Computing In Fife Schools:

An Investigation into

Computing Provision

in Secondary Schools

in Fife Region

By K.Thompson

In part submission for

Degree of Master of Education

University of Stirling

August 1989

Abstract

Computing in schools has developed at a considerable rate since its infancy in the Seventies. Computer systems are now present, in varying numbers, in the vast majority of Scottish secondary schools. Computing courses for pupils have also blossomed from the early days of CSYS Mathematics Paper 4 to the present situation where courses such as S1/2 Computer Appreciation, Standard Grade Computing Studies, H-Grade Computing and SCOTVEC 16+ Computing Modules are all established. These developments have led to difficulties both in finding qualified staff to run courses and in finding the finance required to buy the computers themselves.

This dissertation traces the development of computing in the secondary sector and then takes an in-depth look at the current provision in one Scottish Region - Fife. All the state secondary schools in the region were asked to provide a variety of information about their computer facilities including the extent of hardware provision, the promoted post structure and cross-curricular computer use. A comparison is then made with Fife's own predictions published in 1984 and also with the 'National Plan' - a national prediction published in 1985.

Where possible constructive criticism has been made and in conclusion suggestions are given which may improve some of the short-comings. These cover such topics as school policy documents, promoted post structure, hardware provision, computer technicians and staff in-service training.

Chapter 1

The Advent of Computing in Schools

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The improvements in technology which resulted in the invention of the microchip have caused more impact on society than perhaps any other development. Indeed one optimistic view is that of JJ Shervan-Shreiber who believes:-

"Of all human inventions since the beginning of mankind, the microprocessor is unique. It is destined to play a part in all areas of life without exception - to increase our capacities, to facilitate or eliminate tasks, to replace physical effort, and to increase the possibilities and areas of mental effort."⁽¹⁾

In 1977 Eggleston suggested that one problem with schools is that:-

"..they are alleged to have failed to respond to the economic and technological imperatives of the late twentieth century" ⁽²⁾

I would argue that from relative obscurity in 1978, within a ten year time-span computers have become firmly established throughout the education system, not just as a teaching aid but also as the basis of a separate subject - Computer Studies.

As Evans states:-

"The use of computers in the class-room has developed more quickly than any other single aspect of the education system in the whole of its history and has made huge demands upon those who have been involved." ⁽³⁾

Drage and Evans see three main areas where the computer can contribute to schools:-

"a) One may learn about computers,

b) One may learn with computers,

c) One may use computers as a tool, as a stimulus to

ideas, as a resource and as a means to gain access to information." ⁽⁴⁾

The first of these is in agreement with Statz who states that:-

"..a student growing up in a technological society needs to understand the variety of computer uses, and the social and political ramifications of those uses." ⁽⁵⁾

Alternatively the rationale of the Standard Grade Computer Studies document states that:-

"Society is experiencing many changes as a consequence of the growth in the use of computers; education should reflect these changes. It is important ... to understand and to be able to adapt to continuing technological development. Equally it is essential to learn to cope with its effects on everyday life at home, at work and in leisure time." ⁽⁶⁾

which suggests more of a passive acceptance of such change rather than an education to control the direction of technology.

The rationale of the Higher Grade document points out:-

"...the severe shortage of manpower skilled in Information Technology and the resulting need for greater numbers of young people ... well qualified in areas such as computing studies." ⁽⁷⁾

It is important to note however that these shortages are at graduate level and it is unlikely that schools can contribute to its solution.

Whether either of these courses will or even should, solve the problem issues they raise is debatable but neither of these appears to justify the large amounts of money spent on equipping schools with hardware.

Indeed I believe some of the Standard Grade content to be of dubious value regarding its compatability with the Standard Grade rationale and the claim of courses such as the Higher Grade to alleviate man-power shortages is in fact contradicted elsewhere, by J J Wellington for example who suggests:-

"The increase in school computing courses in the 1980s may have contributed to the shortfall of key personnel for the Information Technology industry" ⁽⁸⁾

It is perhaps in the other two of Drage and Evans' categories that the real value of having computers in schools lies. Schostak (1987) states that:-

"The computer ... offers the curriculum developer gateways into an immense and open frontier of cultural experiences.. (which some) .. will see as an exciting chance to explore and develop new ways of seeing and expressing experience in negotiation, or discussion, or dialogue, with their fellow explorers." ⁽⁹⁾

Indeed he sees Information Technology as changing the role of the teacher in all subject disciplines and offering a challenge to teachers which:-

"provides a medium of exploration where the agendas are always up for .. re-formation, de-formation, (and) transformation." ⁽¹⁰⁾

Although this somewhat naively ignores the restrictions of a centrally controlled curriculum, he believes if teachers adapt this stance they will have a

"creative way of framing, unearthing, reflecting upon, exploring, expressing, and questioning the structures through which everyday life unfolds. (Which) as such will be vital to the life of every individual." ⁽¹¹⁾

If this could actually occur it would be of great value since as Schostak himself states:-

"the point of education is to set into motion, to inquire into possible courses, to generate curricula for the pursuit of life." ⁽¹²⁾

Some of Schostak's views are supported by Bork (1984) who predicts that Information Technology will cause radical changes in education over the next twenty years. He believes that:-

"Schools will be very different at the end of that period (twenty years)..(and)..the role of the teacher will be different from that in our current educational delivery system." ⁽¹³⁾

The reason he puts forward for this is two-fold: both the rapidly developing technology and the decline in standards of education using 'traditional methods'.

He believes two factors to be critical in establishing the computer as an effective teaching device:-

"..the interactive nature of computer based learning, and the ability to individualise the learning experience to the needs of each learner." ⁽¹⁴⁾

These are particularly important since they would go a long way towards offsetting one of the major problems in today's education system.

Bork sees this as being:-

"..the fact that we have lost one of the most valuable components in earlier education, the possibility of having learners who are always playing an active role in the learning process." ⁽¹⁵⁾

He continues to offer a possible solution:-

"..But we can develop good computer based learning material in which the student is always active." ⁽¹⁶⁾

It is the unique power of the computer as a very rapid 'information processor' which allows it to perform these functions. With the correct software a computer is capable of what Wood descibes as:-

"..the four essential elements of learning: breaking down knowledge into small amounts; active response; feedback or reinforcement; and self-pacing." ⁽¹⁷⁾

Evans agrees with the potential benefits but feels that pupils will first have to relearn how to actively seek knowledge:-

"The learner will need to change the previous habit of being a passive receiver of knowledge and regenerate the style of learning with which he was familiar in junior school - active seeking out of knowledge in a thematic learning situation." ⁽¹⁸⁾

Evans also believes that schools will undergo a change in emphasis:-

"..from the ancient (and generally irrelevant) traditional subject areas to training for integration into society, fundamental skills, introduction to necessary and mind-broadening experiences - in short a curriculum for life rather than examinations. "⁽¹⁹⁾

This perhaps describes a more general trend which has been on-going in education for some considerable time. It is based on Durkheim's ideas in 'The Division Of Labour In Society' (1964:-Collier Macmillan). These have been interpreted more recently by contemporaries including Bernstein and Burns and Stalker who suggest:-

".. the concepts of 'organic' and 'mechanistic' solidarity (which) can be used to indicate the emphasis within a society of one form of social integration rather than another" ⁽²⁰⁾

These are perhaps best explained by Denys John who states:-

"...The mechanistic form is appropriate to stable conditions and emphasizes specialized differentiation of tasks designated by immediate superiors, a hierachical structure of control, authority, and communication, insistence on loyalty and obedience, and separation of individual tasks from the ends of the concern as a whole.

The organic form, which is appropriate to changing conditions, fresh problems and unforseen requirements, is marked by the contribution of knowledge and experience to the common task, the diffusion of responsibility, a network of control, authority and communication.....and emphasis upon information and advice rather than instructions and decisions." ⁽²¹⁾

The trend in schools in general is towards organic solidarity, leading to more complex division of labour and a greater differentiation of the teachers' role since schools must be 'open' systems and responsive to current educational trends. The philosophy of modern courses is such that pupils are being taught fewer bald facts; emphasis is now much more on problem solving and practical abilities thus enabling pupils to cope not only with problems which they have already met but to be able to apply problem-solving techniques to new types of problem. How far this trend has actually progressed is a matter for debate and is beyond the scope of this paper but it may be here, that the power of the computer as a tool can be of value.

