Benefits of Super-fast broadband

Ofcom have published research into the benefits that next generation broadband could bring to older and disabled people to help promote independent living. Examples include: remote health monitoring and consultations mentoring and befriending schemes teleworking life-long learning initiatives Technology such as this should help promote independent living; health, learning, work and other social issues are [...]

Digital Participation programme is rescoped!

The Digital Participation programme led by Ofcom has been rescoped by the government as part of the public expenditure review. The limited funding that was available will be focused on supporting the activities of the http://raceonline2012.org campaign led by the UK Digital Champion, Martha Lane Fox. Sadly this will have an impact on many funding [...]

National Plan for Digital Participation

Many of us now take the web and the opportunities it offers for granted.  To a greater or lesser extent we all derive some benefit from being online.  However, for 12.5 million people in the UK this is not the case. The Digital Britain report identified the need for digital participation for these people and [...]

Ofcom’s Media Literacy Bulletin (Feb 2010)

Some highlights from the latest bulletin: The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) launched its ‘Click Clever Click Safe’ campaign.  Remember the digital Code ‘Zip It, Block It, Flag It’. Digital Unite launches BeGrand.net site for grandparents Hold an event for Adult Learners’ Week 2010 (15 to 21 May 2010) New Quick Reads e-books [...]

Media Literacy e-bulletin from Ofcom (Jan 2010)

Some highlights from the latest Ofcom ebulletin: BBC unveils 2010 media literacy activity The BBC have a strong showing in March with BBC Radio 2 running a media literacy campaign throughout the month and BBC2′s Working Lunch having a ‘digital inclusion week’. Online Basics course for adults launched New courses launched to help adults gain the [...]

Shop safe online this Christmas

As part of Get Safe Online week, Ofcom has today published a video setting out steps consumers can take and things they should look out for when shopping online this Christmas. If you know of other similar resources please feel free to share.

Ofcom’s Media Literacy e-bulletin – September

The September edition of Ofcom’s e-bulletin has just been published. Selected features: NIACE’s analysis of the Digital Britain Report Futurelab call for ideas (for new ways of learning) Media Literacy teacher training resources from the Media Education Association Young people want advice about online privacy Northern Ireland – WIMPS mobile launched (Where is My Public [...]

Ofcom Poll: What do you think of blogs?

Ofcom are currently running a poll to capture your view on blogging. (What is blogging?) The Poll Question: What do you think of blogs? Are they: The way forward for journalism Hit and miss – some are great, some less so Self-opinionated, amateurish twaddle To vote, you can find the poll on the lower right [...]

Ofcom – Annual Communications Market Review 2008

Ofcom’s fourth annual review on Northern Ireland’s communications market was released last week. Introduction: Communications Market Report: Northern Ireland Report: The Communications Market 2009: Nations & Regions – Northern Ireland (pdf) Here are some highlights from the report: “A third of households in Northern Ireland have watched TV or video online…” This includes catchup TV [...]

Technology – a spending priority

According to Ofcom’s Communications Market Report 2009 we value technology above that of holidays and meals out and have adjusted our spending to reflect this in the current economic climate. When consumers were asked where they would cut back on spending: 47% said meals out 41% said DIY 41% said holidays Only 10% would cut [...]