An increasing number of schools think that schemes such as ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) are very important to tablet adoption in schools, reveals research carried out for the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA).

The annual ‘Tablets and apps in schools’ survey of 632 UK schools (327 primary, 305 secondary), conducted in May 2013, shows an increase in the consideration of BYOD schemes.  67 per cent of schools currently believe this method of product adoption is important compared with just 52 per cent in 2012.

Caroline Wright, director, BESA comments; “The growing interest in BYOD schemes comes with many important considerations for schools, given that the device is owned by a pupil rather than the school. We recommend a formal school policy which covers issues such as software licencing, will cover associated costs including IT support, remote connectivity to the school’s network and the procedure when a student leaves the school.”

The research also highlighted encouraging signs that schools are more confident in making decisions about their own ICT policy rather than waiting for guidance from Government.

BESA’s findings come from a survey into the ‘Future of tablets and apps in schools’.  The highly anticipated research, carried out in conjunction with the National Education Research Panel (NERP), provides analysis into the current adoption of tablet PCs and apps in schools and gives insight into their future use.

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About BESA

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 78 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.

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

For further press information contact:

Sue Murray
Mango Marketing
T: 01932 829 077
E: sue.murray@mangomarketing.com

For information from BESA contact:

Caroline Wright
BESA
T: 020 7537 4997
E: caroline@besa.org.uk