In the last five years UK schools have spent more than £1 billion on digital technology. From interactive whiteboards to tablets, there is more digital technology in schools than ever before. But so far there has been little evidence of substantial success in improving educational outcomes.

Moreover, despite wide acknowledgement that the UK needs to build its computer coding skills, and the introduction of new computer code lessons to the curriculum there is a degree of skepticism. Many critics argue that the content may be too difficult for young children to understand and would require extensive training for teaching staff. This point has been re-enforced just last week by the news that the Raspberry Pi has been “gathering dust” in classrooms, this is a great shame as the Raspberry Pi has the potential to help children to learn code in a fun & user-friendly way (a key element that the new curriculum may be lacking).

As ICT lessons become more advanced, making these lessons fun & stimulating will be a major challenge for educators. Learning code is just as difficult as learning algebra and pupils often become discouraged by the subjects complexity. A key method of overcoming this challenge will be the introduction of digital learning resources such as the Raspberry Pi & the Ipad, which help pupils learn to code in a fun and engaging way.

How technology can best serve schools, is the subject of the upcoming Education and Technology Conference 2014, which will feature guest lectures from leading education thought leaders who are involved in digital technology.

Education and Technology Conference 2014 – Transforming Education through Digital Technology :  Thursday 27th February 2014, 9:30am – 4:30pmManchester Central, Manchester

Looking at:

• How technology can boost learning
• Understanding the power of technology in transforming education
• Utilising the incredible potential of digital technology in and beyond the classroom
• Unlocking the vast opportunities for pupils to learn with others through the potential of digital technology
• Getting industry and education to work together to harness technology to put learning first
• Helping schools understand what technology to buy and how best to use it
• Helping the education system to embrace technology
• Preparing pupils adequately for a post-school period of study and work in a digital age
• Accelerating the adoption of best practice in schools across country

The cost is £299+VAT, but there is a reduced rate available to some schools: click here and use discount code SPD100x.

Tags: Computer Literacy, Conference, ICT, School digital resources