Abstract:

This paper reflects on the outcomes of the development of the Upgrade Maths platform, with a focus on the Quality Education goal, Sustainable Development Goal 4, namely, providing equal access to education and achieving the goal of universal secondary education. We utilise the sustainable learning framework to reflect on the application of an online learning system for sustainability development in secondary education. We discuss challenges and solutions arising from the adoption of the Upgrade Maths platform for technology-enhanced learning in secondary education. We focus on the digital inclusion that seeks to make education accessible, equitable and of high quality for learners.
The aim of the project is to design an online learning platform to use with Key Stage 4 pupils (age 14-16) preparing for GCSE Mathematics in Northern Ireland, with an inbuilt testing aspect for users to self-assess their progress and allow their teacher to electively monitor in order to improve pupil engagement and grades. We review the development process and the Upgrade Maths platform from the sustainable learning prospective, as if from an outside viewpoint and through the lens of the stated criteria, reflecting on what did become a success, what did not work well and what changes needed should the project be adapted or enhanced by a future team. We believe the project has laid the foundation for wider sustainable learning in secondary education, along with the enhancement of partnership between the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and local schools as community partners, entailing that both higher education institutions and their wider communities can benefit from inclusiveness, improved pupils’ experience and capacity while preparing for GCSE Mathematics. This will drive sustainable learning to the local level ensuring inclusive and equitable education, leading to equal access and technology-enhanced learning for pupils, and generation of societal impact through the adaptation of the sustainable learning concept in secondary education.

Keywords:

Secondary education, online learning systems, sustainable learning, GCSE Mathematics.