ABSTRACT
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) embraces all developing and enabling technologies relevant to the curriculum. ICT includes all forms of computer-based learning, and recognises the importance of the Internet and associated communication technologies. The government acknowledges that both the workplace and leisure pursuits will be increasingly affected by technology. Consequently, the National Curriculum has incorporated conceptions of information and communications technology in all subjects. Effective ICT should prepare pupils to engage with technologies to discover, investigate, exchange, and present information. The general teaching requirements for the National Curriculum clearly articulate the necessity for all pupils to engage with ICT across the curriculum: ‘Pupils should be given opportunities to apply and develop their ICT capability through the use of ICT tools to support their learning in all subjects (with the exception of physical education at Key Stages 1 and 2)’ (DfEE, 1999a: 36).
