State schools spent £1 billion on cutting-edge information technology last
year but 80 per cent of them are failing to make full use of it, according
to experts.
Pupils now handle equipment worth thousands of pounds, with some using
laptops, interactive whiteboards or hand-held smartphones. The Government
claims that Britain is a European leader in installing IT in the classroom.
However, Becta, the Government’s adviser on IT in schools, says that many
teachers are intimidated by the equipment and struggle to cope, and that
children have a better understanding of how it works.
Britain is one of the biggest spenders per head on technology in schools
worldwide, according to Becta — formerly the British Educational
Communications and Technology Agency — and the amount is growing each year.
Yet Andrew Pinder, its chairman, said: “We are achieving nothing like the
impact that we should from this technology. We spend more than other
countries but not enough schools are using technology effectively.”
The Government is determined to make every child computer-literate and it has
two ministers addressing the issue at separate events this week.
Jim Knight, the Schools Minister, wants every pupil to have home broadband
access, subsidised by big communications businesses. IT companies, MPs and
teachers are investigating how this can be funded. Ed Balls, the Schools
Secretary, will address an international conference tomorrow on IT standards
for teachers.
Mr Pinder said that only a fifth of schools were making the most of the
equipment. Up to 40 per cent used it well in some areas, but not across the
board, he said. He said some schools were buying the wrong software, and
support was often amateurish.
Stephen Crowne, the agency’s chief executive, said: “The challenge of what
constitutes world-class is getting steeper. We have made great strides in
using technology for education and skills. But this pales when set against
the rest of our lives, where technology has moved further and faster. We
cannot always expect our schools and colleges to be at the cutting edge, but
our learners shouldn’t be asked to step back in time.”
Schools in England spent £1 billion last year on computers, interactive
whiteboards that link to teachers’ laptops, and electronic home access for
children.
Mr Crowne said that technology “could be used to teach hard-to-reach children
such as travellers or those in hospital”. He added: “But we think only about
20 per cent of schools and colleges are bringing it all together and
delivering the full benefit. Some need further training for a shared
understanding of how to use it. It’s quite intimidating technology for some
teachers, and more so when children know more about it than they do.”
Teacher training in IT has to meet only vague criteria. Teachers must pass an
IT test at GCSE level before qualifying. It covers basic skills such as
using e-mails, spreadsheets and a word-processor. The Department for
Children, Schools and Families said: “The majority of schools are making
good use of technology in the classroom. There is always more that can be
done, which is why Becta is tasked to support schools in making the best use
of technology.”
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