Technology could be used more widely in the classroom

Teachers should use technology in lessons whenever they can to boost children's learning experiences, according to Childnet International.

The non-profit organisation is constantly working to make the web safe for children and advocates the increased use of technology in the classroom to reflect the changing times and utilise all the resources that the internet has to offer.

E-skills UK and the Open University recently launched a new programme to help train educational professionals to use technology more effectively and increase their awareness of new developments.

Ellen Ferguson, education manager at Childnet International, said: "All users stand to gain a great deal through increased engagement online. However, we need to recognise that many practitioners have never been trained to deliver through the internet and other interactive mediums."

Teachers and lecturers could potentially use VoIP hardware to communicate more cheaply, while the internet could be a valuable classroom learning tool.

Children use some form of technology for almost nine hours every day, according to new research from Npower.