Parents more open to hard drugs than hard drives

Parents prefer to talk to their kids about alcohol abuse over modern technology

Despite living in a world of 3G mobiles, PDAs, and mp3 players parents are not the software-savvy role models you would hope for.  Even computer literate parents would prefer to chat about the trying topics of alcohol abuse and bullying than strike up a conversation about modern technology.  According to a new technology survey only sex and fashion are bigger 'no go' areas for mums and dads suggesting the cyber-chasm between parents and children is still as wide and howling as it ever was.

Despite this giga-gulf between the generations the research conducted by Becta shows 95% of parents are convinced technology can help their children learn at school. Three quarters of parents think technology will better engage their children in subjects they find difficult, improving their overall performance.  Interestingly 3 in 5 say technology will also help their children to do better in exams, meaning bigger smiles on results day.  In reality however, most schools aren't quite living up to parental expectations.

At present only 20% of schools are using technology effectively.  The hope is that all schools will be using technology effectively by 2011, which would radically change education and training in the UK. The good news is the change would undoubtedly be for the better.  As well as creating a more exciting, rewarding and successful learning experience, putting technology at the heart of learning would inspire learners, engage parents, enable teachers, and give school leavers the skills businesses want. 

Here to talk to us more about next generation learning is someone who's enthusing on science and technology has made him a much loved household name Johnny Ball...   

Becta are an organisation which promote the best use of technology in education.

For more information please visit: www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk