ABSTRACT
Introduction As discussed in the Preface, the C for 'communications' in the acronym ICT (Information and Communications Technology) refers to what could prove to be the most important and influential use of computers in education: sharing information and jointly constructing knowledge. New opportunities for communication have been made possible by links between computers. This chapter considers the questions: how effective is the communication pupils achieve as they talk with others in your classroom, and at a distance? What can teachers do to encourage genuine collaboration between those working on joint tasks at the computer, either face to face or over electronic networks? Examples of classroom work provided in this chapter can be used to encourage effective group talk for children working at the computer.
