Knowledge And Practices Relating To Netbook Use: The Voices Of Primary School Children In St. Vincent And The Grenadines
Abstract: This study explores the knowledge and practices with regards to the use of the Netbooks among students in primary schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Sixty-three students from six schools were interviewed: 31 from Gr3 (14 girls, 17 boys) and 32 from Gr5 (17 girls, 15 boys). Three broad categories of issues were identified: knowledge relating to the technology; use of the machines; and misuse of this resource. Evidence suggests that the students had some technical knowledge related to use for specific purposes and technical tricks for outfoxing systems; that they used the netbooks for a variety of activities both at home and at school, though they face restrictions at school; that some students were exposed to inappropriate content on the Internet, often at the instigation of older individuals. A main conclusion is that there is a need to educate the students for safe and beneficial use of the netbooks.