Ebuyer to offer free STEM training in UK schools

Online retailer Ebuyer has partnered with Microsoft and Tablet Academy to offer free STEM classes in primary and secondary schools across the UK.

The initiative is aimed at encouraging students to learn and work with modern technologies whilst also promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) from a young age.

With the combination of interactive learning on tablets and STEM-focused games, Ebuyer hopes the initiative will grow interest and excitement in the sector.

Tablet Academy set up STEM training days alongside Ebuyer in schools across the country. ‘Host Schools’ invite other schools in the region to take part in a day of gaming, programming, and IT challenges based around Microsoft tablets with the goal of promoting STEM with young people.

Ebuyer’s Government and Education account manager, Rob Taylor, commented: “The main thing we try to encourage is there is more to classroom learning than just pen and paper, there is also interactive learning. If they’re having fun they will normally be learning. If we can combine the two then the children will hopefully equate fun with technology, electronics and of course STEM.”

“It’s great to see kids using these Microsoft tablets to learn, and schools can feel better investing in technology that is, up to date, easily accessible and a third of the price of an iPad.”

The Tablet Academy with Ebuyer and Microsoft has currently worked with over 1,000 schools in the UK with kids aged between 6-14 years old.

David Fuller, principal educational consultant at Tablet Academy Ltd, added: “STEM subjects by their very nature can be seen as subjects that are difficult for children to fully appreciate and get a chance to develop an interest in from a young age.

“These tend to be sectors where we have a shortage in qualified individuals to take up posts in industry, let alone in teaching. STEM provides the backbone to what industries and the country needs in terms of developing and inventing new things, technologies and techniques. It is important to get young people aware of this area as a future career so we can help deal with the national shortage which is holding this country back.”