A new underclass of IT "have-nots" could be created by a
proposed government strategy to revolutionise e-learning, the BCS
has warned. However, the plan could create job opportunities for IT
specialists.
The government's e-learning strategy seeks to exploit IT throughout
the school curriculum and across all age-groups. A consultation
document on the strategy called for IT to be used in everything
from pre-school classes to adult education and in areas such as
driving theory tests, with special software aids for people with
dyslexia, for example.
The BCS broadly supports the strategy and recognises that
e-learning can offer significant benefits, it said.
Among the potential benefits identified in the consultation
document were higher attainment, because people would be able to
work at their own pace and in private; online guidance and support;
a wider choice of subjects to meet individual needs; new ways of
motivating people; and individual and private help for adults with
their literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
However, the BCS questioned whether some of the strategy's aims
could be met because, it said, the gap between people who have
access to IT and those who do not is widening.
For example, the consultation document said IT could open more
options to people who are geographically isolated, such as in small
rural schools, and it could improve access to learning for
disadvantaged sections of the community.
But the BCS said access was declining for these people, because of
economic, social and cultural factors.
"The government must address the digital divide that is already
opening and which will get wider without more broadband subsidies
to give greater IT access for rural villages, schools, libraries,
industry and commerce," the society said.
However, the e-learning strategy could be good news for IT
specialists, teachers and trainers, the BCS said. "The upsurge in
e-learning could bring new demand and job opportunities for IT
professionals and for teachers and trainers with recognised IT
qualifications.
"We are alerting our members to the importance of re-evaluating and
further developing their own e-portfolios in readiness for the
career opportunities we believe will follow."
BCS chief executive David Clarke said, "As the largest independent
IT skills and qualifications body, the BCS is already broadening
its range of training and qualification products to offer more
job-specific IT courses and certificates.
"For example, the European computer driving licence core IT skills
qualification, which has more than one million people registered in
the UK, has been enhanced to address IT skill needs in the teaching
profession. In addition, our new Equalskills qualification has been
created to help the large sector of the population who have never
used a computer."
www.bcs.org/elearningresponse www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations2/16/