1st Edition

Information Technology and Authentic Learning Realising the Potential of Computers in the Primary Classroom

By Angela McFarlane Copyright 1997

    As the presence of computers in the primary classroom increases and IT becomes a bigger part of learning, the book takes a realistic look at the role of the computer in the National Curriculum, and asks some important questions. The book is designed to help teachers incorporate IT into their day-to-day teaching, offering practical guidance and advice on task planning and management and includes examples of classroom practice. The book covers all curriculum areas, examining curriculum-specific issues as well as more general concerns such as pupil-expectation and self-esteem, problem solving, collaborative learning, data-handling, homework and the effects on the pupil-teacher dynamic. This book will be essential to all primary school teachers and trainees.

    1 Where are we and how did we get here? 2 Developing children’s problem-solving: the educational uses of adventure games 3 Children’s learning using control information technology 4 Understanding and using variables in a variety of mathematical Contexts 5 IT and thinking skills in humanities 6 Investigating science 7 Developing graphing skills 8 Thinking about writing 9 Working with images, developing ideas 10 Computers in the classroom: some values issues 11 New technologies: multimedia and going on-line 12 …and where might we end up?

    Biography

    Angela McFarlane, Homerton College.

    'This [book] should be in the libraries of all initial teacher education institutions and in teachers' centres across the country. It should be read by every primary IT coordinator, and also by any head teacher who remains unconvinced about the learning potential of computers in education' - Computers and Education

    'Chapters give valuable guidance ... reasoned, pragmatic, well-grounded illustrations of the potential of IT abound in this excellent book.' - Times Educational Supplement

    'This book is well produced ... it is good value for money and the book is of high quality overall ... The strength of this book lies in the fact that it is more than merely handy hints ... a welcome addition to the literature as it provides clear guidance for teachers as well as having as its central theme, enabling pupils to understand what they are doing and therefore helping them to take control of their own learning.' - Computer Education

    'The wide scope of this book makes it an essential handbook for the primary school staffroom ... buy the book, it's a great resource.' - Education Review