Local Community ICT Access

I have researched the provision of ICT in the community within my home town. The disadvantaged groups which could benefit the most from having access to digital technologies are the people who are unemployed, or are unable to afford a computer and access to the internet. The current impact on the digital divide in Gosport is that there are many people who have access to the internet and many who do not. The people who mainly have access to IT at home are people who have well paid jobs, own their own homes and are educated in IT, the people without IT access at home are people who are unemployed, the elderly and people who are uneducated/have a fear of using IT. The disadvantaged groups are served by these initiatives because there are a number of libraries in the town, which all have computers which can used for free which give the disadvantaged groups access to computers and the internet who may otherwise not use it. There are also a number of courses which are designed to give people the essential IT skills, for example at the Gosport Discovery Centre there are 40 People's Network computers for high speed access to the internet. Which are safe and secure. People can send email and use software to make their own documents, presentations, spreadsheets and pictures. This is free to use. There are also colour laser printers and scanners which enable people to print good quality images. In addition, there is software to help people with a visual or a hearing impairment. Plus, there are beginners sessions which are held monthly to teach people the basics in IT. There are also evening classes held at St. Vincent’s College, Bridgemary Community Sports College and Bay House School for basic and more adbanced computer skills and qualifications including Clait and ECDL, however, you have to pay for this.