Atherton believes computing may also be of value in teaching the 'hidden curriculum' since:-

"Pupils find it interesting.

It has vocational relevance.

It teaches self-discipline.

It teaches humility.

It is an encounter with modern technology.

It affects our lives in an increasing number of areas.

It has very wide applicability.

It is fundamentally significant." ⁽²²⁾

Although I believe it to be very difficult to determine the effect of any particular topic on the hidden curriculum, it is possibly to this hidden curriculum that Woodhouse and McDougall refer when they suggest the second of the following reasons for having school computer courses:-

"1. preparation for employment;

2. self-development of the student;

3. education for a computer-based society;

4. to teach computer use (i.e. operation)

5. to teach computer use (i.e. programming)" ⁽²³⁾

These parallel many of the points above but in general seem to stress computing as a subject rather than computing as a tool.

There are obviously different types of computer input into the education system but in general their effect on learning can be grouped into relatively few main headings.

Adams and Jones make use of a system of categorization found in an "Introduction To Educational Computing" - N.Rushby (1979) - Croom Helm. Using this system, the role of the computer in education is classified into four 'educational paradigms'.

These are:-

"1. Instructional: covering programmed learning,

drills, tests etc.

2. Revelatory: problem solving, concept teaching, etc.

3. Conjectural: model building, exploring, etc.

4. Emancipatory: freeing both teacher and pupil to

   concentrate on essentials" ⁽²⁴⁾

The first three of these show the various types of software which may be of value to education. In all of these the computer is a teaching aid. Its use depends on our own understanding of how students learn and how we believe a machine can help us achieve our aims.

All of these modes have their uses but also possible dangers. As Adams and Jones conclude:-

"In the instructional mode the computer is a patient if rather limited tutor, sometimes a rather trivial and boring one. In the revelatory mode the computer mediates between the student and a model contained in the program. All depends on the quality of the model. In the conjectural mode, the students create their own hypotheses on the basis of the information they receive from the machine. The success ...depending on the skill of the programmer ..." ⁽²⁵⁾

In the last of these four - the emancipatory paradigm - the computer is being used to free the student to concentrate on a more important aspect of the learning process, and it is perhaps here that one of the greatest benefits of the technology may be gained.

If pupils can learn to use a computer as readily as they now use a pocket calculator it will become:-

"... a means to discovery - a powerful tool in handling unthinkable quantities of information, a gateway to whole new worlds of communication, a means of controlling our environment and a slave which will work untiringly to release the user from tedious repetitive processes which have no ultimate bearing on the aquisition of knowledge." ⁽²⁶⁾

In short in today's busy curricula "it can create 'space' in which young minds can be taught to think and explore ideas for themselves" ⁽²⁷⁾

In summary I give my own reasons for having computers in schools which involve not only computer courses, but also the use of computers in other areas.

A)    Industry requires competence in computing at two levels. At the first level, employees in many areas must be computer literate and this literacy can be developed throughout secondary school in various ways. At the second level, a minority of people require to be trained, to a greater extent, as computer professionals. Although for areas such as programmers, computer-engineers or computer-designers this really requires education at a tertiary level, a beginning can be made in school via more specialised courses. There is also a danger here however that courses concentrate on outdated specifics. As Norton-Grubb (1984) criticises when commenting on the vocational significance of IT:-

"The tendancy towards too-specific training driven by pressure to be 'relevant' (and) In the high-tech area, an emphasis on specific skills (the pace of change rapidly making them obsolete)." ⁽²⁸⁾

B)    Computers can improve pupils learning skills in general, and more specifically, can improve learning in particular subject areas. As stated in 'The National Plan':-

"The introduction of micros into the class-room will bring to teachers a rich resource which must be seen as an ally." ⁽²⁹⁾

This is perhaps an over-simplification of some of the issues above but by exploiting the possibilities of Information Technology, pupils have at their disposal more powerful tools for problem solving and information handling which gives greater scope for firing the imagination and generally expanding horizons.

C)    In modern society citizens need to be aware of the technology that will affect their lives. Since the normal means of passing on knowledge is in school, one approach to this could be a "Computer Awareness" course, offered to all pupils. Computer Awareness is defined by Watt as being:-

"a collection of skills, values and relationships that allows a person to function comfortably as a productive citizen of a computer-oriented society." ⁽³⁰⁾

This may be a short term course both since its aims could be catered for in a well established cross-curricular approach, and also since increased sophistication in computer systems means they require less and less specialised knowledge to operate them.

This latter point is also mentioned by T.Roszak (1986) who argues:-

"The fact is, each generation of computer users requires fewer special skills, requiring less 'literacy' of users, in much the same way that advances in automotive engineering have made driving a car easier." ⁽³¹⁾

D)  Computers can make a contribution to school administration generally making it more efficient.

The opportunity is there if teachers are made aware of it and are sufficiently trained to take it. As Colin Terry states:-

"Whatever arguments are presented for or against the use and usefulness of computers in education, the microcomputer has become an available and flexible resource for the school, even though it has yet to become an available and flexible resource for most classroom teachers. The potential though is clearly there." ⁽³²⁾

Needs

If as argued above, it is accepted that computers can be of great benefit to students, it is worth looking at what provision schools need to exploit this potential, and also whether or not they actually have it. I would suggest that in the short term the following are required:-

a) sufficient hardware and time-table space to ensure all pupils experience a computer awareness course (probably in S1 or S2).

b) sufficient hardware and time-table space to ensure all interested pupils are able to follow a course of further study in computing (in S3/4 or even S5/6).

c) Sufficient software, hardware and training to enable staff to be able to use the computer as the resource it should be both in Computer Aided Learning and as an information processing tool.

However once c) is properly established and computing is used fully in a cross-curricular context the need for a) will disappear.

Before looking at secondary schools in depth to see what they actually have, I will trace the developments which have given rise to the present situation in the secondary sector. I will tend to concentrate on 'Computing Studies' as a separate subject since this is where the main influences appear to lie but its development has also been affected by cross-curricular needs.

1.2 How subjects develop

According to Layton, there are three main stages in the evolution of a school subject. In the first stage:

"the callow intruder stakes a place in the timetable, justifying its presence on grounds such as pertinence and utility. During this stage learners are attracted to the subject because of its bearing on matters of concern to them. The teachers are rarely trained specialists, but bring the missionary enthusiasms of pioneers to their task. The dominant criterion is relevance to the needs and interests of the learners."

In the interim second stage:-

"a tradition of scholarly work in the subject is emerging along with a corps of trained specialists from which teachers may be recruited. Students are still attracted to the Study but as much by its reputation and growing academic status as by its relevance to their own problems and concerns. The internal logic and discipline of the subject is becoming increasingly influential in the selection and organisation of subject matter."

In the final stage:-

"the teachers now constitute a professional body with established rules and values. The selection of subject matter is determined in large measure by the judgements and practices of the specialist scholars who lead enquiries in the field. Students are initiated into a tradition, their attitudes approaching passivity and resignation, a prelude to disenchantment." ⁽³³⁾

For modern subjects trying to gain a foot-hold on the curriculum, there are many problems. Today's time-tables are so full at all levels that there must be strong reasons indeed for more inclusions (eg there are 16 subjects on my own school's second-year time-table). In fact the only way a new subject can enter the curriculum is for an 'older one' to drop from favour and either no longer be offered or at least, have less time allocated to it. In order for this to happen someone in a managerial capacity has to decide that the new-comer has a higher priority. In Layton's scheme, Computing is very much in its infancy having probably just passed into stage two. The stages in its development now follow.

1.3 Developments leading to the present situation in Scottish Schools

Computer Education in Scotland started in 1965 when a UK Interdepartmental group was set up

"to consider what steps can be usefully taken in the educational system to improve the supply of trained personnel working with computers, in the light of expected demand for such personnel." ⁽³⁴⁾

The Government, therefore, were the initial instigators of curriculum interest in Computer Studies.

As a result of this report, in 1967 the Computers and the Schools Committee (The Bellis Committee) was set up:-

"..to consider the implications of computers for schools and to make recommendations." ⁽³⁵⁾

Their interim report in 1969 saw three areas to consider:-

Computer Education

Computer Aided Learning in School subjects

Computers in School Administration ⁽³⁶⁾

In their final report, made in 1972, five recommendations were made:-

"

1)        An introductory course should be provided for all pupils using the combined skills of teachers \ from various subjects.

