Use social networking sites in classroom, study says

The popularity of social networking websites should be exploited by teachers in the United Kingdom (UK) to develop children's ability to communicate and improve their technological skills, a new study says.

Most schools and colleges in the UK currently block access to many sites, even though they can be employed in many subjects taught to different groups, said the study funded by Becta, the government's educational technology agency.

The report by Childnet, an organization promoting Internet safety, said it was "clear that young people regard social networking services as just another part of their social and often school-related activities." Read more in The Telegraph online.