CASE STUDY – ICT and Pensioners in Rural England

I feel that digital technologies have made a genuine impact on the couple’s lives because they are now able to carry out a range of activities, much faster and easier with having access to a computer. For example they are able to keep in touch with friends and relatives at a low price, take digital photos, word process and shop online. In addition, they have been able to carry out research into their past and have made friends with people they went to school with, all of this would not have been as possible, as easily and at a low price if it was not for the computer and internet access.

Their lives would be poorer if they did not have access to ICT at home because they would not be able to take advantage of the services discussed above. For example, Clive would still be hand writing letters and having to photocopy letters for his committee; where has now he is able to work process them and keep multiple copies. It would be more difficult for them to keep in touch with friends and relatives, as it was cost more and not be as fast. They have been able to use there digital camera which is c heaper and easier to use than a traditional 35mm. in addition, they would not have been able to undertake research into their past, and find old friends, which has made their lives more interesting during their retirement.

The couple were able to afford their own computer. Access in the community centre three miles away would be useful to the couple because they would be able to learn new skills that they would not have learned otherwise both on the 10 week course and having access in general where they would be able to ask questions if they got into difficulty. By having access in the community, they would be able to talk to other people and hear their experience and pass their knowledge on to one other about sites or programmes that were particularly useful to them when carryout their day to day business and making their lives easier and more technology advance. However, if they had no pay for this access they may not use the facility as they already have access which they are paying for.