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Accessing the Digital World

“How did people live without the internet?” my 9-year-old cousin asked nonchalantly, as she whizzed through her iPhone.

For most of us, technology is engrained into our daily lives; in particular the usage of the internet. It provides incredible benefits when used in the appropriate way but it’s easy to take it for granted.

The number of households with internet access has increased over the years, but an estimated five million adults in the UK are still not accessing vital services, help and information online. The most vulnerable groups are often the most digitally excluded, including people with disabilities, older adults and those in a low-income household.

The largest digital capability study in the UK in 2019 (UK Consumer Digital Index 2019) asked people over 15 years old to demonstrate whether they could use different sets of digital skills. It estimates that almost one-fifth of the population could not complete the fundamental digital tasks, such as turning on a device or opening an app. An even bigger divide is apparent in our workplaces, with the prediction that more than half of UK employees do not meet the standard of digital skills in the workforce.

The lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic has further prompted a dramatic digital shift in a small period of time, as we have adjusted our ways of working and adapted the way that we live and behave. Many people have had to adopt a digital lifestyle as resources have migrated online. Many people are working digitally, primary, secondary, further and higher education have moved online, universal credit has to be applied for online, even our social events are online. This puts pressure on the non-internet users to source a computer and also poses a challenge for those who struggle with basic digital skills. Those who are not engaging with the digital world, whether from a lack of internet access or digital skills, are at risk of being isolated socially and being left behind in terms of employment, education and training opportunities. We need to address this and to put it right.

Therefore, we will be looking at ways to improve people’s digital skills. This includes local support in Telford and easily accessible resources online. We will be focusing on individuals gaining basic digitals skills and specifically keeping safe online, as this is a major concern and a barrier for many people. It is estimated that a fifth of the UK population are not able to stay safe and legal online. This increases to more than half of the population when looking at the over 65s (UK Consumer Digital Index 2019).

IT Support in Telford

Click on boxes to see links.

Senior Citizens Forum provides Free Telephone/Email Digital Support for over 50s. Troubleshooting devices and learn more specific tasks like video calling.

  • Telephone: 07932 828333/07552975676
  • Email:enquiries@twseniors.org.uk
  • Monday-Friday, 10am-4am

AbilityNet's ITCanHelp  

They provide free IT support to help older people and people with disabilities to use technology to achieve their goals. They have a network of friendly volunteers who can help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones. They can only offer remote support and telephone support during the current crisis. The local telephone number is not working as the office is unstaffed due to the crisis.  Usually they also offer home support and have 2 volunteers in Shropshire that also cover Telford.

Carers can also ring the national number for support in the current pandemic.

Telephone: 0800 269 545

Email: enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk

Website: https://abilitynet.org.uk/at-home

Citizens Advice Telford and Wrekin – is a comprehensive service that offers a wider range of advice and information, including delivering digital skills to people with little or no IT skills. 

ways to avoid online coronavirus scams

  • Telephone: 01952 567193 or 01952 567173 or 0800 144 8 444 to get help with claiming Universal Credit
  • Email: case@telfordcab.co.uk

Online Resources

For Absolute Beginners:

Learn My Way - Interactive introductory lessons from the very basics to other life skills, such as how to apply for Universal Credit and how to use the NHS websites. Each lesson takes around half an hour to an hour to complete. Supported with audio commentary.

GCF Global Computer and Internet - A collection of tutorials on the basics of computers, such as the components and operating systems. You can learn how to use other essential digital skills from social media, email, Google suites and more. All tutorials are supported by YouTube videos and images.

GCF Global Smartphones and Tablet - Series of tutorials on operating and navigating your mobile devices. A unique resource which covers Android, Apple and Chromebook devices. You can learn how to manage your privacy and how to maintain your devices.

More Essential Digital Skills

Make It Click - Compilation of guides, tools and templates for people who have basic digital skills but only use the internet in a limited way. This collection features a wide range of sources from Google to Microsoft.

 

OpenLearn - Computing & ICT - Large collection of courses from the Open University. You can learn about computer basics to more advanced topics, such as programming. Below is a selection of courses aimed at beginners.

 

Digital Unite Online Guides - Compilation of their guides from using online health services to staying in touch with friends and family

 

FutureLearn - Accenture - Intermediate to advanced level courses catering to work related skills in order to be more effective at work or to start a new business.

Security and Privacy

General

An introduction to data and information - Introduction to how data is transformed into information. Learn how to use web browsers and search engines to find information more effectively

GCFGlobal Internet Safety - Comprehensive tutorials on how to browse the internet safely

MalwareBytes Cypersecurity Basics - In depth guide to Cybersecurity Basics where you can learn about cyberthreats, and how to stop them. Learn the difference between antivirus, malware, ransomware and more

AgeUK's article on staying safe online  - Article aimed at older adults

Children and Young People

The stereotype of children and young people are that they technical ‘wizards’. They are perceived to be confident, unafraid to try new things and quick to pick up digital skills. However this isn’t the case for all individuals, especially those who lack access to digital technology. More importantly, even those young people who are confident users may not be browsing the internet safely.

Internet Matters - Comprehensive website with expert support and practical tips to help children benefit from connected technology and the internet safely and smartly

 

Thinkuknow - Education programme from the National Crime Agency offering help and advice on how to keep children and young people safe online and how to report an incident

 

SMART Rules  - Video lesson on the SMART Rules (Safe, Meet, Accepting, Reliable, Tell)

 

Final Words

Whilst it is important that we have non-digital alternatives readily available and accessible, it is key that we support people to effectively, confidently and safely engage in the digital world. This will then present opportunities for employment, education and training, leisure activities and staying connected socially.

Once users have the capability to problem solve whilst keeping them safe online, it enables them to be independent digitally and to have the confidence to be able to help themselves when they encounter problems. Hopefully, these resources will enable them to be better equipped to not only pursue their goals, but also to appreciate that computers and mobile digital devices can present many more benefits to enhance their lives. These devices need not be perceived as ‘unnecessarily difficult tools’ but as enablers, facilitating learning and positively impacting on our ability to stay connected with others and combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

 

References:

UK Consumer Digital Index 2019 - Lloyds Bank

The Consumer Digital Index is now in its fourth year. It uses the behavioural and transactional data of one million consumers to build a view of digital capability in Britain. This year it also includes the first measure of UK Essential Digital Skills for life and work.

For those who wish to read more, please click HERE. 

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