Failing budgets force students to teach themselves ICT

Released 23/01/2012

ICT managers say students are developing IT skills through their own personal devices and that new technologies, like tablets, take at least two years to reach the classroom

Kids learning from their own tablets

Seventy-nine per cent of school ICT managers believe that IT skills are being developed through personal ownership of PCs, laptops and tablets rather than teaching in the classroom.

A survey of 700 ICT managers by Equanet found that more than one third (37%) think that tablets are the most important technology currently used in the classroom, even though less than 25% of students actually own one.

Budget restraints are limiting technology departments to such an extent that over three quarters (76%) of those asked believe that technology innovations take over two years to reach the classroom.

Phil Birbeck, MD of Equanet, called this evidence "a bleak indictment" of the state of technology in education.

"With technology advancing at such a rapid rate, it is always going to be difficult for schools, already restrained by tight budgets, to stay at the forefront of innovation; however, students should never have to rely upon personal ownership to develop IT skills," he said. "The danger here is of a generation left behind by schools unable to afford vital technology and a growing divide between those whose parents can afford the latest technology and those who can't."

The disparity between innovation and budget capacities is such that 92% of ICT managers think that tablets are underused in the classroom, despite the fact that the introduction of remote devices is the technological advance that students best cope with (53%).

However, while students seem ready to receive them, schools are unable to provide them. As such, 97% believe technology desperately needs more funding in education.

Not only have tablets failed to be successfully integrated into the curriculum, but some schools (38%) have actually banned tablets from the classroom.

Birbeck says the survey clearly shows, when used properly, tablets can be beneficial in learning environments. "A change in attitudes is needed to encourage the integration and widespread use of innovative technologies in schools in a way that is cost effective, scalable and, first and foremost, has a positive impact upon all students."

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