Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, opens BETT

Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, this morning opened BETT 2005, arguably the world's largest technology show for education, at Olympia, London. As well as reflecting on what has already been achieved with ICT, and on its capacity to transform learning and teaching, she announced:

• a proposed new route map to be delivered by Becta to enable schools to identify where they are and what to do next in their use of ICT
• Embedding ICT @ Secondary - Subject Specific Packs aimed at enabling subject teachers
• Teachers TV, a free digital channel which will launch on 8th February with a supporting website and broadband facility

However the Minister declined to make any announcement on the extension of e-learning credits beyond 2005 / 06, promising that a decision will be made shortly.

For those planning to attend BETT, which is open until Saturday, you are invited to come and meet a variety of SLA members and staff at our stand, LR8 in the Gallery.