The Covid-19 pandemic has forced schools across the country - and indeed globally - to think differently about digital.
The end of March saw schools close their doors to most of their pupils for the foreseeable future, meaning that many families are now faced with homeschooling responsibilities, while teachers provide remote support and learning materials.
Two businesses within C4DI who specialise in education are working tirelessly to provide much-needed support to schools, teachers, parents and their children.
Some of the Cloud Design Box team pictured in their C4DI offices, before the lockdown.
Cloud Design Box, Microsoft Partners and specialists in Teams, SharePoint and Office 365 For Education, work with schools and multi-academy trusts across the UK to provide a solution that reinforces learning in and outside of the classroom. Their work has become even more crucial during Covid-19 as they work tirelessly to help schools offer a continuation of learning through remote teaching during the lockdown.
"We've been helping teachers deliver remote lessons and resources to students using our software to enhance Class Teams and make it more accessible for staff and students," Tony Phillips, Founder of Cloud Design Box tells us.
"The team has also helped schools work through issues using the new technology, such as safeguarding and best practices. It's a challenging time for schools, but we're impressed with how educators have found intuitive ways of using technology to deliver remote learning."
Cloud Design Box has been using Microsoft Teams to stay connected with the rest of the team and their customers.
Tony explains how he has also been providing feedback to Microsoft from the teachers he works with to help improve tools and features in the future.
They have created a bank of resources for teachers, parents and students on how to deliver virtual lessons and make the most out of the Office 365 suite.
You can check out their blogs, videos and podcasts here.
Cloud Design Box has been constantly updating their website with blogs, videos, podcasts and resources for both schools and families dealing with homeschooling during the UK school closure.
Meanwhile, C4DI-based EdTech startup Good2Learn is also helping pupils aged 7-14 from all over the world continue their learning with online Maths and English lessons.
"Good2Learn is designed by teachers, loved by kids and backed by schools. Our short and engaging video lessons and interactive exercises that give instant feedback and monitor progress help parents and their children pinpoint strengths and areas for development," Paul tells us.
Paul Mandalia launched Good2Learn in 2018 and the platform is now helping children across the world continue their learning in English and Maths.
"We had visitors to our website and enquiries from an incredible 121 different countries since the start of the pandemic; parents throughout the UK and globally have signed-up to support and consolidate their children's Maths and English learning in these very challenging times."
An example of Good2Learn’s video lessons.
Some of the growing numbers of local schools using Good2Learn to ease the workload for their teachers and support their children's home learning include South Hunsley, The Compass Academy and The Aspire Academy.
"We're also supporting over 300 Looked After Children with Hull City Council's Virtual School," Paul adds.
"Everything is cloud-based, and Good2Learn can be used on any connected device."
Good2Learn is currently offering a free 14-day unlimited access trial for families. You can find out more about that here.
Good2Learn is currently offering 14-day free unlimited access to their platform for families.