Fujitsu helps put digital first in Britain’s schools and colleges

In advance of Bett 2015, the UK’s leading education technology tradeshow, Fujitsu, in collaboration with Intel, has launched its Education Ambassador Programme. The initiative aims to enhance teaching and unleash students’ potential by putting technology at the heart of education. It is aligned with the objectives of the Education Technology Action Group (ETAG), whose mission is to promote the use of digital technology across schools, further education, higher education and Special Education Needs (SEN) sectors.

As part of the programme, Fujitsu has partnered with educational institutions across the UK, including University Campus Suffolk and the National Autistic Society. All Ambassadors have been selected based on their recognition of technology as an enabler to enhance the learning experience and to develop digital skills for students and educators.

“Digital is becoming pervasive in all aspects of our lives, apps, services and more intersecting with our day at every turn, creating a cultural shift, not just in the UK, but globally” said Ash Merchant, head of education UK & Ireland, Fujitsu. “A recent survey by Fujitsu revealed that around a fifth (22%) of consumers believe that digital education should be part of the modern school curriculum, highlighting a real need to see investment at the beginning of the digital journey. Schools, colleges and universities will play a crucial part – and Fujitsu is committed to enabling this move.”

The initiative will see Fujitsu set up Innovation Hubs at the Ambassador educational institutions, featuring Fujitsu technology and providing support on infrastructure to enable empowered and connected establishments. This will not only provide students with the opportunity to develop their digital skills, but educators themselves too. Furthermore, Fujitsu will support the Ambassadors in breaking down barriers to technology by building and facilitating relationships with bodies such as the Department for Education (DfE), the Education Technology Action Group (ETAG) and the Education Funding Agency (EFA).

The first Innovation Hub was launched at UTC Reading last week, where Lee Nicholls, Chair of Governors, cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the new centre, housing an array of Fujitsu technology including tablets, hybrid devices, laptops and desktop PCs. These systems run on the latest Intel® Atom™ and Intel® Core™ processors. As part of the initiative, Fujitsu will:
· Work with UTC Reading and some of its local Primary schools to roll-out a Coding project devised to train teachers on coding, in line with the new national computing curriculum and promoting STEM skills
· Launch a Social Media Training Programme (together with Social Retail) in which the students will be trained in the use of social media to promote a small charity organisation. The course will focus on the analysis of social media employment as a conversation tool and the value-add it can give to business
· Develop and support hardware and cyber security projects that will go towards BTEC qualifications for students through years 10 – 13. The best performing students will win a week’s work experience at Fujitsu

“I’m delighted that UTC Reading has become a Fujitsu Ambassador and particularly excited that UTC Reading is the first Innovation Hub in the country to open,” said Joanne Harper, Principal, UTC Reading. “The hub will not only benefit our students and staff in their studies and training, but will also have a positive impact on the local community, including primary schools. Today’s launch and ongoing partnership shows real commitment from Fujitsu to improve the digital skills of young people.”

“Intel shares Fujitsu’s passion for education and inclusion for all and is delighted to support the Education Ambassador Programme,” says Danny Arati, Education Manager, Intel Europe. “We have a decade worth of experience working with more than 12 million teachers and we know the potential technology can bring to the classroom to enrich learning. The Innovation Hubs will enable teachers to better help prepare students for success in the future.”

The following establishments have signed up to Fujitsu’s Education Ambassador Programme:
· UTC Reading
· University Campus Suffolk
· Brunel University
· Derby College
· City College Coventry
· Borders College
· The National Autistic Society
· Thames Valley School
· Barnsley College
· Lakeside Academy
Client devices, including Fujitsu’s tablet and hybrid (STYLISTIC), laptop (LIFEBOOK), desktop (ESPRIMO) and workstation (CELSIUS) ranges will be included in the Innovation Hubs.