2)        Further work in computing should be incorporated into the teaching of other subjects. Computer Studies should not be developed as a subject in its own right.

3)        All inspectors, advisers and teachers should be made aware of the applications of computers in their own subjects. Those responsible for subject development should be encouraged, in looking ahead, to consider to what extent computers will lead to changes of existing practices.

4)        The provision of computing facilities on a regional basis should be continued and expanded, so that the growing and specific needs of schools will be met.

5)        A national committee should be set up to guide the development of computer education. A computer education development centre should be established for the dissemination of information, the development of educational material, the coordination of course and conferences, and for international contacts." ⁽³⁷⁾

These 5 recommendations are significant in that they suggest computing is not solely 'another subject'. Number 3 in particular shows that the improvement in computer technology has implications for ALL subject areas - possibly more so than any subject previously. (The second of these is also interesting because despite this Computing is now very much flourishing as a separate subject.) Society was in fact entering the second industrial revolution and future generations had to be made aware of the fact. As the Bellis Report states:-

"In this second revolution, routine human mental effort is being replaced by computer power and the possibilities for human mental endeavour are vastly increased by its assistance. This rapidly developing new technology is even now such an important factor ... that we cannot escape the conclusion that some knowledge of it should be given to every school pupil as part of a general education for modern living."  ⁽³⁸⁾

One of the main conclusions of the Bellis report was that some general 'Computer Awareness' course was needed for all children but that schools should spread the technology across subject boundaries rather than treat it as a distinct subject. (This however, could not be implemented during the 1970s since schools did not possess the necessary hardware. The rapid development of the microcomputer was to change this.)

This 'Social Aspect' had a large influence on the development of computer education because the social impact of microcomputers was so great that it was soon recognised that the developments in industry, the home and society generally had to be reflected in the schools or the education system would become increasingly out of step with the community it was designed to serve.

As is stated in 'Microcomputers In Scottish Schools - A National Plan':-

"The human aspects of (such) changes in society, the effects of micros on the patterns and levels of employment and the consequent need to redefine the meaning of work itself are all central to the concerns of education." ⁽³⁹⁾

In 1970 an optional paper in Numerical Analysis with Computer Programming was offered by the S.E.D. in C.S.Y.S. Mathematics syllabus, thus tending to encourage the myth that 'Computing is all about mathematics -- so they (the mathematicians) should teach it'. This was certainly the case in my own school where the first computer was given to the mathematics department. (The general ill-effects of this are discussed later.)

The subject was now probably entering stage one of Layton's three. It was not yet taught throughout schools but a small niche had been found from which it could develop. Several Committees and Working Groups were set up during the 1970's including 'Scottish Computer Education Group (SCEG) in 1972, Schools Computer Administration and Management Project (SCAMP) in 1977 and the Scottish Microelectronics Development Programme (SMDP) in February 1980.

The last of these was given a budget of  £320,000 to introduce computing into schools and colleges. In summer 1980 the SMDP project was extended for a further three years and given a budget of  £1,000,000. This was an example of Government-backed development.

Its future activities were to be within the following five broad categories:-

"1. Raising general awareness of microcomputers in

education.

  2. Developing a software library and information

service.

  3. British and International liaison activities.

  4. Programming support for project centres.

  5. Programming support for special areas of

    application." ⁽⁴⁰⁾

As yet little influence was being applied by other bodies. The appointment of Kenneth Baker as the Minister for Information Technology signalled the Government's further interest and concern in this field. In 1981 the Department of Trade and Industry announced its "Micros in Schools" initiative, in which, to encourage computing in schools the DTI would contribute 50% of the cost of an RML 380Z or BBC microcomputer to any school buying one. Now, in an attempt to gain political capital the Government was playing a large part in the development of computing as a subject. It appears however that this was not their intention. If the 'Micros in Schools' scheme is looked at in more detail several important decisions taken by the Government can be seen. At the time of the report most of the micros in British education were American. This was due to the fact that, although their prices were equivalent, the American models had much more software available - and a computer without software is of little use. By encouraging schools to buy British (with the half-price offer) more firms were encouraged to write software for the British market, thus leading to the situation in 1984 where virtually all the schools were standardised on British micros. (SMDP Survey 1984) ⁽⁴¹⁾

This did however have the drawback of preventing schools from using the large base of software already available in the United States.

Since the majority of the Government-recommended micros were primarily designed for home-use, there was another off-shoot to the scheme. Parents wished to buy their children 'school - compatible' computers for home use and the schools themselves started to buy other peripherals (eg printers, monitors, disc-drives) since these were not part of the D.T.I. scheme.

The result of all this was that the British computer industry received a tremendous boost in sales. On further investigation it appears this was the intention from the start. Margaret Thatcher - the Prime Minister - noted in 1982 that:-

"As well as helping young people develop their skills and understanding in technology, the schemes will stimulate the positive development of the microcomputer industry in this country, including the software industry." ⁽⁴²⁾

Some Regions took the next initiative by independently developing their own policies of microelectronics. These varied in timing, arrangements and types of computer. The first Regions to develop policies were Fife and Lothian, although they both standardised on different computers (Fife on RML 380Z and Lothian on Apple), with Tayside being the first Region to put computers (Apples) into all its schools. The Lothian and Tayside moves are especially noticeable since they both chose machines which were NOT supported by the Government D.T.I. scheme. Fife's choice of RML was later to be changed to the BBC model B. The latter is a more versatile machine with the facility to add a host of peripherals. In addition better software started appearing for the BBC.

In 1982 working parties were set up by the MCC (Microelectronics, Computing and the Curriculum project) under the auspices of the Consultative Committee on the Curriculum (CCC), to produce guidelines for computer courses in S1/S2 and S3/S4.

This was because schools were beginning to offer courses at S1/2 level due to the work of enthusiastic teachers and as a response to public demand.

The Project Steering Committee (PSC) of the MCC published their guidelines and many of their recommendations were used as a basis for these courses covering such material as:-

"What are computers?

What can computers do?

How will computers affect you?

History of Computers

Computer Personnel" ⁽⁴³⁾

However these teachers required training. Therefore on the advice of H.M.I.'s the Colleges of Education offered a Teaching Qualification in Computing. This was initially not of a high standard and indeed the SED reduced the normal academic requirement from two to one relevant graduating courses in an attempt to attract teachers. (This decision to drop standards - which has since been reversed - is in many ways responsible for the present problems teachers are experiencing in offering Higher Grade Computing Studies). A further problem was that pupils further up the school also demanded a course. So after consultation between the CCC and the Scottish Examination Board (SEB) the first SCE exam in O-grade Computing with 20 schools throughout Scotland piloting the course started in 1984.

This exam was 'opened Nationally' in 1985 and a large percentage of schools in Scotland entered candidates for it. Since then the numbers have increased substantially, as table 1 (below) shows:-

1984 1985 1986 1987 1988

Presentations

in Computing 503  594 1944 3597 5386

Percentage of ---  ---  ---  2.9  4.6

Age Group

Table 1 : Ordinary/Standard Grade Numbers 1984-88 from S.E.B. annual statistics

The percentages are comparable to subjects such as:-

History (Trad) 2.9%

A.P.H. 3.5%

French (Alt) 6.0%

German (Trad) 5.4%

Latin 2.6%

Music 3.3%

The figures can also be compared to the parallel 'boom' in England, obviously on a larger scale, which took place slightly earlier.

Year CSE O Level AO Level A Level CEE Total

1977 15218  6091  109 1764  --- 23182

1978 15489  8417  511 1769 223 26419

1979 16210 11635  765 2323  591 31524

1980 17901 14907 1049 2819  635 37311

1981 23590 22546 1374 3947 1250 52707

1982 32261 37868 1524 5825 1531 79009

Table 1a : Examination entries for England & Wales 1977-82 ⁽⁴⁴⁾

Using the criteria of 'Examination success', and comparing presentations with other subjects, Computer Studies was now established. By way of further development in Scotland, in 1986 Standard Grade courses were started. These will parallel the O-grade for some time yet, but by 1991 will replace it. Finally, a discussion paper for H-grade Computing was published in 1987⁽⁴⁵⁾ and in 1988/9 H-Grade courses were offered for the first time by schools from several Scottish regions. For the statutory three-year trial the Universities will provisionally accept the Higher as an entrance qualification (subject to some revision) so establishing computing as a separate subject. There are also many schools offering 'short courses' in computing at various levels including a selection of SCOTVEC modules. These were greeted with enthusiasm in 1984, particularly by the teachers in the schools since at that time there was little in existence for S 5/6 pupils except the O-Grade, and nothing at all post-O-grade.

