Education

Calls for balanced use of technology

Published

11 years ago

June 24, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Is this the future?: Technology concerns

A LEADING child psychologist has warned of the dangers of an over use of technology by the UK’s children. Linda Blair, speaking at the Cheltenham Science Festival, has suggested parents refrain from allowing children to use electronic devices before they set off for school as she believes it could harm their concentration levels in school. she has also called on schools to limit the amount of homework that required computer use.
She said: “It makes me mad because a lot of schools are doing screen homework. It’s so stupid – I wish they wouldn’t do that.”
However, a Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson has hit back, stating: “It is part of our role as educators to provide pupils with the experience of using a wide range of technologies to support learning in order to equip them with the skills required in the modern working environment. Ideally, there should be a balanced approach to the use of technology in the home just as there is in school.”
Ms Blair did however accept that limiting screen use ‘was not a popular move’, but believes it can ‘transform things’ for young people. She went on to suggest a partial move away from the use of technology, saying: “I encourage people to try it for a couple of days,” and continued by suggesting families ‘establish one point in the day where the family focuses on each other. Saying: “That used to be called dinner. All screens are off and you actually talk to each other. They will moan but 10 years from now they will remember it and thank you. You have to set limits. Kids have got to know how to manage their screens and be in control.”
The author of the book, ‘The Key to Calm’, also encouraged parents to set an example by limiting their ‘screen time’ and in her book states that ‘computers and other screens emit a blue light that has been shown to reduce levels of melatonin – a chemical produced by the body that aids restful sleep’.
Two leading teaching unions also wanted to have their say on the issue.
Owen Hathway, NUT Wales Policy Officer, said: “It will be interesting to review the research into this issue. It is of course important that children do come to school enthused and ready to work. We know that pupils who are up late watching TV or playing with computers or games stations can lack energy and concentration in class. It could well be that there is a similar impact for early morning use. At the same time we are in a digital age and smartphones and tablets are part, not just of modern life, but of the learning experience. I think what is important is that any use of these technologies around school are geared towards supplementing education. Using these devices for educational purposes can be highly effective and should be encouraged in that regard, but naturally only where it benefits rather than hinders the child’s ability to play an active role in the classroom.”
Dr Philip DIxon, Director of ATL Cymru, also went on to say: “The advent of computers and the internet has obviously provided us with great tools unknown to previous generations. Our children are growing up in a technological age and will need to be digitally literate to survive and prosper in the twenty first century. However, as with all advances we need to tread carefully. Some research suggests that too much computer work can be bad for us all let alone young children. So we need a healthy mix of learning and enjoyment from a variety of sources.”
Plaid Cymru Shadow Education and Skills Minister Mid and West AM Simon Thomas said: “Plaid Cymru’s election campaign in 2007 had a policy of free laptop computers for pupils. In the One Wales government we delivered on that pledge to those pupils most in need. This policy provided a level playing field for those who did not have access to a computer at home. Smart devices are part of the world of work and our everyday lives. As a parent and an elected representative I think we should embrace technology and not try and ban children from using them. There of course has to be a balanced approach between the use of technology and traditional methods of learning. There is evidence that smart screens can stimulate in an inappropriate way but this is best handled by the class teacher. Pupils often outstrip teachers in their skilful use of modern computing but we also need to teach coding to create, as well as use, programmes. We need young people equipped with the skills that can make the Welsh workforce a global competitor and just as importantly the skills to access knowledge throughout their lives.”
In the US research has also highlighted problems with pupils and mobile phone use, an increasing issue here in Wales. Academics at the Ohio University, Illinois State University and Nebraska University found out that students sending and receiving messages while studying actually scored lower test grades. 145 undergraduates took part in the research.
In the report it stated: “It is a common occurrence to observe students who are physically present, yet mentally preoccupied by non-course-related material on their mobile devices. As mobile devices have deeply saturated the college student population, this problem will likely continue to pose a significant obstacle.”
Some lecturers and universities are in favour of incorporating this technology into lessons, others want to see an outright ban on their use. The research went on to state: “Perhaps one of the biggest challenges instructors face in the 21st Century college classroom is the struggle of retaining student interest and engagement while students remain connected to the outside world through their mobile devices.”
A study published last month by the London School of Economics utilised schools in four English cities and concluded that test scores increased by more than 6% in those schools which banned the use of mobile phones. Researchers also concluded that it was the low-achieving pupils who were most likely to be distracted by these devices.

Cymraeg

Welsh language report says students face mixed experiences across colleges and universities

Published

3 days ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW report has found that Welsh-speaking students face inconsistent access to Welsh language services across Wales’ colleges and universities.

The research, published by the Welsh Language Commissioner on Monday (May 25), gathered responses from more than 1,500 further and higher education students.

