hello

Hello,

I’m interested in devising programmes to help people use the internet positively and effectively. In my view, the move to introduce superfast broadband needs to be accompanied with a strategic plan to inform people of the benefits (as has already been outlined) but also equip them with the skills to utilise it in creative and transformative ways.

I’m in the process of sketching out a pilot programme with Brathay Trust to develop disadvantaged young people’s digital literacy skills and wanted to pick people’s brains on a key question:

Does digital competence improve life chances? And, if so, how?

The answers to these questions might help us to move forward in promoting the broadband agenda in our communities.

Phil’s right, and I also think that those online tools are symptomatic of a bigger, underlying trend: digital technologies and their related activities are actually a growth area of the economy at the moment; we are increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, and the growth of digital data remains exponential. This means that digital literacy is opening you up to massive employment potential. Which business in the UK doesn’t rely on some kind of digital service? I think that this will be one of your strongest incentives.

Thanks for the encouraging posts! I agree that digital competence adds to young people’s employment potential. But as Phil said, it’s also a vital tool to enable access to information about jobs and services.

We have won funding to run a pilot residential programme at Brathay Trust for around 20 young people, probably in Years 8 and 9. We’ll be looking at developing their technical skills and confidence but also addressing online identity. Our provisional title is ‘Digital Me’. The students will be using digital media to share their special interests with a wide audience.

If it goes well, hopefully we’ll get programme funding and will be able to provide for disadvantaged young people from across the country.