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Professor Diana Laurillard

Why and how are teachers integrating ICT (Information and Communication Technology) into primary education? In this course we analyse examples from schools in different parts of the world, and bring professional teachers, headteachers and policymakers together to share their best ideas and inspiring stories.

The materials in the course are based on studies carried out for the UNESCO Institute of IT in Education, Moscow.

Learning Outcomes:

to be aware of the range of reasons for using ICT

to critique the strategies for developing ICT over time

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Why and how are teachers integrating ICT (Information and Communication Technology) into primary education? In this course we analyse examples from schools in different parts of the world, and bring professional teachers, headteachers and policymakers together to share their best ideas and inspiring stories.

The materials in the course are based on studies carried out for the UNESCO Institute of IT in Education, Moscow.

Learning Outcomes:

to be aware of the range of reasons for using ICT

to critique the strategies for developing ICT over time

to analyse the strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms

to become familiar with a wider range of useful tools and resources for integrating ICT

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What's inside

Syllabus

ICT and the 21st Century Primary School
This week will enable you to be aware of the range of reasons for using ICT and to critique the strategies for developing ICT over time. You will also analyse the strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanismsand become familiar with a wider range of useful tools and resources for integrating ICT
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Studies conducted for the UNESCO Institute of IT in Education, Moscow are the basis for the program's materials. This is a reputable organization.
You will increase your awareness of how to engage in ICT systematically over time, particularly with regard to strategy development, decision-making, and tool usage.
You will improve your awareness of how ICT can affect schools and increase cross-cultural participation brought on by innovation.
You will expand your knowledge of suitable resources and tools for incorporating ICT.
You will discover more about how to use technology to support computational thinking, and you will also have the chance to think about the necessary digital infrastructure, content, and professional development.
You will have the chance to discuss and actively address issues with ICT implementation.
You will study a variety of ICT tools and materials, learn about their possibilities, and develop criteria for selecting them.
You will grasp how to support teachers in adopting the role of ICT facilitators in the classroom.
You will analyze various case studies from schools around the world to expand your understanding of ICT integration and its potential impact on education.

