Date: May 20, 2009
Steljes calls for ring fenced ICT funding in Primary Capital Programme
Steljes, the pioneering technology company, is proud to be a main sponsor of the Education 09 show – the UK’s premier event for those involved at the leading edge of educational development. The event, which has already sold out, will be held in the QE11 Conference Centre, London on Thursday 21st May.
The keynote speech by Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnership for Schools will focus on progress made in the Government’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) initiative. Continuing this theme will be Rachel Jones, Head of Education at Steljes, who will focus on how this investment will work for the pupils of today and those of tomorrow. She will be proposing that the government ring fences ICT funding in the Primary Capital Programme. The recently published Rose review places ICT at the heart of the curriculum - alongside literacy and numeracy – and this vision can not be realised without ear marked funding.
Jones will describe the shift that is needed in pedagogical practice to meet the needs of 21st century learners, and how technologies support this change in practice. Her presentation will illustrate how student engagement can be increased with high value content, as the technology affords a deeper level of learning in tune with young people’s personal lives. One reference will show how students explore challenging concepts in poetry and science using handheld devices and collaboration software to record share and critique their work.
Jones comments “With over 21 years in the education market, Steljes understands the core principles of school improvement. The company has heavily invested in the BSF initiative with a dedicated resource of educational specialists who advise local authorities, government strategists, schools and colleges on every level of educational need.
Through our ability to conceptualise and characterise how a range of solutions can help improve learning and teaching, Steljes has won 14 out of 17 BSF wave 1 projects. As new technologies emerge such as the SMART Table – the first multi-touch, multi-user interactive learning centre, we embrace their potential to advance current pedagogy and ensure that they have a real impact within the classroom and beyond.” Her presentation will include footage of students using stunning media applications on the SMART Table to strengthen their learning in history.
Visitors to the Steljes stand will be able to see how the latest interactive technologies - from Steljes’ exclusive distribution agreements with SMART Technologies and Turning Technologies - can help them achieve improved learning outcomes.
Notes for Editors
The Table
The SMART Table is the first multitouch, multiuser interactive learning centre that allows groups of primary students to work simultaneously on its surface. The table's interface is so intuitive that even the youngest of students can get started without instructions.Designed to encourage collaboration, the table gives teachers flexible content options. They can use customizable, ready-made activities or create their own. And the table is ready to use instantly, so it's easy for both students and teachers.
AirLiner™ wireless slate
With the AirLiner wireless slate you can interact wirelessly with your SMART Board interactive whiteboard or Sympodium interactive pen display from 52 feet (16 m) away. The battery-free tethered pen lets you control any software application, write notes and highlight information in digital ink
SMART Response
The SMART Response system comprises assessment software, handheld clickers (remotes) and a receiver that enables instant responses on quizzes in the classroom
TurningPoint
TurningPoint audience response system integrates 100% into Microsoft® PowerPoint® and allows audiences and students to participate in presentations or lectures by submitting responses to interactive questions using a ResponseCard® keypad or other hand-held/computer devices.
