Technology set to transform the classroom

Parents say technology will provide a better education for their children but schools are still lagging behind...

A staggering 95% of parents believe technology will greatly improve their children's learning experience. According to a new survey, three quarters of parents think technology will better engage their children in subjects they find difficult, improving their overall performance. Interestingly 3 in 5 say technology will also help their children to do better in exams, meaning bigger smiles on results day. At present however only 20% of schools are using technology effectively.

The research conducted by Becta shows that although there is a gulf between what parents want for their children and the reality, classroom technology has come a long way with internet access on the rise and many classrooms using interactive whiteboards rather than the chalkboards of previous generations.

The hope is that all schools will be using technology effectively by 2011, which would radically change education and training in the UK. The good news is the change would undoubtedly be for the better. As well as creating a more exciting, rewarding and successful learning experience, putting technology at the heart of learning would inspire learners, engage parents, enable teachers, whilst giving school leavers the skills businesses want.

Find out more in the video which includes interviews with schools minister Jim Knight and TV presenter Johnny Ball Bectavideo

Becta is an organisation which promotes the best use of technology in education.

For more information please visit: nextgenerationlearning