What the hell?!?

The UK is closing BECTA?! REALLY?!?!?

Becta has to be one of the best resources for ed tech I’ve ever seen. This is a great loss, and I hope whoever the hell is in charge over there, reconsiders this choice.

from the horses mouth:

Announcement on the future of Becta

The Government have announced a package of public sector savings which includes the planned closure of Becta.

Graham Badman, Chairman and Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta responded: 

“Naturally we are very disappointed at the Government’s decision. Becta is a very effective organisation with an international reputation, delivering valuable services to schools, colleges and children. Our procurement arrangements save the schools and colleges many times more than Becta costs to run. Our Home Access programme will give laptops and broadband to over 200,000 of the poorest children.

Our top priorities now are to make sure we have an orderly and fair process for staff, and that as far as possible schools, colleges and children continue to benefit from the savings and support that Becta has provided. We will be talking to Government Departments and our other stakeholders including the industry about this.”

On 01 July 2010, Lynn Marentette inscribed the following thoughts about this post:

How sad to see BECTA close. It was a great resource.