Children who use technology are 'better writers'

I was really pleased to read on the BBC website last month that "Children who use technology are 'better writers'"

A research survey was carried out by the National Literacy Trust: "Our research suggests a strong correlation between kids using technology and wider patterns of reading and writing," Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, told BBC News. "Engagement with online technology drives their enthusiasm for writing short stories, letters, song lyrics or diaries."

Of course we at Kids on the Net have known this for 12 years. It's our raison d'etre that writing online not only increases digital literacy but more general literacy as well: increasing interest and skills in writing and reading. I will never forget the many instances of children I have worked with who had never liked or found writing easy before, but were inspired and enthused by the whole idea and concept and experience of writing online. Often these have been boys. Teachers have shaekn their heads and said things like "He's never written more than a sentence before!". It makes it all worthwhile.

So it's no news to me that "the more forms of communications children use the stronger their core literary skills".

Try reading some of our brilliant Kids on the Net writers and that's self-evident!

Safety of WiFi in schools

After the Panorama TV programme in May which raised a lot of fuss about the dangers of WiFi in schools, BECTA consulted with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) - the government agency responsible for health and safety - to obtain the latest guidance on any health issues relating to wireless technology.

There have been stories about a teacher who was unable to work "because of the effects of the WiFi radiation". WiFi has been installed in offices for years and there hasn't been a fuss. Are teachers more sensitive than other workers? Nonetheless, the effects on children and young people, still growing and definitely more vulnerable, is of great importance. No doubt parents with WiFi networks would also like to hear the possibilities. In any city suburb these days I defy anyone to find that they are not in a WiFi hotspot: even if their own house does not have it, their neighbours are likely to.

Happily, the HPA report that:

"On the basis of current scientific information wi-fi equipment satisfies international guidelines. There is no consistent evidence of health effects from RF exposures below guideline levels and therefore no reason why schools and others should not use wi-fi equipment."