The TDA looks at the use of information and communication technology (ICT) both at the teacher training stage and for the wider school workforce.
Background
Since 2003, the TDA has commissioned pieces of research to allow us to accurately map out current thinking and best practice within our intial teacher training (ITT) providers. These pieces of research can be found on the Teacher Training Resource Bank (TTRB) database under supporting e-learning communities.
We feel that ITT is carrying out some of the most interesting work in the use of ICT in education which is fostered by a culture of experimentation and innovation, thus improving the quality of ITT overall.
2003 to 2008 research investment
From 2003 to 2008, we made significant investment in areas such as portable technologies for trainees (laptops, PDA and tablet PC), classroom tools such as interactive whiteboards, use of video as a communication/data gathering tool and subject specific hardware/software. Some investment was also made into research on key policies such as e-portfolios.
Five-year impact evaluation
In 2008, the University of Wolverhampton carried out an evaluation of the 2003-2008 research on behalf of the TDA. The report was very positive and showed that our investment enabled a much higher engagement and use of technology, from utilisation to integration with a particularly high impact on the use of laptops and interactive whiteboards. It also mapped valuable indicators for the successful implementation of ICT in ITT.
Following on from this research came the "So What" factor, which is an impact evaluation tool for educators. The reports, case studies and videos can be found on the TTRB website.
2009-2010 – New focus on research
We are investing over £300,000 in commissioning 79 pieces of research in the following six categories:
1. The cross curricular use of ICT in the Primary Curriculum: The focus on this research has shifted slightly from Rose Review to evaluating the use of ICT within the Primary Curriculum in its present state.
2. E-safety: We are a forerunner in e-safety and its contribution has been positively recognised in Dr Tanya Byron’s report. Our e-safety page provides further information on the Byron report. We work with CEOP, Childnet and EPICT and we have commissioned 14 ICT providers to assess one of the e-safety resources produced and, in some cases, compare them.
3. Links between advanced skills teachers (AST) and ICT: It has been recognised that AST are a source of best practice and peer to peer learning for the whole teaching community. We want to explore how to use AST to disseminate best practice of ICT in the curriculum.
4. Control technology: Control Technology has been a feature of the Primary Curriculum for the past few years but still seems to be a lesser taught subject where teachers may not feel the most confident. Ten providers have chosen to research on the subject with a focus on continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities and material creation.
5. E-portfolios: Since 2003, we have focused some of the research investments on e-portfolios and we have commissioned an evaluation of all e-portfolio research from 2007 to 2009, looking at implementation challenges, successes and e-portfolio providers.
6. Characteristics of ICT in ITT: The characteristic of ICT in ITT is a document first published in 2007. Nine ITT providers have selected to research these characteristics and strategies for implementation or improvement.
List of all successful research grant bids along with a summary of their research (Excel, 171KB).
Findings from this research will be published on the TTRB website.
If you have any questions about the TDA in the area of Research on ICT In ITT, please e-mail ictsupport@tda.gov.uk.