ICT and the learning principles of the

Primary School Curriculum

The Primary School Curriculum presents a vision of education, which is expressed in three general aims:
 

• to enable the child to live a full life as a child, and to realise his or her potential as unique individual
•  to enable the child to develop as a social being through living and cooperating with others and so contribute to the good of society
•  to prepare the child for further education and lifelong learning.

In order to achieve the aims above  it is vital for the primary school teacher to incorporate a range of teaching and learning resources into his or her teaching methods. With reference to the needs of each and every child, the philosophy and content of the curriculum, and the use of tools and resources that can enhance the child’s learning. The teacher can design learning experiences that support the broadly stated aims of the Primary School Curriculum.
 

Context for ICT in the Primary School Curriculum

With the advancement of technology. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) offer teachers and children various educational tools and resources which enhanced their learning environment. When used to support and enhance the teaching and learning session in the classroom, it helps to achieve the aims, principles and objectives of the Primary School Curriculum. ICT tools such as videos, websites, blogs and other things that have to do with technology surely transforms the teaching and learning session from a mere chalk and talk or teacher centred sessions to a student oriented and independent learning environment.

The image below will illustrate how ICT can be used in teaching and learning:

 

 Learning about ICT: teachers and children develop skills and knowledge in the potential uses of ICT to support learning.

Learning with ICT: teachers and children use ICT resources to support the classroom curriculum.

Learning through ICT: teachers and children use ICT to transform the process of teaching and learning, learning in new ways.

The use of ICT in teaching and learning in such ways, does not follow a continuum, rather, these functions are inter-related and mutually supportive. Much of children’s learning about ICT will develop as an integral part of learning with ICT.

At the same time, it is acknowledged that learning about ICT will be necessary in order to successfully use ICT tools to support the curricular objectives, and to learn in new ways.

Learning through ICT, which supports the general aim of ICT use in the Primary School Curriculum, places a greater emphasis on the recognition of individual difference, and the use of varied approaches and methodologies in teaching.

Specific aims for ICT use in the primary school include:

• to enable the child to use a range of ICT tools in a  relevant curriculum context

• to enable the child to develop and use ICT skills in the attainment of curriculum learning objectives

• to foster the child’s confidence in his or her use of ICT, through enjoyable learning experiences

• to develop the child’s understanding and practice of the safe use of ICT

• to enable the child to overcome barriers of access to learning resources caused by geographic location, culture, or language

• to enable the child to use ICT to support his or her learning effectively and creatively

• to inform the child’s attitudes regarding the role of ICT in society, including the benefits and challenges of ICT use

• to support the development of the child’s social skills through cooperative learning and problem-solving.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1.  Abigail M. "THE ROLE OF ICT IN LEARNING SUPPORT" 2002 Ewelyn Publications.

2. Article "Digital schools" retrieved from www.digitalschools.ie

3. PDF File " ICT IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM" retrieved from: www.ncca.ie