I believe we are now firmly established in stage two of Layton's three. There is at least one qualified teacher of Computing in many Secondary Schools as will be shown later, and this could be seen by some as part of the reason for the rapid growth of the subject. As it became established, so it opened up promoted posts for those with the correct experience and qualification . This has led to a rapid rise by some which would be unheard of in other subjects (and could be compared to the 'Modern Studies boom' of 10 years ago). The reasons for this are simply that there were (are) few qualified and experienced people around, and those who survived the transition and upheaval were rewarded for their efforts, since many schools have established departments with Principal Teachers running them (and in one Region APT's as well). The problem is that Computing as a subject, is likely to outgrow itself. It is by no means a static subject, moving so quickly that the teachers can barely keep up. What is currently being taught as S1/2 Computer Awareness will, within 5-10 years be taught in primary school, thus making the present secondary school course redundant. We then have the choice of updating the course and bringing more specialised knowledge down the school or deciding that the present level of pupil-learning in primary is sufficient.

Obviously there are limits in terms of a child's development and the concepts which he/she can grasp, but many primary schools have large amounts of computer activity taking place.

One suggested scheme for Australia, by Woodhouse and McDougall is shown below:-

"Primary School

Year 1 - playing & exploring with eg robot turtle

Years 1/2 - word processing with teacher typing

Year 3 on - more word processing with pupils typing

Years 5/6 - Information Handling (databases etc.) and

  LOGO for problem solving and programming

Secondary School

Junior school - Computer literacy

Middle school - Computer Studies

Senior school - Computer Science" ⁽⁴⁶⁾

This is only one suggestion but could well fit in with the Scottish education system too. However before any such plans could be made an investigation into just what is happening in our own primary and secondary schools would be needed.

One final important developmental point is the position of computing within the new Scottish 'National Curriculum'. ⁽⁴⁷⁾ The C.C.C. published a document called 'Curriculum Design for the Secondary Stages' in 1987 which sought to standardise the breadth of curriculum on offer in Scotland. It is significant to note that Computing appears in the S1/2 curriculum in the enrichment areas for both the Mathematical and the Technological Modes. At S3 level this is taken further where it appears in both the core and elective area of the Technological mode. As this document becomes implemented this inclusion should ensure once and for all that computing is established as a subject in Scottish secondary schools. Whether in its present form, this is desirable is another question.

Despite the great interest from pupils it could be that in educational terms they would benefit more from the present hardware in schools being used in a cross-curricular manner.

As JJ Wellington has discovered (1989) some schools are now actively stopping computing courses to encourage an IT across the curriculum approach.

"We are dropping Computer Studies as an examinable subject - concentrating on IT, with a firm commitment to spread IT across the curriculum." ⁽⁴⁸⁾

To investigate to what extent this is happening and to discover the hardware provision schools have at this time and the uses to which it is being put, some research was necessary.

Chapter 2

The Survey

2.1 The Intention Of The Research

Chapter One gives a general picture of the need for computing in secondary schools and how its development has progressed. The intention of this research was to look at the present situation both in terms of its adequacy in coping with current requirements and also to see how it compared with predictions made some time ago. The predictions come from the following sources:-

The first of these is Fife Region's own document - 'Microcomputers In Schools' ⁽⁴⁹⁾. This contains the 'five year plan' whereby all secondary schools within the Region would be expected by 1989 to have a stated minimum hardware provision, as follows:-

"2 x 380Z Systems, 10 x BBC Model B systems (networked with R380Z as host), 4 x printers..... appropriate software." ⁽⁵⁰⁾

However, the document also stated categorically that

"schools may not use funds from 'A' allocation to purchase Microcomputers" ⁽⁵¹⁾

thus ensuring that if the provision were not adequate schools could not remedy the position with normal funding even if they felt they could afford to do so. (This position has now changed somewhat and schools may purchase hardware from 'A' allocation funding if their total price does not exceed 10% of the schools total budget.) ⁽⁵²⁾

In some ways Fife Region updated the 1984 document in February 1986 with 'Microcomputers in Schools - A Report on Provision and Development.' ⁽⁵³⁾ although the 'Five year plan' was not changed to any great degree, nor was the ruling on 'A' allocation. However for reasons which I cannot ascertain this document seems to have had only limited distribution. Only one of the computing staff in all 19 Fife secondary schools had seen it. I shall therefore refer to both documents.

The next paper worth comparison is a national one. 'Microcomputers in Scottish Schools - A National Plan' produced by the Scottish Microelectronics Development Programme (SMDP) ⁽⁵⁴⁾. This document is far more adventurous than the previous one and has a more realistic (if less financially viable) prediction of requirements.

It is worth quoting at some length and states:-

"...it seems likely now in 1985 that the following...will be required within five years in order to satisfy reasonable demands.

Each school would have a network of computers plus a number of stand-alone devices, distributed as follows:-

a.   General Purpose Computer Room A: 20 identical work-stations each linked ... to the school's main backing store...

b.    General Purpose Computer Room B:Similar to A but with a variety of workstation types and more emphasis on peripherals....

c.    General Purpose Computer Room C: This room would contain a smaller number of workstations and would be used as a resource centre for staff and pupils....There may also be a need for work-stations in staff bases.

These GP rooms will be used intensively by teachers of Computing Studies, but there must be sufficient and regular access for other departments." ⁽⁵⁵⁾

The document continues to give a more general predicted minimum level of hardware provision for the secondary sector of "1 system per 50 pupils" ⁽⁵⁶⁾.

This is also mentioned in a different way in the second Fife document:-

"Current policy is seeking to standardise on networks of 10 BBC's in computer-rooms, together with mobile systems for across the curriculum use up to the level of one system per 50 pupils." ⁽⁵⁷⁾

As well as drawing on these papers, reference will be made to another. This was not really a prediction as were the previous ones, but a survey by HMI's into the current uses of computers in schools. 'Learning and Teaching in Scottish Secondary Schools: the Use of Microcomputers' was published in 1987 and although already outdated still contains some useful points. ⁽⁵⁸⁾

2.2 Method Of Research

In order to do a comparison and to have a more concrete view of what was actually taking place within a specific area, I decided to prepare a questionnaire for circulation around one Region. I chose the Fife schools,mainly because I am currently employed as a Principal Teacher (Computer Studies) within one of them. Secondly representatives from the Computer departments of all nineteen schools (including myself) meet on a regular (monthly) basis thus enabling many informal ethnographic interviews to take place: also providing supplementary material to that supplied by the questionnaire. The investigation was therefore carried out in two ways - in one - the formal - a questionnaire was sent to each secondary school for a written summary of the school provision.

In the other - less formal - information was amassed over a period of time at regular meetings of computer personnel.

Fife Region was approached in October 1988 and permission asked to circulate all Fife secondary schools with a questionnaire (see Appendices I/II). This was received during November, and a copy of the questionnaire sent to each Fife secondary school along with a covering letter (see Appendix III) asking each head-teacher for their approval and help, during early December.

As to the questionnaire itself, it was decided to have four sections comprising:- 'the School', 'the Computer department', 'Other departments', and 'Hardware'. Many more questions could have been asked but as it already contained 16 questions it was felt that adding more would make the questionnaire unwieldy and people would be less likely to complete it. From these sections it was hoped to discover the following:-

The School:- minimum details concerning the school including:- number of pupils, number of computer rooms, the post of the teacher in charge of computing, and whether or not a written 'Computer Policy' existed.

The Computer Department:- number of hours taught, age/ability range of pupils taught, number of qualified staff, and amount of technician help.

Other Departments:- is in-service training available?, which departments make use of computers (if so by staff or pupils?), if departments do not - why not?

Hardware:- numbers of computers in each school being used, if machines are networked, if S.C.A.M.P. is installed, and if Viewdata access is available.

