Recording progress digitally

Digital tools and platforms are available that allow teachers to capture, process and track both evidence and data. These platforms provide the ability to share this gathered evidence and data with stakeholders, such as parents and carers. 

Online learning journals are becoming an increasingly popular means by which Early Years settings track and monitor progress. These digital products allow the user to record evidence, including photos, videos and examples of work, via a smart device, such as a tablet or smartphone. The digital tool can be used to map a child’s learning journey against learning and development milestones and, therefore, to produce reports. More advanced platforms provide other tools, such as the capability to communicate with parents, invoicing and payments, and a wider range of analytics.

A growing number of Early Years settings are using these types of digital tools and platforms, but it is important to remember that data gathering, and tracking should not detract from crucial child interactions and feedback. There needs to be a good balance between quality evidence collection and high-quality teaching and learning. It is imperative that as a teacher, quality time is spent leading learning, creating learning opportunities and having formative conversations, as this is where the real value of a programme can be identified. The use of tools and any technology should empower and enhance the learning, not restrict it through any mechanistic data and evidence collection expectations.

If you are considering using a digital tool or platform to support the assessment, tracking and reporting processes, here are some questions you could consider as part of the review process:

Setup and support

• What technical support package is being offered with the digital platform?
• Do you have the technology and resources in place to implement such a platform?
• Do you understand the pricing structures for the platform and is it an economical investment for the size and context of your setting?
• Does the platform allow you to easily set up a profile for each child?
• Is the information held securely?

Capturing evidence

• Can observations be easily captured as evidence, using different media (audio, photo, video, PDF) on a range of digital devices?
• Is there the ability for capturing evidence for both individuals and groups of children?
• Can you add notes and annotations to the evidence at a later stage?
• Can learning statements be added onto the piece of evidence that you have captured?

Parental engagement

• How easily can parents and carers access their child's profile so that they can see progress, for example via an app?
• Can parents and carers capture and upload observations and learning that goes on at home?
• Can parents and carers add comments to observations that have been made in your centre?
• Does the platform have an instant messaging facility?

Progress tracking and reporting

• Does the platform have the ability to report on each child's progress?
• Will the tool give an indication of the next steps for the child?
• Are the reports adequate for the needs of your setting?
• Does the platform provide the tracking data required at both child and cohort level?
• Can the reports be shared easily with parents and carers?
• Do you require the platform to create an online learning journal that captures the learning journey?