The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in primary schools is often problematic and frustrating for teachers and pupils alike. Drawing on a study of the experiences and perceptions of over 600 primary pupils, this book explores how ICT provision may be improved from a 'bottom-up' perspective - considering a number of radical suggestions for recasting primary schools as sites of innovative, imaginative and empowering technology use. There have been relatively few empirical studies of primary school IT use, and very few studies of pupils' perceptions of using technologies in primary schools. This book addresses the lack of 'learner voice' in the existing literature by providing interesting, thought-provoking insights into children's views of ICT. From this background, the book is able to make a number of practical suggestions for changes to the nature of ICT organisation and provision in schools, and so will benefit schools' efforts to better align education ICT use with the needs of children.
1. Primary schools and ICT - priorities, promises and problems; 2. Getting a pupil perspective - description of the research; 3. Primary pupils' use of ICTs at school and home; 4. Primary pupils' experiences and understandings of 'e-safety'; 5. Allowing primary pupils to speak for themselves; 6. Drawing digital pictures: Primary pupils' representations of ICT and schools; 7. Teachers learning from pupil perspectives?; Index.
