Using computers at home and in the primary school: where is the value added?

Pupil reports of home and school use of computers were obtained from questionnaires completed by Y4 -Y6 pupils in seven schools. Most pupils had access to a home computer and used it much more than school computers. Boys and girls did not differ in overall home use or in their overall positive attitude towards computers, but there were some significant differences in their patterns of usage, and in certain specific views and attitudes associated with differing levels of performance in maths and reading. Total home use of computers had virtually zero correlation with attainment and value-added in maths and reading, while total school use was inversely related to performance in maths. A number of potentially positive and negative aspects of using computers in particular ways were identified, especially the possibly harmful effect of allowing children to play computer games in school.