Information or communication? evaluating the use of an intranet on primary education courses

Abstract

As schools increase their use of information and communication technologies, including teaching through Internet and intranet systems, those involved in initial teacher training in higher education need to be exploring these approaches, not just as examples of school applications but as teaching media in their own right. This article discusses the initial phase of an action research project examining and evaluating ways in which computer technology is currently used by student teachers on taught primary education courses (ages 5-11 years). It examines students' perceptions of the benefits and constraints of using computers to support their development as teachers and explores the role of a departmental intranet in supporting students both in their curriculum work and in their professional development.