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The overwhelming majority of parents believe new technology helps their children learn - yet just one in five schools are using it to the full, says B

A specially commissioned survey by the polling company Populus shows that 95 per cent of parents think the use of interactive whiteboards and other high tech tools help their children learn at school.

Almost 80 per cent of parents questioned on behalf of Becta, the organisation which promotes the best use of technology in education, think technology can bring lessons to life and engage their child in subjects they find difficult, while more than 60 per cent believe the use of computers raises standards.

The survey found:
> 95 per cent of parents think the effective use of technology can help their child learn
> 77 per cent of parents think technology can help their child engage with difficult subjects
> 78 per cent of parents think technology can bring subjects to life
> 63 per cent of parents think using technology effectively can help improve exam results
parents are more comfortable talking to their children about drugs, alcohol and bullying than technology!
> 94 per cent of parents find it easier to keep in touch by text and email, but only 30 per cent are ever contacted by their child’s school by text or email
> there also seems to be a big perception gap – the majority of parents think technology is being used to its full capacity in schools but the reality is that only 20 per cent of schools are using it properly.

"This survey shows that parents understand how technology can put them in the driving seat", said Stephen Crowne, Becta's Chief Executive. "As a parent, you want to know that your child is enjoying school; that they're getting access to the best support; and that if they're having any problems, you know straight away.

"Technology will support next generation learning by making lessons interactive like never before; enabling teachers to use the best resources from schools around the world; and making sure you can be in touch with your child's school 24/7."

But Becta has discovered that though a majority of parents think schools are making the best use of technology, its own research reveals that only 20 per cent are using it to the full.

"There is a gap between what parents think about the way schools are using technology, and the reality – we need to close that generation gap.

"We want to move technology from the margins to the mainstream in our schools and colleges and make the most of the opportunities and benefits it can provide."

The survey also showed that 91 per cent of parents believe the use of computers and the internet helps prepare young people for the world of work.

Mr Crowne added: "The world is changing at an incredible pace. Technology and media are now everywhere in society and essential at work. We need people with the skills to thrive and learn effectively in this world.

"With people increasingly interacting online and creating and using lots of different media to support their entertainment and friendships, learning which does not make the most of the opportunities provided by technology could be increasingly regarded by learners as dull or irrelevant. Businesses also need people with the skills to make the most of this new environment.

"Technology also provides tools to help deliver learning that's focused on the needs of the learner, enabling people who work in education and training to better understand what they need and help them learn in the best way possible."

Technology guru Johnny Ball said, "Technology has improved many aspects of our lives, from booking holidays to checking our bank balances, and it has transformed the way we keep in touch with family and friends so it makes sense that learners fully benefit from it as well - education needs to catch up!"

Becta is leading the drive to improve the use of technology in education via the Next Generation Learning campaign, which is supported by Johnny Ball. For more information visit the Next Generation Learning campaign website.

Background
> Populus interviewed 2,058 parents of schoolchildren over the internet between 14-18 December 2007.
Becta leads the national drive to inspire and lead the effective and innovative use of technology throughout learning. It’s our ambition to create a more exciting, rewarding and successful experience for learners of all ages and abilities enabling them to achieve their potential.

> The Next Generation Learning campaign will enable you to take charge and use technology to its full potential - if you’re a parent, it lets you get fully involved in your child's education; if you're a learner, it lets you learn how, when and where you want; and if you're an employer, it helps you train your workforce efficiently and effectively.

Related Tags :

• National Curriculum

Last Edited Date : January 17 2008 2:54 pm