It seems that the UK government has published a draft review of the primary school curriculum suggesting that pupils need to learn about social networking websites and other media. In typical journalist-speak the BBC website has interpreted the review as stating that:
"Primary school pupils should learn how to blog and use internet sites like Twitter and Wikipedia and spend less time studying history, it is claimed."
While this seems to be an exaggerated version of what the review actually says, the news has met with varying responses from other sources.
Firstly, it has been pointed out that primary school children cannot use Twitter and Facebook, as they have to be over 13 years old to create an account. Secondly, many amused commentators suggest that it is teachers and parents who need these lessons, as children are already capable of using technology to a high level. And thirdly, it has been suggested that teaching children about specific examples of social networking tools is not the best option, as these change, are updated, and disappear completely. Anything specified in a curriculum would quickly become out of date and irrelevant. What children need to know is about generic types of product, how they can be used in education and personal lives, and how to stay safe while using them.
I think that this sort of debate is far more sensible than scaremongering journalists attempting to suggest that the government is replacing study of World War Two with Twitter. What do you think? What issues does this article raise for you?
