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In the UK we have invested heavily in information and communications technology (ICT) for use by teachers and pupils in schools. Some of this investment has been directly by the government through initiatives such as the National Grid for Learning and the New Opportunities Fund ICT Training for Serving Teachers. Substantial sums have also been spent by Local Education Authorities, Education Action Zones and schools themselves on ICT equipment and resources, though this is harder to quantify. The purposes of this investment have not always been clear or made explicit. Part of the drive towards greater use of technology in education is aimed at modernizing schools and equipping the pupils of today with skills that will make them able to use such technology in the workplace once they leave school. Other stated goals have been to reduce teacher work-load by making planning and resources available over …