Welcome to the Spring 2008 issue of Computer Education. In this issue we bring you a further perspective on the use of data, this time from Mike Bostock, while Helen Boulton and Pete Bradshaw explore the use of weblogs in supporting student teachers' use of reflective journals, a technique that readily transfers to younger learners. Jason Ohler offers further reflections on the philosophy of ICT in the classroom while Alex Savage provides a personal insight into BETT'08 and Jim Merret updates us on funding sources. A report on MOSEP is given by Ray Tolley while a series of articles from Christina Preston explores braided learning and social networking between professionals. Your Editor meanwhile considers 'interesting times' and how we are so close to transformational change but might never get there.

Students who perform very well in some subjects can often, inexplicably it seems, do poorly in others. This is a common problem in almost every school in the UK. In fact, when compared to virtually every other developed nation, the UK performs very badly in terms of varying standards within schools. Tackling these differences has become a focus for many schools.

The use of ICT for performance data is fast becoming an issue as important for ICT professionals as its use in the curriculum. There is a wide gap at present between the 'Data-Confident' schools that use performance data systemically and know themselves well, and schools that use data in a more basic, functional way. The changes in the way that 'school standards' are being viewed require schools to demonstrate that 'Every Child Matters' rather than just those who gain five A*-C grades. New data analysis tools are simple enough to support action research by all teachers into their pupils' performance. Schools could demonstrate the consistency of provision by publishing measures of 'Within School Variation'.