Next generation learning
Next generation learning news
The latest news from the campaign.
Final call for technology innovators
2 July 2008
Entries for the Next Generation Learning Awards 2009 now close on 18 July.
If your learning provider is already using technology in innovative or exciting ways to improve the way you learn, make sure you nominate them for a Next Generation Learning Award.
Search is on for innovative providers
22 May 2008
Is your learning provider already using technology in innovative or exciting ways to improve the way you learn? If so, make sure you nominate them for a Next Generation Learning Award.
The awards will recognise those leading the way in the use of technology in further education, work-based learning, adult and community learning, offender learning, specialist colleges and the voluntary sector.
The closing date for entries is 9 July 2008.
Internet safety council created
14 May 2008
The Department for Children, Schools and Families have invited a mixture of children’s charities and industry to join a UK Council for Child Internet Safety.
The council will develop and lead a child internet safety strategy and advise Government on e-safety.
Children given web safety advice
9 May 2008
Animated characters explore how to use the web safely in a new cartoon series for children aged 5-7.
Niel McLean, Executive Director of Institutional Workforce and Development at Becta, welcomed the "innovative and engaging" support for parents, carers and teachers.
Visit Hector's World, published by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.
Governors urged to close the generation gap
6 May 2008
School governors should ask more questions about the amount spent on technology and how it is used, believes Stephen Crowne, Becta’s Chief Executive.
Writing for the newsletter of the National Governors' Association, he urged governors to help schools to do better.
Read more on the Guardian website.
Weighing up the risks and benefits of technology
8 April 2008
We need to be aware of the new risks technology can bring, and act accordingly to ensure anyone can enjoy the benefits while remaining safe, says Becta’s Chief Executive, Stephen Crowne.
In an article for BBC News he sets out the risks and benefits of technology, and stresses the important role of parents in ensuring their children stay safe online.
Fear of classroom technology just doesn’t compute
8 April 2008
Stephen Crowne, Becta’s Chief Executive, examines the argument against technology in a blog posting ‘Fear of classroom technology just doesn’t compute’ on the Guardian Online website.
In reply to Phil Beadle’s recent Education Guardian article, Mr Crowne argues that technology is not a substitute for good teaching, but does provide teachers with powerful tools to engage learners.
The blog posting has generated some interesting comments in response.
Parents need to recognise the risks
2 April 2008
Almost half of children aged 8-17 have an online profile on a social networking site and most profiles are visible to anyone, according to a recent survey by the regulator Ofcom.
Ofcom has called on parents to find out more about their children’s online lives and set some rules, to reduce the risks.
Ofcom also called on social networking sites to do their bit, and the Home Office is due to publish guidelines for sites shortly.
Further information from BBC News
Key findings: overview and the full report
What you can do: Q&A on children and safer net use
Action plan to help keep children safe online
27 March 2008
Clinical psychologist Dr Tanya Byron has published her independent review of children and new technology. The 'Byron Review' sets out an ambitious action plan for Government, industry and families to work together to support children's safety online and to reduce access to adult video games.
Stephen Crowne, Becta’s Chief Executive, has welcomed the Review. You can read his response on Becta’s website.
Get the full report from the Byron Review website.
The benefits of technology should not be overshadowed by its misuse
20 March 2008
Two reports have recently highlighted the so-called ‘pitfalls’ that technology in schools can bring to teachers and learners. This week the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) also voiced concerns over the rise of cyberbullying in schools.
In a recent article Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta, the agency leading the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign highlights the positive impact that technology can have on students and teachers when used effectively in schools.
Evidence from Becta has revealed that the majority of teachers feel technology in the classroom has a positive impact on the engagement, motivation and achievement of their learners. Technology is improving standards in schools across the country as it makes teaching and learning a more exciting, rewarding and successful experience.
Read the full article on the Becta website.
Johnny Ball discusses next generation learning
15 January 2008
Johnny Ball talks to the BBC’s Working Lunch programme about the benefits of using more technology in teaching.
View the programme on the BBC website.
Minister launches campaign
15 January 2008
The Next Generation Learning campaign was launched at Mossbourne Community Academy in Hackney by Schools Minister Jim Knight.
He took part in a creative project with the students to illustrate how the school has embraced technology in all lessons across the whole curriculum. He said “The Next Generation Learning campaign is all about using technology to its full potential for learners, parents and employers. This initiative is hugely important in encouraging people across education to ensure that we are rolling out ICT effectively.”
Johnny Ball joined Jim Knight at the launch event, lending his support to the campaign.
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The video of the campaign launch is available on this page and on YouTube. A shorter version of the video is also available on YouTube.