Data & Tech Poverty
We are commencing a research project to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on learners across the FE sector and their access to learning remotely. We know from many news reports that young people are being adversely affected by the pandemic and their ability to find employment – however there is also a growing issue of young people being able to access learning from their homes due to data, equipment or digital skills inequality. Many initiatives have been launched to support learners in schools and colleges up to the age of 18, however the support is not inclusive for all learners and does not extend to apprentices, trainees or learners on adult education programmes. The progression of these learners is just as important to complete their education pathway and lead them to high quality work.
As we operate across the FE sector and support a wide range of training organisations across West & North Yorkshire – we want to use this project to identify the local issues, impacts and numbers of learners potentially affected in order to try and identify local solutions.
Ideally, our aim is to use this project to try and encourage local businesses and communities to donate / crowdfund data sim cards, up-cycled equipment or digital skills training can be put in place to ensure as many learners can remain in learning, continue their current education pathway and progress with their future careers, employment, or training.
“At WYLP We are honoured & proud to be launching our digital poverty initiative for WY & NY and to be joined by a great Tech platform such as OneFile. We strongly believe learners of any age & any stage of their education journey deserve the ability to access equipment that supports their progression & helps move them onto positive destinations”. Alex Miles, MD, WYLP
“OneFile are delighted to be supporting WYLP with such an important initiative. OneFile’s vision is a world where everyone is learning for their future and ensuring everyone has the right tools whether that be digital or otherwise is essential” Susanna Lawson, Co-Founder, OneFile
Example 1 –
A construction learner was unable to access learning during the lockdown as he didn’t have sufficient data on his phone or internet access. As a result, because he had a bus pass so he started to go on the bus and ride round every day to access the free Wi-Fi and complete his learning which he could then go home and write up.
Example 2 –
A hairdressing learner unable to access learning due to lack of internet access as a result has to sit on a neighbour’s garden wall with their laptop to access their internet and complete learning due to lack of internet at their own house and unable to pay for extra.
Example 3 –
A beauty learner without a suitable device of their own, could not access online learning so their training provider was printing everything out and posting it with the learner who was then completing the paperwork and walking to the post office to send the work back to their provider to be assessed. The learner did not have suitable data or signal to access internet or send photo images of their work so this process continued throughout lockdown.
We are looking for local business to rummage around their stock for any Laptops, Ipad’s, Tablets, etc.. so they can be given to learners across West and North Yorkshire to help them remain in learning & continue their education pathway.
A specialist IT company is working with us on the project to wipe any devices and ensure they meet safety requirements. However if you can bring devices to us already wiped that would be a massive help.
To arrange collection or delivery of any spare devices please email beth.vickers@wylp.org.uk.
If you would like to discuss this in more detail please ring 07859 339949
Our research shows that equipment for learner is not the only issue, we also have many learners especially those ages 16-30 who have data or WiFi inequality. We are therefore looking for donations to fund sim cards, WiFi boosters internet dongles to help them access their learning.
You can donate financially by clicking here. All funds will go towards data sim cards, up-cycled equipment or digital skills training.
