Speaking to over 600 senior leaders in education and skills at the Harnessing Technology conference in Birmingham, he reviewed progress in building an education system that harnesses technology to benefit all learners and set out his vision for how technology can support the creation of a world class education system:
‘As the Prime Minister rightly pointed out, second best is not good enough.’ Crowne said. ‘We know effective use of technology can have a real, positive impact on learner outcomes, engage parents more and give educators the right tools to develop inspirational teaching and learning.
‘At the moment, only twenty percent of schools and colleges are reaping the full benefits that technology can bring. To create the world class education system we all want, we need that figure to rise towards 100%, and rise quickly.’
Becta’s Harnessing Technology conference highlighted how there has been a significant amount of development in technology and education in the last year. The pace of change has increased dramatically. For example, there is now one computer per 3.6 pupils in secondary schools, compared with 7.9 in 2000, while use of wireless has soared with 80% of secondaries and 50% of primaries now making use of the technology.
Stephen Crowne reflected on the successes of this year’s prestigious ICT Excellence Awards, announced at a special ceremony on Monday 5 November 2007 which recognise and celebrate schools and colleges that have transformed themselves through technology. There were 31 winners of the awards, runners-up and highly commended awards across seven different categories such as Leadership and Management, Learning and Teaching and Support for Schools.
Stephen Crowne said, “This year’s winners should be an inspiration to others – they are positive proof that schools and colleges can be transformed with technology. Right now one of the biggest challenges we face is how to replicate best practice like this and ensure more schools and colleges get on board with next generation learning - technology should be a part of learning for every single learner; not just for the few”.
Crowne concluded that the right systems – hardware and software – are in place. Where technology is used properly it is providing real efficiency gains, value for money and improved outcomes for learners. Becta’s challenge now is for the whole of the education system to use the resources and frameworks available to them to truly embed technology in teaching and learning, while making sure no one is left behind.
