Computer-based Learning in a primary school: Differences between the early and later years of primary schooling

There have been increasing expectations that all primary school students and teachers actively use information and communications technologies (ICT) in their learning. In order to achieve this it is important that appropriate environments are set up to support the varying needs and potential of the different groups within the school context. However, in case studies of primary schools undertaken as part of the study Enhancing Learning Using New Technologies, also known as the Effects Project, our research indicated that the ICT learning environments established within schools often favoured the later primary year levels over the early primary school years. This paper will present illustrative evidence of this inequity using data extracted from the Effects Project case studies. It also discusses observed differences in approaches between early primary school years and later primary programs from the perspective of early childhood philosophies that underpin the first years of school.