NCTE ICT Advice Sheets

The National Centre for Technology (NCTE) is committed to providing schools with the most relevant and up to date ICT information and advice needed to support learning and teaching in schools. To assist schools NCTE has developed and updates a series of ICT advice sheets which are located on the NCTE Website, and cover wide ranging information relevant to ICT in education for schools and teachers.

The aim of the advice sheets is to provide clear and relevant advice to teachers and principals to help them to make informed decisions on integrating technology into learning and teaching. There are currently  thirty six advice sheets, and additional advice is added and updated regularly. Advice Sheets are located in the ICT Advice & Support section of the Website.

The advice sheets are generally structured around and introduction to the topic and a number of key themes. These themes generally address in the advice sheet are as follows:

1. Introduction of the topic: This section gives a brief introduction to the topic and is targeted at the person who has little or no prior knowledge of the area. For example the introduction to the ‘digital projectors’ advice sheet provides a context for the use of digital projectors to assist in learning and teaching.
2. Possible educational uses: This section outlines the pedagogical basis for using this technology in the classroom, for example in relation to the ‘Internet’ advice sheet it outlines the educational benefits of using Internet based resources in class?.
3. Technical considerations: This section explains in simple language, the relevant technical issues associated in implementing a new technology, for example, the technical issues associated with setting up a wireless network in a school.
4. Purchasing considerations: This section outlines the main purchasing considerations for a school for example, for the Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) advice sheet the indicative costs associated with different types of boards is provided.
5. Additional Considerations: This section outlines other considerations that schools need to consider in terms of ICT planning and implementation.
6. Links to relevant websites: This section provides a short selection of relevant web based resource links which provide further advice and information on the topic including appropriate examples.

The 'ICT Advice and Support’ section of the NCTE Website continues to change and evolve so as to be relevant to the ICT related challenges that schools face daily.

NCTE welcomes your feedback including your comments on areas not currently covered and where additional ICT advice may be useful.

New advice sheets on based on Web 2.0 tools and other peripherals such  Podcasting, Blogs and Visualisers have recently been added and new areas will regularly be added.

The full list of Advice Sheets currently available  are listed below: