News

BESA (British Educational Suppliers Association) announces the release of its annual comprehensive ‘ICT in UK State Schools’ research, which explores a range of ICT issues and trends.

Ray Barker, director at BESA comments: “The eleventh annual BESA ‘ICT in UK State Schools’ research identifies how schools are currently using ICT, which is of particular relevance at the start of the new academic year when many schools begin to implement revised ICT development plans, and also consider their requirements in the lead up to BETT.”

Ray Barker continues: “One of the key findings of the BESA research is that many schools still do not have a learning platform, or are not using them properly, despite the fact that the Government 2010 deadline for learning platforms in all schools is nearing.  While provision has increased from previous years, more than 40 per cent of primary and 32 per cent of secondary schools consider themselves under-equipped.”

The BESA research covers topics including interactive whiteboard trends, infrastructure provision, internet access and ICT requirements, through to the need for ICT teacher training and views on learning platforms. 764 primary and 562 secondary school responses from across the UK were obtained for the research.

Ray Barker said: “Another issue that the BESA research highlights is the variation in teacher confidence when using certain ICT tools. For example, 40 per cent of primary ICT co-ordinators in 2008 feel that the majority of teachers are very confident using interactive whiteboards, compared with only seven per cent of secondary schools reporting the same level of confidence.”

Ray Barker concludes: “This concern is not surprising considering the range of sophisticated technologies with which teachers now have work. Educators are recognising the need for professional development at all levels to ensure success in their classrooms. The big issue is ensuring that schools can afford to release staff to make the most of their investment.”

The ‘BESA ICT in UK State Schools’ publication is free to BESA members, or can be purchased directly from BESA by non-members (Ph: 020 7537 4997).  A summary of the study findings is available free on the BESA website, please visit www.besa.org.uk. BESA publish several annual research papers, including ‘Resources in English Schools’.

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About BESA

On 4 November 2008, Rt Hon Charles Clarke and BESA will be presenting the findings and recommendations of the BESA Policy Commission on the future needs of education. Press invitations will be sent out the week starting 6 October. For information, please contact Jo Lee at Mango Marketing (ph: 01932 829 077, jo.lee@mangomarketing.com)

BESA, the British Educational Suppliers Association, is the trade association representing over 300 educational suppliers in the UK, including manufacturers and distributors of equipment, materials, books, consumables, furniture, technology, ICT hardware and digital-content related services to the education market.

With 75 years of experience, BESA offers unparalleled support, research, events and advice on both UK and International markets, and the future of the education supplies industry.  BESA is focused on promoting and providing support and advice to their members, the industry and to schools.

BESA has a Code of Practice to which all members must adhere, along with a stringent membership process, both of which assure buyers of a high standard of quality in both product and customer service.

Celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2008, BESA is at the forefront of discussion on the changing face of education, and will be celebrating this milestone by leading the way on solutions and ideas to overcome challenges in the future of education in the UK.

For more information, please visit www.besa.org.uk.

For further press information contact:

Jo Lee

Mango Marketing

T: 01932 829 077

E: jo.lee@mangomarketing.com

For information from BESA contact:

Ray Barker

BESA

T: 020 7537 4997

E: ray@besa.org.uk