An overwhelming 90% of ICT staff and head teachers think
pupils know more than them when it comes to
technology.
A poll carried out at the recent
BETT education technology
event shows that as pupils become increasingly IT savvy, the
pressure is growing for teachers to ensure a thorough understanding
of the use and application of
ICT in schools.
Sarah Guy, communications director at ZyXEL Communications UK,
which commissioned the poll, said, "Although many pupils are really
clued-up when it comes to IT, they still need to be protected both
in school and at home.
"When 90% of IT staff and teachers think pupils know more than
them, the onus is on teachers to ensure their pupils are not at
risk when using IT."
The research, she said, suggests that without the right
technical support, teachers are not aware of the potential risks
created by an increasingly complex IT environment.
Instant messaging, for example, is used extensively in schools, but
can leave pupils and networks exposed to risk if security
measures are not in place, said Guy.