b. Deciding Whether to Use ICT

There seems to be a wide range of options for dealing with this topic. The teacher could:

• Use discussion only, and not use any ICT (or other technology) at all.
• Use a word processor package to create worksheets on the area of work.
• Use some video and print material, for example broadcast television programmes, contemporary publications, bespoke learning materials for the area.
• Use a CD-ROM to gain access to background material - either general material such as can be found on typical encyclopædias, or more focused resources in CD subject-specific collections.
• Use the World Wide Web to gather resources.
• Use the World Wide Web for the resources, and locate an expert or a peer working on the subject for e-mail communication.
• Present their findings and views through a PowerPoint classroom presentation, and/or send this presentation to other schools/organisations for sharing and discussion.

Of course, any combination of the options is also possible, but we shall discuss them all, and your work will involve using several of the options alone and together.

Questions for Consideration

• How many of the options above do you feel comfortable about at the moment, and could you suggest any others?
• What are the benefits to using video alongside the written material?
• What are the pitfalls as you see them to using the World Wide Web to gather background information?
• Look again at the objectives for this case study - do you think any of them match up with the options listed?

Keep a short record of your responses to these questions for discussion with your mentor.

c. Selecting ICT Resources