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Early uses of computers in schools in the United Kingdom: shaping factors and influencing directions

Research output: Contribution in Book/Report/Proceedings - With ISBN/ISSNChapter (peer-reviewed)

Published
Publication date2014
Host publicationReflections on the history of computers in education: early use of computers and teaching about computing in schools
EditorsArthur Tatnall, Bill Davey
Place of PublicationHeidelberg
PublisherSpringer
Pages131-149
Number of pages19
ISBN (electronic)9783642551192
ISBN (print)9783642551185
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Publication series

NameIFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
PublisherSpringer
Volume424
ISSN (Print)1868-4238

Abstract

This chapter describes the early development and introduction of computers into schools in the United Kingdom from the 1970s to the evaluation of their impacts and a shift in the focus of their uses in the 1990s. The chapter explores key factors influencing the direction and deployment of uses of computers in schools. It considers influences of national initiatives and policies, the development of support, support centres and central agencies, the involvement of hardware and software manufacturers and developers, different applications of computer resources, the focus of uses in the curriculum, and impacts on education. Conclusions drawn are that original intentions for the implementation of computers in schools were re-focused in the late 1990s, particularly as pedagogies and learning effectiveness were not strong drivers during the early implementation period.