The vision for ICT

It is vital that all schools have a clear ICT vision. Schools need to identify their future needs and capability of any new ICT infrastructure and ensure it is right for their school. All stakeholders should be involved, including governors and pupils. Current levels of use should be audited. Developing good practice should be shared with the whole staff, and opportunities arranged to see effective ICT in action.

Engagement in the Becta Self Review Framework will enable school leaders to review needs and produce an ICT action plan. Once this has been achieved, the leadership team will need to select a suitable ICT solution and supplier to meet the school’s needs. Be prepared to revise your plans in the light of new technology. Remember to take into account continued support for your ICT solution once it has been installed and is in operation.

Working with the vision

No vision, however carefully framed, will lead to change unless its principles are applied in practice. This section offers practical considerations. While not compulsory, the following suggestions are supported by our own experience of effective practice in Kent primary schools, underpinned by a national knowledge base.

All classrooms will benefit from having an interactive whiteboard, or projector with large display screen. HMI have reported that “when used skillfully, interactive whiteboards improve the quality of teaching and stimulate pupils’ concentration and positive responses. They also enhance teachers’ explanations and demonstrations.” HMI also noted increased levels of participation and discussion by pupils, helping them to develop ideas and acquire new knowledge quickly.

Minimum standards for the learning environment

• There should be broadband Internet access in each teaching area.
• Opportunities to explore topic-related content and research online will help teachers to embed ICT across the curriculum.
• Children should have some form of access to interactive resources (such as Interactive Whiteboards) to support kinesthetic and visual learning styles.

Developing the Vision

• Start with completing the Leadership and Management strand of the Becta Self Review framework.
• Use the action plans generated and feed them into your school’s improvement plan and Self Evaluation Form (SEF)
• Ensure that your ICT policy includes a statement that articulates your vision.
• Develop the vision with all stakeholders and feed actions in to your ICT 3 year development plan.