Colin Harrison, Chris Comber, Tony Fisher, Kaye Haw, Cathy Lewin, Eric Lunzer, Angela McFarlane, Di Mavers, Peter Scrimshaw, Bridget Somekh and Rob Watling, 2002
ImpaCT2 aimed to look at identifying the potential gains of networked technologies in and outside of the school environment. It also intended to find out the degree to which these networked technologies affect the educational attainments of pupils at Key Stages 2, 3 and 4.
Since the publication of this report it has been widely disputed that ICT in the curriculum has almost be forced into classrooms; at the detriment of pedagogy. ImpaCT2 looked to find the impact that ICT can have in the classrooms. The study used 700 students at Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This is a relatively wide field. It would then go on to compare baseline assessments and outcomes to calculate a progress score, not too dissimilar to the Progress 8 measure used for GCSE/Key Stage 4 students currently. It would also compare similar outcomes/scores, to that of students whom had been taught in a ‘traditional’ method (without ICT), who has sat the assessments 12 to 18 months prior. The study took into account students backgrounds and mirrored those up, again, with similar students from the earlier co-hort.
I like that staff had, had the opportunity to take part in nationally funded training, New Opportunities Fund, which allowed staff to be trained on computers, and how they could be used within the classroom environment. Additionally the study was conducted after the training was made available to schools.
The article goes on to talk about the positive impact that ICT has had across subjects. I feel these subjects are limited to English, Maths, Science, DT, MFL History and Geography. I have learned that ICT in the classroom does have some form of impact on attainment within the classroom. The largest impact was seen in key stage 2 English, therefore I have a question, does ICT have a greater impact at a younger age; within the report, when looking at key stage 3 and 4 there was only a marginal increase on outcomes.
I would like to consider the ability of those staff that were included within the study, what their prior knowledge was of using ICT, not only in the classroom but their interest in technology as a whole. From my own experience those teachers that have an interest in technology are more open to include this within their classroom and learning environment, than those who aren't. I would also like to consider if the staff were being more reflective compared to the last academic year, are they spending more time to reflect on their own teaching and improving on what has happened in the previous session. With this in mind I would like to look and see if staff in my school are being reflective with how they use technology.