Working with Digital Technologies in Creative Learning (Moving IT On Series)

‘Moving IT On’ was a mixed programme, employing different approaches to exploring and improving the digital delivery of creative and cultural education.  This resource brings together materials that contribute directly to the practical provision of digital learning, comprising an evaluation of the first phase, a ‘top ten’ recommendations crib sheet and a link to the Digital Resources Toolkit and Online Safety Module.

The first phase of ‘Moving IT On’ in 2020-21 provided research and development funding to six organisations within the Eastern region to explore the pedagogy of online delivery of creative and cultural education. Five projects created programmes with schools (3 with secondary, 2 with primary) while one organisation worked directly with young people in an out-of-school setting.

All organisations had limited experience of using digital approaches within their pre-pandemic programmes. Most projects transferred existing practice online, although a couple explored the development of new offers. All projects working with schools experienced issues with engagement, especially during the second Covid 19 lockdown when higher demands were placed on schools. Teachers’ involvement in co-construction was limited during this period and most projects had significant delays to their intended schedules.

Nonetheless, all organisations completed the programme wanting to continue to develop their online practice, and looking to incorporate digital within their ongoing programmes. For some, this will meet aims to extend their reach and work with more young people and for others it’s a more fundamental drive to explore potential business models and opportunities within the education market.

Evaluation Report for 2020-21 R&D funding programme

The report is broken down into the following sections:

• Findings p3 – including developing new approaches; creating content; promotion; tools and tech
• Challenges p8 – including school priorities & teachers’ time; tech and technical issues; resource quality; approaches; accessibility
• Next Steps p9
• Support Programme p11
• Recommendations p12 

Top Ten Digital Recommendations

This short resource covers everything an artist educator needs to bear in mind when planning their own digital content for schools, children and young people.

When you are ready to start creating your own digital content, take a look at our Digital Toolkit and if necessary, our Online Safety Training module to ensure that your content is relevant, fit for purpose, safe and compliant.