Research on initiatives that try to reduce the digital divide

I have chosen to research the 'UK online' centres. Their purpose is to provide people with access to computers and the internet, together whilst providing help and advice on how to use them.They relate to the digital divide because they help people who are not confident on computers to become confident thus reducing the digital divide espescially between the young and old in the UK. Its main target clients are the older population. This is becasue most younger people have grown up with computer technology so the skills have stuck with them from a young age; the older generation are stereotypically poor on computers as they have not grown up with them and if they want to learn how to use computer technology, they have to go out of their way to do this.

The organisation's main strenghts are obviously that they teach people how to use computers. I think that past students coming back to teach other people less capable on computers is a nice touch as these people know exactly what position the students are in. One of its weaknesses is that you have to pay for it. On the website is says 'Costs vary between centres but in many cases it's completely free to get started. Some centres do make a small charge for access, but might offer concessions for people on benefits, and access may even be free. Make sure you ask for details of charges when you call up to arrange your first visit.' 'In many cases it's completely free' is obviously not true because why would they charge for some and not for others so the information on the website may not be reliable (another weakness).