I was already aware of the scale of investment and ambition behind Connected Falkirk, but hearing directly from the team - Stuart Lennie, Kerry Abercrombie and Mari-Jane Wilcox - really brought home how transformational the programme has become. While many people may associate Connected Falkirk with iPad devices, what stood out clearly during the discussion was that this is fundamentally about learning and teaching, inclusion, and improving outcomes for children and young people through the use of technology.

The team explained how the programme is helping create more equitable access to learning across Falkirk by ensuring pupils and staff have access to consistent high-quality digital tools, connectivity and support regardless of which school they attend. I was particularly interested to hear how accessibility tools are helping remove barriers for pupils and allowing young people to access learning in ways that work best for them.

One example shared during the visit described a classroom where every pupil was taking part in the same lesson, but each learner was accessing it differently depending on their needs, all through the built-in tools on the device. Some pupils had adjusted the font  or background colours to support dyslexia, while others were using translation tools to overcome language barriers. Despite these different approaches, all pupils were able to participate equally in the lesson. It was a powerful example of how technology can support inclusion in a very practical way.

However, the programme is about more than devices in classrooms. Connected Falkirk has transformed internet connectivity by ensuring pupils can connect automatically and securely to WiFi across Falkirk Council buildings including schools, libraries and community facilities, helping remove barriers to “anytime, anywhere” learning.

A particularly valuable part of the visit was the opportunity to meet teachers and pupils directly and hear first-hand about their experiences. I was delighted to speak with young people and staff from Larbert High, Falkirk High and Stenhousemuir Primary and to see the creativity, confidence and enthusiasm they brought to the discussion.

It was especially inspiring to hear how pupils are using technology not just to access information, but to create content, develop new skills and communicate their learning in different ways. 

From coding games and creating podcasts to using accessibility and translation tools to overcome barriers, it was clear that the programme is opening up opportunities for many young people who may previously have found aspects of learning more difficult.

I particularly enjoyed a demonstration from a pupil at Stenhousemuir Primary who had created his own computer game using an app on his Connected Falkirk device. Hearing him speak so enthusiastically about coding and digital learning was a great example of how the programme is helping young people build confidence, creativity and new skills.

Another example was hearing about a young person who arrived in Scotland with very limited English but was able to use translation tools on their device to access classroom resources, communicate with teachers and build friendships with other pupils. It was an excellent example of how digital technology, when used well, can support inclusion, confidence and belonging within our schools.

I also enjoyed hearing directly from teaching staff about the positive impact the programme is having in classrooms, particularly in supporting engagement, providing more personalised feedback, and helping pupils feel more confident in how they learn and demonstrate their understanding.

One of the strongest impressions from the visit was the passion and expertise of the team behind the programme. The Digital Learning Team combines educational experience with technical knowledge and is clearly committed to supporting education establishments, staff and learners to make the most of the opportunities digital learning can provide.

I was interested to learn that Falkirk Council is the first local authority in Scotland delivering a one-to-one device programme entirely in-house. This approach has allowed the Council to build expertise internally, maintain strong relationships with schools, and deliver a highly cost-effective model compared with many externally managed programmes elsewhere.

It was also encouraging to hear about the national and international recognition achieved by Falkirk schools and staff through the programme. Falkirk Council currently has two globally recognised Apple Distinguished Schools - Larbert High and Falkirk High. With only around 10 across Scotland, that’s a significant achievement. The Council also has three Apple Distinguished Educators - Kerry and Mari-Jane from the team and Ross Brown a teacher at Stenhousemuir Primary. This is a globally recognised accreditation awarded to professionals leading innovation in digital learning and teaching. With only around 12 across Scotland, this is remarkable and reflects the quality and leadership within Falkirk’s education community.

For me, the visit reinforced the importance of investing not only in technology, but in the people, skills and support structures needed to use it effectively. Connected Falkirk is clearly about much more than devices - it is about equity, opportunity and preparing our young people for a rapidly changing world.

What stood out most throughout the visit was the commitment of staff to ensuring technology enhances learning rather than replacing it, and the determination to make sure every child and young person can benefit from the opportunities digital learning provides.

I would like to thank the Digital Learning Team, along with the staff and young people involved in the visit, for their time, openness and enthusiasm. It was an extremely valuable discussion and an excellent example of the innovative work taking place across Falkirk Council.