About learning at school
Using technology is an exciting way to learn. It helps children question and discover things for themselves. It allows them to find out about a wide range of people, communities and cultures that they may not have access to in any other way. Best of all it encourages them to be creative and to work together – and we know that this can achieve better results.
There are already lots of examples in the 'At school' section of this site showing how technology can be used in curriculum subjects. We will be adding more over the next few months so keep checking to find out more.
Does technology at school really make a difference to how well children perform?
Quite simply, the answer is yes!
Research shows that using technologies like learning platforms and educational websites helps pupils of all ages and abilities engage more closely with their teachers, their course work and the wider school community Also, using technology well in the classroom can help children to:
• learn at their own pace and style
• feel more motivated as they are having fun
• be more creative and independent in their learning
• improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
There’s also good evidence to suggest that children who are encouraged to use technology do significantly better than expected. For example:
• Schools that use technology well across the curriculum and wider school life have reduced absence rates and achieve a higher percentage of A*-C grades at GCSE.
• Pupils studying Key Stage 2 maths, science and English in schools that make the best use of technology improve at twice the rate of the national average.
• When young people use technology to support their learning at home they do better in national tests.
But despite all the progress made, still only 25% of schools are using technology really effectively.
How’s your school doing?
Find out whether your school is Next Generation Learning ready. Read about the Next Generation Learning Charter and try the postcode search to see if your school is accredited for ICT. Don’t worry if they aren't - we have put together some useful questions to ask your school to find out what they are planning to do.