Innovation Profile 114

Good or Very Good?

If ICT helps a student to learn, slightly better, or slightly faster, or slightly more memorably, how widgets relate to wodgets - then that is a good thing.

If ICT helps a student to increase their attention and concentration, to gain confidence and to enjoy learning more - then that is a very, very, good thing. Even a tiny increase in these factors, if maintained, could multiply their learning over the years of their school/college life.

Many teachers recognise and report this kind of impact from ICT; in case studies, in research reports, when helping other teachers on training courses, and anecdotally. Have a look at
http://www.prometheanworld.com/uk/html/casestudies/primary_case_study.shtml where you will find a case study looking at the use of interactive whiteboards in Holy Trinity and St John's CE Primary Schools.

Amongst the many benefits of this kind of technology that the teachers report, the learning activity, attitude and learning-to-learn benefits dominate. In so much of learning, the process is more important than the product. How well children go about their learning activity is a much better indicator of successful teaching and learning than any kind of regular testing of what knowledge, skills or understanding has actually been gained. Proof that one can learn effectively is also a much better predictor of success through life, than any proof that you know a great deal about widgets and wodgets.

When a particularly restless child concentrates well, or when a very shy child gains the confidence to express their thoughts in front of the whole class, the benefits are obvious - for that moment. How can a teacher add up all these moments, to see the total benefits of the introduction of interactive whiteboards?

How can others be helped to see these benefits, so as to become convinced themselves?

The body language of the children in their class, the light in their eyes, and their willingness to communicate can give teachers the rewarding knowledge of the success of the lesson. These things are not easy for others to see, to similarly appreciate the benefits. We could however believe and trust that what the teachers are saying is true, and make policy and education management decisions on this basis.

Of course we could also try asking the children.

The Promethean Company Profile on our web site will give you a list of other Innovation Profiles connected with the company.

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If you know of examples of innovative use of ICT-for-learning that others would be interested in, please email innovations@eep-edu.org

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