Digital inclusion is more than just getting people online
Digital Inclusion is social inclusion that ensures individuals and disadvantaged groups have access and skills to use digital tools. Hence they are therefore able to participate and benefit from today’s knowledge and information society. This involves more than just getting people online, it is about transforming lives, particularly for those groups most excluded.
“The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.”
Tim Berners-Lee, Inventor of the World Wide Web
DIFFERENT APPROACHES
There are various sectors of those and different approaches
- Career change for those in the work focus challenged by automation
- Basic digital skills for the long term unemployed
- Entry level skills for people with ‘operational background’.
- Intermediate level for people to support emerging technologies
The Nesta CareerTech Challenge is calling for solutions to future-proof adults in job roles most likely to change, i.e. challenged by automation
There are four ways that technology could be used to prepare people for a changing world of work:
Expanding horizons: using information about jobs that are growing and the skills they require, to help people explore multiple career pathways and feel optimistic about their opportunities.
Extending access to career and learning services: widespread technologies such as smartphones have the potential to scale-up the provision of training and careers advice.
Enhancing motivation to learn: using novel approaches to make online learning more motivating, engaging and effective.
Increasing long-term adaptability: supporting people to develop career adaptability skills which build their confidence and help them to navigate the changing world of work.
The CareerTech Fund is being funded by the Department for Education, and does not apply to those in longterm employment, but aligns with the work of the DfE’s National Retraining Scheme (NRS).
Good Things Foundation is now in the sixth year of delivering the Future Digital Inclusion programme, funded by the Department for Education, supporting individuals to improve their basic digital skills. The local network of centres in the UK engage people with community-based learning, offering digital skills as part of a package of support based on an individual’s need.
Skills for Tomorrow Excellent initiative launched by BT empowering people with the skills needed for a better tomorrow, which covers many aspects of work life including;
Finding a job: Help with landing a dream job based on range of courses offering practical tips and expert insights.
Expanding your skillset: Taking skillsets to the next level with courses covering a wide range of topics, from data to design.
Realising potential at work: Teaching the tips and tools to help tap potential and boost performance at work.
Digital Business Academy is a free resource provided by Tech Nation to help start, grow or join a digital business, providing Intermediate level support. Tech Nation recently acknowledged Ade Awokoya as one of the 50 most inspiring, prominent, and influential voices in UK tech, for the support given by LBAcademy
The Launch of Future.Now
Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin has launched future.now, a new coalition of leading companies, education providers and charities working in collaboration with government to empower everyone to thrive in a digital UK.
The future.now founding members have therefore committed to the following pledges – and are encouraging other organisations to join in and do the same:
Pledge 1: Build our own capability.
Pledge 2: Build scale outside our own organisation.
Pledge 3: Build collective action.
LBAcademy is a UK Business Growth Hub that provides digital skill and talent training to Tech & Creative Startups for high growth.