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Reviews summary

Ict integration in primary education

According to learners, this course provides a valuable overview of integrating ICT into primary education, offering practical ideas and strategies. Students particularly appreciate the relevant examples from various international contexts and the introduction to useful tools and resources. Many found the content directly applicable to their teaching practice and helpful in understanding the challenges and opportunities of using technology in the classroom. While the course is generally well-received, some reviewers felt certain sections could benefit from updates to reflect the latest technologies.
Helps analyze implementation challenges.
"The course helped me analyze the challenges I might encounter when implementing ICT strategies."
"Understanding the different dimensions of implementation issues was very insightful."
"It prompted me to reflect on the needs and priorities for developing our digital environment."
"I gained a better grasp of the potential problems and solutions for using ICT."
Provides a clear and comprehensive overview.
"The course provides a comprehensive overview of ICT in primary education."
"I found the explanations clear and easy to understand, even for complex topics."
"The material is well-structured and progresses logically through the syllabus."
"It offers a solid foundation for understanding the role of technology in schools."
Course introduces relevant ICT tools and resources.
"The introduction to a range of useful tools and resources was very beneficial."
"I discovered new technologies and platforms that I can potentially use in my classroom."
"The course highlighted several resources that I wasn't aware of before."
"Finding new digital content and tools through this course was helpful."
Case studies from different countries are valuable.
"The case studies from different parts of the world were inspiring and showed diverse approaches."
"Seeing examples from various countries broadened my perspective on ICT integration."
"I appreciated the international focus; it made the content feel globally relevant."
"Learning about how other schools implement ICT was a major highlight for me."
Ideas and strategies are applicable to teaching.
"The practical ideas shared were incredibly helpful and directly applicable to my classroom teaching."
"I learned strategies that I can immediately use to integrate technology more effectively in my lessons."
"This course gave me concrete examples of how ICT can transform learning in primary schools."
"The content is highly relevant to the challenges I face as a primary school teacher."
Some content may need updating for latest tech.
"Some parts of the course felt slightly dated considering the rapid changes in technology."
"I wish there were more recent examples of cutting-edge ICT tools."
"While the principles are sound, specific tech examples could use an update."
"Hoping to see newer technologies included in future versions of the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ICT in Primary Education: Transforming children's learning across the curriculum with these activities:
Preparation: The Innovator's Dilemma
Read this classic text on innovation to lay a solid theoretical foundation for the course
Show steps
  • Read the book
  • Take notes on key concepts
  • Write a summary of the book
Review Technology Uses in Education
Brings your knowledge of ICT usage in the classroom up to speed so you can enter the course well prepared for deeper learning
Browse courses on Educational Technology
Show steps
  • Research recent studies on ICT integration in education
  • Read articles in academic journals and reputable websites
  • Review online resources and forums for educators
Review key concepts and theories related to ICT in education
Provide a refresher on essential concepts and theories to strengthen students' understanding.
Show steps
  • Review the course syllabus and identify the key concepts and theories covered.
  • Read relevant sections from the assigned readings or textbooks.
  • Create a mind map or concept diagram to summarize the key concepts and their interrelationships.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Practice Using ICT Tools
Provides hands-on practice with ICT tools to ensure you have a strong foundation before entering the course
Browse courses on Educational Software
Show steps
  • Explore different ICT tools and their features
  • Complete tutorials and exercises on using the tools
  • Create sample lessons or activities using the tools
Explore the UNESCO Institute of IT in Education (IITE) website
Provide access to additional resources and case studies on ICT integration in education.
Browse courses on UNESCO
Show steps
  • Visit the IITE website and explore the 'Resources' section.
  • Review the case studies and reports on ICT integration in different countries.
Practice using different ICT tools and resources
Provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with various ICT tools and resources.
Browse courses on Educational Technology
Show steps
  • Identify a specific ICT tool or resource, such as a virtual whiteboard, interactive simulation, or online assessment platform.
  • Explore the features and functionality of the tool or resource.
  • Create a practice activity or lesson using the tool or resource.
  • Reflect on the effectiveness of the tool or resource and identify areas for improvement.
Discuss ICT integration strategies with fellow students
Facilitate peer learning and knowledge sharing among students.
Show steps
  • Form small groups of 3-4 students.
  • Choose a specific aspect of ICT integration, such as a particular technology tool or pedagogical strategy.
  • Research and prepare a brief presentation on the chosen topic.
  • Present the findings to the group and engage in a discussion on the potential benefits and challenges of the approach.
Curate a collection of resources on ICT integration in education
Support students in organizing and synthesizing information on ICT integration from various sources.
Show steps
  • Use search engines or online databases to identify high-quality websites, articles, or videos on ICT integration.
  • Evaluate the resources for their relevance, accuracy, and currency.
  • Organize the resources into a structured collection using a digital note-taking tool, spreadsheet, or online platform.
  • Share the curated collection with peers or use it for future reference.
Design an ICT lesson plan
Allow students to apply their understanding of ICT-based teaching and learning by creating their own lesson plans.
Browse courses on Lesson Planning
Show steps
  • Choose a specific subject area and grade level.
  • Identify the learning objectives and outcomes for the lesson.
  • Select appropriate ICT tools and resources to support the learning activities.
  • Develop a detailed lesson plan that includes the step-by-step procedures, assessment strategies, and differentiation strategies for diverse learners.
  • Share the lesson plan with peers for feedback and improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete ICT in Primary Education: Transforming children's learning across the curriculum will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
IT Educator
IT Educators teach Information Technology coursework. Students in this program are likely to be knowledgeable about Information Technology because this course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education and Information Technology, this course may be useful for you.
Computer Science Teacher
Computer Science Teachers teach Computer Science coursework. Students in this program are likely to be knowledgeable about Computer Science. Additionally, this course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education and Computer Science, this course may be useful for you.
Education Consultant
Education Consultants provide guidance on educational matters. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education, this course may be useful for you.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education, this course may be useful for you.
Learning Experience Designer
Learning Experience Designers create and develop learning experiences. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education, this course may be useful for you.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers create and develop curriculum. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education, this course may be useful for you.
Educational Researcher
Educational Researchers conduct research on educational topics. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education, this course may be useful for you.
Education Policy Analyst
Education Policy Analysts analyze education policies. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education, this course may be useful for you.
Instructional Technology Specialist
Instructional Technology Specialists provide support for the use of technology in education. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education and technology, this course may be useful for you.
Educational Technologist
Educational Technologists use technology to improve education. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education and technology, this course may be useful for you.
Technology Integration Specialist
Technology Integration Specialists help integrate technology into education. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education and technology, this course may be useful for you.
Learning Scientist
Learning Scientists study how people learn. This course covers the integration of ICT in primary education. The course covers a range of reasons for using ICT, strategies for developing ICT over time, strengths and weakness of different decision-making mechanisms, and useful tools and resources for integrating ICT. Additionally, this course shows how ICT makes a difference. Given your apparent interest in education, this course may be useful for you.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in ICT in Primary Education: Transforming children's learning across the curriculum.
Provides an overview of the use of ICT in primary education. It covers topics such as the benefits of using ICT, the challenges of implementing ICT, and the different ways that ICT can be used to support teaching and learning.
Provides a comprehensive guide for teachers and trainers on how to use technology to enhance learning. It covers a wide range of topics, including how to use technology to support different learning styles, create interactive lessons, and assess student learning.
Provides a primer on the role of technology in education. It covers the history of educational technology, the different types of educational technology, and the ethical and social issues surrounding the use of technology in schools.
Explores the future of education in the digital age. It argues that technology has the potential to transform education, but only if it is used in a way that is aligned with the needs of learners.
A collection of readings on the use of technology in the classroom. It provides a variety of perspectives on the benefits and challenges of using technology in education.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of technology in the lives of students.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the use of technology in teaching and learning. It provides practical advice on how to choose and use technology in the classroom, and how to use technology to improve teaching and learning.

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