Supporters of Next Generation Learning
The following people have pledged their support for Next Generation Learning.
Carol Vorderman, TV presenter
"I am supporting the Next Generation Learning campaign as I believe it is vitally important to recognise the benefits of using technology effectively in our schools and colleges. As a parent myself, I have seen how enthusiastic my own children are about technology and using the internet, and I think that anything that encourages young people to develop a passion for learning can only be a good thing.
Although nothing can replace good teaching, technology can bring to subjects to life and as our world is becoming more and more technologically orientated young people need to develop strong IT skills. Embedding technology into education at school and college gives learners a great head start as they are developing a whole range of transferable skills they will need in the workplace and beyond."
Johnny Ball, TV presenter
"I am supporting the Next Generation Learning campaign, as I think it’s vitally important to recognise that being able to use technology effectively is a really important part of learning. Technology has improved many aspects of our lives, from booking holidays to checking our bank balances, and it has transformed the way we keep in touch with family and friends so it makes sense that learners fully benefit from it as well – education needs to catch up!"
Lenny Henry, Comedian
"I support the Next Generation Learning campaign because it would be crazy not to! I believe it is vitally important to equip young people with the skills they will need when they leave school or college and go on to university or enter the workforce or become mad scientists or whatever.
As a parent, I am continually amazed by the technology available to help young people learn, (and indeed discuss snogging with a variety of mates), and a couple of years ago I had the chance to experience learning through technology first hand as I completed an English Literature degree through the Open University.
The world has changed so much since I was at school, (the streets were cobbled; an old man would come round with a cart yelling ‘Bring out your dead!’ of an evening…) and coming back to education was a real eye-opener. I completed my course almost entirely with the aid of technology, whether I was emailing my tutors, using the internet for research or chatting to other students through online forums (discussing snogging etc). Learning in this way really helped bring what I was studying to life and by being able to communicate with other students online I didn’t feel like I was struggling alone!
So what are you waiting for? Find out more about what your local school or college is doing to help support learners of all ages by visiting www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk"
Philippa Forrester, TV presenter
"I am delighted to support the Next Generation Learning campaign. Having worked as a presenter on Tomorrow’s World I was constantly amazed by the developments in technology happening on an almost daily basis, and believe passionately in the benefits of using technology to help and support learners to achieve their potential. When I returned to learning as an adult to complete a degree at Birkbeck University, I was amazed at the way technology has changed teaching since I was at school. Using digital photography, the internet and film making equipment really brought my course to life and even made revising for exams a little easier!
Now I am a parent myself , I’m interested in how technology is going to support my children’s learning. My children are already very technologically minded, so if their school can engage them through IT with subjects like maths and science it can only be a positive thing."
Suzi Perry, TV presenter
"From a young age I have been interested in technology, so I would have loved to have attended a school that put IT at the heart of learning. The Next Generation Learning campaign is encouraging schools to get onboard with using technology across the curriculum to hep learners both enjoy what they are studying and give them the IT skills they will need for the rest of their lives.
Technology infiltrates all aspects of our society, from the development of Formula One racing cars to the latest gadgets I review on the Gadget Show. It is vitally important that we give young people the opportunity in schools and colleges to engage with cutting edge equipment as they will be the designers and scientists who will be creating the world of the future."
Tanya Byron, Clinical psychologist and TV presenter
"I am supporting the Next Generation Learning campaign as I believe passionately in the benefits technology provides to learners of all ages and ability. In September 2007 I began conducting an independent review centring on the effect the internet and video games have on children, which has really opened my eyes to the enormous benefits technology can have in education. I have seen first hand how technology is helping engage, motivate and support learners to achieve great results in our schools and colleges.
Education has changed hugely since I was at school and learning has become a much more interactive experience. Schools are taking the initiative, using the technology that is available and young people are learning the IT skills they will need as they grow up and become the UK’s future workforce. Speaking as a parent myself, it’s fantastic to see how technology is enthusing young people and enhancing the way they learn."