Jonny Wathen, Chief Information Officer, The TransforMATive, Craig Davidge, Chief Operating Officer, Areté Learning Trust
Areté Learning Trust: a vision for digital cohesion
In the vast landscape of education, it's easy for information silos to form, hindering effective communication and teamwork. One of the concerns Areté had was working on multiple versions of documents with no opportunity for collaboration in real time. It was also a challenge for trust leaders to safely and securely send organisation-wide communications. Recognising these challenges, Areté Learning Trust embarked on a mission to develop a trust-wide digital strategy. Its goal was clear: to create a digital ecosystem where all colleagues across the trust could seamlessly connect.
Choosing Google Workspace: a strategic decision
The decision to adopt Google Workspace wasn't merely about choosing a set of tools; it was about aligning with a platform known for its focus on collaboration and communication. Google Workspace, with its suite of interconnected applications, provided the perfect foundation for Areté Learning Trust's ambitious digital vision.
Areté Learn: a digital nexus for the trust
Emerging from this vision was 'Areté Learn', a trust-wide intranet portal. This initiative wasn't just about creating a digital repository; it was about fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Education and business support colleagues could now access crucial information about central services with ease. But, in addition to that, it became a hub for collaboration, enabling subject-leader networks to flourish. Educators were able to record and publish content such as podcasts and vlogs on Areté Learn to inspire one another and share best practice.
The power of subject leader networks
Within the digital corridors of Areté Learn, subject leader networks found a new lease of life. These networks, crucial for sharing innovative teaching methods and best practice, were supercharged by the collaborative tools. From real-time document editing in Google Docs to virtual brainstorming sessions on Google Meet, the platform transformed the way these networks operated, making them more dynamic and impactful.
The TransforMATive Leadership Programme
Areté Learning Trust's journey is a testament to the transformative potential of a well-thought-out digital strategy, especially when powered by tools like Google Workspace. But the journey of digital transformation in the world of multi-academy trusts is just beginning.
This is where the TransforMATive Leadership programme comes in. TransforMATive, in collaboration with Google for Education has introduced an initiative which is designed to equip leaders with the strategic insights and tools needed to navigate the digital transformation landscape in multi-Academy trusts.
For those who believe in the power of EdTech and envision a future where technology and education are inextricably linked, this programme is your next step. Dive deep into the world of Google Workspace, understand its transformative potential, and lead your trust into the digital future.
In conclusion, Areté Learning Trust's story serves as an inspiration for all multi-academy trusts. Areté’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of education, coupled with the power of Google Workspace, showcases the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Let's come together, be inspired, and shape the future of education in this digital age.
The CST Blog welcomes perspectives from a diverse range of guest contributors. The opinions expressed in blogs are the views of the author(s), and should not be read as CST guidance or CST’s position.
