Teachers claim all students should have laptops

Students should have their very own computers in the classroom, rather than just have access in a lab, according to research.

The Intel-sponsored study showed 70 per cent of the 2,700 European teachers surveyed would like students to have their own personal computer for schoolwork in class - but only about three per cent do.

Such a set up would change the way computing is taught, claims Intel's general manager for emerging markets at Lila Ibrahim, speaking to IT PRO ahead of her talk today at BETT in London.

"Over three quarters felt students should have their own personal PC - for learning with tech instead of learning about it," she explained.

"One of the things that's changed in the past few years is that students went from English class to the computer lab, to learn how to use a computer... now, it's about how to enhance or complement that English class or other classes," she said.

The research also found that 98 per cent of teachers see computers as "critical" to getting students prepared for the modern workforce, while three-quarters think such tech helps them better tailor studies to the ability level of individual students. Another 79 per cent think the use of computers increases students' interest in learning.

"Technology allows more personalised teaching for students," said Ibrahim.

However, teachers aren't getting what they want, with 31 per cent saying they need more cash for computers, and 76 per cent hoping their government will offer more funding.

Read on for more from this year's BETT educational technology show in London.