Learning in the Family

Learning in the Family Research Report

How do children learn with new technologies in the home? How do their parents and siblings get involved? Who helps whom, when, where and how? How could parents better help their children learn at home?

Supported by a Becta Research Grant to support the DCSF Harnessing Technology strategy, the Learning in the Family research focuses on children learning with their parents and other family members.

The UK Government's Children’s Plan suggests the next steps for improving children’s lives must be taken in partnership with parents and children and this is manifested in the Government’s £300m Home Access project which aims to provide computers and internet access to families to enhance learning at home. This research takes a timely look at how 4600 children currently learn with technology in the context of their families.

"It is clear from the research results that the Internet has gained a significant place in children's daily lives. Almost all of the children surveyed use the Internet at home with their parents. Their mothers are particularly engaged with their homework and formal learning and take an interest in their online safety. Fathers join in to a lesser extent but encourage children with the fun aspects and help them with their hobbies." - Learning in the Family, November 2008