Schools' attitudes to tablets changing, report finds
EB News: 01/07/2014 - 16:54
BESA's annual 'Tablets and Connectivity' survey of 636 UK schools (334 primary, 302 secondary), which was carried out in May, reveals that teachers predict that in two years time tablets will make up 37 per cent of classroom computers, and that in 2020 they will make up 56 per cent. This represents a significant increase on last year's prediction of tablets comprising 27 per cent of school hardware in 2015.
Financial resources were highlighted as a potential barrier to tablet adoption – 90 per cent of the schools surveyed said funding and budget allocations restricted tablet use. Wi-Fi connections, training and the security and management of the technology were also considered barriers to tablet uptake.
Caroline Wright, director, BESA said: “It is heartening that schools continue to invest in this mobile technology to put the power of learning back into students’ hands. However schools must continue to collaborate and share best practice use of tablets and apps if the technology’s adoption is to continue to contribute positively to educational standards.”
Dame Christine Ryan, former Chair of the Ofsted Board, has been named co-chair of the judging panel for the inaugural Global Schools Prize – a new $1 million award launched by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO.
New research reveals that 57 per cent of low-income families say their child struggles to access devices or reliable internet outside school, severely impacting their education.
The number of eligible children taking up the offer of free school meals in Scotland has increased for the second year running, according to the latest statistics.
Schools in England must take “proactive” action to identify and support children at risk of falling out of the education system, according to updated statutory guidance.
According to a new survey, science teachers are struggling to deliver practical lessons – and could face the problem of lab technicians leaving the profession.