Next steps for digital inclusion

[Background] [Aims] [Audience] [Outcomes] [Programme] [Event Information] [Application Conditions]

Background

Use of technology and the Internet is fundamental to our working lives, governs how we communicate with each other, how we access public services, how we interact with government and, increasingly, what and how we learn.

However, as we approach the end of many national, regional and local digital inclusion initiatives, there are still 8.4 million people not online. We also question whether those who have been online have developed the digital skills and capabilities that they need to participate fully in future learning and in our digital society. There is an obvious need to ensure that those who wish to develop their digital capability have the access, training and support to do so.

Delegates will hear a range of experts describe the results of recent campaigns, policies and initiatives and discuss their future plans and recommendations.  The seminar will also offer the opportunity for delegates to consider the future of digital inclusion from the perspective of their own organizations.

This will be followed by a series of table discussions which will explore how to ensure a sustainable future for the development of adults’ digital capabilities. Discussion topics will include:

    a) The Race Online 2012 campaign has been successful in highlighting the benefits of going online and has widened participation in the use of the internet. However, with 8.2 million people in the UK still not online, how can we ensure that that they have the access, training and support to do so.

    b) The European Union has launched the Digital Agenda for Europe, which includes the prioritization of digital literacy and competences for the European Social Fund and encourages measures to ensure all citizens have access to IT training. How will European Digital Agenda support the development of digital literacy and competences in the UK?

    c) According to the 2011 Oxford Internet Survey, disability, such as health-related problems, remains a key source of digital exclusion. Internet use by people with a disability remained steady from 2009 to 2011, at 41%, and is about half that of non-disabled (78%). How can we ensure equality of digital access and the development of capability?

    d) The UK online centres network was set up by government in 1999 to provide public access to computers. Since then, their role has developed to inspire people to get online, support them to gain the skills and confidence they need to use the internet and to take advantage of online public services. What has been the contribution of UK online to the digital agenda and what do they plan for the future?

    e) Initiatives such as the DAIN project http://www.dainproject.org have been successful in empowering volunteers to engage with members of their community and take first steps in digital literacy. What is the potential contribution of volunteers to reducing the digital divide and what are their challenges?

    f) Some learning providers, such as Coleg Llandrillo Cymru have developed  innovative methods to embed digital literacy in their learning provision. Why is this important and how could it be achieved? 

    g) To use online tools and web sites securely and ethically, people need to develop critical skills to apply to their online experiences. These skills may include: managing online safety and privacy, understanding intellectual property and copyright, behaving ethically online, researching and authenticating online information, managing online relationships and dealing with cyberbullying. How important is it to include online safety when developing our digital inclusion strategies and how could it be delivered?

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Aims

The seminar will provide a forum for practitioners, researchers, volunteers and providers in all areas of post school learning to discuss the next steps in digital inclusion which and consider the next steps in reducing the digital divide at national level and within their own provision.

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Outcomes

Seminar participants will have the opportunity to:

• Discuss expert opinions
• Share their own experiences and practice
• Debate and discuss challenges and opportunities
• Develop initial ideas for a digital inclusion strategy within their own provision

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Audience

This seminar would be of interest to:

Tutors and managers of adult learning providers across the FE and Skills sector.
Volunteers and managers of digital projects and initiatives
Third sector organisations delivering digital provision to adults

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Programme

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Event Information

• Arrival and registration is at 10:00am for a 10.30 start. The seminar will end at 3:30pm
• Event fee per person: £99 (includes sandwich lunch, tea/coffee )
• NB: NIACE does not charge VAT on conference or course fees.
• Only online application forms with the payments section completed will be processed.
• NB: If you wish us to invoice your employer we require a copy of the Purchase Order before the form is processed.
• Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed online application forms (one online application form per person)
• Video cameras may be in use at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed or appear on the video outputs please indicate this on the application form and make yourself known at registration
• Handouts and presentations will be available electronically.
• If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact: events@niace.org.uk

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Application Conditions

• Event: Thursday 15 March 2012
• Closing Date: Thursday 1st March 2012
• Cancellations are non-refundable.
• The full fee is payable prior to the event
• Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event
• A 15 working days notice period is required for provision of electronic note-takers, sign language interpreters and transcription to Braille
• Places are to be reserved online – scroll up and click on Apply Now
• Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted
• Application forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail. Joining instructions, including map and directions, will be e-mailed out one week before the event.
• NIACE reserves the right to reject applicants who are not from the target audience list.

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