More cash for information technology
More cash for information technologyKeywords: Tertiary education, Information technology, Learning,Staff, Training
Further-education colleges have been promised an extra £84 million to develop information-technology infrastructure and increase the uptake of information learning technology. Estelle Morris, Education and Skills Secretary,commented: "I am pleased to announce that the Government will provide£42 million in 2002-03 and a further £42 million in 2003-04 as part of its continuing investment to consolidate and build upon improvements in information-technology provision and use within the further-education sector."
According to the Government, in the past, information-technology provision has been too variable for too many learners. A key aim is to reduce the ratio of personal computers to students to 1:5 by 2002. This money will also help to ensure that more full-time teaching staff and those directly supporting learning have access to an internet-connected computer by 2002.
Morris argued that:"significant progress has already been achieved in just two years. The national learning network has transformed the further-education sector's information-technology infrastructure and learning environment for over three million students."
Staff will also benefit. Standards for further-education staff in the effective use of information technology are being developed and will be used as a basis for staff development. High-quality, network-enabled learning materials will also provide an innovative approach to learning for both students and staff.
The Government's strategy for improving information technology in further-education colleges includes:
a national learning network linking all further-education colleges to higher-eduction institutions;
improved local area networks and additional computer equipment;
training for college technicians;
training two staff members from every college in the use of information technology in teaching and learning;
a scheme to provide a subsidy of up to £500 towards the cost of a computer for an estimated 4,000 further-education teachers.
