The report, The importance of ICT: information and communication technology in primary and secondary schools 2005/8, can be found on the Ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/070035.
Here is a brief summary:
Government investment and better planning in schools have contributed to improvement in the quality of school information and communication technology (ICT) lessons, yet not all pupils are benefiting, according to a report published by Ofsted. The picture was most positive in primary schools, where achievement and standards rose as the survey progressed. In secondary schools students were adept at using ICT to present their work and communicate ideas, but standards in using spreadsheets, databases and programming were low. Assessment was the weakest aspect of ICT teaching.
Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, said: 'Around 77 per cent of the workforce now uses information technology in their job and the demand for these skills is likely to continue to increase. Schools must equip young people with the tools to ensure their employability. ICT needs to be given high status, both by the government and in individual schools, in line with its importance to young people’s future economic well-being.'
The report recommends all schools:·
- evaluate the effectiveness of their provision for teaching pupils and students how to keep themselves safe when online and record incidents where the safety of individuals may be compromised·
- ensure that they achieve value for money by implementing the principles of best value in evaluating, planning, procuring and using ICT provision
- improve the assessment of ICT by establishing pupils’ and students’ attainment on entry and by tracking the progress of individual pupils, including their achievement when using ICT in other subjects ·
- audit the training needs of teachers and teaching assistants and provide extra support to improve their subject knowledge and expertise, particularly in data logging, manipulating data and programming.