Ofsted has recently published a report on the importance of ICT at primary and secondary level based on research in 177 schools from 2005 to 2008. Point 48 under the students' achievements and standards section makes for interesting reading as it highlights the potential of technology to engage students and make them more independent. In particular, inspectors recognise the power of podcasting to personalise learning and enthuse unmotivated boys in their language lessons.
In the schools visited, students almost always enjoyed working with ICT and were well engaged by tasks that enabled them to do so. Using ICT contributed effectively to their personal development. In sharing ideas, it helped to develop the skills of working independently and cooperatively. ICT was particularly successful in motivating disaffected boys and improving their attitudes to learning, for example through giving them opportunities to record podcasts in modern foreign languages.
Is this important? I think it is!
To download the full report, click here.
Thanks to Pat Brennan for the heads up
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