Becta unveils schools IT campaign

Government body kicks off campaign to ensure schools are using technology properly

Educational technology body Becta has launched the 'Next Generation Learning Campaign', in response to findings that schools are failing to meet parents’ demands for effective use of technology in schools.

A survey commissioned by Becta revealed that 95 per cent of parents believe that technology helps their children to learn, but that only one in five schools are using it effectively.

In addition, 80 per cent of parents questioned think that technology can bring lessons to life and engage their children in subjects they find difficult. Sixty per cent of parents felt that computers help raise standards.

Stephen Crowne, chief executive of Becta, said: “This survey shows that parents understand how technology can put them in the driving seat. As a parent, you want to know that your child is enjoying school; that they're getting access to the best support; and that if they're having any problems, you know straight away.

The Next Generation Learning Campaign will enable parents, learners and businesses take charge of their technology and use it efficiently and effectively, Becta said.

"Technology will support next generation learning by making lessons interactive like never before; enabling teachers to use the best resources from schools around the world; and making sure you can be in touch with your child's school 24/7,” he said.

Despite 63 per cent of parents believing that the use of technology can help to improve exam results, the survey found that only 20 per cent of schools are using it properly.

Crowne explained that there is a gap between what parents think about the way schools are using technology, and the reality of the situation.

Crowne added: “With people increasingly interacting online and creating and using lots of different media to support their entertainment and friendships, learning which does not make the most of the opportunities provided by technology could be increasingly regarded by learners as dull or irrelevant. Businesses also need people with the skills to make the most of this new environment.

“Technology also provides tools to help deliver learning that's focused on the needs of the learner, enabling people who work in education and training to better understand what they need and help them learn in the best way possible,” he continued.

Lee Bevon, managing director of education VAR LeapFrog Computers, said: “A lot of schools don’t really know what to buy and how to make the most of their budgets. The people that make the decision on the technology have not always embraced it themselves.”

“It’s up to vendor and VARs to educate the IT managers in schools and let them know what can work best for them,” he added.

Bevon continued to say that schools are shying away from traditional IT rooms and having a laptop trolley and interactive whiteboard in every classroom.

“The truth is, schools are like a business and the children are the end product. They have to pass inspections on the quality of their products and the amount of technology and how it is used is taken into account when doing so,” said Bevon.