capabilities in K-12 education.

People & Systems: Driving Resilient Learning Environments‍

The post-pandemic world is witnessing remarkable changes in educational institutions. What we're seeing in the market is that schools and institutions are recognizing the transformative impact of digital capabilities on their strategies driven by the rapid acquisition of technology between 2020-2022. Schools and systems are fortifying the essential conditions necessary for fostering resilient learning environments. Using the 4 critical domains in this dimension will illuminate some of the ways schools and systems are making these changes.

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Leadership: Shaping the Digital Vision

In today's digital landscape, schools are witnessing a shift in leadership practices. Educational institutions are proactively seeking leaders who possess the skills and expertise to craft strategic visions for digital teaching and learning. These leaders are increasingly focused on equitable and inclusive digital strategies. Moreover, schools are diligently ensuring that the right resources are allocated to support operational needs, empowering their leaders to drive digital transformation. No longer are digital leaders siloed in the office of technology, but rather they are integrated across the system and school administration.

K-12 schools and system leadership recognize the critical role of digital technologies in achieving their strategic priorities. They are prioritizing underserved populations in digital education and seeking external expertise for support, working with organizations such as Northstar Education Partners or Edtech Hub, that both support education equity for marginalized groups.

Over the pandemic, families became more connected to their child’s learning and school experience. As a result, K12 systems are keeping this momentum by forming partnerships with companies offering advanced platforms, such as Parent Square to enhance communication between home and school. In the US, ESSER funding was allocated for addressing infrastructure shortcomings and is being used to modernize buildings for health and safety.

Talent Management: Key to Building a Thriving Digital Ecosystem‍

Educational institutions are acutely aware that a thriving digital ecosystem relies on a talented pool of faculty and staff. What we're seeing in schools is a concerted effort to recruit, retain, and develop individuals with robust digital capabilities. In Maryland, Frederick County Public Schools in Maryland, has a dedicated program to build the digital capabilities of educators. Teaching shortages plague schools across the globe, and those that have a surplus of educators are also seeing a digital divide. According to a VodaFone survey in 2022, 48% of educators in Europe feel stressed that they do not use digital effectively or often enough. To provide support. K12 schools are proactively partnering with solutions that focus on teacher retention and well-being, leveraging platforms for teacher voice and data-driven insights to enhance overall satisfaction.

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Digital Infrastructure: Laying the Foundation

The importance of a strong digital infrastructure cannot be overstated in today's educational landscape. Some systems and schools are taking proactive measures to establish clear governance structures and flexible procurement processes for edtech. While others are still fighting for access to high speed internet—for example, in India, 66% of schools have no internet access and in some high poverty areas, that number is closer to 95%. When access and procurement are areas with high capability, successful schools and systems are committed to adopting interoperable and secure solutions, ensuring the safety and accessibility of digital resources.

Data Management: Harnessing Insights for Improvement

Data management has emerged as a crucial aspect of educational institutions' decision-making processes. Schools want to actively leverage data analytics and outcomes reporting to refine and enhance their programs. Demand for data-driven insights into student progress has increased the need for evidence-generation for Digital Content providers. But finding evidence for edtech is not consistent across the ecosystem. Industry evidence supporters such as Digital Promise and Learn Platform are trying to make evidence-as-a-service efficient accessible to schools and edtechs alike.

Digital Literacy for All

Schools are taking bold steps to empower their communities and create thriving digital ecosystems. By prioritizing strategic leadership, upskilling teachers, establishing robust digital infrastructures, and leveraging data effectively, educational institutions are paving the way for a future where digital literacy is an essential skill for all.

As schools embark on this journey, organizations play a pivotal role in providing support and resources. Their collective insights and expertise empower educational institutions to navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by the digital age. Partnerships will shape the educational landscape that equips students with the necessary skills for a digitally responsible, capable, and productive future.

HolonIQ Customers can view the list of mapped organizations, current developments and global reports on this topic in the full platform briefing.

J oin the K12 Digital Capability Framework webinars on-demand.