The lost generation? the lack of competence in using information technology amongst postgraduate students of english entering initial teacher education

Abstract

This article analyses the lack of Information Technology (IT) competence in postgraduate students of English entering teacher training, by looking at IT provision in Scottish schools. Computers first appeared in Scottish Secondary schools between 1981 and 1983. It was considered a reasonable assumption that students entering teacher education, over a decade later, would be competent in IT. The results of this 3-year study show that this assumption was misplaced and considers possible reasons as to why the results were so disappointing. A questionnaire to graduates, who had attended school between 1987 and 1992 aimed to establish their exposure to IT in school and university and establish their confidence in using IT. The second phase of the study surveyed schools to establish whether or not the situation had changed since the policy recommendations made by Her Majesty's Inspectors (HMI) in 1987 and to consider the IT competence of English graduates who might train to be teachers in the year 2000.