Tech literacy given boost

Schools across Monklands are being encouraged to sign up to an initiative that aims to boost tech literacy in the classroom.

The Barefoot Computing Project works with primary teachers to help them develop the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to teach computer science.

Supported by Education Scotland and led by BT in Scotland with the British Computer Society, The Chartered Institute for IT, the programme provides free workshops and resources for teachers, including Gaelic content.

In the year since its launch, volunteers have delivered 210 free workshops to 3000 teachers across Scotland, reaching around 82,000 Scottish school children.

In North Lanarkshire, 37 per cent of primary schools have already signed up or taken part in a workshop.

However, Education Scotland has written to all primary head teachers to encourage more schools to take advantage of the programme, designed to fit with Curriculum for Excellence.

Alan Armstrong, strategic director at Education Scotland, told them:“It is estimated that around 90 per cent of jobs across the United Kingdom require an element of digital skills.

“As time goes on and technology becomes more prevalent, that figure is likely to increase.

“Technology is an integral part of the lives of our children and young people and I’ve seen some wonderful examples of it being used in classrooms right across the country.

“With your support, we can ensure that all pupils benefit from increasing confidence, competence and creativity through computing.”

Teachers interested in getting involved with the Barefoot programme are asked to visit the website to register.