Digital Britain – The Final Report

Tuesday saw the publication of the Digital Britain report which outlines the actions needed to remain competitive and inclusive in a digital future.

The foreword notes:

It offers a strategic view of the sector, backed by a programme of action:

• to complement and assist the private sector in delivering the effective modern communications infrastructure we need, built on new digital technologies;
• to enable Britain to be a global centre for the creative industries in the digital age, delivering an ever wider range of quality content, including public service content, within a clear and fair legal framework;
• to ensure that people have the capabilities and skills to flourish in the digital economy, and that all can participate in digital society; and
• for government to continue to modernise and improve its service to the taxpayer through digital procurement and the digital delivery of public services.

The third point is encouraging for the promotion of media literacy amongst those who still have to fully embrace the new digital world.  Chapter 6 titled “Research, Education and Skills for Digital Britain” expands further on this point and references the issue of “basic ICT skills”.

The Prime Minister said:

Digital Britain is about giving the country the tools to succeed and lead the way in the economy of the future.
…
Investing in areas such as broadband access for every home and business and the move from analogue to digital technology will bring benefits across the board, driving growth, enabling businesses to thrive, and providing new opportunities and choices for households right across the country. It is an essential part of building Britain’s future.

I’ve listed a range of articles and posts commenting on the new report – all with their own different viewpoints:

• Building Britain’s Digital Future (press release, DCMS)
• Gordon says broadband should run like water (Digital Unite)
• Digital Britain report set to push broadband for all by 2012 (Guardian)
• Tax to pay for fast net access (BBC News)
• Final report published! (Digital Britain Forum)
• Government publishes Digital Britain report (Personal Computer World)
• Government plans digital switchover for services (Kable)
• White paper recommends ‘G Cloud’ for government IT (Kable)

Please post any other relevant links or comments you may have.

Media Literacy in Europe

Found a few useful links recently on media literacy in Europe, feel free to submit others:

• Audiovisual and Media Policies – Media Literacy
• EuroMediaLiteracy

The Groundswell enabled by Social Media and Web 2.0

I stumbled upon a blog post today by Gareth Murran of ThirdForce titled: Groundswell in an e-learning 2.0 world.

In his post Gareth is referring to a book he has just finished reading:

Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies (Hardcover) by Charlene Li (Author), Josh Bernoff (Author)

The book focuses on how people are using new technologies to help them get the things they need and how businesses should take note when they operate in these more socially collaborative environments.

Clearly this is the impact and influence of the digitally included; those who are media literate and think nothing of searching Google for reviews on products and services to find the best price and/or quality/specification before they make their purchase.  It is now much easier and quicker for this group to become better informed and discerning consumers than it is for those who are not part of the digital revolution.

Surely this is just another reason to promote digital inclusion and media literacy within our society so all can realise the benefits.

If you have an interest in social media and web 2.0 technologies and wish to dig deeper this book seems to be a promising read.  I for one have placed an order on Amazon so may post a review in the future.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Internet

myguide is a website that offers an easy and clear introduction to the internet for absolute beginners.

It provides free email, internet search and basic IT courses.  It is also possible to personalise your experience by saving settings such as colour scheme, text size and screen resolution – a very useful feature.

The ‘Welcome courses’ require no registration and will provide a great way for many learners to address any online fears, particularly the ‘Feeling fine online’ course which includes video feedback from learners.  Courses within the other categories of ‘First & Next steps’ and ‘Moving on’ do require registration but after the ‘Welcome courses’ this should not be a problem.

This is a very useful starter tool for those who wish to embrace the benefits of the internet and join the digital revolution.  Visit AbilityNet to read more about this website.

myguide appears to be English based so if you’re looking for any local basic IT courses in Northern Ireland try the free EGSA course search or telephone one of our helpful advisers on 0845 602 6632.