Schoolchildren without computers 'at major disadvantage'

December 29 2010

Schoolchildren that do not have internet access at home are at a major disadvantage compared to their classmates, it has been claimed.

Valerie Thompson, chief executive of the e-Learning Foundation, said pupils without access to the internet can find it difficult to complete homework, do research and communicate with teachers.

Research carried out by the organisation found that over a million youngsters live in homes where there are no computers.

Furthermore, it was revealed that almost two million children have no internet access.

"Without the use of a computer and the ability to go online at home the attainment gap that characterises children from low income families is simply going to get worse," Ms Thompson commented.

The e-Learning Foundation was launched as a charity in 2001 and aims to bridge the "digital divide" in the UK by helping to ensure that every child has access to technology for learning.

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