Busybee Tech

Tag: digital skills

  • Digital Poverty and Poverty in the UK: The Role of Structural Inequality

    The digital age has brought with it many benefits, but it has also created new forms of inequality. One such inequality is digital poverty, which refers to the lack of access to digital technologies and the skills to use them.

    In the UK, digital poverty is a growing problem. According to a recent study by ScienceDirect, 15 million people in the UK have very low engagement with the internet, and 10 million lack the most basic skills in using a computer or the internet.

    Digital poverty can have a significant impact on people’s lives. It can make it difficult to access essential services, such as healthcare, education, and employment. It can also lead to social isolation and exclusion.

    There are a number of factors that contribute to digital poverty. These include low income, lack of skills, and poor physical infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the problem, as many essential services have moved online.

    However, digital poverty is not just about having access to a computer or the internet. It is also about having the skills to use these technologies effectively. People who are digitally poor are more likely to be unemployed, to live in poverty, and to have poor health.

    The study by ScienceDirect found that structural inequality plays a significant role in shaping experiences of digital exclusion. The study found that people who are already disadvantaged in other ways, such as those who live in poor-quality housing, are more likely to be digitally excluded.

    The study also found that the digital divide is not just about access to technology. It is also about the skills and knowledge needed to use technology effectively. People who are digitally excluded are less likely to have the skills and knowledge they need to use technology to access essential services, to find employment, or to participate in civic life.

    The study’s findings highlight the importance of addressing structural inequality in order to reduce digital poverty. This means investing in physical infrastructure, providing digital skills training, and addressing the root causes of poverty.

    Addressing digital poverty is essential to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital age. It is also essential to reducing inequality and building a more inclusive society.

    Here are some additional thoughts on the issue of digital poverty and structural inequality:

    • Digital poverty is not just a problem for individuals. It is also a problem for society as a whole.
    • Digital poverty can lead to social isolation and exclusion, which can have a negative impact on mental and physical health.
    • Digital poverty can also make it difficult to access essential services, such as healthcare, education, and employment.
    • Addressing digital poverty is essential to reducing inequality and building a more inclusive society.

    There are a number of things that can be done to address digital poverty and structural inequality. These include:

    • Investing in physical infrastructure, such as broadband internet access.
    • Providing digital skills training.
    • Addressing the root causes of poverty, such as low wages and lack of affordable housing.
    • Raising awareness of the issue of digital poverty.
    • challenging the stigma that often surrounds digital poverty.

    Addressing digital poverty and structural inequality is a complex challenge, but it is one that we must address if we want to build a more inclusive society.

  • Digital Poverty in the UK: A Growing Problem

    The digital age has brought with it many benefits, but it has also created new forms of inequality. One such inequality is digital poverty, which refers to the lack of access to digital technologies and the skills to use them.

    In the UK, digital poverty is a growing problem. According to a recent study by the Institute of Development Studies, 15 million people in the UK have very low engagement with the internet, and 10 million lack the most basic skills in using a computer or the internet.

    Digital poverty can have a significant impact on people’s lives. It can make it difficult to access essential services, such as healthcare, education, and employment. It can also lead to social isolation and exclusion.

    There are a number of factors that contribute to digital poverty. These include low income, lack of skills, and poor physical infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the problem, as many essential services have moved online.

    There are a number of things that can be done to address digital poverty. These include providing free or low-cost internet access, offering digital skills training, and investing in physical infrastructure. It is also important to raise awareness of the issue and to challenge the stigma that often surrounds digital poverty.

    Digital poverty is a complex issue, but it is one that needs to be addressed. The growing digital divide is a threat to social and economic inclusion, and it is something that we cannot afford to ignore.

    Here are some additional thoughts on the issue of digital poverty:

    • Digital poverty is not just about having access to a computer or the internet. It is also about having the skills to use these technologies effectively.
    • Digital poverty can have a cumulative effect. People who are digitally poor are more likely to be unemployed, to live in poverty, and to have poor health.
    • Digital poverty can be a vicious cycle. People who are digitally poor are less likely to be able to access the opportunities that the digital age offers, which can make it even harder to escape poverty.

    There are a number of things that can be done to address digital poverty. These include:

    • Providing free or low-cost internet access.
    • Offering digital skills training.
    • Investing in physical infrastructure.
    • Raising awareness of the issue.
    • challenging the stigma that often surrounds digital poverty.

    Addressing digital poverty is essential to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital age. It is also essential to reducing inequality and building a more inclusive society.

  • Free Computer Courses in Manchester

    Manchester is a city with a thriving tech scene, and there are many opportunities to learn the basics of computer science and IT for free. Here are a few of the options available:

    • The Manchester College offers a variety of free Work and Skills courses, including one on Digital Skills. This course covers the basics of using computers, the internet, and software applications. Opens in a new window The Manchester College Manchester College in Manchester
    • Manchester Adult Education also offers a free Digital Skills course. This course is designed for people with no or low digital skills, and it covers topics such as using the internet, creating documents, and using email. Opens in a new window Twitter Manchester Adult Education in Manchester
    • Reed is a recruitment agency that offers a number of free IT training courses, including one on Understanding Coding. This course is designed to teach you the basics of coding, and it includes both online and classroom-based learning. Opens in a new window Careers at Reed Reed in Manchester
    • Manchester City Council offers a number of free adult education courses, including some on computer skills. These courses are open to people of all ages and abilities, and they are held at a variety of locations across the city. Opens in a new window Wikipedia Manchester City Council in Manchester

    In addition to these free courses, there are also a number of online resources that can teach you the basics of computer science. Some of these resources include:

    If you are interested in learning more about computer science, there are many resources available to you in Manchester. Whether you prefer to learn in a classroom setting or online, there is sure to be a course that is right for you.

