Lack of computers at Hong Kong international school questioned

My Year 5 son attends an international primary school where there are no separate lessons for computer skills. Sometimes he only uses a computer once or twice a week, as there are only enough for children to share one between two (and these are also shared with another class). Also, most of his homework is still written by hand. Surely nowadays schools should be providing more access to computers?

The lack of resources in schools can be frustrating. Computers are expensive to both buy and maintain. As a parent there are several things you could do to help: join the school’s parent-teacher association and encourage fundraising activities for technology; discuss your concerns with the school principal; introduce the subject of increasing technology resources at the next school annual general meeting. Another way to make your views known is through parent questionnaires many schools use as part of their self-evaluation.

Your son’s exposure to technology is likely to increase at secondary school. Most Hong Kong international schools require pupils to have their own laptops from Year 7 onwards, meaning schoolwork and homework are frequently done on the computer.

The teaching and practise of technology skills are often integrated into lessons at primary level, despite that, some parents – like yourself – would like to see it taught as a separate subject. Also, students should have opportunities to use computers during specified library times, often for research work.

Class action: learning typing is key, but there’s no need to rush your child

Teachers, who are now expected to be well trained in computer skills, are able to teach skills explicitly using interactive white boards. Not only does this make lessons lively and engaging, it also gives teachers the opportunity to be good role models, using technology to enhance their presentations and make lessons more interesting and visual.