CAMBRIDGE, England, September 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Today's students are reaping the benefits of technology in the classroom, thanks to confident and tech-savvy teachers, according to new research from Cambridge International Examinations. A survey of over 500 teachers across the world to celebrate World Teachers' Day 2013 reveals that the majority of schools in Asia have written an IT strategy and are using a range of innovative solutions in the classroom.

Many teachers in Asia are starting to employ the newest technology to transform their lessons, with over a third of teachers using the latest smartphones and tablets in the classes, and the same number using apps or social networks in the classroom for educational purposes. While more traditional technology such as TV, radio and CD players are falling out of favour, over 80 per cent of teachers now use laptops in the classroom to support their teaching. Over three-quarters of students have access to laptops in their lessons, while many schools are addressing the access issue by enabling students to use their own technology. BOYD "Bring Your Own Device" is also on the rise in schools, with over 75 per cent of teachers confirming their students are allowed to bring their own devices for use in the classroom.

Looking to the future, the survey reveals that an overwhelming majority of teachers in Asia believe in the ability of technology to cross borders and time zones. 85% of teachers asked would like to see technology used to link classrooms around the world to share information and best practice, while over two-thirds would like to see interactive lessons delivered online by the brightest minds in their field.  In addition, one in three respondents felt that in 10 years' time, students would be learning in virtual classrooms, making the physical classroom all but obsolete.

At Cambridge we are supporting our teachers and students in this area through a new online learning space for schools. Schools offering Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives, an interdisciplinary subject that develops learners' communication skills, can now access a new online learning space, giving their students an education experience that reaches into classrooms worldwide. It makes it easier for schools to work with each other and build online communities, fostering innovation and excellence in education on a global scale.

Michael O'Sullivan, Chief Executive, Cambridge International Examinations, said:

"Technologically the world is changing at a phenomenal pace. As we celebrate the contribution of the teaching profession on World Teachers Day I'm therefore delighted that our survey results show how positively teachers around the world are responding to these changes. It signals a global understanding amongst teachers about the need to equip students with the skills they need to use technology effectively. These skills are not just for the classroom. They are skills for life and essential for young people in the modern world."

Notes to editors:

The survey was carried out by Cambridge International Examinations between July & August 2013.  519 responses were received from teachers in Cambridge schools around the world.  

If you would like to see the complete survey, please contact Alice Guttmann at Munro and Forster.

Cambridge International Examinations

Cambridge International Examinations is the world's largest provider of international education  programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds. We are part of the University of Cambridge, one of the world's top universities and trusted for excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the world's universities and employers. Learn more! Visit http://www.cie.org.uk

Cambridge Global Perspectives

Cambridge Global Perspectives is an interdisciplinary subject available at Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U. Learners develop skills in communication, independent research and critical thinking by exploring a range of global issues from personal, national and interpersonal perspectives.

SOURCE Cambridge International Examinations