How to Integrate ICT for Effective Student Learning

Author Unknown, St Martin's College. ICT and Pedagogy. Located at www.staff.ucsm.ac.uk/rpotter/ict/.../ICT-Pedagogy-PC-10-02.  (accessed 3/4/2011)

This PowerPoint produced by St Martin's College presents various views of "appropriate and inappropriate applications of ICT." (p1) They argue that one of the main reasons that we use ICT is to enhance student learning and provide an engaging learning environment. This PowerPoint links with the Venn diagram from my last post as it provides a more detailed explanation of the core context surrounding ICT usage in schools. 

The idea of the Four E's is particularly useful when contemplating how ICT can enhance student learning. As "teachers should make sure that ICT:

•Ensures that the learning outcomes can be achieved;

•Enables the learner;

•Eases and supports the task;

•Enhances the task’s quality and value.

Barker and Franklin (1998)"(PowerPoint, p13, found in Barker, R. and Franklin, G. (1998) ‘Information and communication technology – the victim of the literacy hour’. MAPE)

These Four E's are very important when considering integrating ICT. If every teacher contemplated these when using ICT in the everyday classroom I believe that ICT would definitely enhance student learning. One other strength of this presentation is its practical suggestions for positive ICT integration including peer support and support graphics activities.

This resource has an issue with referencing and sourcing of ideas. There is no reference list at the end of the presentation and many of the ideas throughout the PowerPoint are not sourced which creates problems with following up research on particularly effective ideas.  It also makes the reader question the authenticity and accuracy of this presentation and more research must be undertaken in order to solidify ideas.