ICT-related incentives for learner engagement
Research from the ICT Test Bed evaluation suggests that the following incentives tend to be very effective at engaging learners:
- Increasing the availability of instant feedback and self-evaluation
- Increasing opportunities for students to work at their own pace
- Supporting the use of interactive, multi-sensory and well-structured teacher presentations
- Engaging with students: introducing new concepts within their frame of reference
- Using technology to support the presentation of students' work in impressive and satisfying formats.
Building systemic capacity to offer the majority of these incentives may involve two key elements: improving access to technology, and building teacher skills and awareness of available resources. The latter clearly forms a part of a broader CPD agenda, including the development of peer learning networks. Awareness of existing technological capabilities among leaders, students and parents could also stimulate improved use of ICT in the classroom.
It will be useful to stimulate the further development of content which offers instant feedback and guides learners towards appropriate support. Finally, opportunities for students to work at their own pace could be enhanced by moving away from standardised learning objectives and developing the personalisation agenda.