Mark Anderson has a well-deserved reputation for his knowledge and enthusiasm for ICT in schools. He has a superb understanding of how ICT can enhance and even transform learning; it’s not about innovation for the sake of it or lots
of flashy gimmicks. Perfect ICT Every Lesson provides an excellent framework for using ICT at a whole-school or classroom level, as well as giving teachers ideas for a range of different strategies and applications. Mark has a gift for making things seem possible. Reading this book will give teachers the confidence
to try out some new approaches without worrying that they’re not ICT experts. It’s an intelligent book, which many teachers will find useful and inspiring.
Tom Sherrington @headguruteacher, Head Teacher, King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
Perfect ICT Every Lesson seeks to remove the fear some educators have when using ICT to enhance learning. The book dispels the myth that embracing technology in the classroom takes hours of discovery and days of practice before it is exposed to learners. Mark Anderson skilfully discusses techniques
and tools whilst maintaining interest in the possibilities that are available to all. The developing pedagogy is outlined to the reader with relevant case studies and examples.There is real craft in the way the learning process is discussed with reference to a tool that should only be used where it is appropriate. Mark successfully informs and relaxes the reader in equal measure. Simple explanation scaffolds the wealth of experience that Mark possesses and it is testament to the author that we are eager to find out more about each
suggestion.
I would highly recommend Perfect ICT Every Lesson to all educators seeking to continue their own development and enhance learning for their students. This book will sit on top of the reference list when it comes to improving my own
methods and I’m thankful it has come along at this stage in my career.
Daniel Edwards @syded06, Director of Digital Strategy, Stephen Perse Foundation
In this book, Mark provides us with an exceptionally clear and dynamic vision; full of fantastic strategies, case studies, ‘top tips’ and suggestions on how to use ICT to transform learning in and out of the classroom. For someone who considers themselves tech-savvy, I still found it packed full of ‘Well, I didn’t know that’ information which had my brain whirring with new possibilities for my own teaching and my school’s approach to using technology as a platform for providing deep, creative and memorable learning experiences.
Pete Jones @Pekabelo, Assistant Head Teacher, Director of Learning, Les Quennevais School, Jersey
Mark Anderson’s Perfect ICT Every Lesson is the most comprehensive, yet accessible, overview of how ICT can be used by all teachers to enhance student learning that I have come across. Quite simply, there is something in it for teachers at every level of responsibility.
What I like most about this book, though is that is constantly and unerringly sticks to Mark’s fundamental principle that it is the learning, not the tech, that is paramount. This is extremely refreshing coming from one of the most technically knowledgeable and proficient educators out there, and
I thank him for it.
Fundamentally, the measure of any good educational book is what you learn from it and what you take away from it to implement in your practice. In Perfect ICT Every Lesson Mark has handed me the metaphoric ‘fish’ of some tweaks to make
my PowerPoints more PowerFull and to help me use search engines better. More importantly, this book has given me the ‘fishing rod’ of a far clearer understanding of the SAMR taxonomy, a framework that will help me to think and plan carefully in order to move towards the ‘perfect ICT’ of the title.
Keven Bartle @kevbartle, Deputy Head Teacher, Canons High School, London
Jam-packed full of accessible and inspirational ideas, the ICT Evangelist has created a companion for every teacher in the land. Mark’s real-life shop floor experience instils the reader with the confidence with which to switch on the laptop and start experimenting. Be prepared – this is exciting stuff!
Jamie Portman @Ja
Mark has written an incredibly useful book, the title of which clearly suggests what it is about; it is not about a 'one off' ICT lesson but about integrating ICT in meaningful ways into everyday lessons to support and extend pupils' learning.
It starts with a clear explanation of the SAMR taxonomy,challenging us to think of ways in which we can truly plan for use of technology that will not merely replicate or substitute what could be achieved in a more traditional way; instead, there are illuminating examples of what our pupils can achieve that would have been impossible before. A strength of the book is its plethora of case studies and concrete examples of tasks, with a strong focus on sound
pedagogy. Another strength is its plain language and avoidance of unnecessary jargon, making it really teacher-friendly.
Mark addresses current debates such as the use of mobile devices in schools, including a look at the BYOD strategy adopted by some schools. You will learn from this book – I certainly did – a sure sign of a great read.
Hélène Galdin-O'Shea @hgaldinoshea,
Head of Media Studies and English teacher
