1.4 Local Divisions - Conclusion

In 1.4 I have discussed the many causes of the digital divide in the UK, and the social and economic impact that it has on our society. Thre are an enormous number of projects trying to bridge the digital divide many of which are funded directly or indirectly by the government as well as by local organisations and private companies. These initiatives have provided a lot of help and guidance on the use of digital technologies by trying to remove the economic, social and mobility barriers that excist.

Wifi in the UK

ICT at my library

My local library has many computers with internet access that is available to anyone who holds an easily attainable library card. Card holders are permitted to use the computers, scanners, printers etc for long periods of time for anything they like (if staff see it reasonable). This brings a slightly different crowd to the library as before internet and computers were introduced, only book lovers went there but know people who need the use of the computers such as students often visit.

Research on local community ICT access

In my local community, there is alot of easily accessible computers to use. School children have access to an awful lot of computers at their schools where they are taught basic and more advanced skills in ICT lessons. The adult community also has good access to computers in both the local library and community centres.

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).

Case study - ict and pensioners in rural England

Digital technologies have made a positive impact on the couple's lives although it has not been drastic. They have been able to contact friends that live far away more easily and have been introduced to leisurely activities available through these technologies such as tracing family trees and the use of a digital camera.

Their quality of life would not be poorer if they didn't have access to these digital technologies as the couple do not rely on them and only really use them to stay up to date in the 21st century. They are now using email to contact their friends in Australia and Pakistan but I'm sure they would be quite happy with handwriting letters to them. Similarly, their use of a digital camera hasn't made much difference to them as before all they would have to do is go into town and get their films developed. However as they get older and they become less mobile, this will help them alot as they would not have to make the journey to develop the photos, instead just having to click a button on the computer. As for the family tree thing, this is just a good output from the ionternet and I'm sure they could live without knowing what their family tree is like.

The couple were able to afford to buy a computer so access in the community centre would not benefit them personally. However for many other ageing couples, money is becoming tighter every day what with the 'credit-crunch'. Similar to the developing photos thing, as the couple get older, a somewhat simple sounding three mile journey to the local community centre will become harder every day due to the ageing process.

Who studies computing subjects?

I am currently studying post-16 Applied ICT and there are certainly more boys than girls studying subjects involving computing. Stereotypically boys are more interested in different forms of computing than girls as they spend more time playing computer games etc. In the UK men still hold more higher paid jobs than women do. The ICT training the males receive from school may be a factor affecting this. As most of the higher paid jobs involve some form of ICT, women will also have to learn the skills but it is harder to learn them later in life rather than growing up with them. In my current Applied ICT class, there are only two girls but about 15-20 boys. This shows the difference of interest between the two sexes.

1.4 Local Divisions - What is the impact of internet access for the homeless

Access to the internet can improve the lives of homeless people in many different ways; they could find find a hostel to stay in, they could find work, they could get in contact with family members through sites such as www.facebook.com, they could find charities to get some cheap clothing and shelter; the internet obviously is used on a computer and you never see computers out in the rain do you?

Although the internet would be a great asset to homeless people, I don't think that not having access to it would have a great impact on them. To be honest I think they would be more worried about where their next meal is coming from or where to sleep for the night. The stereotypical homeless person is a drug taker. They would probably be more concerned about where their next fix is coming from rather than when they can next surf the internet!