managing ict managing ict
In the third of
his series of
articles, Becta’s
Embrace IT
Stephen
schools’ use of learning platforms is increasing with interactive whiteboards, with 73 per cent of
Crowne discusses how
and now 44 per cent of secondary schools use them teachers regularly using them in lessons and lesson
compared to 15 per cent in 2007. having a platform planning. Interactive whiteboards have revolutionised
where schools and students can share information, lessons with one in four teachers stating that interactive
technology can save time
resources and lesson plans, ensures teachers can access, whiteboards save them time.
send and give out information to students, parents The main attraction to teachers is that they can allow
and increase efficiency
and staff with ease and save time on distribution and the whole class to interact with the same content at the
printing. same time, which has transformed teaching styles by
learning platforms enable students to access making lesson preparation easier, more interactive, and
vEry school’s aim is to provide information in one simple and accessible place, saving allowing for a smoother lesson flow.
E
excellent teaching and learning in them time in finding relevant information whether they Time is saved in a variety of ways. Pupils are given
the most effective and efficient way are inside or outside the classroom. access to instant information, which saves time when
possible. In order for this to be a reality online forums are also an integral part of learning copying from boards and taking notes from teachers.
it is crucial that schools make the most platforms, and provide a valuable forum where students Teachers can both explain and demonstrate something
of every tool they have available, and parents can ask teachers questions and get answers complicated at the same time, which helps bring
including the use of technology. to their questions quickly and efficiently. Forums information to life and enables quicker understanding.
While some teachers are still wary of using also mean students and parents can share answers to lessons flow can be improved as teachers do not
technology in the classroom, we are seeing an increase questions directed at teachers. have to hand out information and teachers can record,
in the number of teachers who are starting to feel save, and reuse information, and present content in
more confident and positive towards the benefits that
Management information systems (MIS)
different styles. lessons can also be edited, expanded or
technology brings to teaching. All schools collect and manage a range of data about changed as teachers and learners work. This flexibility
In fact, Becta’s 2008 harnessing Technology schools pupils, the curriculum and the school. Before the use means the teacher can focus on groups or individuals
survey shows that 60 per cent of secondary school of technology in schools, teachers had to spend a vast who are having difficulties.
teachers say that they feel technology saves them time amount of time collecting information on learners
in the classroom compared to 50 per cent in 2007. across a range of registration folders, marking books,
Conclusion
We have come so far. The use of the internet has assessment records, and any number of different paper Technology is not there to replace the teacher; it
revolutionised learning and planning, providing quick, documents. is simply a tool which helps to better the learning
accessible information that can be used to plan lessons By using an MIs, all this information can be collated experience for students and helps teachers to spend
and gain research and information on a particular at a click of a button and staff within schools can enter, more time teaching rather than on administrative tasks.
subject at the click of a button. likewise, the use of store, control and retrieve information about the school, It is important that teachers have the opportunity
IcT such as emails, templates, word processing and resources and pupils in minimal time. An effective to find out which different technologies can save them
presentations has cut down on administrative time and MIs system means that schools can easily track trends time and have access to those that will benefit them
changed the way in which information is presented, between groups of students and this data can then be most. Becta is helping headteachers by sharing best
collected and also shared. used to compare different cohorts. practice and providing guidance tools, advice and
however, there is still much more that can be done MIs systems also save time by reducing the support resources to help schools make the most out of
to the technology infrastructure in secondary schools administrative burden on school staff. For example, technology and improve teaching and learning.
to save time and increase efficiency for teachers. here by saving teachers time on preparing and printing out
are just some of the tools being used by teachers to do handouts and writing out and analysing information on • Stephen Crowne is the chief executive of Becta.
just that. students by hand. It also helps teachers with effective
timetabling.
Further information
Learning platforms
visit the Next Generation learning campaign website
A learning platform offers parents, carers and school
Interactive whiteboards
at www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk and the latest
staff access to resources, online storage and tools for The “board and chalk” culture is in the past, and research from Becta will be available to view in
communication and management. today, over 95 per cent of UK schools are equipped August at www.becta.org.uk
Please join us from 8.30am for
refreshments and a light breakfast,
followed by the workshop from
9am until 11am.
Birmingham - Tuesday 16th June
S chool Improvement
Kings Norton City Learning Centre
Leeds - Tuesday 16th June
Leeds West City Learning Centre
W orkshops
London - Tuesday 16th June
Brent: Preston Manor City Learning Centre
Portsmouth - Wednesday 17th June
Transforming self evaluation
City of Portsmouth Girls School
Merseyside - Wednesday 17th June
and planning with Perspective
St Helens City Learning Centre
Lincoln - Wednesday 17th June
1 6th to 25th June 2009
William Farr CE Comprehensive School
Oxfordshire - Thursday 18th June
at venues across the UK
The Cooper School
Gateshead - Thursday 18th June
Heworth Grange City Learning Centre
B ook your place today
Hertfordshire - Wednesday 24th June
Online www.sercolearning.com
Onslow St Audrey’s School
By email enquiries@sercolearning.com
Derby - Thursday 25th June
By phone 08456 888 500
Serco Learning Training Centre
Workshops
in your area
SecEd • June 11 2009 11
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20