School invests in Laptop library to reduce digital divide
Ann Baxter, Director of Children’s Services (DCS), will officially launch a new e-learning project at The Village Primary school, in a bid to reduce the digital divide in the North East. A laptop library is being opened to the children of years 5 and 6 in the first phase of a brand new project.
The Village Primary was the first school in the area to become part of the North East e-Learning Foundation, which exists to support the region’s schools. The Foundation will be presenting £7,000 to The Village Primary to help its plans. This funding was granted to the national e-Learning Foundation from the DfES and local businessman Graham Wylie.
The programme, which is focussed on increasing the use of ICT by improving access in the home, is currently being implemented to tackle the area’s digital divide and create a level playing field for local children.
The North East currently has the highest percentage of children living in low income households and the second lowest levels of Internet access. Despite this, The Village Primary has implemented a sustainable project by gaining financial support through its parents.
Patricia Gibb, Head teacher at The Village Primary, is confident that the results will speak for themselves and is delighted with the response and support received from the parents and local businesses. Commenting on the hidden benefits, she said: “Implementing ICT in homes will not only help children in their studies, it will have an impact on the parents too. They will inadvertently learn IT skills through their children which will enable them to better support them with homework and learning.”
Daniel Hopkinson, Chief Executive for the North East e-Learning Foundation commented: “The North East e-Learning Foundation is committed to placing the young people of the North East at the forefront of learning. The Village Primary is a fantastic example of how much can be achieved when the school, parents, children and community all work together.”