ICT in the primary classroom : enhancing student learning

Abstract

Educational research indicates that the use of computers and associated technologies as tools in regular classroom practice may have many positive effects on student learning and attitudes. However, for successful integration of such tools to occur, critical changes are often necessary in the way schools and classrooms function. This case study was therefore undertaken to investigate the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as teaching and learning tools in English and Mathematics classes, and to examine classroom management, organizational and pedagogical issues associated with the integration of ICT tools. A cohort comprising 72 Year-4 students and two Year-4 teachers from one primary school participated in the study.Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to collect the data. The final analysis revealed a significant improvement in English and Mathematics achievement outcomes of students who had used ICT tools compared with students who had used solely traditional instruction. In addition, there were positive changes in attitudes towards learning in those students who had used ICT indicating that ICT tools have the potential to influence students' perceptions on learning. Although the potential of ICT to enhance learning is acknowledged in this study, it also identifies the issues concerning its use. Examination of the curricula and pedagogical implications of the use of ICT in the Year-4 setting suggests that the effectiveness of the tools may be as much an implementation issue as a matter of instructional design.

Date of Award	2006
Original language	English