Schools must speed up IT adoption

12:56 17th October 2008

Schools need to speed up their adoption of IT systems and hardware to maximise its potential, an education IT watchdog has claimed.

Becta conducted its annual survey of IT in schools and discovered that while three-fifths of pupils enjoy lessons more if they use technology, most teachers were slow to adopt the use of new IT.

The study also revealed that the computer to pupil ratio has improved since 2007, with 4.3 pupils for every desktop computer in secondary schools.

Stephen Crowne, chief executive of Becta, believes that technology can play a crucial role in creating a world class education system.

He said: "We now need to make that next step and ensure that schools are using the technology available in an interactive and engaging manner … [to] take advantage of the opportunities it can provide."

Earlier this week, the National Union of Teachers suggested that techno-phobia amongst their members must be addressed if IT is to continue to play a key role in education.