Internet can boost kids' learning | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

A Wanganui primary school teacher says children need to be taught how to use the internet properly if it is to help their learning.

St Marcellin School IT teacher Stephen Johnson said using the internet for learning was a double-edged sword.

"Children's learning doesn't suddenly improve because they are using the internet. They need to learn how to use it properly, not just use it for games, any kid can do that and most do."

The ICT in Schools report, released this week, said internet use had a positive effect on children's learning skills.

The report showed that between 65 and 75 per cent of schools reported the internet as having significant impact on teaching and learning. During a typical school week, students now spent more time using computers and the internet during maths and English than any other learning areas, the report said.

That's simply not realistic at all, Mr Johnson said.

"Sure, more children are using computers but most do not use the internet properly. They need to be taught how to inquire properly and how to find the right information. Many are just passive viewers like when they are when they're watching television," Mr Johnson said.

However, Christchurch primary school teacher Mike Sleeman, the developer of Teacher Tools, a range of books and online resources based on the New Zealand curriculum, said it was no surprise at all that the internet had enhanced the learning of so many students.

Primary-aged pupils were comfortable using the internet for learning and students who had struggled to keep up had improved significantly using online resources, he said.

"They are able to go home and revise the same lesson they've been taught in class from home," Mr Sleeman said.