Access to technology a key influencer in education choice

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As the world becomes more reliant on technology, so are students' choices in higher education institutions.

A study by ICT solutions and services provider Telindus showed that 100 per cent of students surveyed would not attend a school of higher education if they did not have access to a PC. And an overwhelming amount of students, 86 per cent, would be tempted to change their mind if an institution did not have broadband access in halls or other university accommodation.

"These students are bringing an entirely different skill set into the academic environment and, having been raised in an environment where the internet and PC have connected people worldwide, they demand interactivity to help them secure jobs in the future," said Mark Hutchinson, UK managing director of Telindus.

Having sound technology does not appeal only to students, but to staff as well. More than 87 per cent of teachers surveyed said they communicated with students through emails and almost 25 per cent said they broadcast lectures over the internet.

Although every teacher surveyed thought that technology helped students to learn, teachers did raise concerns about student reliance on the internet and how that could potentially increase plagiarism.

This is becoming a time when places of higher education need to be aware of the need for up to date technology at their institute of study.

"In order to attract and retain applicants, universities must attain the right blend of hands-on teaching and innovative ICT and, in a sector where every penny counts, these resources must also be used to their maximum potential," Hutchinson added.

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