ICT Community Project

Overview

The project was designed to provide core computing skills for older people, who lacked both the knowledge and the resources to confidently access the internet. Our aim was to meet the needs of older people in the local community who struggle to cope and lack confidence with the application of ICT and modern technology and media. Two teachers along with 7 primary school pupils provided support for 45 local people (age range 50 – 80 years). Groups of 15 participated in a 4 week block of one hour lessons with access to a drop in centre available during the school week from 9am – 4pm.
The work aimed to bring members of the local community into the school. A range of people from different economic backgrounds and occupations were involved. Gender balance was incorporated within the thinking. Children and adults, young and older, worked together. The planned programme included looking at skype, email, social networking sites, job applications, on line shopping, presentations, accessing essential information on website, downloading photos, music videos all dependant on need and opportunity.
Funding secured from the Awards for All Programme allowed laptops to be purchased as well as an interactive whiteboard and handset system.

Benefits for the Community

The project has further strengthened the links between the school and the local parish. The school has an excellent relationship which allowed the adults involved to form friendships. The project also allowed pupils to promote the good work of the schools and to illustrate that children today are responsible, hard working and considerate of the needs of others, much of this is unfortunately not promoted by the media and their portrayal of youths is often negative. The enjoyment evident to the teachers from both pupils and adults was astonishing and future courses are being planned for the new school year.

Benefits for the Younger People

The programme provided opportunities for the pupils to interact, guide and mentor the older participants building their self confidence as they shared their ICT knowledge.

Benefits for the Older People

Each participant indicated an improved confidence in accessing the internet, sending emails and using digital and technological media. Older people sharing their lack of confidence with other pupils was also beneficial, having the opportunity to socialise and share ideas with each other and the pupils. Participants really enjoyed the experience of entering the school and being able to get to know the pupils.

This project contributes to the Scottish National Performance Framework (NPF):

Scottish NPF Objectives

The main NPF objective that this project contributes to is:
• Smarter will focus on improving literacy, numeracy and attainment and on raising and realising ambition for all.

These NPF objectives could also apply:

• Safer and Stronger aims to help local communities to flourish and become stronger, safer places to live.
• Healthier will enable people to live longer and healthier lives.

Scottish NPF Outcomes

Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens: To enable children, young people and (subsequently) adults to thrive from an early age, and make a positive contribution in the 21st century.

We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others: Being part of a strong community gives us the support we need locally. It minimises crime, antisocial behaviour and their social and economic costs.

We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk: Tackling risks early and building the resilience of children, young people and families will improve the educational, health and employment outcomes of our people.

We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society: We will continue to advance awareness-raising and anti-discrimination activity, to challenge attitudes, reduce stigma and build a tolerant Scotland.

We live longer, healthier lives: Securing longer healthier lives for the people of Scotland will always be a top priority for governments and individuals alike. There are significant challenges which can only be addressed by everyone in Scotland working together, pursuing this goal through improving lifestyles and life circumstances, and a shared ownership of an effective NHS.

We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger: Communities and people can only flourish and reach their potential when they are protected and they feel safe