Jim Rose's report on the state of the primary school curriculum argues for an increasing focus on ICT. Some commentators are disappointed that the review does not go far enough in avoiding the issue of compulsory testing but others are encouraged by the focus on six areas of learning and the increasing attention paid to the central importance, alongside literacy and numeracy, of ICT. Stephen Heppell is one of those who has spoken positively about the report. What do you think? How important do you think is ICT to young people's learning at primary and secondary level, and how would you like to see computers and other digital devices used in and outside the classroom?
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I think the key thing is for ICT not to be seen as a way of simply repackaging things that children appear to find unpalatable. The key for me is that the technology and all the chances for play and creativity it can offer are recognised as essential learning in their own right, and not as somehow subsidiary to proper learning. I think we need to adopt a participatory model and need to avoid passive or prescriptive use of technology. In other words technology can sometimes be presented to students in quite a limiting and controlling way, whereas most adults who get a lot of computers aren't explicitly taught how to use them - they tinker, scratch their head, find themselves saying what happens if... I think this opportunity to experiment and explore is vital.
Mr. Hawes
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