New research has found that even though interactive whiteboards, tablets and laptops are key tools in today’s classrooms many teachers struggle to stay fully up-to-date with technological developments.
So despite the fact that a quarter of teachers believe digital technology improves exam grades by at least one grade, students could be missing out on its full potential.
“There seems to be a growing digital divide between the technology that is available in the classroom and teachers’ ability to effectively use it,” said Mario Di Mascio, executive sales director of Virgin Media Business, which commissioned the research.
Meanwhile, Oliver Quinlan, programme manager of digital education projects at Nesta, an innovation charity, said: “Teachers need the resources and the time to develop their skills to integrate technology into their subject, to use it as a tool for learning and to teach the digital skills young people need to engage successfully with modern society.”
Half of the 1,000 UK teachers who took part in the survey said budgets were the most significant barrier to the use of technology in schools.
Meanwhile, 22 per cent said it was “teachers’ abilities to use the technology” that posed the greatest challenge.
More than two-thirds (70 per cent) admitted they did not tailor learning to digital skills relevant to the workplace and only 11 per cent reckoned technology was “functioning perfectly” in their schools.
The survey also revealed that handing homework in on paper is becoming less common. More than half of those questioned said their schools allow pupils to submit homework by email.
The survey is part of Generation Tech, a campaign to encourage students and teachers to share their experiences of how technology is supporting their learning.
To find out more, go to http://generationtechvmb.co.uk