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Information and communications technology (ICT) is a means of storing, processing and presenting information electronically through a number of media. Computers and microelectronic devices are built into a variety of everyday objects. However, the types of technologies incorporated in the educational context tend to focus around the delivery of content and information to support formal learning processes.
ICT use in schools focuses largely, although not exclusively, on the use of stand-alone and portable computers, many of which now have multimedia capability and utilise associated hardware and software. Hardware includes peripherals such as printers, DVD drives and scanners, whilst software includes packages that facilitate word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, databases and presentation. The communication aspect of ICT incorporates the networking of computers, which increases the availability of a larger range of software and information. This also enables communication between and within institutions and access to the Internet and email. The Internet can also be accessed through other mechanisms such as digital television, internet-enabled telephones and game consoles.
ICT is playing an increasing role in people's lives, and the Government has set a target of providing 'universal access' to the Internet by 2005. It is now a fundamental feature of compulsory and post-16 education, and all schools are set to have internet access by 2002. ICT is also becoming an important aspect in the employment sector and a tool for enabling citizen participation and social inclusion as more services, products and information becomes accessible by electronic means.
Children are less likely to be intimidated by, or afraid of ICT than are most adults. They often approach ICT with keenness and curiosity and thus, may quickly become adept at operating the technology. Therefore, if managed effectively, it may be seen as a suitable and motivating tool for teaching and learning.
Schools are using ICT to enhance and add a new dimension to the learning process, and also to increase communication between the home and school. Some schools use their own websites to make learning resources available on line. With the functionality and capability of ICT, some schools are also able to provide parents and pupils with data relating to attainment, attendance or other school/community-related information.
Research has identified that pupils are more likely to use ICT at home to assist them with their homework and schoolwork. The increasing relevance of ICT in education, and in wider aspects of social life, has lead to schools striving to ensure that all pupils become capable in its use and application in a number of situations.
From a learning perspective, the effective use of ICT can lead to benefits in terms of:
More specifically, ICT can enable children to:
What is ICT capability?
ICT capability is not just the ability to undertake a range of mechanical tasks, but also the realisation by the child that computers can be used to assist or enhance the completion of a number of tasks. The computer should be seen as a tool to be used automatically to achieve objectives effectively. The National Curriculum states that:
"Information technology capability is characterised by an ability to use effectively ICT tools and information sources to analyse, process and present information, and to model, measure and control external events."
More specifically, a child who has developed ICT capability should:
How is ICT used in schools?
ICT is firmly embedded within the National Curriculum, and its use is now compulsory across all subjects. Pupils are expected to become familiar with a range of technologies and have the skills necessary to become effective, critical and autonomous users of ICT. They should also benefit from the opportunities and advantages that ICT can provide to support learning in other curriculum areas.
The National Curriculum outlines the breadth of ICT experiences and understanding that a child should have in order to develop ICT capability.
Attainment targets for ICT capability consist of the following aspects:
Specific learning goals and pupil entitlements to ICT are given in the National Curriculum. The foundations of ICT capability are generally taught during the primary stage and then developed progressively throughout a child's school life. The National Curriculum describes the opportunities, experiences and understanding each child should have with ICT at the various key stages and outlines each of the nine attainment levels. It also provides guidelines for supporting those with special educational needs and/or disabilities through the use and provision of appropriate resources and access.
It is also good practice for schools to have an 'Acceptable Use Policy' (AUP) on internet use that is signed by pupils and parents, guardians or carers. Such documents define the ways in which the Internet should and should not be used in schools and focus on the prevention of unacceptable activities, highlighting the many safety issues that need to be considered as well as the educational benefits of using the Internet. For further information regarding AUPs, see Becta's Acceptable use of the Internet Information Sheet (pdf - 89 KB) and the Superhighway Safety site.
There are a number of ways that you can support the development of your child's ICT capability. Some suggestions are listed below.
Finding high-quality, free resources on the Internet and elsewhere can help to reduce or balance the cost of learning from home. The Parents Information Network (PIN) website contains some useful guides on locating educational resources. It is also worth investigating some of the other sources recommended at the end of this sheet.
However, it must also be remembered that, when buying software, parents choose products for different reasons from those of teachers and may value different aspects, such as its ability to maintain interest over time, its value for money and the likelihood of it being regularly used. Research suggests that a different kind of learning occurs at home, and that children need to be given the time and opportunity to develop other interests. Whilst it is important to choose materials suitable for learning, the home should not become a second delivery platform for the National Curriculum. Some games software can support the child's development of skills such as strategic planning, memorisation, organised thinking and collaboration and decision making skills.
A number of companies and organisations, such as the BBC and NTL, produce educational materials for digital television broadcasting. It is worth checking the availability and usefulness of such sources before investing in further software or subscriptions.
Your child's school may be a major source of educational advice regarding ICT, and many directly provide educational resources for both parents and children. It is also worth consulting the school on acceptable use and the suitability of internet content.
How can I ensure safety of the Internet for my child?
As a parent, you need to be aware of the various safety and security issues relating to ICT, particularly online activities. Along with all the excellent educational content on the Internet, there is also a lot of material that you would not want your child to access. This is likely to relate to your own family values and acceptable levels of language and behaviour. If you want to extend those values to your child's online experience, you will need to be aware of where they are going, what they are doing and what the possible dangers are. This means considering issues surrounding unacceptable content, unsuitable and unsolicited contacts, computer viruses and hacking.
Filtering and monitoring software and procedures can be implemented at both home and school to reduce the possibility of children having unsupervised and unrestricted access to internet materials, email and chat rooms. More detailed information on good practice relating to these issues can be found on the Superhighway Safety website.
Acceptable use of the Internet Information Sheet (pdf - 89 KB)
Becta, January 2000. Free
Becta's Parents' Trail
Provides a sign-posting service for ICT information.
Becta Educational Software Database
This online database contains educational software packages available in the UK targeted at the pre-school to further education market.
ICT Capability (VTC)
Offers more detailed information regarding the use of, and attainment targets for ICT in education.
AngliaCampus (subscription fee)
Online education service that supports the National Curriculum and contains information for parents to help support their child's education.
The BBC offer a range of online materials for all ages and key stages: