Thursday 26th January 2012 - Published by Robert Trigg - Communications Executive
Thousands of Free Computers to Boost Birmingham’s Literacy Rate
The latest phase of a project aimed at boosting computer literacy in one of Birmingham’s most deprived areas has been a resounding success.
Some 18 per cent of homes in the area covered by the Aston Pride Project have benefited from digital installations, with 43 per cent of residents likely to be more computer literate.
According to project associate Titan Partnership, 2,680 computers have been distributed around Aston, with 831 laptops being given to pupils in the Aston Pride area through the Computers For Pupils initiative.
On top of the hardware supplied for Aston’s youth, 337 computers were offered to homes in the area by Lancaster University’s Home Access initiative, with 700 computers previously provided during Phase 2 of the project.
In addition to improving computer literacy in the area, all families involved in the broader project have been able to keep their laptops even though it has finished.
Dr. Don Passey, a senior research fellow at Lancaster University, believes The Aston Pride ICT Project has been a success.
“Across the period of the initiative, school performance improved significantly. The computers in the Home Phase 3 project HAS clearly supported provision and online access for a number of homes that have previously not had access to computer technology,” said Dr. Passey. “To build on the developments of this project Titan Partnership is piloting the use of hand-held technologies in schools and homes.
“As an initiative addressing the digital divide in the Aston Pride area, the ICT project has been achieved successfully. The reach of computers into the community, the increasing uptake of training sessions and the improvements in ICT skills, have all supported the view that this initiative has had a significant impact on the community in a positive way,” he added.
Key benefits included being able to keep in contact with family members, job seeking, and online shopping. Some parents reported using internet facilities to access and complete training courses online.
