By 2005, all government services must be available online. But how
does this affect the people who want to access these
services?
The Government's pledge to make online services available to
all may help fill skills gapMichael Wills
Viewpoint
Many people have taken advantage of e-mail and the Internet, at
home and at work. Most jobs now need some element of information
communications technology (ICT) capability and the job market has
changed hugely over the past decade, driven by new technology. Once
someone is in work, training for office-based skills is usually of
a high standard.
But the greater the opportunities offered by the information
revolution the greater are the problems for those who are not able
to take advantage of them. This "digital divide" between those who
have the skills to use the new technologies and those who do not is
widening and as minister for learning and technology I am
determined to prevent a new gulf emerging between the information
haves and information have-nots.
For the IT community, bridging this gap should translate into a
lessening of the skills crisis, as more people acquire the
competencies vital for today's job market.
Many people regard e-mail and the Internet as part of life, but
they are still alien to many others. About one in three in the
highest social group has Internet access at home, but only one in
50 of those in the lowest social group.
Men are more likely to use the Internet than women - more than
half of men do so compared to 40% of women. Older people and those
from ethnic minorities also use it less. Unemployed people, lone
parents, the over 50s and people in deprived areas use these
facilities far less than the average but they must not be left
out.
The main barrier to using these technologies is cost, according
to two in five of those who responded to a recent survey.
Last year, the prime minister launched UK Online. This
initiative is designed to allow everyone who wants it, access to
the Internet and e-mail - and to be able to do it near to where
they live or work.
These centres are designed to meet the needs of local people who
have low or no computer skills or who find it hard to get access to
new technology. Centre staff will provide skilled support and help
people to explore opportunities for further learning.
I want to give everyone the opportunity to use computers in an
environment where their needs are taken into account - cultural
traditions, physical disabilities, language difficulties.
I am also keen to encourage activities that provoke and support
people's curiosity about ICT - and find ways to make it meaningful
and useful in their lives. This will depend on centres offering
activities relevant to the individual or the community. Gradually,
this may lead people into more traditional learning, and more
formal training courses.
We know that once the benefits of using ICT have been
demonstrated to people, many ingrained prejudices melt away,
particularly among those who until now have been put off by new
technology.
By March 2002 there will be more than 6,000 centres, which will
include all public libraries in England.
We also need to make sure that all children have access to new
technology at school. More than 20,000 schools are connected - that
is 98% of secondary schools and 86% of primary schools. We expect
every school to be connected by 2002.
Educational content is keeping apace with technology - the
latest innovative, interactive products are helping teachers
provide stimulating teaching and more pupils are leaving school
with ICT skills than previously.
It is hoped that these initiatives will result in an increase in
the number of people who are able and eager to forge a career in
IT.
Michael Wills is minister for learning and technology