A recent survey by Casio Projectors has revealed that audio visual technology is being neglected in classrooms despite strong recognition of its importance as a teaching tool.
The survey, which involved a sample of 100 teachers at primary and secondary school level, was conducted by research house Vanson Bourne on behalf of Casio Projectors.
Findings show eight in ten participants think AV technology in classrooms is extremely important, with 82% having the opinion that it empowers more interactive learning. But, despite half of those involved saying pupils leave school
with better skills as a result of having the equipment, 42% of the teachers claim they don’t get adequate technical support to operate the equipment.
“Teachers are clearly keen to use technology, but aren’t being given the opportunity to use it in their classrooms as schools seem to be ignoring the potential and leaving equipment to gather dust,” said Tim Gould (pictured), head of marketing at Casio Projectors. “The vast majority of teachers see the benefit but are being forced back to the blackboard by schools that are ignoring the modern teaching tools.”
Despite being at the forefront of delivering the lessons, 42% of teachers are not involved in classroom technology purchasing decisions at all. As a result, nearly half of teachers felt their school didn’t invest enough in AV equipment and 37% hadn’t seen an upgrade to the technology in their classroom in at least three years.
When asked about the effects of AV technology on learning, 77% of teachers also said there is greater lesson enjoyment, and 60% said the technology drove greater classroom participation.
Catherine Marchant, director of corporate relations at Young Enterprise, which helps students in schools to set up their own real businesses, said: “We are seeing more and more young people harnessing the power of technology to
create their own successful companies. It is vital to ensure that students are technologically-savvy so that they have the edge when they enter the world of work.”
Gould finished: “It seems odd that we live in an age where pupils are going to immersed in technology from day one in their first job, but their teachers are still struggling with old school problems that could affect the skills our
future workforce are leaving school with.”
In a bid to help develop skills in the classroom, Casio Projectors is giving UK schools the chance to enter nationwide competition ŒBright Minds launching on October 1, 2012. It will ask entrants to submit their best enterprise idea that will be judged by an independent panel including Young Enterprise and other influencers in the Education sector.
