DIGITAL PUBLISHING IN THE UK SCHOOLS MARKET

Government strategies

• The government?s aims for e-learning in schools are explored in the light of Charles Clarke?s comments at the BETT Exhibition in January 2003.

Size and nature of the schools market

• The latest statistics on the size of the market for digital learning content and the usage of ICT in schools are placed in the context of teacher confidence and Curriculum Online developments.
• As long as digital products meet their needs, schools now ?no longer have any excuse for not increasing expenditure on digital content?.

Market Drivers

• The relationship between ICT and standards is one important factor in this market. The debate on this issue has been played out over several recent reports.
• Teachers need to be convinced that new technologies and materials will help them achieve the targets they have been set in terms of content coverage, skills development and pupil performance.
• E-learning credits and the Curriculum Online scheme will drive the market to some extent, but these are finite and full understanding of the scheme is not widespread.
• LEAs and broadband consortia each represent powerful business partners for content providers, as those who have already brought product to market have discovered.
• Content providers are themselves in a position to drive this market forward, through the development of products based on real user needs and providing training for teachers.

What content is out there?

• This section segments the digital publishing for schools market into learning materials, assessment, pupil support, learning environments and professional support, and assesses the key offerings in each segment.
• There is also a matrix which provides a much fuller picture of the content and services currently available.

Interviews with key players

• For this report, EPS conducted illuminating interviews with key executives from RM, Learnthings, Espresso and Collins Education. Our discussions included reaction to government schemes, the impact of the BBC?s Curriculum Online developments, the pros and cons of different delivery channels, and the likely shape of the market in the next few years.

Future Prospects

• Market consolidation is likely, though innovative small players will always remain.

• Take-up of new products in this market is likely to remain slow, though subscriptions to online products will grow at a faster rate.
• Despite serious concerns among commercial competitors, BBC Curriculum Online developments may well have some positive results for the digital publishing for schools market.