A blogger I respect a lot has written an article with a title very similar to that above. Sticking to my rule of ‘more than three lines and it warrants a blog post rather than a comment’ here goes.
Is internet access necessary in schools?
Yes it is.
We are living in a society that is dependant on computers. Practically every company out there has a website, most homes are linked to the internet, and kids need to be able to use computers and the internet efficiently if they are to succeed. Scientists use computers to analyse lab results, retailers use the internet to sell their wares and computer programs for stock taking, accountants, teachers, and police staff all require computer skills. At some time or another each will require the internet, to do research, to purchase something, to acquire contact details.
I don’t think it does take a lot of skill to use a mouse or type something into google, therefore, I don’t think it needs to be taught as a subject in itself but it should be available in all classrooms for research purposes and to help with projects. Textbook learning is fine but it does get dull. To fully engage pupils you need to be more creative and utilise all medias along with arts, crafts, quizzes and as many other ways you can think of to really bring the subjects alive, especially at primary school, where a love of learning needs to be nurtured and is perhaps more important than the learning itself.
And whilst I’m on my soap box I think ‘Wall Ball‘ is a perfectly acceptable yard game too 
2 Responses to “Is Internet Access Necessary in Schools?”
I agree. Computers are very necessary in today’s world, and kids need to get used to them early. My younger sister and her husband are homeschooling, and it drives me nuts that they don’t want their kids playing on the computer yet. It’s not that hard to monitor and to pick safe sites!
I agree Stephanie, the world is full of risks. I have noticed an increase in what I would consider to be inapproriate language and violence for before the watershed on tv. There is no getting away from the fact that no matter how much we try they will see and hear things we rather they didn’t.