RM was recently appointed by BECTA to develop an open 'file format' standard for interactive whiteboard software.

As whiteboards are now so widely used in English schools, having a standard that will allow interoperability between different software packages is important for both schools and developers.

As part of the project RM will also be working with whiteboard manufacturers, software developers and lobby group BESA. One of the things to be delivered is a free 'viewer' application, allowing files that meet the standard to work on any whiteboard.

Commenting on the deal RM’s CEO, Tim Pearson, said, ‘BECTA's move to create a common file format for interactive whiteboard software is a really positive step forward for educational ICT in the UK. We're committed to make sure we develop a standard that is genuinely useful to all’.

This looks to be a positive move and one of the few from BECTA that we think makes real sense. However, we also think they should be looking at whether the government’s massive IT investment in education has been to the detriment of other resources . This is about as likely as a turkey voting for Christmas.

www.becta.org.uk
www.rm.com