The role of the Internet in the primary school classroom:

Computer related technology is increasingly used in
society today, and has influenced in various ways on
classrooms across the world. In New South Wales,
Australia, there has been an increasing emphasis on
teaching using information and communication
technology (ICT), and in particular the Internet.
This study has investigated how the Internet was used
to support teaching and learning in primary school
classrooms. Case study methodology was used for the
study to provide an in-depth view of how some
teachers have integrated the use of the Internet into
their classroom teaching and learning activities.
Data for this study were collected from four public
primary schools in New South Wales, during one ten
week school term. The study found that while all of
the teachers used the Internet to some degree to
support teaching and learning activities in the
classroom this was done in various ways and with
varying success. In particular, ICT infrastructure,
access, and use varied between classes and schools.
Also of importance were the pedagogical aspects of
integrating Internet technology into the classroom
teaching program.

Autorentext
Chris Campbell has been a lecturer in ICT in Education at La Trobe University, Australia, for four years. Her research interests include integrating ICT as a tool and using the Internet in schools. She is currently conducting research in self regulation with middle years students, and using Second Life in tertiary settings.

Klappentext
Computer related technology is increasingly used in society today, and has influenced in various ways on classrooms across the world. In New South Wales, Australia, there has been an increasing emphasis on teaching using information and communication technology (ICT), and in particular the Internet. This study has investigated how the Internet was used to support teaching and learning in primary school classrooms. Case study methodology was used for the study to provide an in-depth view of how some teachers have integrated the use of the Internet into their classroom teaching and learning activities. Data for this study were collected from four public primary schools in New South Wales, during one ten week school term. The study found that while all of the teachers used the Internet to some degree to support teaching and learning activities in the classroom this was done in various ways and with varying success. In particular, ICT infrastructure, access, and use varied between classes and schools. Also of importance were the pedagogical aspects of integrating Internet technology into the classroom teaching program.