EDTech providers give their tips on how to best utilise technology for the planning and delivery of learning outside of the classroom experiences.
In a world that is now shaped by technology, teachers and EVCs who are passionate about educational visits may be looking for new ways to inspire learners through well-organised visits. We found out what EdTech is and how it can be used to shape excellent school trips.
What is EdTech?
EdTech, or education technology, is the term used to describe the use of technology to support teaching and learning. It can include hardware, software and other tools such as apps that educators use to support pupils to learn in new ways.
Ali Iberraken, CEO and co-founder of Chapperone, a travel management web platform specifically for educational visits, said: “Being a teacher is one of the most demanding and rewarding professions, and EdTech was created to help lighten the load. It leverages technology - such as apps, software, and websites - to streamline tasks, save time and provide tools that enable teachers to explore innovative, impactful approaches in their work.”
Alex Babauskis, co-founder of UGroop, a software company that helps teachers plan, prepare and promote travel itineraries, told us: “Today’s tools are extensive, including robotics and software applications powered by artificial intelligence. These tools continue to evolve alongside technological advancements, and many are now essential for modern learning and administration.”
Using EdTech to organise school trips
With teachers and EVCs spending their time trying to take pupils away from electronic devices and more towards nature, it can be tough to break the mould and find the benefits in technology.
Georgia Wells, head of people and culture at Vamoos, a travel app that works directly with school travel operators who can offer out its services at part of a booking, says that even if it’s not for you in the end, there are a number of benefits for trialing EdTech software when organsing educational visits.
She said: “EdTech tools streamline planning by providing digital platforms for managing itineraries, permissions and resources, replacing outdated paper methods. It also automates repetitive tasks, such as collecting forms, or updating schedules, which frees up time for educators to focus on enriching the trip experience.
“EdTech facilitates clear and instant communication between organisers, students, parents and staff, while also integrating interactive elements like maps, quizzes, or trip previews, making the experience more exciting.”
Ali Iberraken agrees that technology is a great way of freeing up vital resources when organising visits, which means teachers can focus on what really matters. He said: “As a teacher, I understand first-hand how challenging it is to plan and oversee a school trip. Once the trip begins, it’s a constant juggling act of headcounts, answering endless questions and ensuring every student is accounted for and safe.
“It’s natural to stick with familiar methods, especially when they feel manageable. But there are so many innovative tools available that can truly transform the way schools plan trips.
“The key is finding EdTech that is intuitive and simple to use.”
Ali Iberraken
“One of the features teachers love most with Chapperone is how much time we save them on managing tasks like collecting permission forms, tracking down missing ones and keeping everything organised.
“Our ‘Tasks’ feature allows teachers to assign specific tasks to parents or students, such as signing a permission form, uploading a passport copy, or acknowledging a code of conduct. The system automatically tracks task completion, lets teachers view submitted forms either all at once or linked to individual student profiles, and sends automatic reminders to those who haven’t completed their tasks.”
Like other experts in the field, Alex Babauskis says the biggest struggle is getting those who organise visits to trust the technology available. He told us: “UGroop handles all the nitty-gritty planning details. It keeps everything in one place, so you don’t feel like you’re drowning in paperwork, plus all your trip info is stored digitally and accessible anytime.
“It offers real-time updates, emergency notifications and a contact database so everything is at your fingertips. Testing EdTech is essential as a practical method and an effective way to acquire new skills. Teachers and EVCs can easily experiment with creating itineraries, collaborating with others and collecting data.
“We offer AI-generated content guides for places and locations, suggested itineraries, and day map planners so you can access numerous helpful tools at once which saves you time.”
Georgia Wells added: “As well as boosting credibility, and parent engagements, school trip organisers can save time by consolidating all trip-related documents into a single app. This removes the need for paper binders and ensures participants have up-to-date information, even offline.
“Features like integrated maps and easy access to itineraries streamline group management and reduce administrative tasks, making trip planning more efficient and hassle-free.”
Do you use EdTech to help plan your trips, or feel a different approach is more beneficial? Join in the conversation and let us know your thoughts by emailing editorial@schooltravelorganiser.com.
