/PRZOOM - Newswire/ - Close to 600,000 Interactive Whiteboards were sold worldwide last year, generating nearly US$1bn of revenue, according to a new market report from Futuresource Consulting.

London, United Kingdom, 03/03/2009 – “Across the globe, the Interactive Whiteboard phenomenon is really taking hold,” says Colin Messenger, Senior Consultant, Futuresource. “Driven by continued technological developments, our projections show that one in six classrooms will be hooked up with an Interactive Whiteboard by 2012. It’s remarkable to see how this technology allows teachers to connect with students in much greater depth, bringing the outside world into the classroom and transforming lessons into exciting world experiences. You’ve got to see the technology in action to fully appreciate the impact it has on the learning process.”

In the 66 countries covered within the report, Messenger calculates there are over 31 million classrooms: a huge market potential for companies operating within this sector.

“Our research is showing there are no real signs of recession in education technology markets. The feedback I’m getting from the marketplace is positive and the general view is that there’s a far greater safety net than other sectors. Few markets hold the promise of education, where we’ll see very strong sales growth for at least the next five years.

“Do not be put off by the adage there is no money in education”, Messenger continues. “Governments will often find the money to supply thousands of boards. Take a look at Mexico, where the Enciclomedia project equipped 200,000+ classrooms with technology worth US$1.8 billion.”

A whistle-stop tour of activity in 2008 shows that the USA had a hugely successful year, with sales volumes surpassing 250,000 units, up 65% on volume and over 100% in value. In the UK, demand is still strong and will continue to be sustained, with a swell of activity awaiting EMEA. Looking to Australia, Q4 2008 proved to be its largest success to date.

“Adoption of the technology into classrooms can be fast-tracked, often driven by a craving from governments to kick-start their education system or leave a lasting legacy,” says Messenger. “In contrast it can also be a step process, taking perhaps five years, starting with PC installations, followed by projectors, and culminating in interactive whiteboards. Looking to the future, voting systems and visualisers will be the next logical move towards completely interactive and collaborative classrooms. Watch this space.”

Agency / Source: Futuresource Consulting

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