Schools white paper
Why don't we see ICT?
Many information and communications technology (ICT) enthusiasts were left disappointed by the lack of coverage given to the sector in the government's schools white paper, published in November 2010. It contains scant reference to technology (technology colleges aside) and makes just one passing mention – in a case study – of ICT. In addition, the schools minister, Nick Gibb, also neglected to reference either ICT or technology in general in his recent speech on the importance of teaching to the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.
However, Ray Barker of the British Educational Suppliers Association believes these oversights should not be taken as a slight on the sector.
"Schools have now had nearly a decade of significant investment in ICT and in related training. Continuing their focus on independence, this government feels that ICT is now embedded in schools and that teachers have the experience and skills to invest in the technology that suits their specific needs without government interference," he says. "ICT is still at the heart of learning but it is now perceived as just one of the tools available to teachers to engage students."
Award categories
Role of honour
Digital content, tools for teaching and learning, digital collections and resource banks, special educational needs solutions, and digital devices will all be covered at this year's Bett awards. There are also awards for ICT company of the year, ICT exporter of the year, ICT partnership, and ICT service and support.
A special award for outstanding achievement in ICT education is decided by a panel of experts.
The awards will take place on 12 January at the 2011 Bett show at Olympia, London.
Environmental sustainability
Rewards for reduction
The Bett awards, run by Emap Connect and Besa, have been revamped for 2011 and include the new category of environmental sustainability to recognise products that help schools reduce their energy consumption, carbon footprint and energy bills. Nominations are Altman Technologies' Pcounter, AMX's ClassroomManager, Cutter Project's Cutter System, Faronics's Power Save and RM Enterprise Print and Utileyes.
Safer Internet Day
'It's more than a game'
The new UK Safer Internet Centre opens for business this month. Backed by the European Commission, the centre will be run by South West Grid for Learning, charity Childnet International and the Internet Watch Foundation. One of its first tasks will be to promote Safer Internet Day, which takes place on 11 February. This year the e-safety initiative focuses on a virtual lives theme and the slogan, "It's more than a game, it's your life".
New consultancy
Rise from Becta's demise
A new advice and consultancy service for the education and technology sectors has been launched by three former members of Becta in the wake of the agency's demise.
Independent Education and Technology (IET) Associates is the brainchild of Mike Briscoe, Nick Shacklock and Paul Shoesmith, who have a combined 80 years' experience in the education and technology sectors. At Becta, they played key roles in major initiatives including the Home Access programme, Slict (Strategic Leadership of ICT) and the National Education Network.
"Our main strengths are our experience and our independence," says Briscoe.
E-safety
ICT advice
Ruth Hammond, Becta's highly respected e-safety champion, is also setting up her own business, 2RH Education. It will offer a range of advice to local authorities and schools on responsible and safe use of ICT in schools and beyond, plus ICT across the curriculum, including hard-to-teach topics.
Hammond, an ex-teacher, led Becta's safeguarding programme of work. Her roles included serving on the home secretary's Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet and helping to launch CEOP, the agency targeting child abuse online.
Firefly Solutions
Web whiz-kids
A content management system developed by two 15-year-old schoolboys in 2000 has become a commercial success. Firefly.NET streamlines the process of building and developing websites, intranets and learning platforms for schools. Joe Mathewson and Simon Hay created the system when they were pupils at St Paul's school in London. They are now partners in Firefly Solutions and have sold their product to more than 30 independent schools, including, St Paul's and Wellington College. "We want to grow and expand into the state sector," Mathewson says.
By George Cole and Julie Nightingale
