PMA Research has published its latest report on current use experiences and purchase intentions for projectors in the K-12 education market. PMA’s survey of U.S. educators covered detailed topics such as the average number of projectors available for use within a school building, the average age of school projectors and how often they are replaced, the number of hours a projector is used during an average day, and the sources of funding for projector purchases. The survey also examined interactivity and 3D usage in the classroom.
“Interactive functionality continues to be extremely important in the K-12 market,” said Rosemary Abowd, Senior Analyst at PMA Research. “Interactive tools help keep students engaged in the learning process and give educators the flexibility to fashion the material around the students rather than the other way around. About 77% of educators felt an interactive display in the classroom was very important or an absolutely must. The survey also explored the relative preferences for how that interactive functionality is delivered to students – whether via a whiteboard, projector with built-in interactivity, accessory module, or interactive flat panel.”
Another key finding from PMA’s report is that only 10% of educators have a negative outlook on technology spending for the next year. However, there were mixed signals from other educators in that some expect improvement in tech spending over last year while others expect tech spending will remain under tight budget constraints. “For those that expect to see some improvement, this suggests that the post-stimulus, weak funding environment in the education market during the past couple years may have bottomed out in some states and school districts,” said Abowd. The survey also explored the relative preferences for tech spending in schools, including the likelihood of purchases for tablets, laptops, wireless equipment, PCs, along with large displays such as projectors, interactive whiteboards, and flat panels.
