Becta launches schools technology charter

A new foundation will help teach parents and teachers about IT

Schools across the UK are being asked to publicise their commitment to technology in education by signing up to the Next Generation Learning Charter.

The charter was launched by Becta, the government agency for technology in education, at the BETT 2009 show in London.

Becta said that the charter sets out the stages and goals to help achieve the effective use of technology in schools. These include a shared vision for the use of IT and its integration across the curriculum, as well as ensuring that all staff and learners can use technology effectively and safely.

The organisation has promised to provide guidance and advice to schools. Those that have signed up will be recognised when they reach key stages of development and will be accredited for reaching a national standard with the ICT Mark.

Participants will also be able to enter the ICT Excellence Awards if they believe they have found particularly innovative ways of using technology in education.

"Technology in the classroom is no longer a distant dream. It is part of everyday life for us all, and schools need to ensure that they do not get left behind," said Stephen Crowne, chief executive of Becta.

"The Next Generation Learning Charter will help thousands of schools develop their use of technology, so that we have a world class education system where all young people are inspired and motivated."

Becta also announced at the BETT show that it is setting up an independent foundation for teachers and parents to get support and training on how to help school-aged children access the internet safely at home.

The agency will work closely with organisations such as Microsoft, which proposed the idea of the foundation, as well as other interested parties to administer and distribute industry funds in support of the Home Access programme. The scheme aims to ensure that every seven- to 18-year old in full time state-maintained education has access to the internet at home.

"We need to ensure that every learner has an equal chance to tap into the benefits of the internet to enhance their learning, and the Home Access programme seeks to do just that by offering this opportunity to all learners," Crowne said.

"Getting parents and teachers onboard is clearly vital to the success of the programme, so we are really excited about this opportunity to support them in partnership with the industry."

The new foundation is expected to launch later this year to coincide with the national rollout of Home Access.