The TDA looks at the use of information and communication technology (ICT) both at teacher training stage and for the wider school workforce. We are currently working on several initiatives and are collaborating with several agencies and companies to enhance trainees and established teachers' classroom practice.
Regional Broadband Consortia
We currently work with the National Education Network and its regional agents, the Regional Broadband Consortia, to raise awareness of free classroom resources, e-safety resources and training opportunities accessible to trainee teachers and established school staff.
UK Map of Regional Broadband Consortium Network (Courtesy of NEN)
BBC News school report
Since 2007, we have been working with BBC News school report to provide opportunities for both trainees and established teachers as Key Stage 3 level to:
- gain valuable training/continuing professional development (CPD) in media, broadcasting, editing and journalism techniques
- demonstrate leadership skills
- gain experience in cross-curricular learning and teaching
In 2008, we commissioned The Association for Information Technology in Teacher Education (ITTE) to evaluate the impact of this project for trainee teachers, especially in meeting the qualified teacher status (QTS) standards. The evaluation showed that the BBC has a very positive impact on trainees, meeting a vast majority of the standards and finding the experience very empowering.
In 2009, 18 initial teacher training (ITT) providers and partnership schools participated in this project. ITTE are once again on board to evaluate the impact of this year's participation in this BBC project. A full evaluation will be published in the next few months; early indications show that the experience for this year's cohort was again very positive.
ICTCPD4Free resource
The TDA and NAACE have been working in partnership to create the ICTCPD4Free website where you can find CPD opportunities at all levels.
Free software
We also currently work with the following software providers to provide access to free software for ITT providers:
Design and Technology
We have been working very closely with the Design and Technology Association (DATA) since 2004. In the years 2004–07, the TDA provided financial support for design and technology by funding an extension of Electronic in Schools strategy with Microsoft and provided £250K to support food technology in ITT in 2006/07.
In 2009, we were involved more closely with the Digital and Technology Steering group and are currently supporting DATA on projects such as Roamer robots for the secondary curriculum and an online matching resource for Design and Technology teachers and potential teachers.
If you have any questions about the TDA in the area of Initiatives in Technology in Teaching and Learning, please e-mail ictsupport@tda.gov.uk.