Expected outcomes

• be aware of ways in which they can use ICT to improve their own professional efficiency
• be aware of ways they can reduce their administrative and bureaucratic burdens
• be able to use electronic mail to communicate with their colleagues
• be able to join, and participate in, electronic forums to access and share information
• be able find resources on the World Wide Web to inform their professional practice and enhance their teaching
• be aware of the accessibility issues for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties when using the Internet

Key skills covered in this Unit

Word-processing skills
Become familiar with the editing functions of a word processor.
Use templates for the creation of documents.
Produce pro formas (templates) containing frames and or borders.

See Scenario 1

Using a dedicated IEP production package
Enter new information into the database.
Amend existing statements and criteria.

See scenario 1b, 1c

Use communications software and the Internet
Become familiar with the basic functions of the communications software in use in your school.

See all scenarios

Send and receive email messages
Use your email software to send and receive email. Use the software to edit emails, reply to an email, send and receive email attachments. Forward an email to other recipients.
Understand how to manage your emails – delete, put in folders etc
Create your own automatic signature for your emails.
Devise activities to make email meaningful to your pupils.

See scenarios 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 3c, and 4a

Join an electronic mailing list
Use an email address or URL to join a mailing list. Understand the conventions involved in using, watching and contributing to a mailing list.

See scenarios 3b, and 3c

Operate a digital camera
Use your digital camera to take photographs. Use the software that came with your camera to ‘download’ the photographs onto your computer. Save (or export) the photographs as different types of file.
Save (or export) the photograph files to the folder you want to store them in. It is important that you know where your photographs are stored on your computer because you will need to be able to find them in order to send them as attachments.

See scenario 4a

Understand archives
Use mailing list archives and search for the information you need.

See scenario 3a, and 3b

Entering a Web site address (URL)
Use a Web address to go straight to a Web site. Add an address to your Favourites, or place a Bookmark at that address.

See scenarios 3b, 6, 7a, 7b, and 8

Finding information from a Web site
Navigate a Web site using hyperlinks to find the information you need. Use the Back, Forward and Home buttons to navigate a Web site.
Use a search engine within a site to find information quickly.
Use a search engine to locate other Web sites that may be of interest to your current enquiry. Understand the processes involved in searching.

See scenarios 3b, 6, 7a, and 7b

Participating in a Web conference
Log on to, and participate in a Web conference.

See scenario 8

Planning and creating a Web site
Use a word processor or Web page software to create Web pages. Use file transfer protocol (FTP) software to upload pages to your Web site.

See scenarios 7b, and 9a

Being aware of accessibility issues
Make use of software adaptations to give pupils access to electronic communication. Use hardware and software access devices to allow access for pupils with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities.

See scenarios 10, and 11

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