2.3 Analysis of Results

In view of the nature of the investigation it seemed right that the results should be analysed and presented by computer as far as possible. To this end it was decided that a 'Spreadsheet' would be the best aid to data collation. Other possibilities were investigated such as a 'Database' and even a custom-built program but the Spreadsheet offered the best compromise in terms of facilities offered against ease of use. Since only nineteen schools were being investigated the actual number of questionnaires to be processed was fairly manageable. Two problems arose however. One was that many questions had several possible answers and if a Spreadsheet column was allowed for each the whole output would become very unwieldy.

The second problem was that a spreadsheet can only analyse numerical data and so textual answers had to be turned into numbers.

The method used to solve these problems is detailed in Appendix IV.

The intention was then to compare the results with the two published predictions for computing provision for 1990 onwards.

Completed forms began arriving in mid-December and by early January a 100% return (19 completed questionnaires) had been achieved. In addition to these, at a meeting in December I collected more detailed information on SCOTVEC computing modules being run in each school. This is also presented with the results.

Chapter 3

The Results

As explained above all the results were entered into a spreadsheet for analysis. This is given in its entirety in Appendix V. The results are given below in five sections. These correspond to the four sections of the questionnaire plus a section on SCOTVEC module courses. The schools themselves give a good variety both in terms of size and catchment area; ranging from small (570 pupils in school Q) to very large (1735 pupils in school N). In addition to this, four of the schools are 'split-site' (C,D,K and M) ie their school buildings are separated into two distinct geographical areas, and three (A,G and H) were used to pilot the Technical and Vocational Educational Initiative (TVEI) scheme (which involved large financial input from the Manpower Services Commission).

3.1 Section 1 - The School

The answers here, as in all sections, contain some forward predictions. Where a school replied that an event was happening during this academic year (e.g. the installation of a new computer room) this was included as if it already existed. While this gives a slightly tainted view of things it was felt justified in obtaining the most up-to-date picture of the situation possible.

The table below gives in summary form, the collated answers to all the questions in the School section (Question numbers 1-4).

TABLE 2 : Results on 'The School section' (Q.s 1-4)

Policy Pupil No.of

School 1=Y:0=N PT/APT Nos. Rooms

============================================== 

A 0 1 1400 2

B 0 0 1332 2

C 0 1 1200 2

D 0 0 1696 2

E 0 0 1400 2

F 0 1 1680 2

G 0 0 1100 1

H 1 0 940 4

I 0 1 1300 3

J 0 0 600 2

K 0 0 1500 3

L 0 1 854 2

M 1 1 1500 4

N 1 1 1735 3

O 0 0 780 2

P 0 0 740 1

Q 0 0 570 2

R 0 1 1300 3

S 0 0 600 1

============================================== 

============================================== 

Total P.T. 1735 4 HIGHEST 

3 8 570 1 LOWEST 

A.P.T. 1170 2 AVERAGE 

11 22227 TOTAL 

The schools investigated (19 in all) are coded A-S.

Where a school computing-policy existed this was coded as a '1' otherwise a '0' was entered. Only three schools had written computer policies (H, M and N). If the person in charge of computing in the school was a Principal Teacher a '1' was entered, otherwise a '0'. Eight schools at this time (January 1989) have Principal Teachers and eleven have Assistant Principal teachers.

The approximate pupil roll for each school is entered as a number. These range from 570 in school Q to 1735 in school N. This gives an 'average' school roll for the Region of 1170 and 22227 as the total number of pupils attending state secondary schools. Finally in this section, the number of 'custom built' computer rooms is given. These range from 1 in three schools (G,P and S) to 4 in two schools (H and M). This gives an average of 2 computer-rooms per school.

3.2 Section 2 : The Computer Department

The table below gives in summary form, the collated answers to all the questions in the Computer Department section (Question numbers 5-7).

TABLE 3 : Results on 'The Computer Department' (Q.s 5-7)

Class Time (mins/week) Total

Dept. Qual.

School S1/2 S3 S4 'H' 16+ TVEI Hours Staff Tech. 

====================================================================================== 

A 100 800 720 0 200 480 38.20 2 1 

B 1040 720 360 0 465 0 43.05 2 1 

C 420 875 600 0 175 280 39.10 3 100 

D 1040 780 390 0 260 390 47.40 2 100 

E 640 200 400 0 520 240 33.20 3 1 

F 920 400 680 0 320 0 38.40 2 0 

G 880 360 360 0 160 240 33.20 1 0 

H 490 700 525 0 420 0 35.35 1 1 

I 320 800 1080 0 160 0 39.20 3 100 

J 0 600 400 0 320 0 22.00 1 0 

K 700 440 360 0 1530 525 59.15 6 1 

L 448 384 960 0 192 384 39.28 4 1 

M 550 950 965 0 0 0 41.05 4 1 

N 800 800 800 0 280 0 44.40 5 1 

O 175 175 180 0 0 0 8.50 2 1 

P 240 600 320 0 160 0 22.00 2 1 

Q 320 400 0 0 840 0 26.00 2 100 

R 760 800 800 0 320 240 48.40 2 10000 

S 320 360 180 0 520 0 23.00 1 1 

====================================================================================== 

====================================================================================== 

HIGHEST 1040 950 1080 0 1530 525 59.15 6 >80m 

LOWEST 0 175 0 0 0 0 8.50 1 1 

AVERAGE 535 587 531 0 360 146 3 40-80m 

TOTAL 48 4 

<40mins 

11 

No Tech 

3 

The table is in three main sections showing hours and type of pupil contact time, the numbers of qualified staff in each school and the amount of technician help on offer in each school.

The class time is sub-divided into year groups showing the number of minutes taught by the whole computer department (ie pupil-contact time) per year group. This was calculated from the information in question 5 by multiplying the 'number of sections' by the 'time for each'.

At S1/2 level the pupil contact-time varies from none in school J to 1040 minutes (17 hours 20 minutes) in schools B and D. The average is 535 minutes.

At S3 level the pupil contact-time varies from 175 minutes (2 hours 55 minutes) in school O to 950 minutes (15 hours 50 minutes) in school M. The average is 587 minutes.

At S4 level the pupil contact-time varies from none in school Q to 1080 minutes (18 hours) in school I. The average is 531 minutes.

No schools had any 'Higher Grade' classes.

At S5/6 (16+ module) level the pupil contact-time varies from none in schools M and O to 1530 minutes (25 hours 30 minutes) in school K. The average is 360 minutes.

For computer-based T.V.E.I. courses the pupil contact-time varies from none in schools B,F, H-I,J, M-Q, and S to 525 minutes (8 hours 45 minutes) in school K. The average is 146 minutes. For each school this time was totalled and is shown in hours and minutes under the heading 'Total Dept. Hours'. These vary from 8 hours 50 minutes in school O to 59 hours 15 minutes in school K.

The next column shows the number of qualified Computer-staff in each school. This varies from 1 in schools G,H,J, and S to 6 in school K. The average number is 3, with a total of 48 for the Region.

In this context 'qualified' was taken to mean that the member of staff had either completed or was currently completing one of the following:-

an Additional Teaching Qualification (Secondary Education) in Computing

(two weeks)

a DPSE in Educational Computing (two years)

a Supplementary course in Computing methods plus T.Q. (one year)

The final column shows the results of question 7 which enquired about technician time allocated to the computer department.

The four possible answers

More than 80 mins per week

40-80 mins per week

Less than 40 mins per week

Never

are coded as + 10000, + 100, + 1 and 0 respectively using the technique explained in Appendix IV. The results show one school (R) with more than 80 minutes technician time, 4 (C,D,I and Q) with 40 - 80 minutes, 11 with 0 - 40 minutes and 3 (F,G, and J) with none.

3.3 SCOTVEC Survey

It also seems logical to include at this point, the results of the SCOTVEC module investigation. The classes taught at most levels left little room for options (eg S-Grade at S3) but the entire provision at S5/6 is at the individual P.T. / A.P.T.'s discretion.

The titles associated with the various module numbers possible are given below:-

List of Computer Module titles

Note the leading numeral (year of last revision of descriptor) has been omitted.

