Government to close Becta
Charles Arthur,
May 24, 2010
The British government announces the closure of Becta, signalling an end to a period of intense productivity in that country. The move leaves the field of education technology with no obvious leader, and leaves British education with an uncertain (and expensive) future. "Our procurement arrangements save the schools and colleges many times more than Becta costs to run," said Becta's chairman, Graham Badman. "Our Home Access programme will give laptops and broadband to over 200,000 of the poorest children." Here's the Becta response, and some commentary from Ian Usher posted just before the announcement. Hed writes, "It's really interesting to look across at the United States and see parts of President Obama's Stimulus Package, with its $650 million for educational technology, as a direct descendant of the model overseen by Becta in the UK."
"So, top-heavy quango - or trusted guide through the maze of new technology?" That seems to be how the discussion is shaping up, based on Rory Cellan-Jones's analysis. John McLear suggests, schools "may benefit from a slightly more fragmented decision making process inside authorities and nationwide." Steve Wheeler writes, "although the loss of Becta is very bad news and I'm very sorry for those who have lost their jobs, we can either look out from our cages and see the mud or see the stars." I will post more reactions in this space as they come in through the day.
"So, top-heavy quango - or trusted guide through the maze of new technology?" That seems to be how the discussion is shaping up, based on Rory Cellan-Jones's analysis. John McLear suggests, schools "may benefit from a slightly more fragmented decision making process inside authorities and nationwide." Steve Wheeler writes, "although the loss of Becta is very bad news and I'm very sorry for those who have lost their jobs, we can either look out from our cages and see the mud or see the stars." I will post more reactions in this space as they come in through the day.
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