Simon Whitehouse

Digital Birmingham

simon.whitehouse@birmingham.gov.uk

Everybody can benefit

Getting new digital technology

into people’s homes

Aston Pride – Computers in the Home

• 2 Secondaries and 5 Primaries• Over 700 computers • Connectivity through a Community Wireless Network

• National eGovernment Award 2008, in the category "Building a fairer society through ICT and eGovernment

Services"

Aston Pride – Computers in the Home

Computers for Pupils

• Direct grant to local authority• Secondary Schools• 18,000 computers distributed in Birmingham• E-Learning Foundation schemes

And now, Home Access

Diana Johnson, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools

Home Access aims to provide practical and financial support to low-income families who may not be able to afford a computer or the Internet. We will support these families to ensure that the educational and social benefits of 21st century technology are available to them.”

Why is this being done?

Having a computer at home associates with a 2 grade improvement in one subject at GCSE. Children who have access to a computer at home are more confident and capable users of technology and more independent learners overall.

Home Access Grants Scheme HAGS

• Individual grants to families• Becta• Barclaycard• Capita

The HAGS offer

Home Access Grants for low income families to cover the cost of:

Home Access Grants for low income families to cover the cost of:

Approved suppliers to

provide these packages

designed to support learning

Assistive technologies for

those with additional needs

HAGS

Who is eligible?

• KS2 and KS3• Eligibility based on Free School Meals• One package per family, not per child

So,

• Low income families• Schools not necessarily accustomed to home technology• Impact on family• Impact on school

Becta video

about Home Access

But

What are children doing when they get online?

Web 2.0?

Or

Places where we can add our stuff

Ofcom - Children, Young People & Online Content, October 2007

Which means that

• Over half of 12-15 year olds are using Social Networking Sites

• Roughly three times as many children are using them compared with their parents

Source: Ofcom – Children, Young People & Online Content, October 2007

What makes it a Social Networking Site?

• Sign up, create a profile, upload a photo• Find friends, create links• Create your own content• Manage privacy settings

Social Media in Practice

Children supported to use technology

in an appropriately controlled setting and in a safe environment.

Thank You

Any questions?