Student teachers’ use of laptops in schools

Abstract

The Laptop Integration in Teacher Education project provided laptop computers for a cohort of students undertaking a one-year Initial Teacher Training course at the University of Ulster for the award of Post Graduate Certificate in Education. The study sought to measure the value of laptops to student teachers whilst on Teaching Practice. Data collection was through pre- and post-course questionnaires and through students’ reflective accounts. The very positive outcomes showed that the equipment could be used, first, to foster personal and professional skills, particularly extending competence and confidence in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and, second, to enhance teaching and learning. The potential was highlighted for ICT in schools to facilitate planning, administration and research, and to support teaching and learning in individual and collaborative ways. Additionally, the laptops enabled student teachers to keep in touch electronically with university tutors and peers, thereby reducing any sense of isolation.