Book excerpt: Computers are not often associated with passion or culture, yet the use of information technology still has a surprisingly emotional effect on many people, including teachers and learners. This emotion may be anything from excitement and enthusiasm to anger or a sense of threat. Often, this strongly emotional response can prevent us from learning how to use IT effectively as a tool for learning. This book explores how IT can make a real difference to the quality of learning. Its approach takes account of some of the cultural, sociological and psychological factors, which influence how IT is used. The chapters are arranged in three parts. Part One explores the potential of IT as one of many tools which can influence the quality and experience of learning. Part Two looks at how teachers' professional development can help them to use IT effectively in the classroom. Part Three examines strategies for co-ordinating and managing IT development across a whole school or department. Whether you class yourself as technophile or technophobe, this book will show you how you can use IT more effectively in teaching and learning.