Following today’s announcement from the Department for Education (DfE) that new technology will “spearhead a classroom revolution”, the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) has announced that it will work with the department to deliver free software trials for schools and a series of best-practice regional ‘demonstrator’ roadshows over the coming academic year.
BESA’s Director General, Caroline Wright today welcomed the Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds’ announcement regarding schools’ use of educational technology:
“After eight long years with next-to-no Government guidance on the use of Edtech in education, 2018 looks set to deliver a change of fortune for EdTech in English schools, thanks to today’s announcement by the Secretary of State for Education.
“All-too-often we have seen an over-simplistic knee-jerk backlash against the use of technology in schools in recent times. These anti-tech adversaries cite mistakes made in the early noughties when shiny new pieces of tech were introduced into classrooms without effective training or support for teachers. And, yes, lessons must be learned from early tech implementation failures, but we must also not fail to recognise the power that technology has to inspire young minds and free-up teacher time to focus on the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning practice.
“I am delighted that the DfE’s plans recognise that EdTech, when introduced as part of a whole school strategy, has the power to help improve pupil outcomes, save teacher time and reduce workload burdens.
“It is also welcome that the DfE places teacher training and support at the heart and soul of their future approach to EdTech. BESA’s latest annual research of the use of ICT in UK schools found that 68% of secondary schools and 56% of primary schools cited training in EdTech resources as being their key challenge over the next 12 months.
“The measures outlined by the Secretary of State for Education to support classroom teacher training and development in the effective use of technology, are whole-heartedly welcomed and supported by the EdTech industry sector which BESA represents.
“I’m therefore delighted that BESA members will be working closely with the DfE to provide free software trials for schools and to deliver a series of best-practice regional ‘demonstrator’ roadshows over the coming academic year.”
-ENDS-
BESA’s directors are available for comment. To discuss this story further contact: Mark Rosser mark@besa.org.uk +44(0)20 7537 4997
About BESA:
BESA, the British Educational Suppliers Association, is the only trade association covering the entirety of the UK educational suppliers sector. It has an 85-year heritage serving the sector, and represents over 350 suppliers, including manufacturers and distributors of equipment, materials, books, consumables, furniture, technology, ICT hardware and digital-content related services to the education market. Combined, they generate approximately $3 billion of revenue each year.
BESA is dedicated to showcasing the world-leading educational products and services provided by British educational suppliers, and providing support and advice to its members, the industry and to schools looking for the best resources and services.
It founded the BETT show in 1985, the largest EdTech exhibition in the world, GESS Dubai (then BES Dubai) in 2004 and the Education World Forum in 2011. BESA also runs the EdTech Exchange, which is Europe’s largest network of EdTech founders.
Working closely with the Department for Trade, BESA helps take over two hundred companies overseas every year to a wide range of important export markets, from the US to Malaysia and China, providing intelligence briefings, logistical support and often substantial bursaries.
BESA has a Code of Practice to which all members must adhere, along with a stringent membership process, both of which assure buyers of a high standard of quality in both product and customer service.
For more information, visit: www.besa.org.uk
