IT skills 'boost literacy'

13:20 4th December 2009

Children with good IT skills are also better at writing than those who struggle with computers, according to new research.

The BBC reports that a study undertaken by the National Literacy Trust found pupils with good computer and IT skills also boasted high literacy levels compared to their peers.

In the survey of 3,001 nine to 16-year-olds, it was revealed that almost a quarter (24 per cent) currently have their own blog, while 73 per cent use instant messaging applications to chat with friends online.

The findings could encourage more people to undertake IT training, because it could mean that a whole range of skills can be developed by becoming more computer-savvy.

Meanwhile, the government is seeking to improve the IT skills of unemployed people as a way to help them find work during the recession.

The government has set out proposals to increase the use of computers in helping jobseekers find new positions, as well as providing them with basic IT training in order to help them access these services.

Written by Derek Oldman

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