§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to continue the Computers for Teachers initiative in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [150709]
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§ Mr. WillsThe first phase of the Computers for Teachers initiative was very successful with nearly 28,000 teachers now owning a computer as a result of the scheme. Phase 2 of the scheme is currently under way and is focused on Key Stage 3 maths teachers. This scheme is part of an on-going commitment and although not all teachers will benefit from this phase, there will be similar opportunities for other teachers in the future. We are committed to continually exploring ways of widening teachers' access to computers and will continue to seek resources to do so.
§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of the Computers for Teachers initiative. [150708]
§ Mr. WillsThe first phase of the Computers for Teachers initiative was very successful with nearly 28,000 teachers now owning a computer as a result of the scheme. Informal feedback from teachers has confirmed earlier research and indicates that key benefits of personal ownership of a computer are:
- improved teacher confidence and competence in their personal use of ICT
- enhanced professional development
- improvements in teaching and learning
- increases in teacher enthusiasm for their work
- better efficiency.
The second phase of the scheme is currently under way and we are currently setting up an external evaluation covering both phases of the scheme. The results of this evaluation will be made available in due course.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement about the availability of the Computers for Teachers initiative. [151359]
§ Mr. WillsThe first phase of the Computers for Teachers initiative was very successful with nearly 28,000 teachers now owning a computer as a result of the scheme. Phase 2 of the Computers for Teachers scheme was launched on 10 January 2001. The second phase of the initiative is focused on Key Stage 3 mathematics teachers who teach in the maintained secondary sector (including non-maintained special schools) in England. The decision to focus funds available in this phase on mathematics at Key Stage 3 reflects the Government's drive to improve standards at Key Stage 3. This scheme is part of an ongoing commitment and although not all teachers will benefit from this phase, there will be similar opportunities for other teachers in the future. We are committed to continually exploring ways of widening teachers' access to computers and will continue to seek resources to do so.