In September, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced details of a home access project allowing PC and internet access to families so that children can enhance their learning at home.
The plan will see £300 million spent on providing computers and broadband internet to families. The Home Access project will go nationwide next autumn and will ensure every 5- to 18-year-old has home access by 2011. Currently around a million children do have access to broadband at home.
Schools Minister Jim Knight detailed the steps which includes a year-long pilot scheme in Oldham and Suffolk. It will specifically target families that have home broadband access but do not use the technology for their children's benefit; can afford access but do not think technology has educational value; cannot afford home access or need support in obtaining it.
Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta said "There's no question that technology plays an increasing part of our everyday life at home and school. What we need to ensure is that every learner has an equal chance to tap into the benefits of the internet to enhance their learning – and the Home Access programme seeks to do just that, by offering this opportunity to all learners."
11 Comments - Add comment