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This book was developed from an ESRC funded research project (1998-2000) entitled 'ScreenPlay' conducted by researchers from Bristol, Cardiff and University of Wales Newport universities. The Directors of this project were Prof. R. Sutherland, Prof. J. Furlong and myself. \nKeri Facer was the Researcher on this project. The book was co-researched and written by this team using quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (case studies) methodologies in schools and in domestic settings. \n \nThe interdisciplinary team drew from research perspectives including Psychology (Sutherland), Sociology and Education (Facer, Furlong, J., Furlong, R. and Sutherland) and Media and Cultural studies (Facer and Furlong, R.). The book set out to question the assumption that we are straightforwardly experiencing a 'techno-revolution' or living in a 'cybersociety' or that young people in countries like ours constitute a new 'digital generation'. \n \nThe research set out to answer five questions: \n•\tWho has access to what screen-based technologies (home, school, other contexts) \n•\tUnder what social/physical circumstances do young people engage with these technologies \n•\tWhat is the significance of screen-based technologies in young people’s lives as a whole? \n•\tHow do young people learn to use computer technologies? \n•\tIn what ways do computer technologies enhance and transform children’s capabilities? \n \nScreenPlay has led to debates at local, national and international levels in academic, popular and industry-linked venues about important issues concerning how we learn with the computer. It has explored how children may be disadvantaged if they own a computer but are unable to acquire the cultural capital to fully engage with it. Debates have also focussed on a re-evaluation of the role of educators and government role in relation to ICT. Finally how can young people be best helped to understand and benefit from modern communication systems?