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Technology and learning

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Learning about computers: 

The way that people wanted to learn about Information Technology depended on the level of skills and confidence that they already had using a computer.  Broadly speaking there were three main ways people wanted to learn IT:

A formal computer course was predominantly chosen by people who wanted to learn to use computers for work purposes, either to gain employment or change jobs.  This was partly because they wanted some form of accreditation to prove their level of expertise to an employer. 

Learning independently was the method of choice for those already confident using the technology.  Many people whose computer skills were already good thought that they learnt best on their own by trial and error, or perhaps by following guidance on the internet or from books.

Learning informally from friends and family was done by a group ranging from competent users who wanted to pick up a few extra tips to those who were not confident enough to do a formal course, but were happy to learn a few skills from people they already knew. 

Some people may slip through the net.  There is a danger that some people will be excluded from learning IT skills as they are unable to access any of the above three ways of learning IT.  Those who do not have access to a computer, lack the funds or confidence to do a formal course, and do not have any IT literate friends or relatives will find it more difficult to learn IT skills.

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