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There is also strong evidence that technology can contribute to improved efficiencies across the system in time and money and that this can then be reinvested in an improved quality of education.
Young people expect learning to be personalised, relevant and consistent with their own personal uses of digital technologies and this means that education providers need to have a long term strategy, high levels of workforce skills, and a robust and sustainable infrastructure to ensure innovation and the creative use of new and emerging technologies.
At Toshiba we have developed strong and effective partnerships with schools, colleges, universities, teachers and learners through our “Toshiba Ambassadors” programme.
This enables us to identify the future needs of learners and teachers and ensure our technologies are effective and value for money.
Educational research confirms that our technologies make a difference to the engagement , motivation , attendance, achievement progression and attainment of learners.
Toshiba has partnered with XMA on the Home Access Assistive Technology programme.
The Home Access Assistive Technology initiative is part of the Government Home Access programme and will be delivered by XMA and Assistive Technology experts iansyst. It will provide up to 12,000 individually configured computer packages for children with profound physical impairments and Special Educational Needs.
Becta, the government agency for technology in learning responsible for delivering the Home Access programme is urging those that may be eligible to apply quickly.
Nick Shacklock, Director of the Home Access programme said, “With 12,000 children set to benefit from personalised Assistive Technology solutions, it is crucial we have the right suppliers in place to deliver an effective service. It’s a unique provision and important that those with specific needs apply now as individual assessments will be made on a first come first served basis.”
Toshiba and XMA have a heritage in government-backed ICT programmes, supplying laptops to over 2,000 schools last year as part of the Computers for Pupils programme.
For more details about Home Access please click here or call 0800 988 4464. The Next Bill Gates Competition Finals
Toshiba and Nottingham IT solutions specialist, XMA has given a young IT genius a helping hand onto the career ladder as a nationwide search for 'The Next Bill Gates' comes to an end.
Samuel Read, who attends West Suffolk College and starts university in September, was shortlisted from entries from around the UK and whisked to a private members' club in Central London to impress a panel of judges at an 'Apprentice-style' interview and presentation.
'The Next Bill Gates' competition is the brainchild of Ruddington-based IT provider XMA, suppliers of IT solutions and systems to higher education institutions and public sector organisations throughout the UK. Along with the company's partner, Toshiba, XMA launched the competition in order to give aspiring first year university students a head start in the ever-developing world of IT.
As well as the title 'The Next Bill Gates', Sam's prize includes £3,500 worth of tuition fees, a Toshiba laptop, a prestigious summer 2010 placement with XMA and the services of a mentor for his first university year. Sam also won a Toshiba LCD television for his college.
The entries were judged by XMA Business Development Director Guy Bates, Toshiba Sales Manager for Education and the Public Sector, Len Daniels and editor of specialist education magazine, SecEd, Peter Henshaw.
Sam has now started a placement here in Nottingham working on an education gaming project. Guy added: "We saw that Sam had the potential to learn in our business and also immediately contribute fresh ideas. By the end of the project, Sam will have developed his business plan as well as his team work, leadership, analytical and planning skills."
Runners up in the competition were Aaron Parker who attends Barton Peveril College and Chris Greenhalgh who attends Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology. They were each awarded £50 in book tokens.
The real Bill Gates is not connected with this competition and he has not endorsed it or any products, services or businesses associated with it.
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