UK hosts the Learning & Technology World Forum 2010
11 January 2010

UK Cabinet Ministers today hosted international Ministers at the annual Learning and Technology World Forum (LATWF, 11-13 January 2010) in London, along with other leaders in technology and learning. The LATWF leads in to the BETT trade fair (13-15 January 2010) at Olympia - the world's largest educational technology event.

In the UK, around 90 per cent of teachers and providers have access to online resources. Some 38 per cent of teachers using computers in class do so for more than half of their lessons – a significantly higher percentage than any other European country. Some 88 per cent of teachers agree that ICT has a positive impact on their pupils’ learning. 60 per cent of UK classroom teachers are fully internet competent, with teachers having access to the internet at school, and the competence to use it for teaching purposes. This compares to a European average of 38 per cent. 80 per cent of schools are now using websites to provide resources for parents.

Parents believe technology is beneficial: 95 per cent think it can help their children learn; 77 per cent think it can help their children with difficult subjects; 68 per cent think using it effectively can help improve exam results; 66 per cent consider use of technology when choosing a school for their children.

And the Government also announced it was setting up a taskforce to consider how we can build on the UK's standing in the educational technology market to support the development of further opportunities for UK businesses overseas. The taskforce will report jointly to Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and will be chaired by Lord Puttnam with Ian Ferguson (chairman of Metaswitch) as Vice-Chair.

The Prime Minister said: “This forum is an invaluable opportunity for countries to learn from one another and our collective commitment to world-wide improvement in education will drive up standards and increase opportunities for learners across the world. Education is vital for building our skill base and raising aspirations and prospects at any age. I am proud the UK nurtures and attracts so many learners who benefit from the expertise of our teachers and lecturers.”

Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls said: “In the modern world technology is vital to help children learn and as a country we are leading the world in educational technology in the classroom. Families who are most in need cannot be left behind in the digital revolution we’re seeing in education and that’s why it is right we’re investing £300 million so children who need the most support have access to laptops and broadband at home.

“It is important too that we recognise that this industry represents an important growth area for Britain in the future using our language and our expertise to create jobs. That’s why I am proud that 70 Ministers from around the globe, representing one billion children, are this week coming to our conference to learn from us.

“There is a huge opportunity for UK firms to grasp the expansion in overseas markets and I want British companies to be best placed to capitalise on success in adopting new technologies, building on our good track record of innovation to develop export markets.

“That’s why we are setting up a new taskforce to look at how we can support further opportunities for UK businesses overseas and I am delighted that Lord Puttnam has agreed to be chair and Ian Ferguson has agreed to be the deputy-chair. Together they will make a strong team so that as a country we can build on this great opportunity. What we are doing shows you can have a wealth-creating economy for the future and deliver social justice in our society at the same time.”

Lord Mandelson said: “LATWF is an ideal platform to discuss how we can work together to strengthen academic and business ties. The benefits of international collaboration in developing the digital revolution will mean improved education, rising productivity and greater innovation for all.

“There are many advantages for the UK industry to develop its expertise with oversea counterparts, and our position in leading the world in technology for education, means UK businesses will be well placed to deliver and share their knowledge of the digital sector with international counterparts.”

About the Learning and Technology World Forum

The Learning and Technology World Forum took place at the QEII conference centreand London County Hall from 11th – 13th January 2009. It is one of the largest gatherings of education and skills ministers in the world and the only forum which brings together key leaders to share their ideas and experiences on the strategy, policy and delivery of learning in all its contexts. It is now seen as the premier international event on learning technologies.

Ssome 70 ministers and more than 750 education and skills leaders representing 80 countries including India and China, attended the Learning and Technology World Forum (LATWF) alongside representatives from Russia, Japan, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Finland, Sri Lanka, Croatia and Turkey - representing more than 50 per cent of learners around the world - more than one billion young people.

The event also brought together the world’s most powerful technology leaders – such as Cisco, Intel and Microsoft, with educational leaders. LATWF is seen as the premier international event on learning technologies. It is one of the largest gatherings of education and skills ministers in the world.