Now more than ever there is a need for citizens to enjoy the opportunity to learn about ICT and digital media.
- Digital has become the de facto mode for almost every use of media, from design to marketing and communications, from film to music, from architecture to engineering
- Government targets have driven the development of e-Services
- The Web has at last taken off as a purchasing medium that cannot be ignored by any citizen seeking best price for such as books, cars, holidays and domestic goods
- Broadband and hardware propositions are now accessible to most – whilst still not affordable by all
At the same time, the delivery framework for ICT based Adult and Community Learning has been undergoing important change in recent times:
- ICT has been recognised alongside numeracy and literacy as a ‘skill for life’
- A national initiative involving QCA and NIACE has developed new standards for qualifications and delivery of ICT skills from Entry to Level 2
- The response of Local Authorities to government’s imperative to develop e-services has added the perspective of developing e-citizen skills
- More broadly, a specialist perspective on e-learning is being overtaken by a practical understanding of how to use on-line resources to support learning and to engage newcomers with the use of ICT and especially with the internet.
These developments have all contributed to the current recognition that:
- Office computing skills, through progressions leading to ECDL and similar offerings, are not likely to drive the next wave of adult ICT users
- Those still uncertain about using ICT and the internet are much more likely to be drawn in by personally compelling opportunities such as:
- Family – using email and photography for example
- Hobbies – the chance to access new information and to meet other enthusiasts in a community of interest
- Convenience, Choice & Savings – opportunities to get a better deal when booking holidays or paying household bills
- Therefore, the desktop PC may not be the place to start – we should focus ‘first steps’ courses around the commonly used devices that ‘do the business’ for different types of learner, such as the internet connected phone or TV, digital cameras and personal players such as MP3 and iPods
- Public services are unlikely to drive people to using the internet or to acquiring ICT skills, but take-up of Local Authority, NHS or HMRC services may follow if they are introduced at the right time
- Last but not least, ‘first steps’ or pre-Entry Level learning with a human face will be very important to the next tranche of adopters
This is recognised in the Regional Digital & ICT Skills Action Plan (2005-9) (www.digitalyorkshire.com/skills.htm , which highlights three actions of particular importance in ACL development:
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e-Learning Habit
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Work with employers and providers to overcome barriers to the take up of e-learning amongst learners of all ages with the support of champions and e-mentors. This will be a vital contribution to the habits required for lifelong learning and accommodating change in an e-confident society.
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e-Service Take-up
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Cultivate awareness and use of online services amongst the wider public, with particular emphasis on digitally excluded groups. The focus should include not only e-government and e-health services but also beneficial knowledge, commerce & lifestyle propositions.
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Adult Digital Literacy Qualifications
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Drive the introduction of short courses that offer more granular and flexible breakdown of digital subjects at Entry, Level 1 & 2. This should exploit the capability of digital activities to engage - not only younger people through such as games, messaging and mobile but also older generations through hobbies and pastimes like photography, family history and gardening. This 'stealth' approach is compatible with emerging adult ICT curriculum standards.
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In addition, the forthcoming South Yorkshire Broadband Project will be a great opportunity for building widespread Adult Digital Literacy as it delivers ‘next generation’ broadband at the doorstep of homes across the sub-region from 2007. The key to maximising the impact will be linking ACL efforts with the commercial service rollout – something that will need high level cross-agency coordination.
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