Creating e-confidence in schools

Abstract

In today's world of advancing technologies, we must continually ask, "What are the benefits to the Learners?" Over the last decade ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) have moved from A) "Liberating the Learner" to B) "Networking the Learner" and now as communications and the internet are becoming invisible to the user, to C) "The Learner at the Centre". The process is being accelerated by governments around the world providing learners with faster and faster access to the world wide web and many have set high targets for years 2004 and 2005 in terms of the number of connections and the curriculum that should be taught. But if youngsters seem to cope so easily with ICT why can't our teachers? As nations we must continue to train our teachers, provide more classroom support and ensure that newly-qualified teachers entering the profession are competent. Hence we move to an ICT competent profession. A teacher's role will be to advise on various networks of learning and knowledge and to prepare pupils to "manage their learning". Learning opportunities will be available 24 hours a day on-line together with an on-line teacher, tutor or mentor. Schools will become the local hub of lifelong learning, bringing together parents, local residents and public agencies to offer community-wide learning opportunities.