1091 Introduction to computers

1093 Introduction to Computer Software

1095 Introduction to Computer Application Packages

1099 Computer Applications (Spreadsheet)

1100 Computer Application (Word Processing)

1107 Information Studies

1108 Social Implication of Microelectronics and I.T.

1109 Computer Networks

1110 Computer Graphics

1111 Introduction to Computer Programming (BASIC)

1113 Introduction to Computer Programming (COMAL)

1115 Introduction to Computer Programming (Pascal)

1121 Computer Programming Project (BASIC)

1123 Computer Programming Project (COMAL)

1125 Computer Programming Project (Pascal)

1126 Introduction to Prolog

A summary of the modules chosen by each school appears below.

Table 3A : SCOTVEC Modules being offered by each school

SCOTVEC modules school has/does /will offer

shown as --- has does will

+ 10000 +100 +1

School 1091 1093 1095 1099 1100 1107 1108 1109 1110 1111 1113 1115 1121 1123 1125 1126 

======================================================================================================================================== 

A 10000 1 10000 1

B 10101 101 1

C 10100 1 100 100

D 100 1

E 100 1 1 100 100 100 10000 1

F 10101 101 1 1 

G 1 100 100 100 100 1

H 100 100 100

I 100 10000 100 10000 100 100 100 100 10000 1 

J 10101 10101 10101 10000

K 10101 10101 101 101 10101 10101

L 100 101

M 1 1 1 1

N 10000 101 10001 10001 10101 10000 10000 10000 1 

O 10000 10000 100 100

P 10100 100

Q 100 100 100 100 1

R 100 1 100 100

S 100 100 100 100

======================================================================================================================================== 

======================================================================================================================================== 

Past 7 5 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 4 1 2 1 1 0 

Present 14 3 10 1 1 0 1 0 7 8 3 1 3 1 0 0 

Future 6 3 9 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 4 0 2 3 0 3 

Ever 17 9 13 1 1 1 1 1 10 11 7 2 7 3 1 3 

A similar coding system to the one mentioned above has been used here. This time the three categories are as follows:-

If school HAS run module at all ... + 10000

If school is CURRENTLY running module ... + 100

If school INTENDS to run module in the future ... + 1

From the table, the most popular module is 1091 "Introduction to Computers" as it has, is or will be offered in 17 of the 19 schools. Of the remainder 1093, 1095, 1110, and 1111 are also popular all having an 'ever' entry of 9 or greater.

Note that of these only 1110 - Computer Graphics - may be described as being at a level other than 'introductory'. There is no particular trend obvious in the others as they appear in various schools.

3.4 Section 3: Other Departments

The table below gives in summary form, the collated answers to all the questions in the 'Other Departments section (Question numbers 8-11).

TABLE 4 : Results on 'Other Departments' (Q.s 8-11)

USE BY VARIOUS DEPTS TEACHER :PUPIL Reason Use of  

Staff for non C'r room 

English Maths Science Tech. Music Mod.Lan H.E. Soc.Sci B.Stu Art PUPIL STAFF I/S/T use by by other 

School T:P T:P T:P T:P T:P T:P T:P T:P T:P T:P TOTAL TOTAL staff staff

==================================================================================================================================== 

A 100 100 100 100 100 0 100 100 101 100 1 9 10100 10000 100 

B 100 101 100 100 100 101 101 101 101 100 5 10 10101 10000 10000 

C 101 101 101 101 0 0 0 101 101 101 7 7 100 0 

D 100 100 1 101 0 0 101 101 101 101 6 7 10100 100 100 

E 101 101 101 101 101 101 101 101 101 0 9 9 10101 10000 10000 

F 101 101 101 100 100 100 100 101 101 0 5 9 10100 1 10000 

G 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 8 0 10000 100 1 

H 0 101 101 101 0 0 101 101 101 101 7 7 10000 10000 10000 

I 1 101 101 101 0 101 1 1 101 0 8 5 10100 100 10000 

J 0 101 101 0 0 0 0 100 0 0 2 3 10000 100 10000 

K 0 100 101 101 100 100 101 101 101 0 5 8 10000 100 10000 

L 101 101 101 101 100 101 101 101 101 100 8 10 10100 10000 100 

M 101 101 101 101 100 100 101 101 101 0 7 9 10101 100 10000 

N 101 100 101 100 0 100 101 100 101 101 5 9 10000 100 1 

O 100 1 1 101 100 101 101 0 101 0 6 6 10000 100 

P 0 101 101 101 100 0 101 101 101 100 6 8 10000 0 

Q 101 1 101 100 0 0 101 100 101 0 5 6 10100 100 10000 

R 0 101 101 101 0 101 101 0 101 101 7 7 10100 1 10000 

S 101 101 101 101 0 0 101 0 101 0 6 6 10000 10000 0 

==================================================================================================================================== 

==================================================================================================================================== 

Staff 12 16 16 17 9 10 15 14 17 9 Fam'r H'ware >120mins 

Pupils 10 15 17 13 1 6 15 12 18 6 16 8 10 

W/P Int'st 40-120m 

10 9 4 

Dept.Ad S'ware <40mins 

3 2 2 

None Never 

3 3 

The table is divided into four main sections. The first of these, which gives details of specific department involvement with computing, is further sub-divided into subject areas. For reasons similar to those explained in Chapter 2 the results are again coded.

If the teachers within a department make use of computer facilities for their own use (eg for word-processing of worksheets) then add 100. If the department uses the computer facility with pupils then add a further 1.

Therefore an entry of '100' under the 'English' column means the English staff in that particular school use the computing facility, an entry of 1 in a column means the pupils are encouraged to use it and an entry of 101 means both make use of it.

Ten departments are actually detailed in the table. Results showed that these were the most common users of computers although several other departments also made use of them (eg Religious Education, Latin and Special Education). The columns headed 'PUPIL TOTAL' and 'STAFF TOTAL' show, for any particular school, the total number of departments which use computers both in terms of staff and in terms of pupils. This was included to try and give an overall picture of the school view to computer aided learning rather than look at odd departments which might simply have 'an enthusiast' within them. The results show that staff in two schools (B and L) make most use of computers with all 10 departments using them). However if pupil numbers are looked at school E comes out top with 9. At the other extreme, school G has no staff (outwith the computer department) using computers while school A only claims one case of pupil involvement.

Similarly, in order to obtain a region wide view by department both staff and pupil totals for these are given at the foot of each column.

In terms of staff use, Technical and Business Studies departments come out best with mentions in 17 schools, whereas Music and Art are at the other extreme with only 9. From the pupil point of view Business Studies is again top with 18 mentions while Music has only 1.

The last three columns in the table again use the coding system detailed in Chapter 2. The first of these, headed 'STAFF I/S/T' shows the level of training available to staff with each school (question 8).

The four possible answers were as follows:-

General computer-familiarisation

Word processing or Desk Top Publishing

Computerised Department Admin.

None

These categories were not mutually exclusive. 'Computer Familiarity' proved the most popular with 16 schools offering it. 'Word-processing' was offered in 10 schools with 'Department Admin.' in 3. Three schools (C,O and P) offered no training for staff. In each case of training being offered it was co-ordinated/run by the P.T./A.P.T. in charge of computing in the school.

In an attempt to find reasons for staff not using computer provision question 11 asks the most important reason for this. The three possible answers were:-

Lack of suitable hardware/access time

Lack of interest

Lack of software

Eight schools gave lack of hardware as the most important factor, nine gave lack of interest and only two, lack of software.

The last question in this section related to other departments using the main computer room(s) as distinct from their own provision. The possible answers here were:-

Greater than 120 mins / week

40-120 mins / week

0-40 mins per week

never

Ten schools were in the >120 mins category; four were 40-120, two 0-40 and three 'never'.

3.5 Section 4 - Hardware

The table below gives in summary form, the collated answers to all the questions in the Hardware section (Question numbers 12-16).

