New IT courses to
give thousands of adults the skills and confidence they need to go
online will be piloted from today, Business Secretary Lord
Mandelson announced at the Learning and Technology World Forum.
The development of Online basics by the Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills, UK online centres and Becta forms part of
the Government’s response to Baroness Estelle Morris’s Review
of ICT User Skills, published in June 2009. The report
recommended support for the 11.6m adults in England of all ages
and all levels of education who do not have basic IT skills to
help them get to grips with technology. This complements the
Government’s national roll-out of Home Access for children in
years three to nine (aged around seven to thirteen) also announced
today by the Department of Children, Schools and Families.
Online basics will give beginners the skills needed to get going
online.
People can do the short, free courses at their own pace, either
at home if they have a computer and the internet or at a local UK
online centre by logging on to www.onlinebasics.co.uk.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:
“Everyone should be a confident user of the internet if they are
to participate fully in today’s digital society. Being online
brings a range of personal benefits, including financial savings,
educational attainment, improved salary prospects and independent
living for older people.
"Online basics will mean more people accessing vital IT
skills, enhancing their working lives and making digital literacy
as important a skill as basic literacy and numeracy. We’re also
investing £30m extra in UK online centres to support digital
participation, with the aim of getting more than one million
people online in the next three years.”
Online basics include five key modules covering the basics –
using a mouse and keyboard, looking at the internet and keeping
safe online. There is also guidance for people supporting those
using the course: from tutors in learning centres to family
members helping someone at home. Over the next three months,
Online basics will be piloted in UK online centres in Barnsley,
Oldham, Gloucester, Devon and London. Becta will evaluate the
courses, expected to be rolled out across England in September
2010.
Today Lord Mandelson also announced a doubling in
size of the joint Becta and Learning and Skills Council FE
Technology Exemplar Network, with 67 new members. This best
practice network for colleges and training providers offers them a
forum to exchange experiences, knowledge and practical know-how.
In total, two million students and 50,000 Further Education
teachers and trainers will benefit through the network.
Geoff Russell, Chief Executive of the Learning and Skills
Council, said:
“The highly successful Technology Exemplar Network has promoted
the unique, added value of technology in learning. In recognition
of this the LSC will be continuing its support for the Network as
it enters this important, second phase.
“The Exemplar Network itself is a fine example of peer-to-peer
knowledge cascade and effective practice transfer, which will
continue to drive further improvements in provider capability and
learner achievement and retention in our sector.
“Additionally, the launch of Online Basics will also help equip
adults with the skills and confidence they need to use modern
technology, to prepare them for gaining and sustaining employment
and being able to compete in today’s digital economy.” (DN:
awaiting clearance from GR)
Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta, said:
“The Network was set up at the request of the Further Education
sector – a real tribute to its commitment to innovate and improve.
Members have set up mini-networks, they regularly swap research
and expertise and they join together to meet common challenges
such as how best to use social networking and how to safeguard
students online. By working together in the Network, colleges and
training providers are learning how to apply technology more
efficiently and are getting better results and value for money.”
Also today, Becta launched its national prospectus for
technology-focused continuing professional development for Further
Education teachers and trainers. This is the first prospectus of
its kind and will help ensure teachers and trainers have the most
up-to-date skills and knowledge of technology so that learners can
benefit.
Notes to Editors
1. Online basics is a new offer from the myguide
service, a free, simple introduction to computer and internet
skills. There are over 25 more myguide courses about
emailing, online shopping, digital photography and more. As an
“open use” tool, myguide can be used by individuals,
colleges and training and adult learning providers.
2. Baroness Morris’s independent Review of ICT User Skills
recommended support for the 11.6m adults in England without
basic IT skills – in particular the over-65s, the socially
excluded and those with few or no qualifications. For further
information, see: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=403527&SubjectId=2&clientid=431.
For a link to the report, see: The Independent Review of ICT User
Skills can be found at: http://www.dius.gov.uk/%7E/media/3F79A51589404CFDB62F3DA0DEBA69A1.ashx
3. The Government’s Digital Britain report welcomed
Baroness Morris’s recommendations and the White Paper, Putting
the Frontline First: Smarter Government, announced £30m to
be invested in UK online centres to support the development of the
national plan for digital participation to get more than one
million people online in the next three years. It also outlined
the Government’s commitment to ensuring public services can be
delivered digitally in ways that are more convenient for people
and businesses.
4. The Learning and Technology World Forum is one of the largest
gatherings of education and skills ministers in the world and the
only forum which brings together key leaders to share their ideas
and experiences on the strategy, policy and delivery of learning
in all its contexts. It is now seen as the premier international
event on learning technologies.
5. Becta leads the national drive to inspire and lead the
effective and innovative use of technology throughout learning.
For further information on Becta’s Technology Exemplar Network, or
for more information on the e-CPD prospectus, please contact the
Becta press office on 02476 797146.
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is
building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the
conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise
and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to
succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities
and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Joanna Fletcher
Phone: 020 7215 5951
Joanna.Fletcher@bis.gsi.gov.uk