Computer lessons are out of date, admits government
ICT teaching in English schools needs reform, says minister in response to review of video gaming and visual effects industries.
Computer lessons are out of date and too easy in English schools, the government has warned.
Classes in computing – known as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – are "insufficiently rigorous" and in need of reform, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said on Monday.
The warning came as part of the government's response to an independent review into how the UK can become the world's leading hub for video games and visual effects companies.
The review, published in February by Ian Livingstone and Alex Hope, who are leading figures in those industries, called for the state of ICT in schools to be "urgently tackled". They warned that if the government failed to address the problem, the UK would no longer remain globally competitive in these fields.
The UK video games sector is worth more than £2bn in global sales a year – more than either its film or music industries. Visual effects is one of Britain's fastest growing industries. But both sectors fear they are losing their cutting edge because schools and universities are failing to teach pupils the necessary skills their industries need.
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... (The Guardian - 28 November)