(Blackburn– 26th May 2015) – According to a recent study, 68 percent of schools are relying on solely on Internet search engines when investigating new technology products and services to enhance education. Conducted by SchoolZone in partnership with Promethean, the research highlights a number of key educational technology product research and purchasing trends emerging in UK schools.
Ian Curtis, Promethean Head of Western Europe, Africa & ANZ, said: “This research tells resellers that schools are still relying solely on the Internet to make purchasing decisions. While schools may conduct initial research on the Internet, it is essential that resellers provide at-school demonstrations so teachers and school leaders can understand how the educational technology will benefit teaching and learning.
“It’s not always easy as schools are time pressured, but the nature of interactive educational technology means it needs to be experienced – and that cannot be done via the Internet. That’s why Promethean provides demo support for its channel partners – from a specialist demonstration kit through to presentation and marketing material – we know it can be a challenge but we are here to help.”
The study found that after initial Internet search engine research, one quarter (27 per cent) of schools turned to review forums or comparison websites for additional advice on what educational technology products to purchase. Gathering information online can be a great starting point for teachers, but without an at-school demonstration, teachers miss the opportunity to better understand how an educational technology product can support learning outcomes at their school.
Promethean also recommends that resellers connect interested schools that are considering educational technology with schools that are current customers. Other schools are seen as trustworthy resources for advice on the educational impact technology products may have to instruction and learning. Over half of schools (56 per cent) report that their school has previously purchased educational software based on the recommendation of another school or teacher colleague.
Curtis continued: “By providing schools with a hands-on opportunity for product demonstrations, resellers will be able to better guide them through the purchasing process, from start to finish. In fact with schools relying solely on Internet search engines for research, without securing demonstration opportunities resellers run the risk of the decision being made before they have even had the conversation. At a very basic level, resellers should be investing in SEO for their website to help rankings. This should not be relied on as the main driver to close the deal. Resellers must remember that their website will always be one of many.”
To see the full results of the recent education technology research completed by SchoolZone and Promethean, visit https://www.prometheanworld.com/gb/english/education/research/research-papers/ .
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About Promethean
Promethean (LSE: PRW) is a global education company that improves learning productivity by developing, integrating and implementing innovative 21st century learning environments that help make everyone more engaged, empowered and successful. Headquartered in the UK, with a US office in Atlanta, Georgia, Promethean World Plc is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. More information about Promethean is available at www.PrometheanWorld.com.
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