Schools do not use technology to full potential, says Becta

Eighty percent of schools are not using technology to the full, according to a report by Becta.

Becta promotes the best use of technology in education. In the study, which questioned 2,058 parents, 95% said that the use of interactive whiteboards and other high-tech tools is beneficial for children.

But Becta's research found that only 20% of schools are using it to its full potential. The organisation said, for example, although 94% of parents prefer to use text and e-mail to keep in touch, only 30% of schools contact them via text and e-mail.

Stephen Crowne, Becta's chief executive, said, "We want to move technology from the margins to the mainstream in our schools and colleges and make the most of the opportunities and benefits it can provide."