Technology needed in classrooms

15:25 25th June 2009

The student experience needs to include modern technology such as mobile and social networking, reveals a report.

Demos states teaching practices need to include current technology in order to realise their potential, says the Times Higher Education supplement.

Its study follows news the government has launched a £10 million scheme to make the UK the best place in the world for online distance learning.

"Despite a rapid uptake of all the trappings of a connected world in recent years, the transfer of these technologies into a learning setting in higher education has not followed," the survey says.

In addition, Demos believes institutions such as universities need to make the most of online forums like StudentRoom and Twitter to further engage students.

Methods already employed by some learning centres include virtual learning environments for modules and distributing lecture notes for free on iTunes.

Demos is a London-based think tank which offers ideas to improve policy, politics and people's power over their own lives.