ICT in Literacy is not only fun but also raises standards – as long as the teacher understands it well and chooses the right ICT for the right activity. This was the conclusion from the DCSF study “Beyond Engagement: the use of ICT to enhance and transform learning at Key Stage 2 in Literacy, Mathematics and Science,” which says, “In almost eight out of every ten of the Literacy activities demonstrated by the pupils the activity went beyond engagement and their learning was significantly enhanced.”
The study identified the most powerful areas of ICT in Literacy as being analysing multimedia texts and creating photostories, podcasting and film.
Meanwhile, the Primary National Strategy was promoting “Talk for Writing”, using a range of oral techniques to generate language for writing. Several examples of these same ICT methods were included in its documents.
In this project, ten teachers tried combining “Talk for Writing” methods with a range of ICT and noting whether it made any difference to children’s enthusiasm or attainment. All the case studies are different but all are interesting; we hope you enjoy them.
Anna Fairhurst (PNS Consultant, ICT)Sharon Peapell (PNS Consultant, Literacy)