This study explores pupils' views of the use of information and communication technology (ICT) within subject teaching and learning. Members of three year cohorts (Years 8, 10 and 12) in six English secondary schools took part in focus group interviews during the first half of 2000.The views elicited in the course of the 27 interviews are summarized in terms of six themes. Pupils saw computer-based tools and resources as helping not just to effect tasks and improve presentation, but also to refine work and trial options.They associated the use of such tools and resources with changes in working ambience and classroom relations, as well as with raised interest and increased motivation on their part. Finally, while pupils welcomed opportunities for independent working mediated by ICT in which they could engage more directly with appropriately challenging tasks, they were concerned that this reshaping of learning might be displacing valuable teaching.