Growing up in an ICT-rich environment means that children need to have opportunity to experience and develop skills in its use that will help them make the most of adult life. Contrary to what we often think, ICT isn't simply about computers but includes anything that requires the input of instructions to produce specific outcomes. That's your answering machine, mobile phone, DVD player, washing machine, traffic lights and speed camera.
ICT is incorporated into practically every lesson your child learns at school, with the exception of physical education, and in secondary school children will typically have ICT classes that are lessons in their own right.
Whatever stage of learning your child is at, ICT can help motivate stimulate or if necessary, re-engage them. Challenging tasks become more manageable and mundane activities accessible. Used effectively, high quality software can make the difference between the boredom of a learner who's always left behind, and the euphoria of another who discovers that they can actually find their own way to make progress.
ICT can also help teachers raise standards. Several years ago at Millennium Primary school in Greenwich for instance 89 per cent of children were assessed level five in ICT as opposed to a mere 11 per cent elsewhere in the borough; whereas at another ICT-rich school, Ripple Infants in Essex, a major increase in the numbers of children leaving at level three in English and maths has been noticed since the new technology has been introduced. Stories like this are becoming increasingly common and there is no doubt that ICT has an important place at the heart of the Government's personalised learning agenda.
If ICT allows children to learn at their own pace in ways that suit them; for every child, access to high quality technology - not just for a few hours a week in the classroom - but when and where they want - is vitally important.
Using software at home can help parents become more aware of and involved in, what their children are learning at school or even at pre-school.
ICT capability is an essential skill for life and enables learners to participate more readily in a rapidly changing world. Using the internet and email, for example, gives them rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures.
Learning about control systems and robots increases children's awareness of many of the operating systems we use to manage our everyday lives. You could say that it develops essential life skills they will need in adult life, such as operating a washing machine and other devices.
Children are taught to:
