Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Closing the digital divide - Computers for Pupils
An evaluation of Becta's Computers for Pupils programme has been published by NFER.
Becta launched the Computers for Pupils programme as part of their vision to reduce the digital divide in England. The programme, conducted through schools and local authorities, provided computer equipment and connectivity to 300,000 KS3 and KS4 pupils living in the most deprived areas of England. The programme was designed to provide equipment so that the children had the same level of access, information and resources as their peers.
A survey of parents and children taking part in the programme formed the major part of the research. Survey responses were received from over 1000 pupils and over 800 parents. Alongside the survey, case-studies were conducted in 13 schools.
Results are unequivocal in the scheme being beneficial to families taking part.
- 69% of learners said they enjoyed learning more
- 73% of learners said they found it easier to learn
- 68% of learners reported getting better grades. … since taking part in the programme.
- 83% of learners said that having a computer helped them to do their homework
- 70% of learners said they had benefitted from being able to communicate with friends online.
Parents taking part in the programme also reported huge benefits.
- 81% of parents thought that Computers for Pupils had increased their children’s motivation to undertake homework.
- 73% of parents said they were more involved in their children’s learning
- 59% of parents said they used a computer more than before the scheme.
- 75% of parents said they used the computer to help their children with their homework.
The case –studies revealed that the scheme had an impact in the classroom. Schools reported inequalities in access to technology had been reduced and that the access at home had helped learners to develop confidence in using ICT in the classroom. Teachers reported “ that children were forging new friendships based on their shared ICT experiences”. Teachers also reported that the children taking part in the programme had acquired a range of skills “such as keyboard/typing skills, research skills, and skills in using particular software functions.” The research concluded that the scheme had enabled teachers to use a wider range of tasks and activities both in class and for homework.
- 81% of teachers taking part said they were now more effective at setting ICT related homework.
- 75% of teachers taking part said they now made materials available online for their pupils.
- 50% of teachers said that increased home access to ICT allowed them to communicate with learners outside of the classroom, and to assess and track learners' progress more effectively.
To read the NFER evaluation report in full Click here.