Becta touts benefits of ICT for schools

Technology has a pivotal role to play in improving the performance of schools and colleges, a four-year study has revealed

The ICT Test Bed Project was set up in 2002 by the Department for Education and Skills. Managed by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta), the project investigated the role of technology in improving learning in schools and colleges, in terms of academic performance, classroom practice and institutional development.

The study examined 23 primary schools, five secondary schools and three further-education colleges in Sandwell, Durham and Barking and Dagenham — areas chosen for their relative social and economic disadvantage. All were given funds to install hardware and software, with money also set aside to cover training in the use of new technology.

The results showed that:

• schools' national test outcomes improved beyond expectation as technology became embedded;
• presentation technology provided greater interaction between teachers and pupils in the classroom;
• pupils were able to exercise greater choice within the curriculum and learn in more diverse ways according to their individual needs;
• teachers and pupils were able to work more closely together in setting targets for assessment, with teachers able to give individual feedback;
• learning platforms aided college students' learning when at home, while management information systems helped managers and teachers work more effectively; and
• behaviour and attendance improved through the use of behaviour management systems and electronic registration respectively.

The use of technology released teachers from some of their administrative duties by allowing support staff to take on broader responsibilities. The project also found that learning platforms had a long-term value by allowing teachers to find, store, share, create and reuse resources and lesson plans.

"We have said for some time now that, if technology is used properly in the classroom, it can help to produce a major improvement in results — not just in academic achievement, but also in involvement, attendance and in the overall efficiency of the institution," said Stephen Crowne, Becta's chief executive, on Monday.

"We must harness that power and take technology for learning from marginal to mainstream when thinking about how we raise standards."

Schools minister Jim Knight said: "The Test Bed Project demonstrates just how ICT has the power to transform young people's learning — both at school and beyond the school gate. We will be looking to capitalise on this project and replicate it across the country."