ICT in Innovative Schools: Case Studies of Change and Impacts

Across OECD countries, far-reaching changes are occurring in schools. A variety of instructional reforms is under way, driven by a perceived need to reorient schooling from rote learning, shallow but wide coverage, and individualistic learning processes to higher level skills, problem solving, in-depth study, and collaborative learning. These reforms take different forms in different countries. Some are using curriculum standards and performance assessments to drive teachers and administrators to account for the success of all learners, especially the traditionally marginalised. Other countries are depending more on improved staff development and revised curricula, emphasising learning to learn as well as interactive, collaborative skills. Life-long learning is also a major concern although policies and programmes aimed at this broad area are often not visible in schooling.