TABLE 5 : Results on 'Hardware' (Q.s 12-16)

Hardware Nos. Ratio

Total pupil: Prestel 

Amstrad Computer comp'r Network TTNS 

School BBC B/M R380Z P.C. Other In Use 1 : ? System SCAMP Neris 

====================================================================================== 

A 30 0 20 0 50 28 1 1 100 

B 39 0 17 8 64 21 0 1 10001 

C 48 0 21 0 69 17 0 1 10001 

D 51 0 20 2 73 23 1 1 10000 

E 41 0 20 0 61 23 0 1 10001 

F 45 0 15 1 61 28 0 1

G 45 0 21 1 67 16 1 1 10001 

H 50 0 20 0 70 13 1 1 10101 

I 40 0 16 0 56 23 0 1 10000 

J 26 3 0 0 29 21 0 1

K 37 0 20 1 58 26 0 1 10101 

L 70 0 20 0 90 9 1 1 10001 

M 60 2 15 0 77 19 0 1

N 45 0 17 0 62 28 1 1 1 

O 38 1 17 6 62 13 0 1

P 31 0 15 1 47 16 0 1

Q 34 0 15 0 49 12 0 1 10001 

R 55 0 21 0 76 17 0 1 10000 

S 19 0 20 0 39 15 0 1

====================================================================================== 

====================================================================================== 

HIGHEST 70 3 21 8 90 28 6 Total Prestel 

LOWEST 19 1 0 0 29 9 19 11 

AVERAGE 42 2 17 1 61 19 TTNS 

TOTAL 804 6 330 20 1160 3 

Neris 

9 

None 

6 

The table is in five main sections, the first of which is further sub-divided. This was an attempt to find out information on all the hardware present in each school. Where computers existed but were no longer used (eg ZX81) schools were asked to discount these when replying. The results show that the numbers of BBC model B or Masters (the Region's 'main machine') vary considerably from school to school with a maximum of 70 in school L and a minimum of 19 in school S.

(Note that this second figure may be lower than the actual number contained in the school. This particular form was very vague about answering this question. If this is the case, school J becomes the lowest with 26). Although all schools have at least one R380Z machine, most chose to discount this when replying . Of those that replied positively, school J has 3, school M has 2 and school O has 1. All of the others claimed 'zero'.

The next column is concerned with new 16-bit machines - the Amstrad P.C. The highest number here was 21 claimed by three schools (C,G and R) whereas the lowest was school J which claimed 'zero'. (This result seemed odd and on further investigation it seems the school does have some but they are still lying in boxes unused. For a more accurate picture therefore perhaps schools F,M,P and Q with 15 each should be taken as the lowest.)

A fourth column was left for any other computers not yet mentioned which schools were making use of. Types were many and varied but numbers range from 8 in school B to 0 in most of the others. A crude total was taken of all the machines in a particular school. Again there may be some inaccuracies here for reasons mentioned above but the results show that school L is the best equipped with 90 computers, with school J at the other extreme with 29.

This gives an average number across the region of 61 computers and a total of 1160 computers currently in use (December 1988) throughout all Fife secondary schools.

The next column - 'Ratio pupil : computer' - was calculated by dividing the pupil roll figures for each school (see Table 2) by the total number of computers (above). The results range from one computer per 9 pupils in school L to one computer per 28 pupils in schools A,F and N.

The average figure for the Region was 19.

The 'Network' column shows all the schools which currently have a Network systeminstalled. (Note that schools which are currently in the process of having a Network installed are also included here.) S ix schools (A,D,G,H,L and N) currently have Networked computers.

The next column shows that all nineteen Fife Secondary schools currently have the Schools Computer Administration and Management Project computer-system up and running.

The final column in this section is coded as explained above and shows which schools have access to on-line VIEWDATA systems. The question offered four choices which were:-

Prestel

TTNS

NERIS

None

The results show that 11 schools have Prestel access, 3 have TTNS, 9 have Neris and six schools (F,J,M,O,P and S) have no VIEWDATA access.

Chapter 4

Discussion and Criticism

The previous chapter shows the results obtained, but so far no interpretation has been placed on them. In an attempt to do so I wish to consider the present position within Fife in relation to several documents mentioned earlier. I shall consider the results from Table 2 first.

4.1 Computer Policy Documents

Only three Fife schools have a written computer policy as such.

Fife Region's own document states that:-

".... each secondary school should produce a policy document, arrived at in consultation with subject departments..... the responsibility for the implementation (of which) should be clearly assigned to a promoted member of staff." ⁽⁵⁹⁾

Therefore, not only should there be a policy but a senior member of staff should have responsibility for it. This document was published in 1984 suggesting schools have had plenty time to implement its contents. This view is also borne out by the HMI document in its conclusions where it states:-

"Each school should have a written policy statement..... which covers the use of microcomputers in learning and teaching..... The statement should reflect both education authority policy and the circumstances of the school." ⁽⁶⁰⁾

Since many schools had also inserted written comments at the question regarding policy documents, it was possible to see that many schools are currently in the process of writing a computer policy, although I can find no reason why it has taken until now to do so. It could be that the schools themselves see this as a low priority and are reluctant to give time to it, or perhaps lack of follow-up by the region is to blame.

Although their document states that a policy should exist they appear to have taken no steps to ensure that this is so. Perhaps if the region had asked schools to provide a copy of the policy to some central body - Advisory staff for example - it would have received more priority.

Of the schools which do have a policy (H,M and N) those of both M and N were written shortly after the appointment of the present Principal Teacher (Computer Studies) in 1985. Both their documents are based upon the contents stipulated in the Region's own policy statement. ⁽⁴⁹⁾

The third school H has a very substantive document prepared in March 1988. However, on the very first page in its introduction it gives the likely reason for this:-

"The HMI post-inspection report on ...(H) High School (May 1986)... made these points:-

'there is a clear need for schools to have a policy regarding the development of computer studies and the use of the computer within departments. .....(H) High School should establish a policy and make it known to staff.... The present situation .... was unsatisfactory.' " ⁽⁶¹⁾

From this evidence it appears to need the outcome of an HMI visit to prompt schools to come up with a policy. Perhaps before the majority of staff will accept computers and take them seriously some formal acknowledgement of their effect on the whole school curriculum needs to be made. Certainly the HMI report -'Learning and Teaching in Scottish Secondary Schools' - seems to indicate that the authority should take a bigger role in initiating such policies:-

"Schools would have benefitted from authorities doing more to highlight the management issues to be tackled to ensure that microcomputers were used effectively in learning and teaching; and from authorities actively promoting the production and discussion of written school policies and guidelines, to complement the issue of education authority policy statements." ⁽⁶²⁾

This idea is also borne out by FJ Burdett (1987) who suggests:-

"The successful implementation of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) at the 'chip-face' depends on the management context. In the first instance this relates to the educational institution itself, however the way in which a school manages its resources is constrained by the context within which it functions." ⁽⁶³⁾

Burdett also believes that long delays will exist between any policy being produced and its incorporation into daily routine. In his summary he concludes:-

"It is relatively rare for there to be any policy at Authority level for educational technology or the curriculum and yet the effectiveness of the use of microcomputers in education could depend on a successful policy for hardware, software, training and staffing." ⁽⁶⁴⁾

I would suggest that while Fife appears unusual in having a Regional Policy at all, it does not go far enough. As justified both by Burdett and the HMI report quoted above it should be seen as a matter of some priority to both update the Regional document and produce worthwhile policy statements in each secondary school.

4.2 Head of Computer Department

From the arbitrary nature in which those in charge of computing have been appointed, Fife Region appears to lack an overall policy regarding this area. This section of the results was designed to ascertain what the exact position is. The survey shows that eight of the nineteen Secondary schools in Fife have a Principal Teacher in charge of computing while the other eleven have an Assistant Principal Teacher.

There appears to be an anomaly here because the region agreed in 1984..

".. to appoint a Principal Teacher in Computer Studies provided that the 40 hours stipulated as the requirement for a Principal Teacher post is achieved in the school timetable." ⁽⁶⁵⁾

However if the total department hours for the schools with P.T.s are looked a

(Table 3) they are as follows:-

School Hrs/mins pupil

contact/week

A 38:20

C 39:10

F 38:40

I 39:20

L 39:28

M 41:05

N 44:50

R 48:40

Using the Region's own criteria only three of these (M,N, and R) should be P.T.'s. In fact in the other schools with A.P.T.'s, several have more than 40 hours (B has 43:05, D has 47:40, and K has 59:15). The department with the biggest teaching-time commitment - school K - still only has an A.P.T.. This is not what the region stated when it updated the policy document in 1986:-

"The Region has been appointing a Principal Teacher in Computer Studies provided that the 40 hours requirement ... is achieved in the school timetable." ⁽⁶⁶⁾

The only written 'justification' for the anomaly which I could find was in a copy of the Minutes for a meeting between SSTA members and the Directorate in September 1988 which states:-

".... some schools had only an APT in charge of computing despite having justification for a P.T. The Senior Assistant Director advised ... that the staffing review had explicitly changed the criteria for the establishment of P.T. posts. The situation would be assessed when the staffing review was completed." ⁽⁶⁷⁾

For whatever reason it appears that the Region seems reluctant to follow its own published guidelines and appoint Principal Teachers.

