With the start of the Autumn term, BCS (British Computer Society) is urging schools to claim Government money designed to help pupils benefit from the latest digital technologies. The beginning of the new academic year means a new raft of schools are now eligible for Harnessing Technology Grants, however, many schools who contact the BCS about enhancing education through digital technology are unsure how to go about claiming the money, told Peter Leavy, a strategic consultant at BCS responsible for its Digital Creator learning resource.
The grants are available for improving ICT infrastructure, such as upgrading a school's broadband connectivity, to systems that help improve classroom learning, such as whiteboards. It is also available for resources such as Digital Creator, which builds pupils' digital media skills (such as creating and sharing podcasts and digital video) and encourages them to use these across the curriculum. The online BCS digital media tool is suitable for pupils of primary and secondary school age, and leads to a qualification the equivalent of a GCSE Grade B.
