MANAGING ICT MANAGING ICT
New research
shows that
school ICT
budgets are
being tightened as educators
Tough
tread carefully during the
tough financial climate. Ray
Barker explains
times
N THE lead up to BETT, the largest
I
educational technology event in the world,
annual research into the use of ICT in UK
state schools has been published by the British
Educational Suppliers’ Association.
Until now we have seen virtually
continuous growth in ICT procurement and
use by schools, as educators continue to recognise the
important role technology plays in supporting teaching
and learning. per-pupil funding in some areas, and increases in money on new technology, educators are very much considered approach to procurement decisions during
However, this year the research paints a different other costs, education has not been unaffected by the still interested in seeing, testing and buying new ICT uncertain times, it is equally vital that current funding
picture. For the first time, schools are telling us that economic turmoil. resources. provided for investment in today’s learners is used.
they expect to slightly reduce the amount of investment Most school decision-makers are telling us that they
in ICT going forward, despite stating that they still are concerned about the future, and the start of 2009 saw
More affordable Importance of best value
need more technology in their classrooms, such as former schools minister Jim Knight threatening school On average, technology is becoming more attainable as School leaders will be spending their funds wisely to
computers, laptops and internet access for pupils. leaders with funding claw-backs if they continued to prices fall. Now, a computer for every child is not just best meet their own school development needs and
The research shows that state secondary school ICT withhold spending. a lofty notion by idealists, but could very soon become make “best value” procurement decisions to get the
budgets are estimated to decrease by one per cent in a reality. most from their budgets.
2009/10, excluding budgets on curriculum software and
Ring-fenced funding goes
BESA’s ICT in UK State Schools research found Shows like the BETT exhibition in January 2010
digital content. In 2010/11, secondary ICT budgets are As e-Learning Credits finished in 2008, ICT ring- that, on average, schools offer one computer per 4.2 and the Education Show in March 2010 offer secondary
set to decrease to an average of £62,970, representing a fenced funding came to an end and heads are now able students in secondary schools, down from 5.5 learners schools the chance to explore all the options available
decline of 2.7 per cent. to allocate spending on ICT resources as they wish. in 2005. to them when they are looking to invest in new
Current education funding is in place until 2011 and Schools still have funding for ICT in the form This reduction in the number of children sharing a resources.
while we cannot state with impunity why educators of the Harnessing Technology Grant but, in reality, computer is a clear indication of the growing role of As many visitors tell us, these exhibitions are the
have begun a slight tightening of the purse-strings, decision-makers can spend this on whatever their technology within our learning environments, just as ideal place to understand more about the technology
there are a number of issues which have no doubt had school requires. we have seen in the workplace. offer, negotiate deals directly with suppliers, and
an impact. Given the current issues affecting schools, decision- Overall, it is anticipated that there will be most importantly, foster the opportunity to meet with
makers are spending their funds wisely in line with their 2.5 million computers in schools during 2010. However, peers to gain their opinions and an insight into their
The recession
own school development needs. ICT leaders consider there to be a need for 3.2 million experiences. SecEd
As the recession has gripped the nation, schools have However, the BETT 2009 show in January this computers to fully implement ICT development plans,
felt an impact. With many facing a reduction in parental year attracted more than 30,000 people, indicating a figure which has doubled since 2003. • Ray Barker is the director of the British Educational
contributions, falling rolls leading to a reduction in that despite no longer having a requirement to spend While it is vital for school leaders to be taking a Suppliers’ Association. Visit
www.besa.org.uk
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