Survey of eLC spending reveals increasing focus on blended learning
Survey of eLC spending reveals increasing focus on blended learning
Shift Media research shows change from last year in schools’ priorities for learning materials
LONDON, 10 AUGUST 2005.
Nearly 80% of those making spending decisions about eLCs (electronic learning credits) in the primary school sector now place importance on purchasing materials that use both electronic and print, according to new research on eLC Spending from Shift Media.
The research on eLC Spending shows a 71% increase from 2004 in the number of primary school decision-makers who thought using electronic and print products together was quite, very or vitally important when deciding to purchase products.
"In the 2004 report, we found those spending eLCs were considering paper-based and electronic resources quite separately.” said Jane Powell, Director of Shift Media, “The change this year has important implications for electronic content developers in this sector. We may expect to see many more companies moving towards a blended strategy if they want to keep pace with market needs. This might encourage merger and acquisition activity in this sector. Things are still changing rapidly in this market.”
With eLC funding due to finish in 2006, suppliers will need cleverly devised marketing communications to ensure that they reach schools with budget still to spend, particularly if the £100m of eLCs released in April 2005 proves to be the last. “Teachers are inundated with marketing materials and are increasingly savvy about how credits are spent,” says Powell “only those producers with a high profile brand and a great product will get a share of the eLC budget.”
ENDS
About eLC Spending 2005
eLC Spending 2005 is part of the Business Intelligence service from Shift
Media. It is the most up-to-date survey of how eLC funds are being used
and what this means for curriculum-based content. Decision-makers at 50
primary and 50 secondary schools, as well as 20 LEA ICT advisors, were
interviewed for the research. The findings and recommendations are published
in separate briefings for the primary and secondary markets and available
for purchase.
About Shift Media
Shift Media is a consultancy that specialises in education and learning.
It conducts market research and analysis, develops business strategy and
creates multimedia materials for publishing companies, corporate universities
and the public sector. Its recent clients include BT, BBC Worldwide, McGraw-Hill
Education, Thomson Learning, City University and Sage Publications.
For more information, please contact Jane Powell at jane.powell@shift-media.co.uk or 020 7253 8959.