Hunt backs review of tech in schools

Tristram Hunt has publicly backed an initiative, supported by Richard Branson, to give children a voice on how technology is used in the classroom

The project will be the first state-of-the-nation review asking teachers and pupils in 20,000 schools across the country how technology can be improved in schools, particularly ahead of the ‘coding revolution’ in the Autumn.

Led by Virgin Media Business, it will call on a panel of students aged between 13 and 17 to share their experiences with technology and engage directly with the Department for Education later this year.

Hunt said: “We face a challenge with some ‘cold spots’ in this country of schools not having the access or confidence about digital technology, so it’s really important that we get behind projects like this.

‘I’m delighted to support Generation Tech as a really exciting initiative to get schools and colleges to think about how they’re using technology.’

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said: “As children, we didn’t have to tackle the digitalised world but we also didn’t have the opportunities that it brings to today’s younger generation. We need to embrace technology at every step and make it a force for good as we educate the next generation.” 

“It’s great to see so many applications already and it will be a challenge to pick out who could be the UK’s future tech stars. If you’re a teacher who has a student in mind we’d love to hear from you.”