Schools failing to realise the potential that technology offers

UK schools are spending huge amounts of money on IT equipment that is left to gather dust because teachers are unsure on how to integrate technology into the class room, with a study from charity Nesta finding that the education sector has invested £1.4 billion in the last three years on technology that has little impact on learning.

The potential for technology to transform and improve learning is great, with devices such as interactive whiteboards and tablet computers being sold to schools under expectations of enhancing education and exposing students to the technology they will use in the workplace.  However potential benefits are being negated by poor implementation according to the study.

The problem is that many schools are using computers simply to replace pen and paper. Instead, both teachers and pupils should be encouraged to take an innovative approach to learning, for example designing and building software or mobile apps to better equip the young for their working lives in an increasingly IT-centric workplace.

"A tablet replacing an exercise book is not innovation - it's just a different way to make notes. There's incredible potential for digital technology in and beyond the classroom: but as in other fields, from healthcare to retail, it is vital to rethink how learning is organised if we're to reap the rewards,” says Nesta chief executive Geoff Mulgan.

Richmond Systems has been helping schools and colleges get the most from their IT for 20 years, click the link to learn more.