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The intuitive answer to those of us involved in ICT is “of course it does”. However, the evidence from research is not
conclusive. I think the reason is that it’s actually very difficult to carry out robust research in this area. As the impact
of ICT has been a topic for discussion recently in the Naace and Mirandanet mailing lists, I thought it might be useful
to try and clarify the issues as I see them.
The question “Does ICT improve learning?” naturally leads on to a set of other questions that need to be addressed:
What ICT?
The question as stated is too broad. A computer is not the same as a suite of computers. It’s not even the same as a
laptop, which is not the same as a handheld device. Software is not the same as hardware, and generic software, such
as a spreadsheet, is not the same as specific applications, such as maths tuition software.
Conclusion
My own feeling – backed up by experience -- is that in the right set of circumstances, the use of ICT can lead to
profound learning gains. However, rather than falling into the trap of arguing whether ICT is “good” or “bad”, we
need to move the debate onto a much sounder intellectual basis.
Further Reading
I’d highly recommend Rachel M. Pilkington, “Measuring the Impact of Information Technology on Students’
Learning”, in The International Handbook of Information Technology in Primary and Secondary Education,
Springer, 2008, USA.
http://www.ictineducation.org/home-page/2010/7/8/does-ict-improve-learning.html