A Birmingham family will soon begin a year-long
experiment to demonstrate the difference digital technology can
make to everyday life.
Digital Birmingham,
the organisation charged with ensuring the benefits of digital
technologies can be experienced by all in the city, has joined
forces with the Birmingham
Mail paper to launch the search for Birmingham's digital
family.
The initiative is supported by BT, which is providing a range of
equipment for the winning family to use throughout their digital
test.
They will be invited to make the most out of BT broadband, BT
Vision digital TV, wireless connectivity, security software, and
the latest telephones and webcams, to learn and develop their
skills and teach other family members along the way.
"While many people are switched on to everything digital
technology can offer, it is still a minefield for some who may
think W-iFi is a fancy stereo system and broadband a hair
accessory," said Birmingham City Council deputy leader Paul
Tilsley, who heads up the Digital Birmingham partnership.
The plan is for the family to have their own blog on the
Birmingham Mail website and the paper will post regular updates on
their progress towards digital expertise.
The winning family will be announced at the end of June.