| answer text |
<p>The Department recognised that a lack of digital access posed a risk to the efficacy
of remote education during the COVID-19 outbreak. In response, over £400 million was
invested to support access to remote education as an injection of support to minimise
digital exclusion. Over 1.3 million laptops and tablets have been delivered to schools,
academy trusts, local authorities and further education colleges. Over 100,000 families
have been supported to get online by providing uplifts in mobile data and 4G wireless
routers.</p><p>Through our existing grant funding partnership with Nesta, in autumn
2020 the Department launched the EdTech Reserach and Development Programme. This programme
will further our understanding of the impact of technology in education, particularly
the impact and disparity between advantaged and disadvantaged students in attainment
and outcomes during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>The programme includes the evaluation
of six remote education tools being used in schools and colleges in England. The first
evaluation cycle is complete, with iterations to the products underway. A final evaluation
cycle is due to be completed by the end of the summer term, and a concluding report
with key findings on using remote education tools effectively for all students, with
particular recommendations for disadvantaged students, will also be shared with the
wider sector by December 2021.</p><p>The Department is also working closely with the
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to improve broadband connections
in schools. DCMS has powers to address some affordability issues for some telecoms
services.</p>
|
|