    Here are some additional tips for finding free computer courses in Manchester:

    • Check with your local library. Many libraries offer free computer classes and workshops.
    • Search for online courses. There are many websites that offer free online computer courses, such as Coursera and edX.
    • Contact local businesses and organizations. Some businesses and organizations offer free computer training to their employees or members.
    • Ask your friends and family. They may know of free computer courses that are available in the area.

    With a little effort, you can find a free computer course that will help you learn the basics of computer science. These courses can give you the skills you need to get a job in the tech industry, or simply help you use computers more effectively in your everyday life.

  • Computer Support for Free in Manchester

    If you’re in Manchester and you need help with your computer, there are a number of places where you can get free support. Here are a few options:

    • Manchester Libraries: Many Manchester libraries offer free computer classes and workshops. You can also get help with basic computer problems, such as setting up a new email account or connecting to the internet. Opens in a new window manchesterlibrariesshop.co.uk Manchester Libraries logo
    • Manchester Community Central: Manchester Community Central offers free telephone support for people who need help with their computers. They also offer a range of digital skills courses, including courses on how to use social media, how to create a website, and how to protect your computer from malware. Opens in a new window manchestercommunitycentral.org Manchester Community Central logo
    • The Greater Manchester Technology Fund: The Greater Manchester Technology Fund offers grants to help people who need help with the cost of computer repairs or upgrades. They also offer free workshops on how to use computers and the internet. Opens in a new window Greater Manchester Combined Authority Greater Manchester Technology Fund logo
    • Tech for Good Live: Tech for Good Live is a volunteer-led organization that offers free computer support to people in need. They also offer a range of digital skills courses, including courses on how to use Microsoft Office, how to create a resume, and how to apply for jobs online. Opens in a new window Tech for Good Live Tech for Good Live logo

    In addition to these free options, there are also a number of businesses in Manchester that offer affordable computer repair services. You can find a list of these businesses by searching online or by asking your friends and family for recommendations.

    If you’re having trouble with your computer, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are a number of resources available to you, including free computer classes and workshops, free telephone support, and affordable computer repair services.

    Here are some additional tips for finding free computer support in Manchester:

    • Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations.
    • Search online for “free computer support in Manchester.”
    • Contact your local library or community center.
    • Check with your local government to see if they offer any free computer support programs.

    By following these tips, you should be able to find free computer support in Manchester that meets your needs.

  • How a Bespoke Tech Service Can Bring Digital Skills and Equipment at a Low Cost to a Housing Association

    In today’s digital world, it is more important than ever for people to have access to the internet and digital technologies. This is especially true for people who live in housing associations, as they may be more likely to face barriers to digital inclusion.

    There are a number of things that housing associations can do to help their tenants access the internet and digital technologies. One way is to provide a bespoke tech service. A bespoke tech service is a tailored service that is designed to meet the specific needs of a housing association and its tenants.

    A bespoke tech service can provide a number of benefits to housing associations, including:

    • Increased digital inclusion: A bespoke tech service can help to increase digital inclusion by providing tenants with the skills and equipment they need to access the internet and digital technologies.
    • Reduced costs: A bespoke tech service can help to reduce costs by providing tenants with access to affordable internet and digital equipment.
    • Improved tenant satisfaction: A bespoke tech service can help to improve tenant satisfaction by providing them with the support they need to use the internet and digital technologies.

    There are a number of things that housing associations need to consider when choosing a bespoke tech service. These include:

    • The needs of their tenants: Housing associations need to choose a bespoke tech service that meets the specific needs of their tenants.
    • The cost of the service: Housing associations need to choose a bespoke tech service that is affordable.
    • The quality of the service: Housing associations need to choose a bespoke tech service that is of high quality.

    By choosing a bespoke tech service, housing associations can help to ensure that their tenants have access to the internet and digital technologies. This can help to improve their lives and to make them more independent.

  • The Importance of Digital Inclusion

    In today’s world, access to the internet and digital technologies is essential for participating in society. People use the internet to stay connected with friends and family, to find jobs, to learn new things, and to access government services. Those who do not have access to the internet are at a significant disadvantage.

    Digital inclusion is the process of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world. This includes having access to the internet, computers, and other digital devices, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to use them effectively.

    There are many reasons why digital inclusion is important. First, it can help to reduce poverty and inequality. People who have access to the internet are more likely to be employed, to earn higher wages, and to have access to education and healthcare. Second, digital inclusion can help to improve health and well-being. People who use the internet are more likely to be physically active, to eat a healthy diet, and to get regular checkups. Third, digital inclusion can help to strengthen communities. People who use the internet are more likely to be involved in their communities, to volunteer, and to vote.

    There are many things that can be done to promote digital inclusion. Governments can provide subsidies for internet access and computers. Schools can provide digital literacy training. Businesses can offer online training and support. And community organizations can provide access to computers and the internet in libraries, community centers, and other public places.

    Digital inclusion is an important issue for everyone. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world and to benefit from the many opportunities it offers.

    Here are some additional benefits of digital inclusion:

    • Increased economic opportunities: People who have access to the internet are more likely to be employed and to earn higher wages.
    • Improved education: The internet provides access to a wealth of educational resources, including online courses, tutorials, and libraries.
    • Enhanced healthcare: The internet can be used to access medical information, to schedule appointments, and to communicate with doctors.
    • Stronger communities: The internet can be used to connect with friends and family, to participate in community events, and to volunteer.
    • Reduced isolation: The internet can be a lifeline for people who are isolated or who live in rural areas.

    Digital inclusion is an important goal for our society. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world and to benefit from the many opportunities it offers.