Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Learning at Home & School: Lessons from the ImpaCT Case Studies Chris Comber, Univ. of Leicester Becta Research conference 13 th June 2003, TUC Congress Centre, London

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT ImpaCT2: Background Original ImpacT study (Watson et al., 1993) : First major attempt to examine the relationship between IT & academic performance ImpaCT2: Focus on the impact of Communications or networked technologies Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT ImpaCT2: Preliminary work Examination of existing research Development of research design for main study Reported in 2 preliminary reports (

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT ImpaCT2: Strands 1 & 2 Nottingham, Manchester Metropolitan & Open Universities 2,000+ Y6 & Y9 pupils in 60 schools –Strand 1: Relationship between ICT & educational attainment –Strand 2: Tracking pupils’ use of ICT in & out of school

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Strand 1: Key findings Positive relationship between ICT performance in SATs & GCSEs in 12:13 subjects, across three key stages “...a significant boosts to pupils’ progress, amounting to many weeks & even whole terms of teaching time” (Becta, 2003)

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT ImpaCT2 Briefing Report Becta (2003) But “..levels of ICT use alone should not be taken as the sole indicator…. appropriate & effective use of ICT is more important, especially where it is linked to clear learning aims”

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT ImpaCT2: Strand 3 University of Leicester 15 ‘linked case studies’ from original 60 schools Qualitative studies of ICT: –classroom practice –home use –professional development –management & organisation –h/ware &infrastructure

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Strand 3: Research design 3 visits to each school Headteachers, ICT co-ordinators, subject teachers, pupils (Y6/9), parents –Face-to-face & telephone interviews, focus-groups, video- diaries, diaries, classroom observations, stimulated recall

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT ICT in the Classroom Themes & issues 1. ICT & Achievement 2. Use of specific networked technologies 3. Use of ICT at home 3. Teaching & Learning with ICT

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT 1. ICT & Achievement Few teachers/schools able to point to direct evidence of performance gains But professional judgement of many is that it is having +ve effect Widespread recognition that ICT can excite, motivate & engage pupils

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT 2. Networked technologies (i) The internet Most frequently used NT But - often used in less than effective ways Lack of understanding of: –effective research strategies, –evaluation & use of www resources

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Networked technologies (ii) Mainly used for school-school contact Immediacy, authenticity Positive impact on literacy Irregular use for homework tasks

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Networked technologies (iii) Video-conferencing Some teachers aware of its potential Little actual use observed New project demonstrating its effectiveness

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT 3. Home use of ICT: Pupils Children ‘inhabit’ a world of technology and communications 75% had access to PC /Internet Many had mobile phones, games consoles

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT 3. Home use: Pupils (contd.) Main educational uses : –research –revision –work preparation Engaging some reluctant learners Development of ICT skills But: –learned ‘bad habits’ –quality of ICT homework variable

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Home use: The parents’ view ICT now ‘part of the modern world’ See themselves as ‘partners’ with school & seek guidance on: – appropriate software & its use –supporting ICT-related homework But –many teachers unsure of how best to provide appropriate support

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT 4. Teaching & learning ICT has potential to shift teacher/ pupil relationship Constructivist/social constructivist modes of learning Pupils: –autonomy, exploration, creation, collaboration Teachers: –facilitation, ‘scaffolding’

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Teaching an ICT skill Teacher as: –director Pupils as: –alert receivers –isolated others

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT WebQuest Teacher as: –stage manager –(scaffolder) Pupils as: –interested explorers –collaborators

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Developing a PowerPoint presentation Teacher as: –stage manager –scaffolder Pupils as: –interested explorers –collaborators/competitors –active creators

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Implications Professional development Capitalise on new confidence Focus on integrating ICT fully into learning activities Differentiated training programmes which address: –varying levels of ability/experience –needs of different groups of staff

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT Implications Home-school links Capitalise on students’ experience and interest Develop use of ICT for transfer of homework, access to resources etc Foster mutually supportive relationships between teachers and parents

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT

Becta Research conference 2003 Proving effective practice with ICT