Only a third of Spanish students use digital devices daily to complete tasks in schools — and only half are taught how to use technology safely and responsibly. Although these figures are slightly higher than the European average, we believe they’re still too low.
Poor digital skills can cause difficulties for students when they get to university and enter the job market. For instance, students without adequate digital abilities may struggle to find, analyse, and evaluate information online — essential for academic research, yet less than half of all Spanish students have the necessary knowledge.
At Elian’s British School of La Nucía, we take our students’ digital education very seriously, ensuring they can fully embrace existing technology and adapt seamlessly to future advancements. Read on, and we’ll tell you how we do it.
Elian’s is a Google Reference School, meaning our teachers are qualified in using Google tools, so the children get expert instruction from the outset. We also benefit from early access to newly developed Google tools, such as ReadAlong and Gemini for Education. We also apply Common Sense Education resources to support responsible use of technology.
What is Digital Education Like at Elian’s?
Digital education is the learning process that incorporates technology — devices, the internet, or educational software — to develop and enrich students’ learning experiences. And it’s not just about preparing students for their university and professional futures — digital education offers a range of other benefits, including:
- Allowing each student to progress at their own pace, adapting to their individual learning speed and level.
- Enabling students to monitor, plan, and reflect on their own learning.
- Giving students a more central and active role in their education.
- Encouraging a more interactive, complex, and problem-solving approach to learning.
- Promoting teamwork with peers, instead of always working individually.
At Elian’s, we integrate technology into our lessons AND into our teacher training. This approach boosts efficiency all round and helps improve communication between school and home.
Chromebooks: Our Greatest Allies in Digital Education
A Chromebook is a type of laptop that runs Google’s operating system and is specifically designed for educational use. Chromebooks offer specially designed features at more affordable prices than standard laptops. They also come equipped with software so each student can create a personalised profile and, as everything is cloud-based, the students can operate in an integrated digital environment. Various brands and models are available to suit different budgets, making it easier for families to choose the option that works best for them.
Es con estos dispositivos con los que implementamos el aprendizaje digital con los alumnos, pudiéndolo hacer, además, de una manera segura al estar equipados con cortafuegos que impiden accesos no autorizados. Por otro lado, los docentes utilizan la solución Classwize, una herramienta de gestión del aula con la que pueden proteger a los estudiantes de ver contenido inapropiado y minimizar sus distracciones.
Students can take their devices home, allowing digital learning to continue beyond the classroom. To help manage that, we recommend families install Qustodio, a parental control application that ensures students use their screen time appropriately.
Digital Learning: More Than Just Studying Subjects with Digital Devices
At Elian’s, we introduce one-to-one digital learning (one dedicated computer per student) from Year 6 onwards. Before that, we follow a one-to-many approach (one computer for multiple students). It means our staff are able to supplement their teaching with educational tools and online platforms, while also coaching students on how to use technology in a way that is positive, responsible, and safe.