It examined four key areas: whether students can submit written work in Welsh, choose accommodation with Welsh-speaking students, access a Welsh-speaking personal tutor, and receive wellbeing support through the medium of Welsh.

The report also looked at the wider language culture on campuses, including how institutions promote Welsh language services and support students to use Welsh naturally in academic and social settings.

Osian Llywelyn, Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner, said colleges and universities had a vital role in helping students use Welsh as part of everyday life.

He said: “Given the importance of sustaining and developing the continued use of the Welsh language, it is essential to recognise the key role that further education colleges and higher education institutions play in ensuring that students have the opportunity to use Welsh naturally as part of their academic and social lives.

“While it is encouraging to see strong examples of good practice, that experience is not consistent across the sector. As a result, we have identified clear improvement actions, and we will be asking the relevant institutions to address them.”

Five improvement actions have been identified. These include standardising Welsh-medium assessment arrangements, proactively offering Welsh language services rather than simply making them available on request, addressing gaps in workforce Welsh-language skills, strengthening students’ sense of belonging through Welsh, and improving self-assessment and monitoring.

James Owen, Chief Executive of Medr, the body responsible for funding and regulating tertiary education in Wales, said the findings showed the need for more support across the sector.

He said Medr’s new Welsh Language Condition would place a clearer focus on providers promoting and supporting the use of Cymraeg, and on creating formal and informal opportunities for staff and learners to develop their Welsh-language skills.

Ioan Matthews, Chief Executive of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, said students’ experiences of Welsh at college or university could influence their willingness and ability to use the language later in the workplace.

He said the report showed the need for the Welsh-language experience to extend “well beyond the classroom”.

The report will be officially launched at the Welsh Language Commissioner’s stand at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Anglesey at 11:00am on Monday (May 25).

Education

£1,500 cash bursary announced for aspiring local youngsters

Published

4 days ago

May 20, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

FOLLOWING its previous success, Ceredigion Youth Service is fortunate to accept another opportunity provided by West Wales Holiday Cottages to support young people with a cash bursary this year.

The purpose of the bursary is to provide young people aged between 11 and 25 with the chance to receive £1,500 to help with their future aspirations. The successful applicant(s) will be chosen by Ceredigion Youth Forum, which is a panel made up of young people from Ceredigion.

Gwion Bowen, Senior Support Officer Participation, said: “We are very grateful to West Wales Holiday Cottages for providing us with this opportunity for young people in Ceredigion for the ninth year in succession. Like ourselves, West Wales Holiday Cottages recognise that many young people living in Ceredigion may experience difficulties in accessing training, support and social activities due to socio-economic issues. The bursary was extremely successful last year, with a young person gaining financial support to help them with their mobile beauty start up business.”

Councillor Wyn Thomas, Cabinet for Schools and Lifelong Learning, said: “I would like to encourage anyone aged between 11 and 25 who needs financial support to reach their goals to consider this fantastic opportunity. As with previous years, I hope that the bursary is a success again this year, and that it will benefit young people in Ceredigion.”

Lisa Stopher, Managing Director at West Wales Holiday Cottages said, “West Wales Holiday Cottages are delighted to be supporting the bursary once again in partnership with Ceredigion Youth Service. We recognise that many young people can face barriers when accessing opportunities, training and resources, and we hope this bursary will continue to make a positive difference by giving young people the support they need to pursue their goals and aspirations.”

Do you need financial support to reach your goals? Would you benefit from having financial support to help you with training or equipment that is required for your chosen vocation? Are you looking for support to start your own enterprise? Are you a member of a community group and looking for financial support to purchase resources or equipment?

The closing date for applications is midnight on 19 July 2026. If you’re interested, contact Gwion Bowen on 07790 812939 or e-mail [email protected] for an application form.

Education

Ashmole & Co fund future accountants with financial donation to primary school

Published

4 days ago

May 20, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

CARMARTHENSHIRE’S would-be mathematicians are being given a major boost in their careers thanks to an Ashmole & Co donation to Ysgol Llandybie Primary School.

The donation, funded by the company’s Ammanford office, will help with the annual purchase of the online MyMaths resource which uses the online resource to help pupils and parents with the teaching of maths at home as well as allowing teachers to set tasks and provide them with tutorials to show them the mathematical concepts being taught.
The programme can assist in all areas of mathematics from shape to space, and from data to financial literacy.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office, said, “We are always keen
to offer our support locally. We are more than happy to help fund the online resource
MyMaths to help train the local accountants of the future from a young age.”

Llandybie Primary School Head Teacher, Rhian Pritchard, said, “We are keen to continue
using online resources to enhance our pupils’ learning experience but they come at an extra
cost. We are grateful to Ashmole and Co for the donation which will enable us to continue
the provision of online maths learning.”