Using Information and Communication Technology in Schools

The use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) can benefit schooling in a number of ways.  Firstly it can hugely increase the quality of teaching by allowing teachers to utilise modern technology.  A consequence of this is that standards are driven up as pupils benefit from the competemporary teaching methods.  One example of this is the use of high speed internet access within schools - pupils are able to access billions of pages of useful data relating to almost any topic imaginable. Contrast this with how information used to  be sought via encyclopedias in Libraries. 

TThe Depart for Education works with a series of other public bodies including...

-NCSL (National College for School Leadership)
-QCA
-SSAT (Specialist Schools and Academies Trust)
-TDA (Training and Development Agency)
-Primary and Secondary National Strategies
-Becta

Below are some of key elements relating to successful implementation and management on ICT for schools.

Funding

ICT funding is a priority for local authorities.  There are four grants that schools can apply for.

-Grant 201 — Devolved Formula Capital

-Grant 101 — School Development Grant

-Grant 121 — Connectivity and Learning Systems Grant

-Grant 122 — e-Learning Credits (eLCS)


Infrastructure

Having the correct ICT infastructure for schools is an imperative.  Here are some of the major elements to consider...


-Broadband

-Purchasing ICT items

-Digital whiteboards

-Web safety

-Laptops for teachers

-Learning platforms

-Buying ISPs

-Technical Assistance

-Tools for Schools

-Video conferencing

-Analogue to digital switchover



Leadership

Strong leadership is essential if you wish to implement a successful ICT program within a school. There are a number of development programs aimed at assisting head teachers and staff and below we have outlined the main ones.
ICT Mark

-Secondary Leadership Team Toolkit

-Self-review framework

-Leadership Team Toolkit for Primary Managers

-SLICT  (Strategic Leadership of ICT)

-The ICT Register



Professional development

Professional development is crucial if the benefits of ICT are to be maximised.   There are a number of courses to help teachers and managers continually improve their ICT skills.


-Hands on Support
-ICAT
-Practical Support Pack