School IT Leadership: Balancing Innovation & Critical Digital Practice

Recently attended a Symposium in Stockholm (virtually) with academics Neil Selwyn , Petar Jandric , Felicitas Macgilchrist , and Sarah Hayes unpacking their critical yet constructive approach to technology in schools. The session was named "digital backlash in education" and covered the themes of avoiding a simplistic "more tech" vs. "less tech" debate and instead focus on better tech—ethical, pedagogically sound, and aligned with the values of education, democracy, and sustainability.

What i found most Interesting was that most of the recommendations are exactly the opposite of how schools operate and think. The panel explain that this may be due to simplistic public narratives that prioritise efficiency and compliance over critical, ethical, and pedagogically sound technology use.

Here are the key lessons that i think will (and should) challenge us all:

Guiding Principles for School IT Leaders

1. Adopt a "Post-Digital" Mindset

"None of the young people we spoke to saw digital technology as an easy answer to modernising education—they had mixed experiences and wanted more than just ‘more tech’." – Sarah Hayes

What it means:

• Recognise that digital technology is not inherently good or bad—it is part of the education landscape and should be integrated with purpose.
• Treat technology as a means to enhance relationships, communication, and learning rather than simply automating processes.

2. Move Beyond "More Tech vs. Less Tech" to "Different Tech"

"We must move beyond the binary of ‘more tech’ versus ‘less tech’ and instead talk about ‘different tech’—designed with purpose, ethics, and education at its core." – Felicitas Macgilchrist

What it means:

• Evaluate technology not by quantity but by quality and alignment with learning goals.
• Promote convivial technology— I particularly like this word as it promotes a fun and approachability. That means simple, community-driven, and built around collaboration rather than competition.

3. Critically Engage with EdTech Providers

"EdTech should be designed to make learning more meaningful, not just more measurable." – Neil Selwyn

What it means:

• Demand transparency and ethical considerations from vendors, particularly regarding data privacy, AI bias, and corporate influence.
• Ensure procurement decisions are democratic, involving teachers, students, and school leadership in decision-making. How often do administrators decide the platforms that govern how learning happens?

4. Prioritise Digital Equity & Accessibility

"We need to recognise that digital inclusion is not just about access—it’s about meaningful engagement with technology." – Petar Jandric

What it means:

• Address barriers to technology access, ensuring all students and staff have the tools they need.
• Support localised and community-driven tech solutions rather than one-size-fits-all global solutions including non-commercial software alternatives where possible.

5. Develop Ethical AI & Data Practices

"Schools should be places where we lead the way in using digital technology within planetary limits—not just blindly adopting AI without considering its environmental impact." – Felicitas Macgilchrist

What it means:

• Establish clear policies on AI use, including ethical concerns, student agency, and consent.
• Reduce reliance on high-surveillance, data-driven systems that may compromise student privacy.

6. Empower Teachers & Students as Co-Designers of Technology

"Teachers and students need to be co-designers of technology, not just passive users of tools built by others." – Neil Selwyn

What it means:

• Involve educators and students in selecting, evaluating, and shaping edtech solutions.
• Build participatory design processes where technology serves the actual needs of the school community.
• Support grassroots, teacher-led innovations in digital pedagogy rather than relying solely on external tech solutions.

7. Rethink Procurement: Schools as Active Tech Shapers, Not Just Consumers

"The best educational technology isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about empowering learning and community." – Sarah Hayes

What it means:

• Shift from a passive purchasing model (choosing from what vendors offer) to a demand-driven model (defining what schools need and sourcing or developing accordingly).
• Encourage cross-sector collaboration with universities, libraries, and civic tech organisations to co-create better educational tools.
• Advocate for open standards and avoid vendor lock-in where possible.

8. Strengthen Digital Literacy & Critical Thinking

"Teenagers don’t like to be duped. Even young children, when we talk to them, can be deeply critical of technology when given the chance." – Neil Selwyn

What it means:

• Teach critical digital literacy that empowers students to question bias, misinformation, and algorithmic influence.
• Encourage students and staff to challenge corporate narratives about technology.
• Foster ethical hacking and civic tech initiatives where students can explore how technology works beyond surface-level use.

Actionable Steps for School IT Leaders

1. Run a Digital Audit: Assess what technologies are being used, their impact, and whether they align with school values.
2. Create a "Responsible Tech" Policy: Outline clear ethical guidelines for selecting and using digital tools.
3. Engage in Democratic Procurement: Ensure all stakeholders (teachers, students, leadership) have a say in edtech decisions that shape the school.
4. Pilot New Tech with Educators & Students: Test new tools in controlled settings before widespread adoption. Be critical of pilot results.
5. Build Cross-Sector Collaborations: Work with universities, open-source initiatives, and professional networks organisations to explore alternative solutions.
6. Encourage "Low-Tech" and "No-Tech" Alternatives Where Relevant: Recognise that some learning is best done without screens.
7. Support Professional Development: Train teachers on both using digital tools effectively and critically evaluating them.