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Sandwell Community Education & Development Services

A total of eight laptop computers were received as part of the initiative.

The laptops have been initially stored at Tividale Community Centre in the Oldbury area of Sandwell.

Below is a list of activities which have taken place.

Introduction To Computers

A very basic class which assumes no knowledge. Open to all ages, the course has a recognised teacher of IT in attendance all the time and follows a general syllabus. At present eight students are attending.

Drop In For Computers

This session has a technician available to help with any problems or difficulties in accessing programmes or information. It is aimed at providing any facility the computers can offer on a "drop in" basis. Hence members of the public can access learn to compute, producing CVs, spreadsheets, database or being more creative making birthday cards etc. Over 20 people have been involved.

Mobile Access Through Adult Education

Encompassing both of the above schemes, the laptops have been used as taster sessions for Adult Education classes and the borough. This has successfully led to adults moving into more traditional classes provided by the Adult Education Service.

Partners For Future Developments

A good deal of time has been involved with seeking out potential partners in local communities to work with more effectively. After the half term break in February the following will be taking place.

Saturday Morning Club In The Arts

Using the laptop computers to facilitate artistic developments with a group of special needs students.

MAC Provision

Multi Agency Centre provision tied to local primary schools gives access to both parents and children. Aim of provision is to link this to provide family learning sessions and to provide parent only drop in sessions. We are currently loaning out some of the school laptops to local parents.

Arts In Sandwell

Linking with Arts in Sandwell we will provide computer and Internet access based in Youth Clubs working with groups of young people. Main aim to facilitate better promotion, publicity and design.

Young Women's Week

In conjunction with many other events planned for the week we are operating a mobile Internet and computer workshop on a double decker bus throughout the local area. Guidance and support will be available. This will be accompanied by a range of other events or topics such as health, advice, training etc.

The laptops are in use weekly at different venues and will dramatically increase in use after half term. We have purposely used this time to forge closer links with communities to ensure that they are being used to their advantage. I will arrange to send photographs and publicity materials at some other time.
by Steve Jowett

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