Internet tutors
7 Aug 2008
New research, released by BT, has revealed that 97 per cent of primary and secondary school teachers believe that young people, often the internet expert in the home, can improve their own communication skills when they actively teach others how to use the internet.
The research interviewed 1,061 primary and secondary school teachers. Additionally, the survey results also highlighted that:
- 98 per cent of teachers agreed that they would like to see more pupils given the opportunity to pass on their internet skills to others;
- 98 per cent of teachers believe that young people’s confidence can be enhanced through sharing internet skills with less computer savvy older people;
- 99 per cent of teachers would welcome initiatives that made it easier for pupils to develop good communication skills, highlighting that such resources are not readily available to them.
The findings are released ahead of the fourth annual BT Internet Ranger of the Year Awards. The awards aim to recognise the positive impact young people have on society by helping bridge Britain’s digital divide through sharing their internet expertise with others.
The BT Internet Rangers initiative encourages young people to develop confidence in their communication through teaching older generations the benefits of the internet. By visiting www.btinternetrangers.co.uk, pupils and teachers can get free access to a variety of resources, such as lesson plans, report cards, and certificates for young people to give to their new pupils.
On September 29, the BT Internet Ranger of the Year Awards will recognise young people that have taught older people how to get online. This year’s winner will receive a laptop, £250 of vouchers towards IT equipment and a trip to the BT Tower in London to collect their prize. Five runners up also receive a laptop.
