The research discovered that 62% of respondents believe basic computer skills should be taught to children. While the national curriculum may have some catching up to do, there are simple and cost-effective strategies for integrating IT into classrooms. Here are some tips for primary and secondary schools to inspire students to develop tech skills through hands-on activities and projects, and prepare them for a digital future.

At primary school

Many jobs that students will have are yet to be invented. This is why it is critical to consider what skills young learners need to learn. Integrating IT into primary classrooms is crucial. It lays the foundation for children to navigate our computerised world with confidence.

• Digital storytelling

  Students can use tablets or computers to create digital stories. They can write stories and use multimedia elements such as photos, sound effects, and videos to enhance their narratives. It introduces students to basic multimedia editing skills. This helps develop creativity and improves literacy skills.

• Interactive whiteboards

  These are good for a range of activities, from showing educational videos to interactive lessons. Teachers can use educational games on these boards to teach subjects like maths, and science. It can make learning fun and engaging for younger learners.

• Coding with visual programming languages

  Introduce simple coding platforms like Scratch. ScratchJr is an introductory programming language. It enables young children (from age five) to create their own interactive stories and games. Students snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. Primary school students learn basic coding through a visual and intuitive interface. These platforms often involve dragging and dropping blocks of code to create animations or simple games. Simple activities like these enable students to develop problem-solving skills. It also introduces the basics of programming in an age-appropriate way. This lays the foundation for more advanced IT skills in the future.

• Stay safe online

  In the recent study from Three, 54% of parents emphasised the importance of social media safety education. Get your students to research and present a topic on staying safe online. Pupils can make a presentation, video, or anything they like that gets some important messages across. The target audience can be their peers or parents. This activity raises awareness about online safety and encourages responsible internet use. It helps students understand the risks and how to protect themselves.

At secondary school

At secondary school teaching and developing tech skills equips students with skills for work.

• Training

  Hold a training event for your teachers, support staff, or parents. Showcase what you are doing, raise awareness, and improve tech skills within your school community. Encourage ongoing collaboration. Set up group activities where teachers and pupils can work together on tech projects, building a sense of community.

• Collaborative projects using cloud-based tools

  Use tools including Google Classroom, Google Documents, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams for collaborative projects. Students can work together on documents, presentations, or research projects in real time, even when they are not in the same location. This prepares students for workplaces where collaboration and cloud-based technologies are the norm. It also develops skills in teamwork and project management.

• Virtual labs

  In STEM subjects, students can use virtual labs and simulations to carry out experiments that might be too expensive, dangerous, or impractical to perform in a traditional classroom. There are online platforms that provide simulations for physics, chemistry, and biology experiments. These tools give learners hands-on experiences. They develop a deeper understanding of complex scientific concepts. All without the limitations of physical resources.

• Flipped classroom model

  Teachers can use online platforms to share lecture videos and resources for students' homework. Schools can then use classroom time for discussions, projects, and activities to reinforce the material. This approach encourages independent learning. It enables mixed-ability students to learn at their own pace. It also maximises classroom time for interactive and applied learning experiences.

By integrating these IT strategies, primary and secondary schools can enhance the learning experience, making it more engaging and relevant to the digital age. From hosting teacher and parent training events to running coding challenges.