– Landmark study of children’s interaction with digital technology shows scattergun approach at home, in school and in clubs
– Stark warning for UK economy with next generation lacking skills for a digital economy
A landmark study published today by Nesta points to a new digital divide: showing that for every child learning to make things using digital technology, over 60 are being left behind1. Young Digital Makers, the first study of its kind, maps interest, opportunities and support in the UK – both in and out of school – for young people to learn how to use digital technologies to make their own apps, games, websites as well as editing music, videos, images and more.
Today’s report finds that while over 8 million2 children are eager to get to grips with making things with digital technology, there were just 130,800 face-to-face opportunities available for them to learn outside of the classroom in the last year. The school’s role is important in developing these skills and interests, but this needs to be supplemented by out-of-school activities at home and in clubs: providing the space, encouragement and resources for the next generation to experiment and create using digital tools.
