Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, European Electronique and The Education Foundation, the UK’s independent education think tank, have launched a new report that examines the future of technology within education.
The expert group was put together in response to a request from the UK Department for Education to identify emerging solutions to the barriers facing schools and other learning organisations in using technology to improve learning outcomes. The report, entitled Technology in Education: A System View, is written by James Penny Solutions Director at European Electronique and Ian Fordham and Ty Goddard, Co-founders of The Education Foundation - with the contribution of leading educators, industry leaders and academics.
The report has found that:
- Technology must be more strategically linked to achievement and learning in all schools
- Collaboration should drive knowledge and advice sharing on a central website accessible for all teachers
- Universal high quality access to broadband in all schools would deliver significant benefits
- Schools should adopt cloud-based technology with choice of devices based on flexibility and total cost of ownership to make considerable savings
- The use of technology to improve achievement must be recognised more prominently and systematically in inspection
- The need to create an accountability frameworks with clear guidance best practice
Andy Griffiths, president, Samsung UK & Ireland said: “We believe that technology has a significant role to play in opening doors for the leaders of tomorrow, equipping them with the skills necessary to meet the needs of the ever evolving economy.
As a leading technology company we embrace our responsibility to help make this a reality and so Samsung was delighted to support this report, which includes the advice and experience of many leaders in this field. I hope that this report helps facilitate discussion and work as a guide for teachers as they work to integrate technology into the classroom.”
Yolanta Gill, ceo of European Electronique said: “We are delighted to have played a part in this insightful report. Having been involved with learning organisations and education for many years I am constantly inspired by the passion, energy and inspiration that educators provide to our learners.
“It’s clear that technology in many forms will continue to be a significant part of learning and teaching; and the power of technology to support, change and challenge learners is exciting and essential in supporting a vibrant and prosperous economy. We hope that people reading the report will find some ideas that they can take into their learning environment and use to make a positive impact!”
Solutions director, James Penny added: “No learning organisation should have out of date technology. Technology should be focused on improving the learning and outcomes of all learners so that digital technology supports teachers and bring about positive change in the lives of young people.’
Ian Fordham and Ty Goddard, co-founders of the Education Foundation said: “Too often technology reports focus on ‘scenarios for the future’ that cannot be predicted and therefore leave school and education leaders, governors and budget holders difficult decisions such as - how to deal with the present day reality, what do we spend our money on and how do we get appropriate technology into our classrooms that teachers can use to support their learning.
This report is a lot more pragmatic and starts from the reality of what’s needed now and in the next few years – and identifies the key barriers that need to be removed to finally realise the potential of technology, to change the lives of young people in schools and other learning organisations across the UK.”
The Report was launched at an event at the House of Commons on 18 June, hosted by Graham Stuart MP, chair of the Education Select Committee. Also in attendance was Matt Hancock MP, Skills Minister who originally convened the expert group alongside Education Secretary Rt Hon Michael Gove MP.
To view the full report please go to: http://www.ednfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/TechnologyEducation_systemview.pdf