Does technology enhance learning?

In recent years technology has become more and more important in education. I remember the early days of the Information Revolution in the 1980s and being told how it would change the world. It didn't!

Computers spread through schools but didn't really affect 'real' learning. They were nothing more of an interesting extra used by enthusiasts.

Then things all changed. I am not sure when this actually happened, and it probably varied from school to school. I am also not sure what single development, if any, was responsible. What is clear is that all good and outstanding teachers need to be able to make effective use of ICT in their teaching.

This all sounds obvious, but in my experience it isn't always the early adopters who actually make the best use of ICT. I have watched quite a lot of lessons where technology is being used, and which really doesn't do anything to help the children learn. In some cases the technology seems to get in the way.

Some of the best use I have seen has been Chromebooks used by some of the older members of the profession! In these cases ICT had to pass a by test before being adopted. Would it enhance learning? Early adopters don't usually apply this test in their enthusiasm to explore the possibilities of new technology.

Really skilled leadership needs to bring together both types of teacher and it would be great to pair them up. The challenge facing us now is making sure we don't spend all of our energy chasing every new app in the hunt for that perfect elusive one. What we need to do is make sure that we spend as much energy finding the best workflows for a smaller number of apps which can actually enhance learning. If they don't, they don't have a place!