Student Teachers' use of laptops in schools

The Laptop Integration in Teacher Education project provided laptop computers for a cohort ofstudents undertaking a one-year Initial Teacher Training course at the University of Ulster for theaward of Post Graduate Certificate in Education. The study sought to measure the value of laptopsto student teachers whilst on Teaching Practice. Data collection was through pre- and post-coursequestionnaires and through students’ reflective accounts. The very positive outcomes showed thatthe equipment could be used, first, to foster personal and professional skills, particularly extendingcompetence and confidence in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and, second,to enhance teaching and learning. The potential was highlighted for ICT in schools to facilitateplanning, administration and research, and to support teaching and learning in individual andcollaborative ways. Additionally, the laptops enabled student teachers to keep in touchelectronically with university tutors and peers, thereby reducing any sense of isolation.