ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the potential of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in relation to some of what we know about how we learn, as a basis for sound decisions for teachers concerning when best and how to use ICT in their work with pupils. Information Technology (IT) can provide a safe and non-threatening environment for learning. IT can often compensate for the communication and learning difficulties of students with physical and sensory impairments. Pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties can be encouraged to purposeful activity and self-awareness by IT. Computers help students to learn when used in well-designed, meaningful tasks and activities. The success of ICT use depends on familiarity with good practice rely rooted in an understanding of how pupils learn. In ICT terms, the theories of cognitive psychologists can be seen to inform software following the 'revelatory' paradigm of discovery-based and problem-solving oriented learning and simulation.
