Key Barriers to increased access, understanding and awareness of ICT Provision.
There is a contradiction in education with regard to ICT provision. The Government has not increased the funding for ICT courses, therefore making them financially viable for the WEA to run - and the fact that the same Government has stated that ICT is a key skill. In addition, there is the constant comment that no one wants ICT courses and that ICT as an area of delivery is not required. There are many barriers to ICT provision and the following are just some. I have annotated where and how I believe we should be aiming our provision in the area
Attitudinal In that there is a lack of awareness or understanding of the potential of ICT to improve personal and economic well being, particularly amongst organisational leadership. This includes the perception, or reality, of there being little, if any, content relevant for some groups and communities;
Information suggests that even where people are able to afford access to ICT, particularly the Internet, they will often choose not to use it because they do not perceive that the content or functionality is meaningful for them. This is particularly true for ethnic minority communities but can extend also to other groups in society. In not using the Internet, such groups are missing out on access to information, knowledge, products and services that could enhance their well being and increase their ability to make a greater economic contribution.
Lack of confidence about ability to use new technologies; Language difficulties, either because of the techno-speak that is often used in association with ICT or potential users' limited English language skills. Many people who prove well able to use ICT after tuition need support to overcome a lack of confidence, particularly if they did not do well in previous learning situations, or it is a long time since they learned anything new. A report on telecentres and telework revealed that before any technical skills were taught to trainees much effort has to go into building confidence and encouraging them to believe they could master the equipment and software. While people are becoming more familiar with ICT terminology, help is often needed for them to overcome barriers around the use of jargon, with particular support needed by people from a non-English speaking background, or lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills. Potential WEA provision area. This is an ideal opportunity to offer ICT embedded with Skills for Life•
Financial:
Cost of equipment, connectivity and skill development - Potential WEA provision area
Lack of community-based access points which would provide cheap or free access and training - Potential WEA provision area
Skills:
Insufficient training and education, and professional development, of educators and business and community advisors to support advocacy for ICT, and to train people in ICT skills - Potential WEA provision area however funding required to deliver in these instances
Infrastructure:
Lack of new product developments which would encourage specific groups to go online
Inadequate technology infrastructure for growth in many areas, particularly rural areas - Rural area provision difficult due to low class numbers and retention issues
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3 comments:
When it comes to ICT provision, particularly in a highly rural area such as that where I teach (North Northumberland), having any technological hardware in any of the venues would be lovely. Since my courses take place in Community Centres or Children's Centres(Sure Start)there hasn't been the necessity, funding or political will on the part of those responsible for the venues to install such equipment as might be necessary for integrated e-learning. At one venue there is a separate computer suite, but it's one of those places where everyone faces a wall! how inclusive is that? At another there is a hearing loop system which is perfect for the one profoundly deaf student who comes to my crafts class. The possibility of WEA provision was mentioned in the original post, is there funding available for portable equipment such as laptops and data projectors for all tutors to be able to have the use of them? In my area, that would essentially mean me having the equipment for the whole term, due to the distance from Regional Office. This did actually happen during the autumn term, but the laptop wouldn't talk to the computer. I have resolved my own dilemma, which is wanting to deliver blended learning in a rural situation, by purchasing my own laptop and data projector - but you have to be that committed don't you - to put your money where your mouth is! However, hopefully my learners will have a much enhanced learning experience, and will have that confidence of which the original post speaks, to be able to deal with technology.
I think it is a good idea to offer embedded basic skills courses, and to add ICT to the literacy and numeracy which can be offered alongside other skills such as arts and crafts. I know that a lot of crafts tutors might feel that there isn't really a place for computers in an arts and crafts setting, but the use of e-learning technologies can help with instruction using presentation software - Powerpoint etc., it can help with lesson reinforcement with the use of interactive quizzes, and can be the focus of assessment using digital evidence, presented on a CD, or posted on a blog for example, all of which would introduce a learner to the use of ICT in a non-threatening environment .
The availabilty of ICT equipment from WEA is always an issue with regard distance I like you as a long distance player have procured a data projector and laptop
I have to say as the ICT CAL that in these instances "first come, first served" so if you get a course up and going and need the laptops contact me and I will get them to you!
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