| The USB memory stick has become increasingly | | | | of portable USB flash drives, particularly in helping |
| popular over the last 10 years and many important | | | | students to move schoolwork from the classroom to |
| changes have also been seen during this period. Whilst | | | | the home PC and back. |
| the design of USB flash drives has not altered much, | | | | The majority of USB memory sticks can be password |
| the capacity and functionality is constantly increasing! In | | | | protected, personalized or have unique serial numbers |
| the early days around the year 2000 it was difficult to | | | | belonging to the school or person. This can be taken a |
| acquire a USB flash drive with a capacity greater than | | | | step further in other areas of the public sector; the |
| 128MB. Fast forward to 2008 and times have changed | | | | police for example may choose to use devices which |
| and it is not uncommon to find 16GB capacities | | | | can only be accessed by the owners fingerprint using |
| capable of holding thousands of music tracks (the | | | | biometric software. This is especially important for |
| 128MB versions could only hold around 4 albums). In | | | | protecting sensitive information as highlighted by recent |
| general portable memory products have become | | | | news stories. |
| increasingly inexpensive making them accessible to | | | | In addition to the standard style of USB flash drives |
| most of the population. This has led to some important | | | | there are now many new and innovative models. A |
| developments: | | | | good example of this is the Credit Card USB - it is only |
| "The prime minister has announced a huge £36 | | | | 1.9mm thick, waterproof, shockproof and virtually |
| billion investment in schools over the next 4 years to | | | | indestructible - and it will fit easily into your wallet!! Other |
| create the "most educated nation in the world". | | | | innovative uses can be found in many areas of |
| IT systems are to be removed and this will allow | | | | business. The promotional incentives market is actively |
| movement in new directions for ICT in schools. The | | | | encouraging the use of USB memory sticks i.e. the |
| use of new flexible technologies like removable USB | | | | USB Flash Drive can be preloaded with data prior to it |
| Flash drives will benefit many students. USB memory | | | | being given away. This allows useful information to be |
| sticks are small and lightweight making them easy to | | | | at the fingertips of the recipient. This could be in the |
| transport. In recent times memory chips have become | | | | form of a PDF, PowerPoint, Video, etc. This is the ideal |
| cheaper to manufacture so students can now benefit | | | | way for companies to make sure that when a |
| from large memory capacities at great prices - this is | | | | potential prospect leaves they have a permanent |
| helping to make USB flash drives an integral tool for | | | | reminder of exactly what the company can offer. This |
| learning. | | | | could be in the form of a document, a price list etc. |
| Many schools have been quick to report the benefits | | | | |