Twitter lessons coming to UK primary schools?

In what would certainly be a bold new direction in education, the British government is proposing that Twitter be taught in primary schools.  Why?  They want children to get a good grasp and understanding of technology, the internet, and social networking at an early age.  They also see the limitless possibilities that Twitter itself could have in the classroom in regards to communication skills.  Besides Twitter, the proposal also highlights teaching how to make podcasts, blogging, and the use of Wikipedia.  I’m sad to say it but yet again another country is quickly passing the U.S. in terms of technology adoption and education reform.  Awesome job U.S….awesome.  You may be asking who is responsible for this technological education revolution?  That man would be Sir Jim Rose, the former Ofsted chief, who was appointed by ministers to overhaul the primary school curriculum.  His proposals and reforms are expected to be published next month.  Exactly what does the bill contain?  Step inside and fill your little head.

• Children must be taught Podcasting, blogging, Wikipedia use as well as keyboard skills, writing skills, and how to use a spell checker alongside knowing how to spell themselves…all before leaving primary school
• The children will have to know how to place chronological events along side points in history.  They will need to have a good grasp and understanding of key British history.
• Less use of calculators
• A better understanding of overall health: physical and mental coupled with an understanding of a proper diet.

As you can see, not everything is strictly technology based.  However, the few things listed above are big leaps ahead of what many countires (U.S. included) are doing now.  Just think, your kids would grow up with Twitter and Facebook in the classroom and be taught with them.  It is a far cry from current schooling policies of banning all social networkign in school.

What are you thoughts.  Obviously most kids know how to use social networkings sites even with school bans.  Do you think the British government would be spinning their wheels with this policy seeing as how it could be redundant?  Let me know what your innards are saying.

Source: Tech Crunch, The Gaurdian

Author: Mike Norris

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Gadget lover, smartphone collector, and beer connoisseur. I've been writing about gadgets for three years now and loving every minute of it. Outside of the digital landscape, I enjoy being active outdoors. I'm always up for a good conversation, so feel free to drop me a line!