ICT in Learning and Teaching in Finnish Comprehensive Schools The Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications has commissioned CICERO Learning to carry out a review of the utilisation of ICT for learning and teaching in Finnish comprehensive schools. The review process is carried out from 1 January to 24 February. A summary report will become available in the spring 2008. The Finnish Government intends to carry out a pilot project that will evaluate the extent to which computers and information networks can be utilised in teaching and learning. As part of the pilot, every child participating in the pilot will be provided with a personal computer as a learning tool. In order to provide background information for this pilot, CICERO Learning reviews and evaluates other similar initiatives and pilots both in Finland and internationally, especially regarding their educational and societal impact, including their best practice recommendations. The review discusses issues, such as, (a) the types of ICT solutions best suited for teaching and learning; (b) the reliability and security of ICT systems; (c) maintenance and technical support issues, and; (d) the role of business and industry collaborations in these initiatives. In sum, the review project gathers information on teachers’ and pupils’    • use of ICT in teaching and learning    • ICT skills    • ICT tools and software and the way their are being used in      schools    • experiences of digital learning materials    • views of the usefulness of ICT tools in supporting learning and      achievement in accordance with school curricula and its aims The review also focuses on pre-service and in-service teacher education and how these acknowledge and support the development of teachers’ technical and pedagogical competencies in the use of ICT in their educational practices. In addition, the review synthesizes the availability of e-learning materials and ICT equipment in Finnish comprehensive schools and explores their developmental needs. The review will also provide recommendations for strengthening and increasing meaningful and pedagogically insightful uses of ICT in schools. Research team: Professor Hannele Niemi (Principal investigator) Professor Kristiina Kumpulainen, CICERO Learning Professor Jari Multisilta, Tampere University of Technology Mr Heikki Haaparanta, Reseacher, Tampere University of Technology in Pori Mrs Varpu Tissari, Project Co-ordinator and Researcher, CICERO Learning, University of Helsinki

CICERO Learning
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Tel. +358 9 191 20642, fax +358 9 191 20616
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