This reluctance seems to be extended to the appointment of a Regional Adviser too because the HMI report of 1986 states:-

"At the time of the survey, six authorities had advisers in computing, two had staff tutors and one (Fife) a C.D.O." ⁽⁶⁸⁾

Perhaps if the Regional co-ordinator was upgraded to adviser status the P.T.'s upgrading would also follow. (This in fact may now be happening since the whole advisory service in Fife is currently under review.)

It is perhaps unfortunate that Fife Region chooses to base these P.T. appointments solely on the hours being taught within the computing department. I believe that the role of the person in the P.T. post is changing and will continue to change as the nature of school computing changes.

JJ Wellington (1989) suggests that Information Technology in schools is evolving from a vertical (subject based structure) to a horizontal (cross-curricular) approach.

He sees IT in schools as having five stages which are as follows:-

"Stage 1  Computer Studies as an examination subject: rapid rise in entries. 'Vertical' approach to IT.

Stage 2   Computer Awareness across the board to all ability ranges and both sexes with an element of I/S for staff as well as pupils

Stage 3   Introduction of computers across the curriculum in separate subjects to enhance learning in these areas - ie CAL across the curriculum.

Stage 4   Increasing pressure on Computer Studies as a separate subject and on the computer room as a resource for the whole school.

Stage 5 Integration of computing and computing resources into the whole curriculum and classroom practice. 'Horizontal' approach to IT education." ⁽⁶⁹⁾

As part of this evolution the post of the IT specialist (or Computer Studies teacher) is also changing. From being a subject pioneer he is becoming a provider of in-service training. If Wellington's stage 3 is to be reached, the specialist will also have to provide technical support for other staff, also suggesting and evaluating suitable cross-curricular software. As Wellington continues:-

"This triple role of technician, in-service training and software provider cannot be sustained by one individual unless he is given the time and the freedom to do it. Without the provision of co-ordination and support for IT education, stage 5 is unlikely to be attained." ⁽⁷⁰⁾

It is difficult to see how such a role could be fulfilled by a promoted teacher who is not given both the time and status which it requires.

4.3 Computer Rooms

At the time of this survey (December 1988) most computers within Fife secondary schools were sited in a central 'computer room'. I have therefore concentrated here on these specialised rooms. The number of specialised computer rooms seems to be in keeping with the National norm. The HMI document states:-

"... most schools have two computer rooms and some with a third planned..."⁽⁷¹⁾

This is however ahead of the Fife prediction mentioned above which stated:-

"Regional policy will be to standardise on .. BBC .. systems .. so that minimum holdings in a secondary school will comprise ... 10 x BBC model B systems.." ⁽⁴⁹⁾

Indeed it is also out of step with Fife's own revised document which states:-

"This level of provision (10 basic BBC computer systems) is currently sufficient to meet the demands of a large comprehensive school offering a full range of courses together with an 'across the curriculum' service to all departments." ⁽⁷²⁾

From comments made by the majority of schools on their questionnaires, it seems apparent that 10 systems is far from adequate provision and would not be sufficient for the needs of the computing department alone, without considering the rest of the school.

The 'National Plan' (SCET document) was slightly closer to what now exists with its prediction of three purpose-built rooms, although if the 'needs' referred to in Chapter 1 are to be met even this level of provision is not adequate in the larger schools. ⁽³⁹⁾

Although one might expect the split-site schools to have the highest number of rooms due to their own peculiar circumstances, this is not the case. Although one of these schools (M) has four rooms (2 ready: 2 coming on-line this session) the other three split-sites have 2,2 and 3. The number of rooms a school has does not seem to relate to its number of pupils. Since we have school H with only 940 pupils claiming 4 rooms while school G with 1100 pupils has only 1; and school D, with 1696 has only 2. In fact, school N, the biggest in the Region with 1735 pupils has only 2 rooms at present, with a third scheduled for some time later this year.

The criterion for achieving extra accommodation seem vague. Perhaps the courses being run within the school have some bearing on it but school H has fewer than the highest number of hours being taught. The answer must therefore lie elsewhere. Possibly the interests and enthusiasms of the individual rectors come into play. Whatever the reason there is considerable variation in the accommodation provision throughout the region.

If however, as I suggested above, schools are moving more towards a 'horizontal' IT strategy it could be that in the long term some de-centralisation of these facilities would be desirable, but if the demands for computer courses currently shown by pupils in Scotland, are to be met (see Chapter 1), 'computer rooms' per se will be required for some time to come, thus continuing to 'tie up' resources in a central point.

4.4 Computer Department

The next section of the results - Table 3 and Table 3A - look in detail at what happens within the Computer Department. The types of course which could be taught by the computer department are shown in this table. Occasionally a school had a group running which did not fit any of these categories (eg O-Grade course in S6).

In this case the time allocated to it was shown under another heading (eg S4). There seems to be six main types of course which could be offered in Fife schools.

Some sort of S1/2 familiarisation is required. This can possibly be rationalised by the schools as follows. Pupils come up to secondary school having had various amounts of 'hands on' computing in their primary school. They have high expectations of the courses which are going to be available to them. In addition, as mentioned in Chapter 1, one of the suggestions of the Bellis reports (1972) was for just such a course, although when the report was written microcomputers did not exist in their present form and so it seems likely he envisaged a different type of course.

All schools in the region with one exception (school J) appear to agree with this and have courses of varying types on offer. The courses themselves generally last for 30-40 hours on a one period per week basis. The time allocations in Table 3 vary from 1040 minutes (17 hours 20 mins) to 'none' with an average of 535 minutes (8 hours 55 minutes) per week due to the different numbers of sections in the various schools. The content of the course is not formally standardised throughout the region but courses are generally based on the recommendations of the MCC report of 1983, ⁽⁷³⁾ usually with the addition of some form of programming skills.

The majority of schools in the region give computing a priority in S1/2 although it only appears in the 'Enrichment' phase (not the 'Core') of the 1987 CCC document on Curriculum Guidelines. ⁽⁷⁴⁾

It is likely that schools see this as the 'awareness' type of course referred to in Chapter 1 although whether the courses fulfil Watts definition is impossible to assess since, as I have said, there is no standardisation. It is however significant that these courses appear in S1 or S2 since this ensures that they are a compulsory part of every child's education. Returning to the point made by Roszak in Chapter 1, it seems likely that these courses will have to undergo constant updating due to improvements in technology and eventually the need for such a course may cease to exist since its requirements will both be lessened considerably (because of the technology improvements) and met elsewhere (as computers continue to permeate other subject disciplines).

The next two columns in the table look at Certificate Computing courses in S3 and S4. These results are quite mixed but show that most schools have a substantial commitment in this area.

They vary from school O with one set in S3 and one in S4 to school I with four sets in S3 and five in S4. In many cases the demand exists among pupils for more sets (my own school for instance had 120 pupils competing for 80 places) and these numbers could rise further if more accommodation and hardware become available. The courses themselves are either O-Grade or Standard Grade with all current S3 pupils now on S-Grade courses. This was prompted by a circular from the region in March 1987 requesting how many schools would be prepared to start S-Grade Computing in August of that year.⁽⁷⁵⁾ The final result of which was that the bulk of schools commenced S-Grade at S3 in August 1988.

As mentioned in Chapter 1, I have doubts about the real educational value of some of the content of the Standard Grade course, however the demand among the pupils for some course at that level is undeniable and until some alternative is found, S-grade is all we have. It is also of interest to note that although demand is high in Scotland there is now in fact a decline in the popularity of Computing studies per se in England. Leaton (1989) quotes examination entry numbers of 120,764 in 1985 falling to 83,131 by 1988 - a 31% decrease. (He suggests ⁽⁷⁶⁾ the main reason for this is the lack of qualified teaching staff and the staffing in Fife is looked at later).

Higher Grade

The fourth column was intended to show that no schools in the Region have been able to offer 'H'-Grade Computing this session. This was not due to lack of interest since several schools expressed a desire to attempt this new course (at a meeting between P.T.'s Computing and Advisory staff June 1988).