BECTA is looking at changing the eligibility rules for spending of e-Learning credits (ELCs). At present there are strict guidelines about what qualifies as digital content. As it stands, hardware is not allowed unless it is a necessary part of a software package and even then, the software component must account for 80% of the products value.
Many schools argue that this precludes them from buying new hardware like digital cameras, dataloggers and robots. According to a newsletter from TagTeacher Net (funded by commercial publisher and software supplier Tag Learning) many schools are unhappy with this and claim to have sufficient electronic content already. BECTA has come up with some new proposals that would limit spending of ELCs to just software, and only that which has 80% curriculum content - i.e. no administrative or assessment tools. TagTeacher Net seem to think this is grossly unfair and believe that schools should not lose ELCs, even when they don’t spend them.
Wake up! ELCs are a time-limited industry stimulus package, designed to help build capacity in the local software industry. Sure, it has helped schools buy lots of content, but eventually this is going to end and they are going to have to fund the purchase of digital content out of their own budgets. It’s doubtful whether the local software industry would actually need a continuation of this programme had it not been for BBC jam. When e-learning credits end, schools who have relied on ELCs and hope that BBC jam will fill the void are in for a nasty surprise.
