Primary Schools and ICT: Learning from pupil perspectives

by Neil Selwyn, John Potter, Sue Cranmer

Overview

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in primary schools is often problematic and frustrating for teachers and pupils alike. Drawing on a study of the experiences and perceptions of over 600 primary pupils, this book explores how ICT provision may be improved from a 'bottom-up' perspective - considering a number of radical suggestions for recasting primary schools as sites of innovative, imaginative and empowering technology use. There have been relatively few empirical studies of primary school IT use, and very few studies of pupils' perceptions of using technologies in primary schools. This book addresses the lack of 'learner voice' in the existing literature by providing interesting, thought-provoking insights into children's views of ICT. From this background, the book is able to make a number of practical suggestions for changes to the nature of ICT organisation and provision in schools, and so will benefit schools' efforts to better align education ICT use with the needs of children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781855397514
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/06/2010
Pages:	185
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Neil Selwyn is a Distinguished Research Professor at the Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.

Sue Cranmer is Lecturer in Digital Education and Social Justice, Lancaster University, UK.

John Potter is Programme leader for the MA In Media, Culture and Communication at the London Knowledge Lab, Institute of Education, University of London. He previously worked in primary and teacher education in ICT and Literacy at Goldsmiths College and at the University of East London. Before working in higher education, he was an ICT advisor in the London Borough of Newham and a Primary teacher with management responsibility for ICT, Literacy and Assessment in Tower Hamlets. John is currently involved in a number of education ICT organisations and associations, including ITTE and Mirandanet. His research interests are in the fields of learning, digital technology and new media cultures.

Table of Contents

List of abbreviations
Acknowledgements
1. The 'big' priorities and pressures of primary ICT
2. The promises and problems of primary ICT
3. Getting a pupil perspective - description of our research study
4. PowerPoint and penguins - primary pupils' use of ICTs at school and at home
5. Allowing primary pupils to speak for themselves about ICT
6. Drawing digital pictures: primary pupils' representations of the future of school ICT
7. Primary pupils' experiences and understandings of 'e-safety'
8. Teachers learning from pupil perspectives?
9. Suggestions for changing primary ICT
Notes and References
Index

References

Editorial Reviews

At last - an honest picture of ICT in primary schools, with findings developed from a vast amount of practical, pupil-centred research.” —The Teacher

“'In this book, Neil Selwyn, John Potter and Sue Cranmer have been able to share the differing perspectives of over 600 primary pupils in considering the place of ICT in their lives. The detail provided on the children's current uses of technology, combined with a realistic sense of what could be possible, ensures the book meets one of its key aims - to reinvigorate the debate and reimagine ICT in school. In the current educational climate where the curriculum for both primary and secondary schools is under review in the UK, it seems vital to take into account the perspectives of the learners who are most affected by any change. By listening to and recording the experience of children from a range of backgrounds, this book provides a major contribution in developing that understanding.' Lynn Roberts, Institute of Education, University of London, UK” —London Review of Education

From the Publisher