Introduction | Digital video in action | Projects 2006-7 | Extended Projects | Archived Projects
Introduction to project development
The Languages ICT Action Research Project is an initiative from CILT, the National Centre for Languages and the Association for Language Learning (ALL). The Project aims to support secondary classroom teachers in reflecting on their use of ICT and understanding its impact on pupils’ learning. Now in its third phase, the Project has piloted a range of support mechanisms for classroom-based action research and developed opportunities for dissemination. The Project is managed by Claire Dugard, Language Teaching Adviser at CILT, the National Centre for Languages. Terry Cooper is the Project Coordinator involved in every aspect of project work, including liaison with the team of 8 mentors based around the country. The project is part-funded by Becta.
2004
A survey was sent in summer 2004 to an NfER sample of 1000 secondary schools in England to ascertain the level and nature of classroom-based action research into ICT and languages. Responses indicated that work in this field was very limited. 190 schools from the sample requested support in developing their own action research practice. A closed pilot project offered these schools the opportunity to attend 2 seminars on action research in ICT and languages and to apply for mentor support in setting up and completing their own projects. A very small number of projects were supported in this first phase. See Archived projects for details of projects.
2005-6
More than 20 schools took part in Action Research projects. Each school worked with a CILT-appointed mentor who made two visits, one to plan and the other to evaluate the project and prepare an online report. Project topics were varied, ranging from digital video to authoring software, from wikis to the world of work, and from Classroom Performance Systems to creativity and independent learning. 4 participating schools were brought together to form a Halifax-based pilot network, to encourage peer support and exchange of practice. 3 schools were also brought together for hands-on training and exchange of practice in a small pilot network in Leicestershire to explore the potential of digital video technology. See Archived projects for details of projects.
2006-07
Many of the schools who completed projects in 2005-06 continued as action researchers into the new school year. Some undertook an Extended Project over a six-month period, while others, including new members, joined newly-established regional networks based in Sheffield, Birmingham and Bristol, and in Halifax. A new network of 12 teachers based in Leicester was created to focus on digital video technology. All schools were able to enjoy mentor support at regular meetings, by e-mail and with visits where appropriate. Once again, the projects designed by teachers are exciting and varied, covering topics from peer-to-peer communication with partners abroad to exploring the potential of Virtual Learning Environments.
A range of peer dissemination events also took place:
BETT Show session, 13 January 2007, London
Digital video in action launch event, 1 March 2007, Leicester
Languages and ICT in action event, 8 March 2007, Halifax
Language World strand of sessions, 30 March 2007, Oxford
See Latest Activities and Projects 2006-07 for more information.
