IT firms asked for schools e-learning aid

Charles Clarke, UK education and skills secretary today called upon IT companies to lend a hand in getting e-learning into schools and colleges.

The UK government intends to make technology available to every single learner in the country. A statement from Clarke said: "We are committed to making e-learning a fundamental part of all education."

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) believes the support of the industry is vital in making the government's e-learning crusade a success.

A statement from the DfES said: "Getting ICT businesses involved is key to delivering a good strategy across the board, not just in developing new ideas, but also in making sure learners have access to good, value for money equipment."

These partnerships with technology firms, as well as the education sector and employers, will be used to help open up new opportunities for those in the inner cities in particular, where computing facilities will double as community resources.

The DfES added that e-learning will be used to enhance the educational resources already out there. "No-one wants to see the death of the book", he added.