Digital media ‘should not replace books’
A teacher has insisted that digital media should not replace traditional reading material for youngsters, such as key stage 2 books.
According to Darren Coxon, deputy principal at Parkside Federation in Cambridge, the impact that modern technology has had on children cannot be ignored.
Indeed, he noted that boys in particular tend to be far more keen to interact with digital media than to sit down and read a book.
Speaking to the Cambridge News, Mr Coxon said 21st century technology should not replace the traditional form of reading.
However, he stated that digital media could perhaps be used to "promote engagement that will hopefully lead to a lifelong love of reading and all its benefits".
Mr Coxon said teachers have a duty to use technology in a creative way to acquaint people with skills that are still vitally important in the modern world.
He added that by harnessing digital media in this way, reading can once again become "relevant and meaningful" to youngsters.
His comments came after Nick Seaton of the Campaign for Real Education warned that British schoolchildren have weaker literacy skills than their counterparts in other European countries.
