From its title, I expected this book to cover the use of ICT in a wide range of subjects at secondary school level, and include the teaching of information and communications technology. It does this, but also devotes a lot of space to other matters that, while related, may not be of direct interest. For example, there is a hefty section on the partnership between schools and colleges in the education of teachers, a section charting the history of ICT in schools, and a swift look at what goes on with ICT in primary schools. This is all good in terms of setting the context and reflects the fact that it is aimed at a wide audience including teachers, PGCE students and school mentors, but feels peripheral to the central purpose.

Overall, the text and style are downbeat and dated. There are also some mildly annoying points such as the references to RM (Research Machines, the educational computing company) as RML. I was also surprised to find no reference to professional groups such as Micros and Primary Education (MAPE), which provides ICT support and materials for primary and middle school teachers. Knowledge of this group and its work would add value to the primary section. But I did like the idea behind the brief section on users’ misconceptions - this is potentially a whole book in itself.

This isn’t a must-have title but it will be of some interest to its target group.

Les Watson

Les Watson is pro vice-chancellor for learning and information services at Glasgow Caledonian University