The commitment of senior management is key, and institutional development plans will need to take account of the potential impact of new technologies on the content, processes and management of learning. Managers need information about benefits and costs in order to ensure informed decision making in relation to resource management. Hardware and software is becoming more robust, but there is still a need for flexible technical support. Unexpected outcomes Teachers, librarians and parents have commented on the excellent progress made by a number of learners, especially those with special learning needs. Teachers, librarians and pupils have been motivated by the opportunities provided through the use of new technologies, despite early technical problems.
Girls appear to be more interested in multimedia than in the Internet.
Pupils have been using skills such as precis skills without having received any formal teaching, but rather because the need has arisen for them to do so. The use of the new technologies has encouraged co-operation and peer support, and has had a beneficial effect on the interpersonal and language skills of the learners.