Guide to managing technology

Guide to managing technology

Guide to managing technology

Keywords: Communications, Information technology, Schools, Training

A BT report identifies seven key issues to enable schools to use information and communication technologies effectively.

They are planning and target setting, capital investment and maintenance, management and administration, in-service training, supporting the curriculum, monitoring and assessment and community use of resources.

The report, Heading for the Superhighway, concludes that headteachers are optimistic about the future of information and communication technologies for their schools. Despite concerns over training, staff resistance to change, funding and access to appropriate advice, headteachers and senior managers are convinced about the benefits and clearly committed to using the potential of information and communication technologies to improve teaching and learning.

The most crucial factors for ensuring success are good management and leadership, says the report.

Sir Peter Bonfield, BT chief executive, said: "It is not enough simply to provide schools with computers and communications links. Teachers have to be equipped to make effective use of that technology in the classroom and to learn how to harness its potential so they can open minds and shrink the world".