Enhancing ‘ICT Teaching’ in English Schools: Vital Lessons

Despite substantial investments in digital technology in schools the impact has been less than advocates anticipated. This raises issues about the effectiveness of past approaches to the continuing professional development (CPD) of teachers. Vital was a £9.4million programme, funded by English governments between 2009 and 2013, to enhance the use of digital technology and the teaching of computing in schools. Vital, which was provided by the Open University (UK), developed an evolving range of professional development, informed by a review of the literature and extensive experience of supported open learning and developing online communities. Underpinning all of Vital’s provision was a view of teachers as experts, and practitioner research as incorporating all the key elements of effective CPD identified in the literature. The evolving models of CPD developed by Vital during three distinct phases of its operation are described. These include: supported online courses; community websites; TeachMeets and TeachShares; the In-house Professional Development Partnership; and the development and sharing of evidence through EdFutures.net. Based on Vital’s experiences some suggestions are made about what constitutes effective CPD.