Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers practical suggestions to help teachers to get into using computers in primary schools. It reviews some of the particular developments which have happened in primary education in England and Wales, where there is a 'National Curriculum' for schools which includes information technology as a discrete subject. The book describes information and communications technologies (ICT) generally. In the UK, Government initiatives are driving hard to meet the newly emerging needs associated with the communications and information technology revolution. The Superhighways initiative has been superseded by the National Grid for Learning. Children who are now in primary schools will need to be able to survive and thrive in this new world of ICT. The book provides support, encouragement and practical ideas to teachers wishing to develop both their personal ICT skills and their teaching skills.