Online learning provision - review: discussion paper and next steps

Annex D

Challenges relating to Online Learning

1. Glow

Glow has been Scotland’s national online learning platform since 2007, with major updates in 2014 and incremental changes since. It currently serves around 530,000 users annually and provides secure, single sign-on access to core services like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace for Education, and WordPress blogs. The Scottish Government funds the service (which is managed by Education Scotland) at a cost of around £6.1m per year.

Glow is undergoing a strategic review to ensure it continues to meet the needs of learners and educators in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. While Glow has provided secure access to core tools for over a decade, feedback highlights the need for a clearer purpose, improved user experience, and greater alignment with modern service design principles. This review will shape the next phase of Glow beyond 2027, aiming to deliver a future-proofed, accessible, and value-driven platform that supports collaboration, equity, and innovation across Scottish education.

2. Digital Infrastructure

Ensuring robust digital infrastructure is fundamental to the success of any online learning initiative. In Scotland, significant progress has been made in improving learner device access, with at least 10 local authorities known to have implemented 1:1 device rollouts for pupils. This marks a positive step towards digital equity, enabling more learners to participate fully in online and blended learning environments.

However, connectivity within schools remains variable. While some schools benefit from high-speed, reliable internet, others—particularly in rural or remote areas—continue to face challenges with bandwidth and network stability. These issues are especially pronounced when large numbers of devices are used simultaneously for data-intensive activities such as video streaming or interactive online lessons. In such scenarios, insufficient connectivity can disrupt learning and teaching, affecting both learners and educators who rely on school networks.

As Scotland considers delivery models that are increasingly dependent on online provision, it is essential to address these infrastructure gaps. Any future strategy must ensure that all schools have the capacity to support high volumes of connected devices without compromising the quality of the learning experience. This includes not only investment in broadband and network upgrades, but also ongoing support and contingency planning to prevent disruption for any learners or teachers joining via school networks.

3. Pedagogy and Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is now a cross-curriculum theme, not an optional skill. It includes safe and effective use of technology and digital citizenship.

Challenges arise around:

• Uneven implementation of digital literacy frameworks across schools.
• Variation in teacher confidence and capability.
• Socio-economic inequalities exacerbate gaps in access and skills.

The effectiveness of online learning is not inherently inferior to in-person learning. Instead, outcomes depend on strong course design and quality of pedagogical approach, student support systems, engagement strategies, and appropriate technological tools.

Teachers need ongoing professional learning to integrate digital tools effectively. Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs are embedding digital and data literacy, but gaps remain in confidence and pedagogical innovation.

4. Online Safety and Security

Data protection and online safety and security are critical considerations when undertaking online learning, particularly for live or recorded material, including:

• Strong Authentication using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and enforcement of strong password policies.
• Data Encryption
• Regular Security Updates
• Clear Privacy Policies informing users what data is collected and how it’s used.
• Digital Literacy Training for students and educators about phishing, safe browsing, and reporting abuse.
• Content Moderation through filters and monitoring for inappropriate content.
• Secure Communication Channels using encrypted video conferencing and messaging tools.
• Consideration of screen-time implications.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI offers opportunities for personalized learning and administrative efficiency, but raises ethical, privacy, and bias concerns.

Risks include:

• Inaccurate or biased outputs.
• Data protection and confidentiality issues.
• Over-reliance on AI replacing human judgment.

Guidance is currently being developed on use of AI in education in Scotland, and is expected to emphasise AI literacy for educators and students, and responsible, ethical use aligned with data protection laws.

In addition, Qualifications Scotland (which replaced the SQA in February 2026) has published guidance on the use of AI in Assessments (Generative artificial intelligence (AI) in assessments - SQA).