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British Computer Society calls for "cradle to grave" IT skills for all

A new underclass of "IT disadvantaged" is in danger of being created unless a proposed government education strategy to revolutionise computer based learning processes seeks to encompass a broader sector of society and minority groups. This is the warning given by the British Computer Society (BCS) which speaks for the UK's IT profession and espouses computing skills as a vital part of the nation's education programme.

The BCS has submitted its response to the government's proposed e-skills programme, "Towards a Unified e-Learning Strategy" which seeks to revolutionise the application of computer technology to teaching and learning processes across both the educational curriculum and all age groups. Although the BCS broadly supports the government's strategy and recognises the significant opportunities for cross sector and cross-profession opportunities from e-learning, it has voiced real concerns about growing inaccessibility to new technology due to economic, social and cultural factors for individuals and communities.

According to the BCS, the government must address the digital divide that is already opening up unless an increase in government broadband subsidies is forthcoming to provide greater IT access for rural villages, schools, libraries, industry and commerce. Likewise, the upsurge in e-learning will create greater demand for trained and qualified IT professionals, as well as teachers and trainers with recognised IT qualifications.

In support of the government's e-learning strategy, the BCS is anxious to promote its role and Royal Charter remit as the champion of the nation's computer literacy programme and is alerting its membership to the importance of re-evaluating and further developing their own e-portfolios in readiness for the career opportunities that it believes will follow.

According to BCS chief executive David Clarke, "As the largest independent IT skills and qualification body, the BCS is already broadening its range of training and qualification products to offer more job specific IT courses and qualifications. For example, its successful European Computer Driving Licence core IT skills qualification, which has over 1 million registrations in the UK, has now been enhanced to address IT skill needs within the teaching profession.

"Equally, a new BCS basic training and qualification has been created to help the large sector of the population who have never even used a computer. Our Equal Skills certification programme will provide the absolute basics from what a computer is and can do through to using a mouse and keyboard and how to access the internet and send and receive e-mail."

The BCS's response to the DfES unified e-learning strategy is available at www.bcs.org/elearningresponse.

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