Whiteboards, plasma screens and other new technology are being used in schools more widely - and that means new teachers need to be fully aware of the new opportunities they offer to support teaching and help make lessons modern and exciting.

Chris Dee, the TTA's Director of Teacher Training Support, said:

'We expect almost 35,000 people to begin teacher training during the current academic year, and each one needs to understand the potential of new technology to aid teaching, especially as the use of ICT in the classroom and school administration develops and grows.

'Many universities, colleges, schools and local education authorities are developing ICT as an innovative tool in initial teacher training. So this year we are inviting some of those organisations who do not normally have a presence at BETT to spend time on our stand sharing their ideas with a wider audience.'

TTA representatives will also be available to deal with questions from teachers, advisers and the ICT industry.

The TTA's principal objectives are to encourage able and committed people to apply for initial teacher training and to improve the quality of their training.

Now that around one third of new teachers are aged 30 or over, the TTA's stand, based in the Policy in Practice area, will be a focus for people considering changing their careers and interested in the rewards and satisfaction which the teaching profession offers.

The TTA also has responsibility for the quality assurance of National Lottery-funded ICT training programme for teachers and school librarians through the New Opportunities Fund. To date virtually all schools, and more than 390,000 serving teachers, have signed up to training.

The initiative, delivered by more than 40 different providers using a range of training models, has led to a significant improvement in knowledge and understanding of the potential uses of ICT in the classroom and in school management and administration.

ICT is also integral to the delivery of the TTA's own services. Its website is being developed further to provide potential trainees personalised guidance on to become a teacher and regularly attracts more than 250,000 visits each month.

In addition, while the skills tests in literacy, numeracy and ICT, which must be passed by every newly qualified teacher in England, are administered, managed and delivered entirely electronically. More than 150,000 electronic tests have been delivered since they were introduced in February 2001.

Media enquiries
TTA Press Office Tel: 020 7925 3735/3855
Out of hours: 07771 934629
e-mail: pressoffice@teach-tta.gov.uk

General TTA enquiries: 020 7925 3700
For information about how to become a teacher, visit the TTA website, www.canteach.gov.uk or telephone the Teaching Information Line: 0845 600 0991.