This question is posed on the UK government website; http://www.curriculumonline.gov.uk/WhyUseICTs/WhyteachwithICT.htm As an ex Physics teacher I was always fascinated and troubled by this question during my teaching career.
This brief report gives 5 reasons and so here I will comment on the reasons based on my own experience.
Reason 1 ‘Because the future is here.’ The justification states that by teaching pupils using ICT you’re not only helping them learn better but your preparing them for a world already dominated by the computer. This is nonsense. There is nothing to back up the statement that you are helping them to learn better. As for the world being dominated by computers, yes but most employees don’t use computers except as a tool. We don’t need to teach pupils how pencils or paper are made for them to be able to use them effectively. If anyone needs deeper ICT training their career choice should provide the appropriate route that provides the relevant training.
Reason 2 Because pupils love it. 5 years ago ICT & multimedia was a novelty in the classroom hence the pupils’ interest. I expect many teachers have recently heard ‘Oh no not another PowerPoint’. I have even heard ’please no more surfing on the internet, can’t you just teach us?’
Reason 3 Because it helps develop teaching professionals too. Interesting one this. Even today there are many teachers who have far fewer ICT skills than their pupils.
Reason 4 Because it saves time and energy. A good lesson needs preparation no matter what type of resource is used. I suspect this reason was true when the novelty factor meant all a teacher had to do was tell the class ‘use the internet to research for your project’. Sorry but this is not teaching; it is an abdication of a teachers’ responsibilities.
Reason 5 Because it’s fun. Teaching and learning is fun if the teacher is good. No amount of technology is going to turn a poor lesson into a fun one.
I have played the devil’s advocate in this report because for many in education (often managers, ministers and civil servants but not those who actually teach) ICT has become a mantra to be followed without question. Teaching is a skill and an art, and ICT and multimedia are resources that a good teacher uses effectively when necessary and when appropriate. I used to tell my A level students ‘you are examined by sitting at a table with a pen in your hand, so to prepare you need to practice sitting at a table…’
