Integrating ICT in schools

ICT is a broad category when you think about it! In this post, I am looking in general at the progress of integration of ICT into schools and also in particular at some interactive technologies that could be integrated where appropriate.

• Firstly, the Australasian Journal of Educational Technology provides us with an overview of where we are now in ICT integration in schools and what could we be doing in the future. Colin Baskins sets the scene with the Australian policy context, outlines the project and discusses the findings. Whilst this work was done in 2006, the comments are still relevant particuarly highlighting the disjuncture between ICT infrastructure imperatives and those of teachers - curriculum and pedagogy. "There is a growing awareness of how large the training and professional development needs are, not only in relation to pedagogy, curriculum change, IT skills and awareness, but also in relation to wider 'cultural change' issues, as school systems develop and roll out new systems and processes over time."
• For some lighter reading, Classroom news (you need to be a subscriber, free!) technology news for today's teacher, gives us a pot pouri ranging from a description of Barack Obama's education plan, "Imagine a future where our children are more motivated because they aren't just learning on blackboards, but on new whiteboards with digital touch screens; where every student in a classroom has a laptop at [his or her] desk; where [students] don't just do book reports but design Powerpoint presentations; where they just don't write papers, but they build web sites; where research isn't just done by taking a book out of the library, but by eMailing experts in the field; and where teachers are less a source of knowledge than a coach for how best to use it and obtain knowledge ...". Buried in email? gives us some welcome tips for managing the daily deluge. Also of interest is the story of a pilot project at PLC where students can use mobile phones and the internet during exams. Interesting concept.
• Lastly, from the National School Boards Association, the report from a study (supported by Microsoft, News Corporation and Verizon) into students' social networking habits. Creating and connecting, details the results of a study conducted via three surveys (students, parents, school leaders) which describes students online social networking activities. It notes that educators require students to use the internet for homework and research, they are not yet convinced of the value of social online networks as a communication or collaboration tool in the educational context. Parents have high expectations with those surveyed supporting the use of social networking. The recommendations (food for thought) are: consider using social networking for staff communications and PD; find ways to harness the educational value; ensure equitable access; pay attention to student leadership; reexamine social networking policies and (not surprising given the supporters of this study) encourage social networking companies to increase educational value.