Wales Media Literacy Network

OK, so we haven’t made the best use of this blog so far…. but things are about to change!

At the last Network meeting it was decided that we’d try to generate discussion around relevent media literacy topics at least once a fortnight. And what better way to kick off than to explore the opportunities and challenges that we face in the converged media landscape .

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that we need a multi-agency approch to tackle these matters and conferences like the one being held tomorrow provide a fantastic focal point for gathering opinion and sharing best practice. 

WISE KIDS and the Wales Internet Safety Partnership (WISP) are hosting a one day national conference in Swansea tomorrow (20^th of October) entitled “Young People, Mobile and Internet Technologies 2008 – Maximising Opportunities, Addressing Challenges”.  Delegates will explore the innovative use of technology in education, children’s experiences in virtual worlds, digital literacy, eSafety, legal and good practice guidelines. The conference will also try to pinpoint the issues that educators, youth professionals and policy makers need to address to ensure that young people have the necessary skills and knowledge to use these media confidently, and safely.

Expert speakers include:-

Keith Towler, Children’s Commissioner for Wales
John Davitt, Wordroutes Ltd
Victoria Read, Bebo
Josh Dhaliwal, mobileYouth
Ruth Hammond, BECTA

Young people will be involved in the presentations a panel session.

Jane Hutt, Education Minister said, “The Internet is a tremendous resource for teaching and learning but we need to ensure that children and young people know how to stay safe and have a positive, enjoyable experience online. The Welsh Assembly Government is delighted to be working with WISE KIDS and the Wales Internet Safety Partnership on this vitally important issue.”

“We are excited to be able to contribute to the day, and are looking forward to hearing what all the speakers have to say“, said a WISE KIDS Youth Panel member, 14, from Newport, one of the young people participating on the day.

Sangeet Bhullar, Executive Director of WISE KIDS highlights that “this cross sector event is a wonderful opportunity for delegates to gain a better understanding of young people’s use of Internet and mobile technologies. We hope the conference will stimulate discussion, ideas and concrete action points that can help the sector move forward as a whole, in a way that truly supports young people, and those who work with them.”

Keith Towler, Children’s Commissioner for Wales said, “It’s fantastic to see some of the most influential organisations getting together in Wales to discuss such an important topic.  We all know that children and young people are heavy users of the Internet so I would like to see us all working together to empower children, young people as well as parents and carers to be able to use these technologies safely.”

Rhodri Williams, Director Wales, Ofcom said, “Ofcom is delighted to support the conference. In this ever changing communications landscape we all need to be empowered to manage our relationship with content and services, however they are delivered. As the traditional models of content regulation become less effective in minimising potential harm and offence, we must turn to the education sector, parents, carers and individuals to take more responsibility for what young people have access to. “

So there we have it… crucial players coming together to share ideas best practice and promote ideas going forward.  And all with a clear understanding that we need to work together to address these issues.

If you’re one of the lucky 200 or so delegates that have already registered to attend the conference your thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, the event will be live webcast by RichardJolly.TV, and presentations will also be available on the Web afterwards. Links will be available from the WISE KIDS website http://www.wisekids.org.uk

So no excuses…. let us know what you think – what are the key issues and what can we do to address them?

Filed under: General/Cyffredinol Tagged: | Add new tag, conference, Internet, Swansea, WISE KIDS, WISP