Royal Society opens inquiry into why kids hate tech

The Royal Society has opened its investigation into why kids are so bored with technology and computing classes in British schools - even if they're obsessed with their mobiles and iPods and applications like Facebook.

Earlier this month the Society announced an 18-month probe into Computing in Schools with the support of 24 other organisations and companies.

Recent exam results have shown computing subjects are failing to grab kids' attention.

The call for evidence is open to anyone on any subject, but some guidelines have been suggested.

These include asking whether computing is a real discipline in the same way that maths, physics or chemistry are.

Other questions include:

Is programming still a fundamental literacy for the modern age?

What is the purpose of ICT or computing classes in school?

Are existing qualifications fit for purpose?

Should computing even be taught in the school environment - do kids learn more outside the classroom?

Why do students study computing?

How much variety is there between different schools?

Do computing qualifications carry as much weight with universities as, say, maths qualifications?

Is it a problem of perception?

Is this problem unique to the UK or could we learn from other countries?

You have until 5 November to get your submissions in.

Get over to the this page of the Royal Society website, or email martin.smith at royalsociety.org once you have seen to see how the project is structured. ®