2.2 List ICT resources that may be accessed in a teaching and learning environment

This guide will help you answer 2.2 List ICT resources that may be accessed in a teaching and learning environment.

ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. In a school or other educational setting, ICT resources are the tools, devices, software and systems used to support teaching, learning and administrative tasks. These resources help make learning more engaging and interactive. They can also make the organisation of teaching more efficient.

When listing ICT resources, it is helpful to separate them into categories. These may include hardware, software, internet-based tools, and specialist educational technologies.

Hardware Resources

Hardware refers to the physical equipment that learners and staff can use.

Computers and Laptops

These are common in classrooms, libraries and ICT suites. They allow learners to access educational software, online platforms and research materials. Teachers use them to create lesson resources, track progress and communicate with staff or parents.

Tablets

Portable touchscreen devices such as iPads or Android tablets are used for apps, reading e-books, accessing learning games and recording work. Their portability makes them suitable for work in different areas of the school.

Interactive Whiteboards

These large touch-sensitive screens connect to a computer and projector. They can display lesson materials, videos and interactive activities. Teachers and learners can write or draw directly on them.

Projectors

Projectors display content from a computer or other device onto a wall or screen. They are often used for presentations, videos and visual demonstrations.

Digital Cameras

Digital cameras let learners take photos for project work. They are helpful in art, science experiments, or documenting activities.

Video Cameras and Camcorders

These allow recording of presentations, experiments, performances and activities for later review or assessment.

Printers and Scanners

Printers produce hard copies of learner work and teaching materials. Scanners convert paper documents into digital form for storage or editing.

Document Cameras

Also known as visualisers, these devices project documents or objects onto a screen for shared viewing. They are useful for showing text, images, or small items to the whole class.

Audio Equipment

This includes microphones, speakers and headsets. Such equipment supports listening tasks, language learning and presentations. Microphones are helpful for recording clear audio.

Network Servers

Servers store and manage shared files and applications across the school’s computers. They also manage user accounts and permissions.

Robotics Kits

Educational robotics kits are used in STEM learning. They help learners program and control robots, which teaches problem solving and coding.

Software Resources

Software refers to the applications used on computers, tablets and other devices.

Word Processing Software

Examples include Microsoft Word or Google Docs. They support writing, editing and formatting documents.

Spreadsheets

Programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets allow data management, calculations and creation of charts. They are used in subjects such as maths and business.

Presentation Software

Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides and similar tools help create visual presentations. Teachers may use these for lessons, and learners for projects.

Educational Apps

These are programs designed for learning purposes. They include games for maths, language learning apps, and interactive science simulations.

Graphic Design Software

Tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva can be used for art, design and media projects.

Audio Editing Software

Applications such as Audacity allow recording and editing of sound. This is useful for music classes, podcasts, or language work.

Video Editing Software

Tools like Adobe Premiere or iMovie help edit video recordings for presentations and projects.

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Platforms like Moodle or Google Classroom store assignments, resources and grades. They allow communication between staff and learners.

Assessment Software

These tools deliver tests and quizzes with automatic marking. Examples include Kahoot and Quizlet.

Specialist Educational Software

Programs for specific subjects, such as science simulation tools, coding software, or literacy support programs, give targeted learning experiences.

Internet-Based Resources

These involve online services and platforms accessed through internet-connected devices.

Educational Websites

Websites provide information, videos, quizzes and interactive tools for subjects. Examples include BBC Bitesize and National Geographic Kids.

Online Encyclopaedias

Resources such as Britannica Online or Wikipedia give reference information. They are helpful for research tasks.

Email Systems

Emails allow communication between staff, learners and parents in a professional format.

Video Conferencing Tools

Applications like Zoom or Microsoft Teams allow virtual lessons, meetings and collaboration.

Cloud Storage

Services such as Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox allow storage, sharing and editing of documents from any location.

Online Collaboration Tools

Platforms such as Padlet or Miro help groups work together on shared projects.

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs)

These structured online spaces host classes, resources and learner activities in a secure way.

Social Media Platforms

Some schools use controlled social media spaces to share learning projects or public events.

E-Libraries

Online libraries give access to books, journals and articles from anywhere.

Specialist Educational Technologies

Certain ICT resources are developed for specific learning needs or specialised subjects.

Assistive Technologies

These include screen readers, magnification software and speech recognition tools. They help learners with disabilities access learning resources.

Language Translation Devices

Speech translation and text translation tools support learners whose first language is not English.

Data Logging Equipment

Devices that record measurements over time, such as temperature or sound levels, are used particularly in science lessons.

Coding Kits

Small programmable devices like Raspberry Pi or micro:bit are used to teach programming skills.

Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets

VR allows immersive experiences, such as walking through historical sites or exploring scientific environments.

3D Printers

These create three-dimensional objects from digital models. They are used in design and technology subjects.

Interactive Learning Tables

Large touch-sensitive tables that allow collaborative activities. Groups can interact with educational games and tasks together.

Storage and Networking Equipment

ICT resources include systems that make devices and data work together.

External Hard Drives

For secure storage and backup of files.

Network Switches and Hubs

These connect multiple devices to a network so they can share resources.

Wireless Access Points

These provide Wi-Fi connectivity for devices around the school.

Backup Systems

Automated tools that store copies of important data to protect against loss.

Examples of ICT Use in Classrooms

To help make the list more practical, here are scenarios of how these resources might be used.

• A teacher uses an interactive whiteboard to display a science diagram, and learners take turns answering questions directly on the board.
• Tablets are distributed so learners can use an app that teaches multiplication through games.
• A visualiser shows a piece of handwritten work so the whole class can discuss how to improve it.
• Video conferencing connects a class in the UK with learners abroad to practise language skills.
• Cloud storage is used to share homework tasks and submission links.

Considerations for Accessing ICT Resources

Access depends on the school’s policies, budgets, and learner needs. Staff training is often provided so that they can use new tools effectively. Security checks protect the network from viruses and misuse. Equipment may be booked in advance to manage demand.

Schools often have acceptable use policies that outline the correct and safe use of ICT resources. Learners are taught how to use equipment without damaging it and how to respect other users.

Final Thoughts

ICT resources in the teaching and learning environment are diverse. They range from common hardware like computers and printers to specialist tools like VR headsets and assistive technology devices. Each resource plays a part in supporting learning goals and improving engagement. When selecting and listing ICT resources, it is helpful to think about how they support the specific activities in a subject or age group.

Having clear access to these resources benefits both learners and educators. It is equally important to maintain and update them so they remain functional and relevant. A well-managed set of ICT resources can make a difference in the quality of teaching and in the opportunities given to every learner.