Scottish Executive reports on National Grid for Learning in Scotland

The progress report sets out background information, the contribution of the Scottish Executive, and records the progress in the three key ICT areas of infrastructure, training and content development.

The delivery of staff development and the growth of network infrastructure and access to ICT have allowed attention to be turned to the true goal of NGfL, the embedding of ICT into everyday use in Teaching and Learning.

There are some indications that a start has been made in this process. The People's Network reports evidence of high use in libraries, especially in rural areas. College intranets are assuming great importance for the delivery of online learning materials. HMIE report that, in primary schools the teaching of ICT is good or very good and in secondary schools many schools give pupils between S3 and S6, effective opportunities to develop ICT skills in certain subjects.

Nationally in scotland a great deal of work remains to be done in providing the core infrastructure. The period ahead promises the development of the SSDN Unit to be located within LT Scotland and the emergence of a range of innovative online educational services due to be delivered through the SSDN.

Evidence from HMIE reveals that there is still much to be done in schools to: disseminate the most effective practice in the use of ICT; assist the good planning of ICT; and ensure that there are sufficient opportunities to use computers in class work. The further national development of Masterclass and the new "Leadership for Learning" programme, aimed at Headteachers, will assist in those and other processes, creating powerful drivers for the future embedding of ICT.

Related links to this article:

The third progress report is at this link.

Scottish Executive