Technology enhancing learning: analysing uses of information and communication technologies by primary and secondary school pupils with learning frameworks

Successive national policy in England has striven to develop uses of information and communication technologies (ICT) to support teaching and learning, and has promoted the adoption of ICT in schools over a period of some 25 years (since the ‘Microcomputer in schools initiative’ of 1981). The current level of deployment of ICT in schools is high. Not only are current levels higher than ever before, but the diversity of forms of ICT have also increased. These high levels and wide diversity create challenges for teachers, in terms of understanding how to select appropriate uses of ICT to support learning most effectively in specific situations. A clear need is for teachers to know how each form of ICT supports precise aspects of learning, in each subject area, topic and activity. Teachers need to consider the forms of technological resources that are accessible, how these specifically work within learning environments in classroom (and other) settings, and how uses of resources match social, behavioural, emotional and cognitive needs of pupils. This article offers a perspective of the pedagogical needs of teachers, by considering a particular selection of learning technologies, how these are used within learning environments, and how it is possible to view their impact on pupil cognition. A set of starting frameworks, through which to analyse impact, is considered, and the findings from example sets of case studies indicate how uses of ICT have been focused by teachers, and where potential forms of impact have arisen. The findings indicate a need for more detailed data gathering, both to provide evidence that will offer a greater insight into specific aspects of learning that are supported when certain forms of ICT are used, and to give an indication of gaps in learning focus that might arise. From the results of the analyses presented, implications for policy, practice, evaluation and research are highlighted and discussed.