HMIE published Into the Classroom of Tomorrow, its last major report relevant to ICT, in 2002. This was followed in 2004 with a self-evaluation guide on Using ICT in Learning and Teaching and, in 2005, with the publication of an interim report on The integration of information and communications technology in Scottish schools. The present report brings HMIE’s evaluations of the impact of ICT on Scottish education up to date.
In preparing this report, HM Inspectors drew on the findings of HMIE’s published reports of inspection and review, and visited pre-school centres, primary, secondary and special schools, colleges and community learning and development (CLD) centres to observe practice and gather the views of learners and teaching staff. In addition, inspectors visited a number of education authorities.
A few points are repeated in more than one section of the report. This is to allow readers to dip in to the content at various points and to find a cohesive account of an aspect of the report’s findings without having to search for relevant information elsewhere to gain a full understanding of the point of interest.
HMIE will work together with partner organisations to publish good practice and to support practitioners in working to bring about improvements identified as desirable in this report.
Reference is made throughout this report to "teaching staff’. This term should be understood as including, as well as teachers and lecturers, all staff who directly support learning. Examples may include classroom assistants, nursery nurses, instructors and community learning and development workers.