Here are just some snippets from recent research: Secondary School of the Future http://www.becta.org.uk/news/reports/secondaryfuture/ This preliminary research report to the DfEE by Becta investigates the link between ICT and educational standards. It is is based on large samples and shows an 'ICT effect' upon individual subjects in the school curriculum.   Future of Children http://www.sri.com/policy/ctl/assets/images/RoschelleEtAlPackard2000.pdf This article explores the various ways computer technology can be used to improve how and what children learn in the classroom. Several examples of computer-based applications are highlighted to illustrate ways technology can enhance how children learn by supporting four fundamental characteristics of learning: (1) active engagement, (2) participation in groups, (3) frequent interaction and feedback, and (4) connections to real-world contexts.   Impact of ICT on Schools: Classroom Design and Curriculum Delivery http://www.marsden.school.nz/Churchill%20Report.PDF This study of schools in Australia, USA, England and Hong Kong aims to determine current and possible future ICT trends in creating the schools of the future. Explored are ways in which schools are changing their timetables, curricula and their methods of teaching in response to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). The report also examined changing use of established buildings and to explore future plans for the development of existing facilities.   21st Century Skills http://www.ncrel.org/engauge/skills/skills.htm 21st-Century Skills from NCREL (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory - USA) is a research-based discussion of the skills required of the Knowledge Economy's workforce, written by Cheryl Lemke. The skills are Digital-Age Literacy, Inventive Thinking, Effective Communication, and High Productivity.   Curriculum and Instruction - CARET Topic: Questions and Answers http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=questions&topicID=2 CARET is a project of the International Society for Technology in Education. In Questions and Answers a question is posed and then answered with reference to current research and suggested further reading. This Topic index relates to questions about the impact of technology on curriculum and instruction including How can technology be infused into curriculum and instruction effectively? What applications of technology facilitate new learning opportunities? What strategies result in effective instructional applications of technology? How can technology be used to generally improve writing skills? How can technology be used to improve basic reading skills? How can technology be used to improve mathematics and problem solving skills? How can technology be used to improve academic performance of students with disabilities?   Children's and Families' Use of Computers in Australian Homes http://www.triangle.co.uk/pdf/viewpdf.asp?j=ciec&vol=3&issue=2&year=2002&article=3_Downes_CIEC_3_2&id=203.9.156.1 The focus of this article by Toni Downes was an understanding of the lived experiences and interactions of children of various ages with computer technologies in their homes. The research found that children's family computer resources, patterns of use and sociocultural contexts combined to affect children's computing experiences. A number of key elements present in domestic computing environments were identified as contributing significantly to children's learning. Implications for teachers are discussed.   Connected to the Future: A Report on Children’s Internet Use from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting   http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=studySummary&StudyID=1035 This CARET report summarises and comments on the Grunwald Associates report (2003) on patterns of Internet use in US households with children, based on a 2002 national (USA) telephone survey of more than 4,000 parents and children, aged 6 to 17 years of age. Additional online surveys of parents and children were analyzed in terms of demographic variables matched with Census data. Findings from the multiple surveys reveal increased use and access to the Internet among families and students at all income levels between 2000 and 2002, with persistent disparities between families and students of high and low income in their access to and use of the Internet in the school, home, and in type of connections to the Internet. There is a link to the original report on the site.